Character Projects 2022 - 2023
The following are my projects from my final year at Staffordshire university. Each project is an exploration of skills and techniques to create AAA quality characters
Introduction
This last year was intense, and have put a lot of work into my projects. Many thanks to the talented staff at Staffordshire university for catering my journey and providing sound guidance. A special thank you to Dave Edwards for providing me the opportunity to prove myself and create a new future.
Typhon
Here is my final project for Staffordshire University, inspired by The Witcher 3.
This is a fan project was a great opportunity to explore new techniques and skills such as studying anatomy to create a foul monster and hair groom techniques. All while working to create a fan piece for an inspirational company. Witcher 3 is among one of the richest of RPG Adventure experiences.
Renders were achieved using Unreal Engine 5.1
Below are a series of Wireframe renders of the Basemesh. I used 3DS Max to create the topology using the sculpt as a base for reference
Below are shots of the hair Groom created for Typhon
Below are a series of ZBrush shots showing the sculpt work closer
Maps created in Substance painter
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately the result lacks a lot of refinement. The fiery breath appearing through the neck feels rushed and I would like to see more contrast in the wings. Some area's of the sculpt could be pushed a little further with crisper detail. Again, it would be nice to see more contrast in the flesh, highlighting bonier or fleshier landmarks.
Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with the anatomy. And the start of the groom for a near first try I am pleased. The hair could benefit refinement as it appears very flat from afar. The shader is perhaps too saturated and of course would love to have seen the hair throughout the model rather than restricted to the neck.
I look forward to making these improvement and developing my understanding of groom workflows. I Look forward to creating a proper skin base too add beautiful variation similar to that you might see done for my human rider
Ark inspired Dinosaur and Rider
The second of the projects I once again have been exploring anatomy, but this time I have been taking a closer look at dinosaurs. This one was particularly tricky, I wanted to aim for realism doing the best out of the scientific information that I could find for a UtahRaptor. I had planned to tackle feathers and create unique eyes for the Dromaeosauridae so I will be pushing to complete those next. This was an excellent experience, exploring how scales are distributed on the body has been enlightening and I am thrilled by the resulting look.
Use the slider to see a series of beauty renders
Poly paint achieved in ZBrush
Series of closeup renders of final sculpt
Turnaround wireframes
A look at the beard topology and also Texture maps created using Fibershop to speed up hair texture creation
Below are some final renders for the Dinosaur and Saddle in ZBrush
Concepts for the Dinosaur made by me. Inspired by the anatomical works of Matt Dempsey
Thank you for taking the time to explore my work, I would have liked to have shown everything here for you too see, but feel free to explore the rest of the projects created this year on my art station portfolio https://www.artstation.com/mertondigital.
Keep an eye out for my big portfolio update, I can't wait to show you.
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