However, the y2k aesthetic has not been explored by the Vaporwave scene as much as earlier more ubiquitous periods like the 80s and 90s in the Neon/ Synthwave aesthetic. The first significant signs of the Y2K aesthetic appeared around 1995 to 1997, with the release of Windows 95, the movie Hackers, the PS1 game Wipeout, and music videos by artists such as Michael and Janet Jackson. Y2K aesthetics use both 2D and 3D art. 2D art usually features thick lines, bold minimalism, and heavy use of iconography. One of the most well-known faces of Y2K art is the Designers Republic, known for their works on the video game series Wipeout and various album artwork, especially for artists on the electronica label Warp Records.
Founded by Ian Anderson and Nick Phillips in 1986, they were best known for making art that subverts brash consumerism and the uniformity of corporate culture. Being that this was the era that the cell phone was first starting to become popular among your average consumer, you can find many nods to the original models of cell phones (such as the original Nokia phones or the clamshell/flip phones) within the Y2K subculture.Y2K is a very new concept. However, with certain popular brands at the time still existing, one could easily predict these brands could play a huge role in Y2K.