Marcela Bellini is an artist who bridges structured thinking with creative fluidity, bringing a product minded approach to contemporary impressionism and 3D worldbuilding. What began as a counterbalance to her work in product management has become a distinct visual language defined by bold forms, tactile materials, and characters that feel both playful and powerful. Her practice focuses on capturing essence rather than excess, inviting viewers into a universe where emotion and identity take center stage.

In this conversation, Bellini shares how the Puffy Universe began, what inspires its evolution, and why she views each character as a product with its own purpose and personality. She also dives into the creation of the newest collection, Puffy Icons: Pantheon, which reimagines champions across eras and is minting December 15 on OpenSea with Shape.

OpenSea: To kick things off, can you tell us a little about your artistic background? How did you first get into 3D art and contemporary impressionism?

Marcela Bellini: My background is actually in Product Management. In my day job, I’m always thinking about roadmaps, user experience, and structure. Art became my escape from that logic, a space where I could be totally fluid. However, that PM mindset actually helped me transition into 3D art. I view every piece like a mini-product; it needs to have a clear focus and evoke a specific reaction. I fell in love with contemporary impressionism because it’s efficient. It captures the essence and emotion of a subject without getting lost in unnecessary noise. It’s visual storytelling in its purest form.

OpenSea: Your work has such a distinct vibe, it’s playful, bold, and very detailed. Who or what has shaped your style the most over the years?

Marcela Bellini: I think a lot of it comes from growing up on a diet of pop culture, vinyl toys, and classic history. I’ve always admired artists who don't take themselves too seriously but still deliver incredible quality, like KAWS or Jeff Koons, but mixed with a bit of historical grit. I wanted to find that sweet spot where something can look incredibly cute and squeezable, but also command respect. That contrast is what drives my style: making tough subjects look soft, and soft subjects look powerful.

OpenSea: Where did the idea for the Puffy aesthetic first come from? Was there a specific moment when you realized, “Oh, this is the universe I want to build”?

Marcela Bellini: It honestly started as a texture experiment. I was playing around with different material properties in 3D, trying to make digital objects feel tactile, like you could reach through the screen and squish them. The moment I finished my first Puffy Icon, I realized, “This is it!”

Seeing that contrast, a fierce warrior looking like a high-end inflatable art piece, made me realize this was exactly what I wanted. I realized I could retell human history and pop culture through this soft, playful lens. That’s when the “Puffy Universe” was born.

OpenSea: For those just hearing about it, how would you describe Puffy Icons: Pantheon? What inspired this mash-up of warriors with sports champions?

Marcela Bellini: Pantheon is basically a tribute to greatness, but reimagined. It’s a collection of 1,000 unique pieces where ancient legends meet modern idols. The inspiration came from the word “Icon". A Spartan warrior was the icon of their era, just like a basketball superstar is the icon of ours. They both represent peak performance and dedication. I wanted to blur the timeline and put them in the same room. Whether you’re holding a sword or a basketball, in the Puffy Universe, you’re part of the same lineage of champions.

OpenSea: When you're designing something like a Spartan or a basketball legend in Puffy form, where do you start? Do you sketch, sculpt in 3D, or gather references? What’s your flow?

Marcela Bellini: I treat my design process a bit like product discovery. I start with the core identity and ask myself what makes this character instantly recognizable. I usually skip the pencil sketches and dive straight into 3D sculpting because I need to see the volume immediately. After locking in the silhouette, I sometimes look at AI concepts for inspiration. Then I obsess over the materials. Getting that specific “puffy” sheen is crucial. It has to look premium, almost like luxury vinyl. It’s an iterative process until it feels “right.”

OpenSea: The collection spans 13 categories and 1,000 pieces. How did you decide which categories and what pieces?

Marcela Bellini: Narrowing it down was the hardest part. I had to ask myself: what is essential? I wanted a mix that felt global and timeless. We have the classics like “Warriors” and “Champions,” but I also wanted categories that felt more niche and culturally rich. I looked for archetypes that have strong visual identities. There were actually more categories, but since I wanted to stay true to the 1,000-piece limit, I had to cut some of them out, unfortunately.

OpenSea: Is there a deeper story or universe connecting all these characters? How do you think about building out the “Puffy Universe” beyond this drop?

Marcela Bellini: Definitely. Think of the Puffy Universe as a parallel dimension where the physics are softer, but the personalities are just as big. Pantheon is just the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of this world. Beyond this drop, I’m planning to expand through interactive experiences. I want collectors to feel like they own a character that has a life beyond the JPEG. We are building a scalable brand, not just a one-off gallery.

OpenSea: Why did you decide to drop this project on Shape specifically? What stood out to you about the platform?

Marcela Bellini: I look at platforms through a product lens. Shape stood out because they nailed the user experience. It’s not just about the tech, it’s about how it feels to use it. The friction is low, and the community focus is high. For a collection like Pantheon, I wanted a launchpad that treated the artwork as a premium product, and Shape’s ecosystem felt like the perfect fit. It allows collectors to focus on the art rather than struggling with the mechanics.

OpenSea: What are you most excited for collectors to experience when they mint? Any favorite characters or categories you’re secretly obsessed with?

Marcela Bellini: I’m most excited for the reveal moment, specifically seeing the community react to the variety in textures and expressions. As for favorites, I have a massive soft spot for the Vampires. There’s something so ironic about taking these dark, gothic, often scary creatures and rendering them as soft, harmless, puffy characters. I’m also really fond of the Mafia, Champions, and Warriors categories.

OpenSea: After Pantheon, do you have plans for where the Puffy Universe goes next? Any hints you can share about future expansions or collaborations?

Marcela Bellini: I’m strictly thinking long-term. As I mentioned, Pantheon is the foundation of this entire universe. The Puffy aesthetic works incredibly well in motion, so that opens up a lot of doors for us. Looking ahead on the roadmap, I can envision us expanding into physical collectibles and even a mobile game. We want to take these characters beyond the screen and build a true ecosystem around the IP.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or trading advice. References to specific projects, products, services, or tokens do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by OpenSea. OpenSea does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented, and readers should independently verify any claims made herein before acting on them. Readers are solely responsible for conducting their own due diligence before making any decisions.