Atomic Angel

I had to look this up to get a proper introduction to the genre. But to my understanding - Atompunk is a punk subgenre that has its design-offset during the period between 1945 to 1965, an age of new discovery and the dawn of the technological revolution that was soon to follow in the next decades. This age is also commonly referred to as the Atomic Age. During this era, the red scare was one of the most prevalent political topics in the western world, and the space race between Russia and the US set humanity on a course beyond our own atmosphere. 

According to Wikipedia, the genre tends to lean on the likes of Populuxe ( popular luxury, a widespread consumer culture aesthetic from the 50s )  and Raygun gothic ( Visual style incorporating aesthetics from Googie, Streamline Moderne and Art Deco). These two styles are part of a greater artistic scene called the Retro-Futuristic aesthetic. Retro-futuristic aesthetic hinges onto the basic philosophy of science fiction design: contra factual history. 

https://hiveminer.com/Tags/atompunk

In fact: Nearly all subgenres of the Punk umbrella hinge on contra factual historical speculations. More specifically speculating the outcome of any given technological era becoming the epitome of human development. Atompunk speculates the outcome of the world in a futuristic age where nuclear power becomes the predominant source of advancements. 

https://huckberry.com/journal/posts/popular-luxurious-populuxe

So, naturally, in order to depict these ideas laid out by the genre itself. We must first understand the predominant aesthetic from the related time period ( 1945-1965 ). For this, studying the Populuxe aesthetic as well as the Raygun Gothic. 

You’re probably already familiar with these two aesthetics, at least in a peripheric manner. 

Populuxe:

For Populuxe, it’s the chunky, but sleek look. everything weighs a ton due to the advanced but clunky technology sitting inside it - but is nonetheless made to look like it could cut through water, earth and air. In terms of the soft curves and organic designs - they’ve made a comeback lately, look at any designer object and there’s a good chance that it’s got those nice rounded edges and harmonious organic shapes. 

http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/1960s-technology-and-gadgets-11364039151835

Populuxe was not just reserved for the vehicles, people zoomed around in, but also made its way into the home equipment. These things were a piece of work to haul around, but the pastel colours and experimentative shapes made the household items look a little more spunky than the previously industrial look that dominated the makrt. 

Raygun Gothic: 

Raygun gothic is a little less about the plumb and sleek figures, and a little more about pointy edges and in some instances, taking inspiration from the on-going space race. 

This is the other side of the 1950s aesthetic, that provides a much-needed bit of attitude to the harmonious looks from Populuxe. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raygun_Gothic

Raygun Gothic has actually been stable at many diners and thematic restaurants across the globe. Although the style itself, no matter where it’s present - tend to communicate that deeply nostalgic, American vibe of prosperity and advancement. Visiting or looking up American diners gives you a plethora of aesthetic inputs that can inspire you for your own universe. 

The colours are no more cute pastel, but bright and vibrant, the angles are acute and pointy.

Source  ( warning has sound )

If you are to depict this sort of genre, I heavily suggest you get yourself very comfortable, not only with the history of which the genre is based but also with the aesthetics they applied at the time. It was upbeat and optimistic. America was riding high financially and morally after the defeat of the Nazis and their brutal victory in the pacific war ( an optimism that would later bleed into the cold war propaganda ). 

And it showed in the way they shaped their world. 

Now it’s your turn

But throwing yourself headfirst into a whole new visual universe can be difficult. I recommend you start by simply tracing over the visuals you can grab from the era. Get familiar with their shapes and colours. Take note of popular trends within the designs and catalogue the re-occurring things you pick up on. 

Next, there’s a great exercise for you to try your hand with implementing Atompunk look to this old fashion.  

https://www.boredpanda.com/spaceship-design-everyday-objects-digital-art-eric-geusz/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

In an article, Eric Geusz shows off his brilliant idea of grabbing interesting looking items from his household and turning them into spaceships. This is a brilliant way to get your offset in designing with a specific aesthetic in mind. Try grabbing pictures of the gadgets and gear from the time-period which Atompunk is based on, and turn them into creations that could work within the confinements of the genre. You can do anything! 

https://www.boredpanda.com/spaceship-design-everyday-objects-digital-art-eric-geusz/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

 I hope this made some kind of sense. I’ve been dabbling in the art of world-building for a while, both in my free-time but also as part of my study, and what I’ve found is that you can help yourself a lot with duplicating aesthetics if you research and study its inspirational sources. It helps you get into the originators headspace. After that, is all about experimenting and working yourself into a sort of ‘comfort’ within the genre, till you can finally take the leap and make your own creations. A bit of a process but well worth it in the end.