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“It’s sort of Victorian-industrial, but with more whimsy and fewer orphans.� Caitlin Kittredge
Steampunk is a genre which surfaced during the late 1980s and early 1990s, as an amalgam of various science-fiction and fantasy elements resembling the British Victorian era or the U.S. “Wild-West” era, in which steam power was widely used. One of its main characteristics is anachronism – designating an object, person, event or custom which is inconsistent with its current time period. The term “steampunk” was allegedly originally coined by author K.W. Jeter in a letter to science-fiction magazine Locus in 1987, to separate himself and fellow sci-fi retro-tech lovers from their contemporary, futuristic “cyberpunks”:
“Personally, I think Victorian fantasies are going to be the next big thing, as long as we can come up with a fitting collective term for Powers, Blaylock and myself. Something based on the appropriate technology of that era; like ‘steampunks,’ perhaps…”
The genre itself actually predated the appearance of its denomination: some of its specific, easily-recognizable features can be found in the works of literary titans H.G. Wells and Jules Verne in the late 18th – early 19th century. Since then, steampunk elements and influences can be found throughout an array of domains, such as art, literature, television and film, fashion, music and design. Today, we’re going to dip our toes into the web design pool and take a look at an inspiring showcase of websites and resources that pay homage to this unique style.
Steampunk Web Design
3232 Design
3232 Design is a Minneapolis based web design studio specializing in websites and interactive media. They also produce and integrate business systems, print and online marketing and brand identity design.
Abney Park
This is the official website of renowned Seattle based steampunk band, Abney Park. It was formed by Robert Brown in 1997 and named after a London cemetery and are now referred to as the “quintessential steampunk band”.
Arthrobots
Arthrobots is Manchester based artist Tom Hardwidge’s website, where he commercializes hand-made ornamental robots inspired by arthropods.
Chris Jockey
This is the official web page of Colombian graphic designer Chris Jockey. He offers a plateau of services, among which illustration, animation, web design and branding.
Dr. Grordbort
Dr. Grordbort is a unique and eccentric website that commercializes rayguns – weapons that any true steampunk lover must have in their artillery.
Felideus
Felideus is a Spanish freelance illustrator, designer and writer that has worked as an art director, graphic designer, animator and screenwriter in audiovisual productions.
Freak Angels
Freak Angels is a website dedicated to posting an online weekly comic written by Warren Ellis and illustrated by Paul Duffield
Ian Tregillis
This is the website of New Mexico based author Ian Tregillis, who is best known for his science-fantasy trilogy The Milkweed Triptych.
Iron Grip Marauders
This is the official website of the Iron Grip Marauders multiplayer strategy game. Here, you can experience virtual strategic battles in 3D graphics.
Internal Carotid
Internal Carotid is a design company from Ukraine, specializing in web design, interaction design and illustration. Here, you can browse through their portfolio and get a pretty good idea of what they do.
Kultika
Kultika is a German website containing a large list of psychics, fortune tellers, astrologists and clairvoyants, which you can call for advice.
La Lune Mauve
La Lune Mauve is a French webzine containing the works, thoughts and ideas of various francophone artists passionate about dark romanticism.
Light Quick
Light Quick are a web design company from South Oxfordshire, England. On their websites you can find relevant samples of their previous projects, a helpful guide as to what their services entail and more.
Lord Likely
“The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely Aristocratic Adventurer and Gentle-man of Action” by its full name – is a website dedicated to an eccentric figure of the English aristocracy in the Victorian era. Here, you can read outrageous stories about his life and adventures.
Mechanical Mirage
This is the official website of Japanese artist Kazuhiko Nakamura. You can marvel at the numerous prizes he has won during his longstanding career and at his art – “a surreal hybrid of man and machine, a hard marriage of metal and flesh”.
Myke Amend
This is the official website of artist Myke Amend, surreal pop fantasy painter, engraver, sculptor, and woodworker from Cincinnati, Ohio. It contains his steampunk, gothic and horror mixed media artworks.
The New York Moon
This is an Internet based publication in sync with the lunar phases (meaning that it is released at every other month’s full moon) and a cool collection of imaginative projects.
Conselho Steampunk
Conselho Steampunk is a Brazillian website created by the Steampunk Council from Rio de Janeiro as a place to share related news, events, designs, music and more.
Loja São Paolo Conselho Steampunk
The Loja São Paolo is actually linked to the above mentioned website. The things that set them apart are the city in which the council is based and the fact that this particular one also contains a forum, where steampunk aficionados can discuss related topics.
Steampump
This is the official website of the annual steampunk festival in North Melbourne, Australia. Here is where you can find out all the details about the festival’s third edition that is taking place this year on the 11th of August.
Steampunk Comic Shop
The title of this websites gives us a pretty good idea about its purpose. It contains numerous steampunk inspired graphic novels, sketchbooks, photography, magazines, trading cards, toys and other fun items for the passionate.
Stephane Halleux
The official website of artist Stephane Halleux, featuring a short bio and news regarding previous and future expositions of his amazing steampunk artworks.
The Steam Emporium
The Steam Emporium has been created as a collection of the coolest gadgets and artifacts related to the steampunk genre. It also contains news about upcoming events and art shows.
Thin Gipsy Thief Studios
Thin Gipsy Thief Studios is visual artist Kyle Miller’s website and brand, based in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. His work entails steampunk and science-fiction styled woodwork.
Vulcania Volunteers
This is award winning artist David McCamant’s website, where he guides visitors through a unique journey in imagery of the Nautilus from Twenty Thousands Leagues Under the Sea.
Steampunk Inspired Design Resources
So what’s the next step if you’re a designer and you just decided you love this style? You’ll continue to scroll down through a list of steampunk inspired design resources for your web interfaces. Because putting an extra effort in the details makes the whole more than just the sum of its parts.
How to Create a Steampunk Style Illustration in Photoshop
Create a Steam Powered Typographic Treatment – Part IÂ & Part II
How to Create a Steampunk Golden Car
Creating a Highly Detailed Steampunk Insect
Customized Name Tag
Steampunk Web Browser Icon
Steampunk Header
Steampunk UI Bits and Bobs
Steampunk Clock Calendar Widget
Steampunk Navigation Menu
Steampunk Weather App
Conclusion
We’ve begun unraveling the mysteries of the steampunk genre together and have taken the first baby steps inside this fascinating fictional world. To take it further share with us. Have you encountered other websites with steampunk inspired landing pages or interfaces? Would you use elements from this unique style in creating your own website? Why or why not?
(rb)