Website powered by

swamp beast

I have known for ages that creating a setting for my creations would help sell the scale and habitat I envisaged. In character modelling we often shun anything outside the actual character and certainly don't get much time to explore landscape, composition, framing etc . I wanted to create an atmospheric, long deserted city, reclaimed by nature, dominated by giant fauna. The creature is part komodo dragon, part alligator snapping turtle both of which seemed suited to a swamp environment and alien but still familiar. I think I should have gone more alien to be honest, maybe just in the colour scheme, but for now my focus was on the exercise of sitting my model in a setting. I really enjoyed this new (to me) approach, learnt a lot, and it's something I will continue to practice.

the beast from the mist. Simple blocked out 3d elements to establish composition, mood lighting and some fog for depth and atmosphere.

the beast from the mist. Simple blocked out 3d elements to establish composition, mood lighting and some fog for depth and atmosphere.

ZBrush renders

ZBrush renders

I generally start with reference then  a few sketches, sometimes however I plunge straight into 3D. If nothing sticks after a bit of modelling I return to the sketchbook.

I generally start with reference then a few sketches, sometimes however I plunge straight into 3D. If nothing sticks after a bit of modelling I return to the sketchbook.

The lower jaw split and horns were to give the creature a more threatening disposition and silhouette.

The lower jaw split and horns were to give the creature a more threatening disposition and silhouette.

Colour alternative exploration.

Colour alternative exploration.