Drawing Inspiration for Your Fun with Fäng Adventure Jam Entry

One of the key elements that makes Fängelsehåla unique is its distinctive visual style—a fusion of Mid Century Modern children’s book illustration and IKEA minimalism. This aesthetic is more than just a visual choice; it sets the tone for storytelling, gameplay, and immersion. As you craft your adventure for the Fun with Fäng Adventure Jam, let’s take a look at some legendary illustrators whose work embodies this spirit and can serve as a source of inspiration for your project.

Art Seiden

Seiden’s vibrant, dynamic compositions often feel alive with movement. His use of bold colors and simple yet expressive character designs make his work instantly engaging. Applying his approach to Fäng means embracing playful yet structured visuals, perfect for whimsical yet dangerous dungeon encounters.

Eyvind Earle

Earle’s landscapes are instantly recognizable—sharp silhouettes, dramatic lighting, and intricate textures create a sense of depth and wonder. His work on Disney’s Sleeping Beauty established a bold, stylized world that feels both mythical and storybook-like.

Mary Blair

Known for her work with Disney (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan), Blair’s style features flat, graphic compositions, exaggerated proportions, and striking color contrasts. Her work can inspire the otherworldly feel of a Fäng adventure, where surreal fairy tale landscapes hide lurking dangers.

Ollie Eskell

Eskell’s precise, geometric designs embody Scandinavian simplicity, blending structured compositions with warm color palettes. His influence is ideal for crafting clean and readable maps while keeping the charm and accessibility of children’s book illustrations.

Franklyn M. Branley

As both a writer and illustrator of science and educational books, Branley’s work is characterized by clear, instructive visuals that break down complex ideas into digestible images. If your adventure involves puzzle-solving or interactive mechanics, taking cues from Branley’s clarity-first approach could enhance usability.

Helen Borten

Borten’s richly textured, mixed-media approach adds depth and tactile quality to illustrations. If you want to bring a sense of mystery and handcrafted charm to your Fäng adventure, experimenting with texture and layering could make your visual presentation stand out.

Ed Emberley

Famous for his step-by-step drawing books, Emberley’s work proves that simple shapes can build complex and expressive illustrations. If you’re hesitant about creating art for your adventure, embracing Emberley’s philosophy of breaking visuals down into simple components can help make the process more approachable.

Alice and Martin Provensen

This duo’s work features whimsical characters, hand-drawn line work, and striking but limited color palettes. Their style can inspire character design and NPC illustrations that feel handmade and storybook-like, perfectly matching Fäng’s fairy tale roots.

Johannes Grüger

Grüger’s detailed and often woodcut-style illustrations bring a sense of classic folklore to any project. If your adventure leans into dark fairy tales or eerie dungeon atmospheres, his style is a perfect reference for mood-setting.

Alain Grée

With bold colors, clean shapes, and a distinctly European mid-century aesthetic, Grée’s work has a timeless appeal. His designs can inspire bold, easy-to-read layouts that maintain a sense of playful adventure.

M. Sasek

Best known for his This Is series, Sasek’s travel book illustrations capture locations with stylized accuracy and charm. If your adventure features a distinctive town, landmark, or setting, looking to Sasek’s work can help bring cohesive and engaging world-building to life.

Maurice Noble

Noble’s work in Warner Bros. animation, especially with Chuck Jones, gave cartoons like Duck Dodgers and What’s Opera, Doc? a striking sense of space and movement. His use of exaggerated angles, abstract backgrounds, and bold color choices made his worlds feel both playful and dramatic. His approach to visual storytelling created dynamic compositions that guide the viewer’s eye and establish mood through shape and color.

Bringing This Style to Your Adventure

How can you apply these influences to your Fun with Fäng Adventure Jam entry?

  • Adventure Maps: Use simple, readable shapes like Emberley and Grée to design maps that are both clear and visually appealing.
  • NPC & Monster Design: Experiment with bold character shapes like Blair and the Provensens to create instantly recognizable creatures and personalities.
  • Layout & Composition: Take cues from Eskell and Sasek to craft pages that are both structured and vibrant.
  • Color Choices: Use Blair’s contrasts and Seiden’s vibrant palettes to bring life to your adventure’s visual identity.

Whether you’re illustrating your own adventure or working with an artist, let these legends guide your creative choices. Remember, Fängelsehåla is all about embracing bold visuals and playful design to create an immersive experience. Start brainstorming your adventure today and submit your project to the Fun with Fäng Adventure Jam!