It’s spring break! What better time to spotlight the talented xJa_ys - an Environmental Artist and 3D Modeler for Bayside High from New Zealand (I guess that makes it winter break??)!
We’ll explore his journey into Roblox development, his creative process, what inspires his unique style, and more!
Let’s dive in!
xJa_ys’s journey into Roblox began in 2015, sparked by a YouTube ad showing off Roblox’s ability to “build anything you want”. What started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a passion for creating and connecting with the Roblox community. He found Roblox to be “more than just a platform; it was a community of amazing people”, and a cool way to bring his dreams to reality.
Why Environmental Art?
For xJa_ys, environmental art is about freedom and storytelling. He enjoys crafting immersive worlds that evoke emotions and allow players to experience unique narratives. He has always loved having the freedom to create whatever he wants. Environmental art lets him share powerful stories and express emotions by building massive, immersive worlds.
Like many creators, xJa_ys’s early experiences involved experimenting with free models, like building an army base in 2016.
However, his skills rapidly developed, leading him to connect with Double Bandit Studios on X. This resulted in his first major project: Bayside High.
Bayside High: Blending Style With Realism
When starting on Bayside High, xJa_ys’s previous work was characterized by a cartoony style with vibrant colors, as this was the trend on Roblox at the time. However, the vision for Bayside High required a blend of this style with realistic architecture, drawing inspiration from real-world architecture while also creating a fun and inviting environment.
xJa_ys even mentioned how surprised he was at how different schools in the US differ from New Zealand.
Editors note: He mentioned there are no lockers in schools in New Zealand? Um WHAT? Where do you put all your stuff? Do you carry all that with you?? Please explain!
Inspiration and Process
xJa_ys draws inspiration from games like Bloxburg and The Sims. He even continuously watched speed-building videos of The Sims early in his career. He also emphasizes clear visual cues and functional layouts, drawing inspiration from real-world designs and TV shows like Stranger Things. The goal is to create environments that feel familiar yet innovative and modern.
But what is his process like?
Example - If he is tasked with creating a home:
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Find images for the exterior of the house.
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Plan a layout similar to the images but adjust it to fit Bayside requirements.
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Build the foundation and walls.
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Fully furnish single rooms like the lounge and kitchen, collaborating with a modeler.
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xJa_ys models a lot of the homes himself but there are times where he would send real-life inspiration to another modeler on the team over Discord.
Once shared, both collaborate on modeling the home and various buildings in the style of Bayside High.
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Get feedback from the modeler and continue furnishing the house.
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Add interior lighting.
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Create the backyard and garden.
This process takes time, ensuring every detail contributes to the immersive experience.
But what if he’s unhappy with how a certain environment looks or is hit with a creative block? That’s where xJa_ys takes a certain approach. He'll continue to tinker and adjust the lighting, colors, textures, and furniture. If that doesn’t do the trick, he'll redo the entire layout and go back to the drawing board. Essentially modifying every aspect until he's satisfied, even if it means starting over.
Creating an Immersive and Safe Environment
When creating an environment in Bayside High, xJa_ys aims for a safe and freeing area for players, a place where they can chill with friends and experience a slice of real-world school life. His favorite setting is one of the first houses he created, a modern mansion that captures the lively essence of Bayside.
Gathering Feedback
Player feedback has been crucial in shaping Bayside High. The addition of an arcade to the town, for example, was a direct response to player desires for more activities. He is always listening to his community, and adding the arcade was a big win, giving players more to do in the town.
But how does he get feedback on his art? xJa_ys gathers feedback through various channels. He often taps on the shoulders of his fellow artists in the industry, particularly those he’s collaborated with on projects, through platforms like Discord and X. He also receives feedback on his posts on X and within the Bayside High team, where they provide input on each other’s work.
This allows him to refine his creations and ensure they resonate with both fellow artists and the community.
Techniques, Tools, & Takeaways
xJa_ys utilizes a variety of tools and techniques to enhance realism and visual appeal, including real-world textures, invisible light parts, and plugins like Building Tools by F3X, Part Counter, Archimedes and Sun Position, to streamline the building process.
While those plugins are helpful - he is driven by a few key words and reiterates that this is the best advice he can give to new artists…
Push through.
Put in the hours.
Make things you’re passionate about.
Looking Ahead
Currently, xJa_ys is working on his own survival-based horror game, aiming to blend his unique touch with familiar genre elements.
Looking even further ahead, he dreams of establishing his own studio and creating various games inspired by the ones he played growing up! Stay tuned 
We appreciate xJa_ys sitting down with us and giving us insight into his life as an environmental artist and a 3D modeler. Be sure to follow him on Roblox and X!