As you already know, or at least you should, I have been working for the last year and a half on a project that is a collection of fantasy stories with characters inspired by TikTok creators. One of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done was approaching these creators and asking if they would allow me to share their names as inspiration for the characters I’ve created.
I wanted to do this because I wanted to support those creators by helping to spread the word about them. As I scrolled the FYP (for you page) I found so much inspiration from videos, both from people who were wildly creative with makeup and costume, and people who were just being themselves.
Luckily, quite a few of them agreed to allow me to share them as the inspiration behind these characters and that is what I want to do here. I will post videos and photos of the creators who have agreed to stand as the physical inspiration for the fantasy creatures I’ve created.
Introducing..... Cypher
Type: Obsidian Dragon
Backstory:
Cypher is the last known Obsidian Dragon in existence. He lives in the Lesera forest, far from his home. When the Dragon Queen was put to sleep, Cypher returned to the ways of old, becoming one with nature. Through a deal with a Seer, Cypher lives off the grid, but as the Queen awakens, Cypher must face the secrets buried in his past.
Rosalee was inspired by: Augustus Caliqeaux (@auggiezworld)
Why Augustus?
I first saw Auggie on my FYP early in my Tiktok journey and quickly connected with his energy. Soon we became mutuals, and I was hanging out in his lives enjoying the vibe with other creators. Auggie struck me as some who was genuine and who wasn't afraid to truly be himself. Something I admire. At the end of the day, his message is one of peace and control and I knew he would be a great inspiration for my dragon.
Interview
Augustus agreed to do a quick interview and you can see their answers below. Make sure that you check out this creator’s social media, follow them, and show them some love and support. And don’t forget to grab your copy of Tales of Novia!
What inspires you to create your content?
I like creating content and art of all kinds that may reach a person and put a smile on their face or give insight into another creative way to look at something that’s unique unto itself.
Where do you draw inspiration for your content?
Life experiences and things that have entertained me growing up, I was raised in a all woman household and for the most part watched a lot of tv as a source of guidance and entertainment and creative inspiration.
What do you hope to convey to your audience? Is there a special message behind your work?
I really want to provide an entertainment source that people can go to see things that are unique and relevant as well as visually surprising and down to earth as a black creative. If there were a special message behind my work it’d be, “Expression is limitless, art is boundless, and we, are artists.”
Do you have any specific goals for content creation?
I’d like to get to a level where people know my by face and name and business opportunities pronounce themselves with allotting me more exposure and a path to help project myself to a larger audience as well as people with a similar vision such as my brother.
Is there anything you would like to say to the readers?
Just as Jessica cage has created their own world and I aspire to create mine, appreciate art and never shy away or feel you can’t take on the task to create your own for not only people around you, but for you to enjoy as well.
Watch the intro to Cypher: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdvuRFLN/?k=1