The world has been fascinated and intrigued by Cyberpunk since its inception. But what really defines this movement? How do you achieve authentic Cyberpunk style? What are the ideologies, origins and designs that make up this movement?
Welcome to our online store, young punk from another world. Today we’re going to talk about offbeat style, fiction and contradiction with popular opinion. 🤘
After reading this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what really defines Cyberpunk and all that surrounds it. You’ll also discover the spirit and ideology behind one of the most controversial subcultures of our time. Ready to go? Let’s get started!
What is Cyberpunk?
Cyberpunk, as a genre, encompasses a wide variety of visual aesthetics. It began to gain popularity in the 1980s, thanks to the work of authors such as Philip K. Dick, Roger Zelazny, J. G. Ballard, Philip Jose Farmer and Harlan Ellison, who explored the impact of drug culture, technology and sexual revolution, while eschewing the utopian tendencies of earlier science fiction. 🔮
The settings of the Cyberpunk genre are diverse. There are richly colored urban jungles, hyper-futuristic cityscapes adorned with glittering neon lights, to name but a few. The themes most commonly used in Cyberpunk media include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Class uprising
- Government and corporate corruption
- Anarchy
- Gang wars
- And many more…
🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
The range is vast, but the Cyberpunk aesthetic is often used to convey deeper meanings and to represent modern society by making predictions about our future. 🔭
To define Cyberpunk, we can also say that it’s a sub-genre of science fiction that features cutting-edge science and technology in an urban, dystopian future. On one side are powerful mega-corporations and private security forces, and on the other, the dark, decadent underworld of illegal trade, gangs, drugs and vice. In the midst of it all, there’s politics, corruption and social upheaval. 😵
Cyberpunk is also a culture with a distinctive attitude and style. Anti-capitalist, brand-hostile, tech-savvy – these are just some of the qualities you’ll find in a cyberpunk.
Origins of Cyberpunk
Cyberpunk began as a literary movement, but has grown into a subculture in its own right. The question “what is Cyberpunk?” is a complex one, and its answer is constantly evolving in line with the subculture and our perception of the future. The ideologies, which originated in literature, have seeped beyond films into all forms of art, fashion and philosophy, generating an ever-expanding global subculture. 📈
There are several ways to approach the origins of the Cyberpunk movement. The term itself can be attributed to Bruce Bethke’s short story “Cyberpunk”. Then, of course, there are the major authors who are generally regarded as the founders of the movement: William Gibson is often cited as the father of Cyberpunk, closely followed by Bruce Sterling, Pat Cadigan, Rudy Rucker, John Shirley and Lewis Shiner. ✍️
Blade Runner and Neuromancer were major events that gave birth to Cyberpunk cinema and literature. Blade Runner influenced, and continues to influence, all the visual Cyberpunk that has followed it. Similarly, Neuromancer influenced, and continues to influence, all Cyberpunk literature.
Definition of Cyberpunk
A basic definition of Cyberpunk can be given by analyzing the word itself. The term “cyber” refers to technology and is often associated with cyberspace and cybernetic enhancements to the body. However, it can also refer to other technologies such as biotechnology and nanotechnology, for example. 🦿
The term “punk”, on the other hand, refers to the people and attitude of Cyberpunk. The movement’s protagonists tend to be outsiders, anti-heroes, outcasts, criminals, visionaries, dissidents and misfits. What unites all these groups is their contradictory, offbeat nature.
The Cyberpunk genre itself turned science fiction on its head. To be a punk is to question authority and actively challenge any form of authority with which we disagree. One example is Motoko Kusanagi from the “Ghost in the Shell” series. At first glance, she appears to be a tool and agent of the Japanese government. This is true, but it doesn’t define her, or how she defines herself. Throughout the series, she’s not afraid to stand up to those who created her and take matters into her own hands to get closer to what she believes is right.
CyberPunk vs SolarPunk
Cyberpunk was probably partly a source of inspiration (or rather, anti-inspiration) for SolarPunk. The latter is an ideology that also aspires to look to the future, but with a much more optimistic outlook than Cyberpunk. ⏳
However, both share an apparent contempt for mainstream capitalism. In fact, most of the counter-cultures of the same style that emerged after the 1980s owe their existence to Cyberpunk and SolarPunk. They often draw their inspiration from these two movements. Steampunk and Dieselpunk are, of course, among them.
Cyberpunk Fashion
This subculture has been heavily influenced by films such as Johnny Mnemonic, Blade Runner and Matrix, and could be described as “futuristic gothic fashion”. A cyberpunk always has the following garments in his wardrobe:
- Trenches
- Boots (often leather)
- Black clothes (often shiny)
- Colorful “dreads” (for women)
Cyberpunk Films
Cyberpunk has exerted a great influence on film and television, inspiring the aesthetics of numerous movies (Blade Runner/The Matrix/Johnny Mnemonic), as well as TV shows, often American (Altered Carbon/Black Mirror/Reboot). Even anime has been affected (Akira/Ghost in the Shell). 🎥
There seems to be something inherent in Cyberpunk’s DNA that makes it incredibly compatible with many speculative media about the future, even those aimed at children. The number of films and cartoons aimed at showcasing the movement and the people who represent it is proof of this.
Cyberpunk Transhumanism
Transhumanism is an international philosophical movement that advocates the transformation of the human condition by developing and making widely available sophisticated technologies to dramatically improve human intelligence and physiology.
This philosophy is very close to the Cyberpunk aesthetic in that nothing is more Cyberpunk than becoming part of the machine/man. Many protagonists of Cyberpunk fiction are transhumans in their own right. The most famous of these is Motoko Kusanagi in Ghost in the Shell, who fully embodies transhumanism in the Cyberpunk context.
The Ideology of Cyberpunk
A number of quotes illustrate the essence of Cyberpunk, because yes, there’s a real ideology behind this movement!
“The future is already here, but it’s misallocated.” – William Gibson
This quote highlights the cyber/punk dichotomy and the concept of “High Tech, Low Life”. Today, we have cutting-edge technologies at our disposal, but these technologies have failed to eliminate social inequalities, creating a class disparity that breeds social conflict. What’s more, although these technologies exist, the underprivileged class doesn’t have the means to take advantage of them, widening the gap while the wealthy elite grows richer and has easier access to technology.
“Anything that can be done to a rat can be done to a human being.” – Bruce Sterling
This quote highlights an important concept. We do terrible things to rats in the name of progress, and we’re not immune to any of them. Many Cyberpunk plots revolve around some form of human brain manipulation, which is already being practiced on rats. It’s only a matter of time before we start tampering with ourselves in the same way (according to the Cyberpunks). Rats are just a foretaste of what’s to come…
“The street finds its own use for things.” – William Gibson
This quote refers to the punk/low life aspect of Cyberpunk and places it in the context of the punk no future movement. The pace of technological development is so fast that we generate a lot of things that quickly become obsolete. These things quickly lose their perceived value and are thrown away, but they can be reused in unexpected and often negative ways. ❌
High Tech, Low Life Cyberpunk
Biopunk is a subgenre of Cyberpunk that focuses more on biological technologies, such as genetic manipulation. Frequently cited examples include Gattaca and Dark Angel. Although biopunk tends not to include the cyberspace and cybernetic aspects of Cyberpunk, it remains true to the idea of “High Tech, Low Life”. It’s another take on the same ideas, but with a different approach. 💡
Post-Cyberpunk is a modern reaction to the now outdated visual aspects of 80s Cyberpunk. It places greater emphasis on transhumanism, space travel and emerging technologies that were not envisaged at the time.
Having a Cyberpunk Style
To be a Cyberpunk is first and foremost to adopt an attitude. This attitude is culturally and socially conscious, just like the fiction that gives the movement its name. Cyberpunks question everything, deciding for themselves what they believe to be true. This path of understanding leads to different worldviews and opinions, but diversity is the key to an evolving population living in peace according to the Cyberpunk spirit. 🙏
A Cyberpunk knows that the system is not in his favor, and that playing by its rules is a foregone conclusion. But a true Cyberpunk knows how to hack the system so that it doesn’t matter and doesn’t affect him.
A Cyberpunk has style. That style can be different for each person. It can be practical (Mil-Tec) or flashy (Cybergoth). Style often reflects the Cyberpunk’s personal philosophy and can therefore vary considerably. There are recurring themes such as traditional punk or even the rock ‘n roll spirit of the 1970s, particularly in terms of clothing style.
Cyberpunk era
Cyberpunk is now. Many of the things envisioned at the time of the movement are coming true today. Improvements in prosthetics and brain-computer interfaces have enabled the development of brain-controlled prosthetics, a mainstay of the counterculture. Corporations are increasingly powerful, dominating global politics and influencing culture, creating a situation ripe for subversion. 🦿
Inequalities are widening with the poor increasingly impoverished and the rich increasingly wealthy, creating a widening gap. The digital world is increasingly blending with the real world thanks to elements such as the Internet, social networks, mobile technology, virtual reality and augmented reality. Hackers have brought criminal groups, corporations, governments and individuals to their knees. We’ve entered the age of cyberpunk. Welcome to cyberpunk. ✌️
Cyberpunk has spread to all media, creating a subculture with distinct characteristics. Movies, TV shows, comics, music and cyberpunk art are ubiquitous. Just look around you… It has also influenced fashion, architecture and philosophy. Cyberpunk has become much more than it was in its early days. And it will continue to evolve and become more relevant as we move away from the current movement towards a cyberpunk future.
Cyberpunk design
Immersing yourself in the world of cyberpunk design with its cybernetic and fantasy fiction elements in a dystopian futuristic setting is an absolutely captivating experience. This world has no shortage of excitement, shock and surprise, so let us guide you through the various elements that make this punk sub-genre magical to add a fantastic touch to your life! 🧬
Here are some of the design and aesthetic trends put forward by this movement. According to the book “Cyberpunk and Visual Culture”, the cyberpunk aesthetic is determined by three factors:
- Colors (bright neon, often red and blue)
- Space (dark, underground but real environments)
- The shapes (often geometric)
We’ve listed the various elements (especially visual ones) of the different uses of design in the cyber world! Let’s find out in detail.
Cyberpunk Colors
The colors associated with this counterculture are generally dark with bright hues to give the settings a bright, futuristic look. The main choices are pink and blue, with different combinations possible: 🎨
- Neon colors
- Terminal colors (classic phosphor green/amber on black)
- Gold/yellow/orange
- Blues/purples and shades of green
- Black and white may also be present
Note that when choosing a color palette for cyber décor, make sure the colors complement each other.
Cyberpunk art
Although cyberpunk style hasn’t invaded the design community in the same way as minimalist style, for example, it has become one of the most popular subgenres of fantasy. Designers can create a more surreal, futuristic and vivid mood in their creations thanks to the cyberpunk aesthetic.
Logos Cyberpunk
Need to create a futuristic logo with a cyberpunk twist? Why not add a point of light or glow to your logo, mimicking the on/off lights of electronics. Your brand could shine like a beacon in tomorrow’s exciting world.
Cyberpunk fonts
Using a futuristic font can help give your designs a unique look that’s ahead of its time. Fonts with very straight, robotic shapes are the essence of a good cyberpunk script font. On the other hand, fonts that look as if they’ve been handwritten with a fountain pen should be avoided. ✍️
Cyberpunk motifs
Cyberpunk digital backgrounds with gradient geometric elements and pixel patterns are also very popular. Almost any pattern that gives the impression of depth and parallel dimensions works perfectly. Use the colors mentioned above to guarantee a successful design!
Take your turn in Cyberpunk style!
We’ve just reviewed what defines the futuristic, offbeat style of the cyberpunk world. You’re now fully aware of all the elements behind this ideology and how to incorporate it 😉 🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥