Adobe Illustrator character design explorations

Vector graphics? Something from 90s? Flat overall look, sharp edges and simplified forms? In my projects I am trying to make vectors tasty again and sometimes even give them experimental, wild feeling with the use of distortions, opacity tweaks and multiple layers.

Very simple concept: symmetrical and funny creature looking at the viewer from the dark. Also, to free my creativity in a good way, these creatures have totem-like appearance and shape!

These shiny metallic parts are made with simple distorted round shapes, and smoke depth effect is just simple white gradient with very low opacity value. These beads are made from the same round gradient - one for the shape, second for the light reflection on it.

You can see these layer blending options used on simple geometric shapes and weird "suspended" feel of the artwork.

Lower the opacity value - further in the darkness you will go with the chosen object.

The next image is Nature Spirit, or Flower Guy. My goal was to create big and soft feeling of the shapes around his head. Also needed to make very bright lighting set right over him for dramatic and funny effect. He is surprised to be here.

The "smooth substance" feel is just layers adjusting and right color choices. I have used basic RGB palette for this.

These pearls are just the same round white gradients I have mentioned before, this time they set to Exclusion blending mode and overlap each other with interesting effect. It is like some glass eyeball is looking at you.

Guess that is enough for the first post? Currently I am making more researches on this technique, say what you want about it :)