This is the 4th Developer Update on Gina, a new onchain assistant living on Farcaster. Sign-up at askgina.ai and ask her a question to get started.
Gina has spent this week in Paris, finding herself a new look with the help of renowned Farcaster designer Antimo. Over the course of her trip, she's found a new sense of style and also honed her skills as an assistant.
Whilst in Paris, she's learnt to:
Read blog posts, web pages, and articles from the web and summarise them.
Personalise her tone of voice to whomever is asking for her help.
Slay a red beret.
With a bit of help from Antimo, we want to give a bit of insight into the design process behind giving Gina her new look.
Technical Execution
We started by vectorising the original design and then made iterative changes, such as adjusting her hair and accessories, evolving from the original sketch to something more polished version.
Exploring Her Aesthetic
We took inspiration from a broad range of source material, with a particular interest in AI, Cyberpunk and Android influencer aesthetics. Our journey began with figures like Lil Miquela, one of the first big online AI personalities.
Pop Culture Influences
Gina's cyberpunk vibe didn't just come out of thin air. We dove deep into the coolest sci-fi worlds out there, like "Ghost in the Shell" (the one that inspired "The Matrix") and some other futuristic faves like "The Fifth Element" and "Alita: Battle Angel." These weren't just random picks – they helped shape Gina's whole aesthetic.
And speaking of shape, let's talk about that chic bob haircut. It's not just a coincidence that you see this style popping up in all these futuristic flicks. We thought, "Hey, if it works for those badass characters, it'll work for Gina too!"
Direct Inspiration From Film
Now, we didn't want Gina looking like she just stepped out of a robot factory, so we made sure to keep things artsy and handmade.
Why'd we go this route? Well, we wanted Gina to feel familiar, like that cool friend who's always got your back. She's a bit rebellious, but still someone you'd want to hang out with. It's all about finding that sweet spot between futuristic assistant and your new bestie.
French Influence & Fashion Illustration
So, we're in Paris, right? We couldn't let Gina leave without a little "je ne sais quoi."
Enter the beret.
Nothing says "French chic" quite like a classic.
And speaking of style, we took a page (or should we say, a sketch?) from the legendary René Gruau's book. If you don't know him, think bold, think vibrant, think fashion illustration royalty. We wanted Gina to pop off the screen, and Gruau's style was just the ticket. Part tech, part haute couture. Voilà!
To explain the full thought process behind how Gina's new look has been constructed, here is Antimo in his own words:
What's next
While most brands are becoming increasingly homogenous and safe, we're deliberately crafting Gina into an assistant with personality and flair. She's not just helpful across various tasks - she's a genuine thought partner. Over the past week, we've noticed users aren't just seeking data or static info; they're asking for Gina's take on things. It's this blend of utility and character that truly sets her apart.
If you want access to Gina, sign up at askgina.ai