In today’s digital age, with the rapid expansion of social media, “telling a story” has become key to selling a brand. Recently, there has been an increase in 3D advertising animations on Instagram. From Prada’s perfumes that fall from the sky to giant Adidas sneakers erupting from the pavement, Japanese-Hong Kong twins Lisa and Licca Inn are transforming the streets of Hong Kong into virtual video game realities.
We think creativity starts when you have an interest in something. You take bits of things you really like and enjoy in life, turn it into your own language and use it as a portal to tell a story.
Lisa & Licca
From left, on Lisa: top and shoes, all Diesel. Skirt, Issey Miyake. On Licca: top and pants, all Diesel.
Lisa and Licca, with their unique senses of style and distinctive creative vision, have built a platform online through 3D animations and nostalgic, Y2K-style short-form video clips. Speaking on their interest in 3D rendering, they said, “It’s so visually immersive and fascinating to see humans re-create a realistic world through their own interpretation.”
Some of their videos include taking their audiences behind the scenes and sharing their creative process. “Growing up, we always searched for the behind-the-scenes footage, or the teams of people behind the production of movies, animations and even video games,” they explained. “We think it’s inspiring and important to see the process and the pair of hands behind the craft.”
The twins’ move seamlessly between fashion and art, treading the line between real and virtual, and paving the way for a new kind of artistic creation.
What does creativity mean to you?
Lisa: We think creativity starts when you have an interest in something. You take bits of things you really like and enjoy in life, turn it into your own language and use it as a portal to tell a story. Creativity tells you everything about a person because you can see how they see the world.
What unique qualities do you find in this new generation of creators?
Licca: The fact that you can literally learn to create anything you want, with any approach you want, online. We both learned 3D rendering from tutorials and online forums. You can experiment much more with different tools and methods because you can just start learning how to use them anytime.
Why did you choose 3D art as your medium for creation?
Lisa: Honestly, our choice to do 3D art came so naturally that we can’t even remember why. But we think it’s probably because of how much we loved 3D-style games and animations as kids and teens, which is when the three-dimensional look started to be used in the entertainment industry. We think it’s so visually immersive and fascinating to see humans re-create a realistic world through their own interpretation.
How would you describe your design style or aesthetic?
Licca: We have quite a big range when it comes to our art style, but our all-time favourite is the nostalgic, early 2000s aesthetic, with pixels, less realistic models and even compressed resolutions. It feels comforting, somehow, and reminds us of a simpler time. We think that sometimes it’s better when visuals are less complex and detailed, as it allows you to fill in the gaps with your imagination.
What part of the creative process excites you the most?
Licca: Definitely when the vision comes to life. It’s so satisfying and rewarding to see the time and effort that you put into the work resulting in what you first envisioned. But we also really enjoy the process. 3D rendering is actually a lot about solving problems, and there are so many different methods to solving them. This makes it challenging, and it’s so fun every time.
Why did you choose to collaborate and work as a duo?
Lisa: Because we are twin sisters who grew up together and have always lived with each other, our hobbies and interests are so similar that we naturally had the same direction. We can’t imagine partnering up with anyone else other than each other.
You occasionally share behind-the-scenes moments or snippets of your lives on social media. Why do you choose to share these aspects with your audience?
Lisa: We choose to share our process because that’s what WE want to see. Growing up, we always searched for the behind-the-scenes footage, or the teams of people behind the production of movies, animations and even video games. We think it’s inspiring and important to see the process and the pair of hands behind the craft.
Can you share the biggest challenge to your creative process thus far?
Licca: We would say it’s the current technological advancements, which are [leading to an increased possibility of] executing 3D work without the need for artists. As digital artists, we of course understand the reality that the digital world is changing, and maybe over time we will try to pivot to embrace that change, but for now we will remain true to ourselves as 3D artists. Honestly, we just really enjoy making 3D art, and we really appreciate the craftsmanship behind the work of every 3D artist.
What changes or influences do you hope your 3D artwork will bring?
Lisa: To be honest, we simply want our artwork to interest or entertain others. As long as they relate to it or us as artists, or as long as they are visually entertained by our work, then we have already achieved our goal. We just try to share the art that we enjoyed working on.
What are your goals moving forward?
Licca: We are just living in the moment for now. Our goals change all the time, so honestly we are just grateful that we get to do what makes us happy together, and I think that’s good enough.
Translated by Audrey Miu
Photography: Deon Wong
Styling: Cherry Mui
Makeup Artist: Vanessa Wong
Hair Stylist: Keith Wo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist for Nancy Kwai: Jenny Shih & Jamie Lee
Fashion Assistants: Mama Yiu, Natasha Yao & Talia Tom
Editor
Ning Sang Lawati
