About: Nicholas Ward is a 3D and motion graphic designer, ​multidisciplinary artist, and creative director.

Most of the works featured in this portfolio embody the 'kid-​core' aesthetic, a term coined by the artist. This style ​blends elements of 90s and 00s play paraphernalia to create ​nostalgic and futuristic 3D renders of typography and ​sculpture.

Contact: nicholasjustinward@outlook.com

E Pop - (geometric sculpting study)

This study blends two timeless art styles: Pop art and ​Baroque. Through the lens of Pop art, the beloved children's ​candy Ring Pop takes center stage, while Baroque influences ​infuse the scene as the subject is dramatically illuminated ​against a backdrop of absolute darkness.

The intention of this study is to evoke a compelling sense of ​retro-futurism. By leveraging the iconic Ring Pop, cherished ​by those who grew up in the 90s and 00s, and juxtaposing it ​against an environment reminiscent of the infinite void that ​is the digital realm.

The artwork invites viewers to contemplate the intersection ​of past and future, analog and digital realms.

Neanderthal to human being...

Logo design for Wave90

Wave90 is a vintage surfwear shop.

This logo design seamlessly blends groovy 1970s typography with ​sleek 2000s elliptical geometry to create a retrofuturistic ​aesthetic.

Crafted to evoke the sensation of surfing, the logo portrays the ​number ‘90’ as a surfer riding the crest of the word ‘wave’, ​complemented by an oval at the rear mirroring the silhouette of ​a surfboard.

The ‘Daphne’ colorway of the logo by which the shop is currently ​branded was inspired by the character Daphne of the cartoon ​series Scooby-Doo which pays homage to both decades, adding an ​extra layer of nostalgia to the brand's identity.

Logo design for Wave90 in Daphe

Wave90 logo (3D chrometype)

This logo design blends groovy 1970s typography with sleek 2000s elliptical geometry to create a retrofuturistic aesthetic...

It portrays the number ‘90’ as a surfer riding the crest of the word ‘wave’, complemented by an oval at the rear mirroring the silhouette of a surfboard.

Wave90 branding

3D chrometype logo asset

Daphne color palete

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#B7156A

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Inspired by the character Daphne of the cartoon series Scooby-Doo which pays homage to both decades, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the brand's identity.

Instagram mockups

...Evolution, kill the gene...

Bad Dolls (3D typography study)

This study utilizes the aesthetics of the iconic 90s and 00s ​dolls, Barbie and Bratz.

It is an exploration of creating nostalgia by employing ​textures that mirror the look and feel of these dolls to evoke ​a sense of haptic memory associated with childhood play.

The design also invites viewers to contemplate societal ​misconceptions about gender and play in childhood. ​Specifically, misogynistic beliefs that stigmatize activities ​like playing with dolls as inappropriate for boys.

Letter Beads (typography study)

This study was inspired by letter beads used to make friendship bracelets which were popularized in the late 90s and early 00s.

....Biology is superficial...

MMMAD Festival 2024 (Unfinished Entry)

Inspired by society’s expectations of dating apps to find ​love. The artwork explores the commodification of love and ​gamification of ‘dating’ in the digital era and also raises ​questions of AI’s ability to love. A world is imagined where ​cyborgs experience love as software programmed to microchips ​and use it as a stimulant.

...Intelligence is artificial...

Cover art for California Dreamin’ Cover by ST.

This cover art was inspired by the visual aesthetics of the late 1960s/1970s, (especially Black basketball players) and the visual aesthetics of Byzantine paintings of angels.

Cover art for Orange Leaves by ST.

The goal of this cover art was to spotlight the color orange ​while maintaining a high degree of minimalisim. To achieve ​this, it was modeled after a paint swatch.

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