Lee Zhi Min | 3D Modelling Showcase | Rookie Awards 2023

Gollum

The first character I have modelled is Gollum, an iconic character from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This project was interesting yet challenging. From sculpting to rendering, I have learned a lot in each stage. It was overwhelming due to my inexperience, but I am proud to be able to share this with you today.

First, I started sculpting the head in ZBrush using a base mesh from 3D Scan Store. I had limited anatomy knowledge at that time and had a rough start.

After the blocking of the head was done, I used R3DS Wrap to transfer the details onto a body base mesh.

I was excited to pose my model. With its signature squad and mischievous smile, now this is Gollum.

The loincloth on Gollum was done in Marvellous Designer. 

While working on Gollum's body, I learned how to create realistic hair with XGen in Maya. I was blown away by the number of settings I could play with to achieve the desired outcome. I had fun experimenting with each function.

I found these close-up images of Gollum on YouTube. It was satisfying to sculpt and enhance the skin details on my model. 

The textures were done later in ZBrush, Photoshop and Substance 3D Painter.

Here are close-up renders of Gollum's hand and feet, alongside some turnaround videos. 

Antique Typewriter

The Antique Typewriter was created for my Hard Surface Modelling project in college. I was looking forward to the outcome as I have always been mesmerised by the aesthetics of antiques such as typewriters, clocks, sewing machines and gramophones.

Through this project, I have gained a lot of insights about how to optimise topology in modelling. This project has also trained me to study my references carefully and improved my modelling and texturing skills tremendously.

Blocking the Antique Typewriter took painfully long as I had trouble understanding the mechanism. While looking for references, I discovered a tutorial by Dylan Abernethy where he broke down each part of the typewriter. This helped me immensely throughout the blocking stage. 

I loved texturing this model. I was surprised to learn how much a few layers of different colour and roughness variations improve the overall look of my model.

To ensure my model looks as convincing as possible, I textured it while closely following the pictures of a specific typewriter I found online. After that, I added more subtle details such as fingerprints, dust, scratches, and wear and tear to enhance the visuals.

This project was modelled in Autodesk Maya, textured in Substance 3D Painter and rendered in Marmoset Toolbag 4. 

This concludes my submission for Rookie Awards 2023. I want to thank everyone who offered me motivation, guidance and constructive feedback throughout the journey in pursuing my passion for 3D modelling. I would not have come so far without all of you. Please continue to look after me.

To you reading, I hope you enjoyed these artworks as much as I have. Have a great day!

Feel free to connect with me on Instagram.