{"id":75848,"date":"2025-09-26T20:59:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-26T10:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=68180"},"modified":"2025-12-12T14:35:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T03:35:11","slug":"stranger-things-aesthetic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/stranger-things-aesthetic","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Stranger Things aesthetic: inspiration for artists &amp; designers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With the final season of <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> coming to Netflix, now is the prefect time to revisit Hawkins and learn about the lessons we can take away from the iconic show. We\u2019re breaking down how artists across different fields (photographers, video editors, illustrators, motion designers etc.) can take cues from the show\u2019s unmistakable style. That includes the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic, the colors, the design language, and even how the town of Hawkins, Indiana is designed to feel both familiar and unsettling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things 5 | Official Teaser | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iKZyYdwS3Wg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From eerie <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong><em> <\/em>colors grading and 80s nostalgia items to creature design, glitch overlays, and glowing serif fonts, we\u2019ll show you how to bring these ideas into your own work. And with AI tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/image-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImageGen<\/a>, recreating the atmosphere of <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> is easier than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DMGzTaOPZEx\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:500px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DMGzTaOPZEx\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#color-grading\">Color grading the Hawkins way<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#framing\">Eerie frames &amp; cinematic shadows<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#titles-and-ui\">Retro titles &amp; analog UI design<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#creature-design\">Monsters of Hawkins: creature design<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#sound-design\">Haunting soundscapes &amp; atmospheric audio<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#upside-down\">The Upside Down: a study in dark aesthetic<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#stranger-things-faq\">Stranger Things FAQ: Hawkins, demogorgons &amp; beyond<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"color-grading\">Color grading the Hawkins way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the fastest ways to tap into the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic is examining how the show uses color. The show takes inspiration from classic 80s nostalgia, but adds a darker feel. Movies like <strong>The Goonies<\/strong>, <strong>E.T.<\/strong>, and <strong>A Nightmare on Elm Street<\/strong> clearly play a part in how the look came together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> colors palette can change how your own work comes across. There\u2019s usually strong contrast, some fog, and grain that gives everything a lived in textured feel. The scenes outside Hawkins High School are a good example (cool shadows, warm highlights, and a constant sense that something\u2019s off).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things 3 | VFX Breakdown | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/By0zKAd9Sx8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make it easier with Envato<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\">Envato<\/a> has a wide range of sci-fi LUT packs and cinematic Lightroom presets to help you match that <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> Hawkins mood without building it all from scratch. Try applying these to night shots, forest scenes, or suburban environments for that signature Hawkins and <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong><em> <\/em>colors vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                        Unlimited creative assets. 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xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things 4 | Spotlight: Production Design with Chris Trujillo | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/igtAjeN-DbY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to try with AI?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/image-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImageGen<\/a> are great for experimenting with <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong><em> <\/em>color palette inspired ideas before you even shoot. You can test out mood boards, lighting schemes, and camera framing all with a few lines of text. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/ai-art-prompts\">AI art prompt guide<\/a> to help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prompt idea to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;A teen on a bicycle rides through a foggy suburban street at night. The scene feels suspenseful and quiet, captured in the style of a cinematic horror film from the 1980s, with a deep blue and red color palette.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/envato-labs-image-edit.png\" alt=\"AI generated image of a teen riding a bicycle.\" class=\"wp-image-92276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/envato-labs-image-edit.png 1024w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/envato-labs-image-edit-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/envato-labs-image-edit-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/envato-labs-image-edit-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"framing\">Eerie frames &amp; cinematic shadows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at how framing plays a role in the<strong> Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic. The show makes smart use of camera angles and composition to create tension which is something that really helps it stand out as one of the best sci-fi horror series on Netflix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things: Spotlight | Cinematography | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LwVxUFusE8U?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cues for photographers, editors, and illustrators<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re a visual creative, these framing techniques are easy to apply to your own work. Start by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Placing your subject directly in the center of the frame<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using negative space to create a sense of isolation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shooting through objects (like windows or trees etc.) to add depth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Framing your subject at a distance to feel small and exposed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of eerie structure works especially well when capturing places that feel familiar but strange, just like Hawkins. Scenes around Hawkins High School are good examples of this. Even when nothing\u2019s happening, the framing tells you something <em>might<\/em>. That\u2019s the magic of smart composition, it sets the tone before the story even begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C7FJ3kSv583\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:500px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C7FJ3kSv583\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try it with AI prompts and visual mockups<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Want to test out framing ideas before committing to a design or photo shoot? Try <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/video-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VideoGen<\/a> to generate eerie, cinematic scenes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more inspiration? Take a look at our breakdown of <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/dark-fantasy-80s-revival\">Dark Fantasy &amp; 80s Revival<\/a> for more on building suspense through imagery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prompt idea to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;A sweeping aerial shot of a lone hiker on a snow-covered mountain, moving steadily through a blizzard, shot in a moody cinematic style, with a slow ambient piano soundtrack.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Cinematic scene\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TbfGr0w2s2I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"titles-and-ui\">Retro titles &amp; analog UI design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s talk about the graphics. The <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic plays with the type, logos, and screen design in a very specific way. Glowing red title sequence and retro UI really help sell a style that is both sc-fi horror and 80s nostalgia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things | Title Sequence [HD] | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-RcPZdihrp4?list=PLB7-8jH-zbBs_rVmEqciHU3ml47uPxjbV\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Stranger Things logo and opening sequence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as those glowing red letters start fading in, you know <em>exactly<\/em> what you\u2019re watching. The intro is simple and slow, but it\u2019s stuck with people, and it\u2019s now a big part of the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sort of look is inspired from old school publishing and films. The retro style font used is based on ITC Benguiat. Combine that with with soft glows, and an unforgettable music track, and you get the feeling of vintage horror and 80s nostalgia all in one go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few things to look out for in a font, followed by some great examples from <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\">Envato<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A bold serif or sharp-edged display style<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wide spacing between letters (especially for titles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A slightly vintage or 80s feel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean lines with just enough personality (nothing too modern)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optional extras: glow, texture, subtle distortion for added mood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                        Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools.                    <\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-right\">\n                    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__more\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">View all<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"slider\">\n    <div class=\"slider__items\">\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/upside-down-1980s-retro-typeface-N5WGPYW\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Upside Down &#8211; 1980s Retro Typeface        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            epdesigns        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/de9f918e-755e-4cd2-a585-ffc0cb8a732d?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=654d75b7729d5677c9b1f8aa9106a65369023618bcd8d9bdcd3f352cf85e8cbe\"\n            alt=\"Upside Down - 1980s Retro Typeface\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/scary-things-sharp-creepy-serif-753JJ4G\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Scary Things &#8211; Sharp &amp; Creepy Serif        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            saridezra        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/d04d3c30-c5a1-43ec-a62e-d551dc009226?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=e69cc60b1df56b8b5c7d2249ebadb035021b1605ad7478834bb1d6c5f3594eba\"\n            alt=\"Scary Things - Sharp &amp; Creepy Serif\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/milonet-horror-brush-font-Z9NKGWN\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Milonet Horror Brush Font        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            suhadidesign        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/1a64c312-08ea-4788-a24e-14dcbe2c66f4?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=d241a0dd1dc8ff59d636c197fc67a13dd36c4a01ce4e28cc9b85e53272f47c9e\"\n            alt=\"Milonet Horror Brush Font\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/crimson-horror-horror-font-2CZZWKN\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Crimson Horror Horror Font        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            Ahnaf-Studio        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/2acb23c0-8e71-4806-9446-1496f19c7253?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=512bac15eb4f8fb12d918bcce7aefebfb30d701367ba81a89443e6ae2a93836e\"\n            alt=\"Crimson Horror Horror Font\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"slider__controls\">\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--prev\" href=\"#\">\n            &lt;\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--next\" href=\"#\">\n            &gt;\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you&#8217;re looking for a quick way to apply the <em>Stranger Things <\/em>logo text effect, here&#8217;s a quick Photoshop add on that you can use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                        Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools.                    <\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-right\">\n                    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__more\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">View all<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"slider\">\n    <div class=\"slider__items\">\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/stranger-things-text-effect-LHCEU9D\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Stranger Things Text Effect         <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            pixelbuddha_graphic        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/d8f27e4f-70e6-4e99-95a8-d614d0e7416a?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=34ee39a4327371e8121aa762fd24a3da1230b778c45343acebc20525955e6598\"\n            alt=\"Stranger Things Text Effect \"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"slider__controls\">\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--prev\" href=\"#\">\n            &lt;\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--next\" href=\"#\">\n            &gt;\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to try something similar, there\u2019s a full <a href=\"https:\/\/design.tutsplus.com\/tutorials\/stranger-things-inspired-text-effect--cms-27139\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Stranger Things<\/strong>\u2013inspired text effect tutorial on Tuts+<\/a> you can follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">80s UI design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond the titles, the show\u2019s occasional use of retro tech (radios, terminals, TVs etc.) adds to the analog feel. If you\u2019re designing interfaces, consider bringing in retro UI kits, CRT screen effects, or glitch textures. It\u2019s all about blending sci-fi horror with the charm of 1980s design. Some key ideas to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use gradient-heavy layouts with neon pinks, purples, and electric blues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add scan lines, flicker, or subtle screen warp to mimic old CRT monitors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with neon shapes and color gradients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring in grid patterns, wireframes, and pixel-style icons for a techy 80s feel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/Ck7Ya7DO8z5\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:500px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/Ck7Ya7DO8z5\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Coming Soon: The Starcourt Mall! | Hawkins, Indiana\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aXyju7zFwyE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And here&#8217;s a few tools and templates from <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\">Envato<\/a> that you can use to enhance your designs and give your projects that horror sci fi TV series look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                        Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools.                    <\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-right\">\n                    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__more\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">View all<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"slider\">\n    <div class=\"slider__items\">\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/retro-tv-screen-mockup-KDDZLW8\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Retro TV Screen Mockup        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            atakudesign        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/7c9c66de-348e-419a-8aed-186c5bd54f64?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=748d340cc71d5b968972a8e6b04021c9267853354594da78d4920f14b11feb52\"\n            alt=\"Retro TV Screen Mockup\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/80s-retro-style-social-media-pack-ZLRULKV\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            80s Retro Style Social Media Pack        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            dannyaldana        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/95992b9e-1689-4635-8817-fec0e514014d?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=8a640cc6b872f9902f471000cd60b6cf08f6304e3d854b504d0707404a810a59\"\n            alt=\"80s Retro Style Social Media Pack\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/80s-gradient-gamers-youtube-channel-cover-4SCVKQS\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            80s Gradient Gamers Youtube Channel Cover        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            Guuver        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/99fece1a-13da-448c-87b7-15551dcf4f3b?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=6e9e66d05c2101ecacbf549338d7e689d28dc3cde01df57839498f013ba89a43\"\n            alt=\"80s Gradient Gamers Youtube Channel Cover\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/retro-vhs-instagram-set-G79MQGT\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Retro VHS Instagram Set        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            aiyari        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/db786312-47af-4250-85f3-eeb03face199?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=32855846b696891328d1fe0c106dd748a084ef5bd41108d4729847c664fc57a6\"\n            alt=\"Retro VHS Instagram Set\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"slider__controls\">\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--prev\" href=\"#\">\n            &lt;\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--next\" href=\"#\">\n            &gt;\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fonts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the iconic title sequence uses a bold serif typeface, you can still use other styles of fonts that can still give the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> vibe (depending on the stylization and VFX used). Retro 80s nostalgia fonts and other sci-fi fonts can definitely work, especially when combined with glowing overlays to help with the mood. Here&#8217;s a few more packs from <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\">Envato<\/a> for inspiration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                        Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools.                    <\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-right\">\n                    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__more\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">View all<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"slider\">\n    <div class=\"slider__items\">\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/80s-retro-logo-73QY94B\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            80s Retro Logo        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            Ultinato        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-video-cover-images\/files\/281605103\/80s%20Retro%20Logo.jpg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;cf_fit=cover&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=6ce3c2fe1dd99476142e7d45c8812e0eb6aafda71614f4aa8f5beec57e053c10\"\n            alt=\"80s Retro Logo\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/arcade-machine-80s-retro-font-HFSMHZ\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Arcade Machine 80&#039;s Retro Font        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            TSVcreative        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/181f0824-dfc2-4131-be51-577cf8455812?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=2b97d8dc4f8ce7a989a6a17297df39b1609ffdabb54cbb2708144bc762b13f92\"\n            alt=\"Arcade Machine 80&#039;s Retro Font\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/videogame-get-ready-screen-AN8L9NN\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Videogame Get Ready Screen        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            dr911        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-video-cover-images\/files\/4dab92ce-b9a3-41b2-8a8d-892624503e9b\/inline_image_preview.jpg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;cf_fit=cover&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=264308746a4f3f8a4bf6b9f6d290d0238f19fcb765cb8af50a7150c9a118c2e9\"\n            alt=\"Videogame Get Ready Screen\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/synthwave-text-effect-SR25JUR\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Synthwave Text Effect        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            pixelbuddha_graphic        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n            class=\"elements-product-embed__image\"\n            src=\"https:\/\/elements-resized.envatousercontent.com\/elements-cover-images\/bf1a5591-eaab-4bac-9d9a-e444bfdea7e3?w=900&#038;cf_fit=scale-down&#038;q=85&#038;format=auto&#038;s=3c2af6f9cb91101e8a8c140fa71a60a9d51d19fadb19f025f81ac87dc024081e\"\n            alt=\"Synthwave Text Effect\"\n        >\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"slider__controls\">\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--prev\" href=\"#\">\n            &lt;\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--next\" href=\"#\">\n            &gt;\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"creature-design\">Monsters of Hawkins: creature design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the faceless Demogorgon to the towering Mind Flayer and the decayed form of Vecna, <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong><em> <\/em>has a whole bunch of different (and terrifying) creatures that you can take inspiration from. The Duffer brothers prioritized the use of animatronics and practical effects to give monsters like the Demogogon a more realistic and frightening presence. Let&#8217;s do a design breakdown to understand a little more about what makes the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong><em> <\/em>monsters so effective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unsettling features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Creatures like the Demogorgon and Demodogs don\u2019t show their face right away. In fact they don&#8217;t really have a face <em>at all<\/em>. The head kind of splits open like a flower, with teeth hidden inside which is a surprising reveal and adds to the horror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Designing the Demogorgon: VFX and 3D Printing Behind the Scenes\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4YxpGJ6uQDw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strong silhouette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Strong silhouettes can really help make a monster memorable. The creatures from the Upside Down have design shapes that are instantly recognisable. Let&#8217;s take a look at the Mind Flayer for example, which has a unique, spider-like design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Mind Flayer is also depicted in a misty, cloud-like, shadowy form. Although it has two different forms, you can tell that it&#8217;s the same creature straight away because of it&#8217;s strong silhouette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things Season 3 : The Mind Flayer &amp; Starcourt Battle - VFX Breakdown by Rodeo FX\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CazIVvFMmXc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The texture is what makes a lot of these creatures so hard to look at. With skin that looks stretched and half-rotted, creatures like the Demogorgon have this raw, wet look, almost like muscle without skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vecna is dry and decayed, like he\u2019s been dug up. That mix of slick and rough textures messes with you. It feels real, even when it isn\u2019t (or so they say&#8230;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How Stranger Things&#039; SFX Artists Created Vecna | Vanity Fair\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/901Qn7WKs34?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Designing your own creatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re creating your own <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong>-inspired monsters, remember the three things above that help make the creatures so effective in the first place (unsettling features, strong silhouette, and texture). Explore these elements and think about things like what happens when a human shape is stretched and twisted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/image-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImageGen<\/a> are useful for brainstorming unusual forms or mood directions. You can create base concepts, then develop them further through sketching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AI-Creature.jpg\" alt=\"Create creatures using ImageGen\" class=\"wp-image-92182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AI-Creature.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AI-Creature-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AI-Creature-768x471.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And then you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/video-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VideoGen<\/a> to make them move and come to life! For more inspiration, check out our feature on <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/dark-fantasy-80s-revival\">Dark Fantasy and 80s Revival<\/a> to see how horror, nostalgia, and the surreal can come together with your creature to achieve that <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prompt idea to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;A scary forest creature walks slowly in a misty forest, dark and ominous atmosphere, foggy moonlit night, zooming in, wind rustling through trees.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Forest Creature\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mwvTQHlftIc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B1zWKH7FmNR\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:500px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/B1zWKH7FmNR\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sound-design\">Haunting soundscapes &amp; atmospheric audio<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t talk about the<em> <\/em><strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic without mentioning the sound (original score composed by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein). It&#8217;s a great example of pure 80s nostalgia. The score uses synthesizers in homage to 1980s film composers and does as much work on making the<em> <\/em><strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic as iconic as it is as the visuals. It does a great job of feeling nostalgic and eerie at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;It wasn\u2019t scoring to picture, but creating ideas and discovering what the sounds could become. That\u2019s always the best part of the process.&#8221; \u2014 <em>Kyle Dixon, Stranger Things composer (<a href=\"https:\/\/composer.spitfireaudio.com\/en\/articles\/kyle-dixon-michael-stein-on-the-signature-sounds-of-stranger-things\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spitfire audio<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things Composers Break Down the Show&#039;s Music | Vanity Fair\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lIrBQim8dzk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crafting the sound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The show leans on a mix of retro synthesizers, ambient drones, lo-fi crackles, and long reverb tails. It&#8217;s a sound that can change from 80s nostalgia, to sci-fi horror easily. Some elements to experiment with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Analog synth loops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow pulsing bass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Static, tape hiss, or vinyl crackle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hollow reverb and distant echoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimal melodic lines that loop or evolve slowly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re short on time, you\u2019ll find a lot of great retro-inspired audio packs and ambient FX libraries on <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/c\/audio\">Envato<\/a>. If you&#8217;re planning a project with sci-fi horror or 80s nostalgia items, start here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"elements-product-embed elements-product-embed--carousel elements-product-embed--has-info\">\n            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info\">\n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-left\">\n                    <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__title\">\n                        Unlimited creative assets. Access to AI tools.                    <\/h3>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"elements-product-embed__info-right\">\n                    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__more\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">View all<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"slider\">\n    <div class=\"slider__items\">\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/that-horror-trailer-ELRXAS4\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            That Horror Trailer        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            Epix_Inc        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <svg class=\"elements-product-embed__image\" viewBox='0 0 90 60' fill='none'>\n            <path fill='#BFE8E9' d='M0 0h90v60H0z' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='40' rx='2' fill='#E7E7E8' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='39' rx='2' fill='#fff' \/>\n            <path d='M45 21v9.28a4.39 4.39 0 00-1.5-.28c-2.49 0-4.5 2.01-4.5 4.5s2.01 4.5 4.5 4.5c2.31 0 4.2-1.75 4.45-4H48V24h4v-3h-7z' fill='#000' \/>\n        <\/svg>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/80s-dark-P5PX3RB\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            80s Dark        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            BestBackgroundSound        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <svg class=\"elements-product-embed__image\" viewBox='0 0 90 60' fill='none'>\n            <path fill='#BFE8E9' d='M0 0h90v60H0z' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='40' rx='2' fill='#E7E7E8' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='39' rx='2' fill='#fff' \/>\n            <path d='M45 21v9.28a4.39 4.39 0 00-1.5-.28c-2.49 0-4.5 2.01-4.5 4.5s2.01 4.5 4.5 4.5c2.31 0 4.2-1.75 4.45-4H48V24h4v-3h-7z' fill='#000' \/>\n        <\/svg>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/eighties-montage-MJSPDXH\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Eighties Montage        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            JBlanks        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <svg class=\"elements-product-embed__image\" viewBox='0 0 90 60' fill='none'>\n            <path fill='#BFE8E9' d='M0 0h90v60H0z' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='40' rx='2' fill='#E7E7E8' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='39' rx='2' fill='#fff' \/>\n            <path d='M45 21v9.28a4.39 4.39 0 00-1.5-.28c-2.49 0-4.5 2.01-4.5 4.5s2.01 4.5 4.5 4.5c2.31 0 4.2-1.75 4.45-4H48V24h4v-3h-7z' fill='#000' \/>\n        <\/svg>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"slider__item\">\n                <div class=\"elements-product-embed__item\">\n    <a class=\"elements-product-embed__link\" href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/emotional-inspiring-retro-80s-E6MXB8S\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\n    <div class=\"elements-product-embed__meta\">\n        <h3 class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--title\">\n            Emotional Inspiring Retro 80s        <\/h3>\n        <span class=\"elements-product-embed__meta-item elements-product-embed__meta-item--author\">\n            ElevateAudio        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <svg class=\"elements-product-embed__image\" viewBox='0 0 90 60' fill='none'>\n            <path fill='#BFE8E9' d='M0 0h90v60H0z' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='40' rx='2' fill='#E7E7E8' \/>\n            <rect x='29' y='10' width='32' height='39' rx='2' fill='#fff' \/>\n            <path d='M45 21v9.28a4.39 4.39 0 00-1.5-.28c-2.49 0-4.5 2.01-4.5 4.5s2.01 4.5 4.5 4.5c2.31 0 4.2-1.75 4.45-4H48V24h4v-3h-7z' fill='#000' \/>\n        <\/svg>\n    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"slider__controls\">\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--prev\" href=\"#\">\n            &lt;\n        <\/a>\n        <a class=\"slider__control slider__control--next\" href=\"#\">\n            &gt;\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When in doubt, drop an 80s track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the fastest way to hit the mood is to use a song people already connect with. <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> does this <em>a lot<\/em>. You don\u2019t always need a custom score, and they work wonders in things like trailers and short films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Max\u2019s Song (Full Scene) | Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill | Stranger Things | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bV0RAcuG2Ao?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things 4 | Eddie Munson&#039;s Upside Down Guitar Scene | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yXnk3n-qNrI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try MusicGen to create Stranger Things inspired tracks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re trying to capture that eerie, synth-heavy sound, tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/music-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MusicGen<\/a> can help you get there <em>fast<\/em>. Instead of digging through libraries or composing from scratch, you can describe the vibe you want (something like \u201cslow 80s synth, dark and minimal, horror tone\u201d) and generate music that fits. Try experimenting with different prompt combos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prompt idea to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;80s analog synth, slow tempo, ambient horror score, Stranger Things vibe, lo-fi, suspenseful tone&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/music-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ai_Videos_01-1.jpg\" alt=\"use MusicGen\" class=\"wp-image-92183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ai_Videos_01-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ai_Videos_01-1-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Ai_Videos_01-1-768x357.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"upside-down\">The Upside Down: a study in dark aesthetic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Upside Down is one of the most iconic parts of <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong>. It\u2019s just like Hawkins, but everything\u2019s just more weird and twisted. There are roots growing over the walls, the air looks thick, and there\u2019s this constant fog hanging around. Lights flicker. Things move when they shouldn\u2019t. It feels like the world stopped working and you&#8217;re left wondering where exactly is Hawkins in <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the show leans more into sci-fi horror. The look changes completely. The <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic becomes darker and messier (less neon, more decay). If Hawkins is the normal world, this is what\u2019s hiding underneath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Creating the &quot;Upside Down&quot; Look (Stranger Things)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gpoUGJaIMK4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using AI to explore surreal worlds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Working on a game, a scene, or just playing around with ideas? Tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/image-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImageGen<\/a> make it easy to explore these kinds of dark, alternate spaces. And remember you can also use <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/video-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VideoGen<\/a> afterwards, to add some camera movement to the scene and bring your eerie vision to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try combining familiar settings with distorted or decayed elements. Words like &#8220;fog&#8221;, &#8220;roots&#8221;, &#8220;hallway&#8221; or &#8220;decay&#8221;, whatever comes to mind! Mix everyday places with <em>stranger<\/em> details. You\u2019ll end up with something that can spark a mood or give you a direction before you get into the serious work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stranger Things: Multiverse Theory And The Upside Down, Explained\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EogucTx1FJs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prompt idea to try:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;Abandoned school hallway with roots growing through the walls, flickering lights, thick fog, eerie atmosphere, 80s horror style, muted colours&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/envato-labs-ai-82a15390-5082-44b3-822c-809563c22419.jpg\" alt=\"AI generated image of a school hallway with roots growing through the walls.\" class=\"wp-image-92277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/envato-labs-ai-82a15390-5082-44b3-822c-809563c22419.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/envato-labs-ai-82a15390-5082-44b3-822c-809563c22419-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/envato-labs-ai-82a15390-5082-44b3-822c-809563c22419-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/envato-labs-ai-82a15390-5082-44b3-822c-809563c22419-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stranger-things-faq\">Stranger Things FAQ: Hawkins, Demogorgons &amp; Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Stranger Things aesthetic?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> aesthetic is kind of a mix of things. But it\u2019s not just retro for the sake of it. There\u2019s a slow, creepy sci-fi horror edge running through everything. You can tell it pulls a lot from films in the late 70s and 80s, but it still feels like its own thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes the Stranger Things color palette stand out?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The colors shift between cold and warm, lots of deep blue and teal for shadows, then sudden reds or oranges to build pressure. These <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> colors create contrast that feels uneasy but cinematic. It works especially well at night or in foggy settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is Hawkins in Stranger Things?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hawkins is a fictional, seemingly normal looking town in Indiana which has been created for the series. Hawkins looks to be inspired by real Midwestern towns and 80s suburban life. The <em>perfect<\/em> setting for a horror\/sci-fi story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the story with Hawkins High School?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hawkins High School from <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> is one of the main locations. It has that typical 80s school look and feels dated in a good way. When the creepy stuff starts happening there, it throws everything off balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I recreate the Stranger Things look in my own work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the vibe. Use things like grainy textures, split-tone color grading, wide cinematic framing, and vintage fonts. You can find a lot of these assets on <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\">Envato<\/a>, or generate your own visuals with tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/image-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImageGen<\/a>. If you\u2019re working with music or sound, try ambient synth loops and analog FX to set the tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is 80s nostalgia, and why does it matter here?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What is 80s nostalgia? It\u2019s that feeling you get from old stuff (like the 80s!). Things like VHS fuzz, walkie-talkies, wired phones, kids riding bikes are all things you would find within that era. Even if you didn\u2019t grow up with it, the world still feels familiar somehow&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make it strange, make it yours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a lot in <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong> that creatives can pull from. The way scenes are lit, how the sound creeps in slowly, the <strong>Stranger Things<\/strong><em> <\/em>color palette etc. are a great source of inspiration. The mix of 80s nostalgia\/sci-fi horror is a fun one to play around with. But remember, don&#8217;t feel like you need to follow it exactly. Just take pieces that fit your own style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re working on a poster, a title sequence, or an environment design, <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/\">Envato<\/a> and tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.envato.com\/image-gen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ImageGen<\/a> can help you get there faster. Try things. Break things. See what comes out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Behind The Scenes | Stranger Things 5 | On Set of The Final Season | Netflix\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vEhYTJpC2No?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Stranger Things aesthetic is more than just 80s nostalgia\u2014it\u2019s a blueprint for storytelling through design. As the final season approaches, we\u2019re revisiting Hawkins to uncover what artists across disciplines can learn from the show\u2019s style, colors, and atmosphere.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":92375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[157,251],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-75848","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design","category-vfx"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75848","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75848"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/75848\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75848"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=75848"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=75848"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}