u/Ashamed-Marsupial-17

I’ve been creating an alien species and fleshing out their culture. However, I really want to get some feedback on the characters clothing (as seen in the concept art above). Of course- I’d really like to know if my design falls under negative stereotypes like orientalist, or cultural appropriation.

I feel like I should explain my characters lore in order to illustrate the type of niche they are supposed to fit into and how I am meaning to portray them.

Quick summary: my alien species live on a planet that primarily has an arid- desert climate (not 100% desert- just fewer regions have dense vegetation compared to earth).
Their species is very advanced. Having achieved space travel and possessing sophisticated technology and knowledge (e.g, art, medicine, architecture, various forms of engineering and biotech)
Their biology influences their culture. Segments of their skin can change colour- emotions tend to alter the appearance of their skin and thus their emotions are easily read. Which is why (exclusively in very formal settings) men and women tend to cover their skin in order to avoid making their emotions known (this behaviour is mainly seen with the traditions of royalty, and court proceedings. think the sides of a poker card- one side is blank in order to hide the value of the other side).

The reason humans contacted their planet is essentially because of humanities need for alliances and the alien peoples knowledge/technology.

Back to the clothing. -> because the aliens live on a primarily desert planet. I drew inspiration from various middle eastern styles of clothing. Mainly due to the fact that traditional (specifically Bedouin) styles of clothing have been proven to be the most effective and appropriate for life in a harsh desert environment.

I’m sincerely hoping to get some feedback on my current design and whether some changes are necessary to it.

I’m personally stepping out of my usual design bounds with this since I am not of any “middle eastern” (SWANA) descent, or heritage. Funnily enough- I’m First Nations in Canada. Meaning I do understand what cultural appropriation feels like. Case in point; Avatar. (nothing wrong with being a fan of Avatar- I like the movies too- it’s just that some elements of the movies rub me the wrong way.)
So I welcome anyone who is a part of this culture to share some advice on how I could draw inspiration in a respectful manner 👍

Disclaimer: this isn’t exactly a promotion. Im not getting paid or anything to share this creators work.

(I also feel like I should clarify that he doesn’t necessarily do analog horror. It’s more parody’s mixed with indie animation and horror (like a worse meatcanyon). Also the subject matter and presentation of his animations have very weird moments in them. I’m sure they are supposed to be comedic and unnerving at the same time)

I’m not trying to make some kind of “have you seen this man in your dreams” sequel, or anything.
I’m just genuinely curious if anyone else has seen Cha.momillie’s work and what their opinions are on it.
For me- I randomly got recommended to watch his Toy Story animation on YT. After watching it, I am thoroughly afraid of his animations. Not all of them. However, I just avoid his videos like the plague. After the Toy Story one- I cannot even look at the thumb nail without feeling panic- which is weird because I personally don’t feel like I get scared easily let alone feel genuine panic.

Hope to hear what other people think of this creator and wether they get the same reaction from their animations.

“Caesar weak” or something.

I am indigenous in Canada. I had a relative that had passed at just 14 years old. We should have grown up together. The U.S. DoJ ruled her death an “accident”. It’s been eight years.

Peoples who have faced violence deserve justice and to have their voices heard.

We must speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.

Ignorance must end.

He is me. I am him