The Making of the Paddock Pass NFT
Introduction
This article offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creative journey behind Saltwater Games' (SWG) inaugural NFT — the Paddock Pass NFT Series 1. This limited-edition, invite-only digital collectible grants holders first access to the Celeros Game World — SWG's highly anticipated AAA Web3 racing game. The first 150 Paddock Pass holders will unlock exclusive loyalty benefits, with additional Series 2 Paddock Pass NFTs planned for release later in 2023.
The vision for the Paddock Pass was to craft an NFT that transcends digital art, appealing to a diverse audience of investors, celebrities, influencers, artists, gamers, and crypto enthusiasts. The design needed to exude exclusivity, premium craftsmanship, and innovation, while cutting through the noise of the saturated NFT market.
The aesthetic of the Paddock Pass was imagined as a physical device — something tangible, futuristic, and interactive, housing cutting-edge technology within its sleek, industrial form.
“We're still in the early stages of developing Celeros, but we wanted our first NFT to set the standard for everything we're building. Celeros will be a AAA-quality Web3 racing game — immersive, beautifully crafted, and premium in every detail.” - Ian Howarth, Creative Director
Design Principles
The Paddock Pass was shaped around three core visual design pillars:
Premium
To signal exclusivity, we curated surface finishes that blend smooth, polished metals with contrasting textures. The result is a harmonious balance of luxury and industrial design — with reflective surfaces, streamlined curves, and carefully orchestrated lighting that enhances the pass's contours.
Industrial
Subtle nods to racing heritage were embedded into the design. Carbon fibre textures, racing chevrons, and machined bolts give the Paddock Pass an industrial edge, alluding to high-performance engineering.
Futuristic
The pass incorporates digital display glass, glowing light elements, and bespoke iconography — hinting at the hidden technology and utility encoded within the NFT. The interplay of light and texture creates an otherworldly mystique, amplifying the sense of anticipation.
Our Process
A well-structured design process was critical to bringing the Paddock Pass to life. The creative journey involved:
Competitor Analysis
We began with an in-depth evaluation of the NFT landscape, identifying opportunities to carve out a distinct visual identity.
Reverse Creative Brief
A foundational document outlining the creative direction, visual rationale, and design principles — serving as a guiding reference throughout the project.
Idea Generation & Sketching
Initial ideas were rapidly explored through thumbnail sketches, allowing the team to iterate quickly before transitioning into digital design tools.
Alignment
Regular cross-functional reviews between the Visual Design and Immersion teams ensured that every aspect of the design could be translated seamlessly into VFX and animation.
Visual Design Definition
Final high-fidelity designs were handed off to the immersion team, along with detailed motion references, to guide the animation process.
“We curated mood boards and reference materials to help our 3D artists achieve the perfect atmosphere for the animation — from lighting and colour grading to shadow intensity and surface glow.”
