3D Character Design: Finding Balance in Mechanic and Organic Visual
Introduction
Hello, I’m Fardy Martino, the Art Director at Vertx Break. Having spent eight years in the trenches of the games and movie industry, I’ve worn many hats – from concept artist to 3D sculptor. This journey, with its twists and turns has allowed me to contribute artwork to companies such as Games Workshop and Wizards of the Coast, and even some blockbuster films like Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Old Guard.
At Vertx Break, I lead a talented team with diverse artistic backgrounds. I’m excited to share our journey and insights into the world of stylized character design.
The Project Armata
Vertx Break prioritizes creating assets that meet client needs. To do that, we constantly push our team’s skills by simulating real-world projects. This time, the challenge was to create a character design based on a specific description. Characters are the heart and soul of storytelling, so we see it as a good challenge for the team. Inspired by the visual approach of mechanical and organic design combination of titles like Warframe, we set out on a journey to develop our own unique visual language and forms from scratch.
We didn’t just jump into character design. To truly flesh out our creation, we started by crafting the world itself. Our initial idea was to create a world for a roguelike dungeon-delving RPG. In this game, players take control of Delvers. These Delvers would be equipped with armors using technology from a forgotten civilization, aiding them in exploring the mysterious ruins of an ancient race and recovered their lost tech. We named this armor “Armata,” derived from the Latin word meaning “armed” or “equipped.” This worldbuilding exercise became the foundation for crafting Nach, our first character.
Nach is a top-ranked female Delver from the Lorica site. Her Armata not only defines her fighting style but also enhances her agility, granting her incredible agility for exploration and combat when it’s necessary. In terms of visual design, we opted for an alien-like form and pattern for Nach. To add a unique touch, we incorporated elements of certain ethnic patterns, blending them seamlessly into the overall aesthetic. The color palette was carefully chosen to convey a sense of nobility and vibrancy, making her an unforgettable character.
How We Did It
Our journey began with the concept art, the foundation upon which Nach would be built. We knew the first step was crucial. So, we poured our efforts into numerous iterations and explorations, determined to capture the very essence of the character before moving forward.
With the concept art locked in, we brought Nach to life through 3D modelling in ZBrush. First, we sculpted a blockout to refine the silhouette, making her instantly recognizable. From there, we transitioned directly into high-poly modelling, which was the most time-intensive part of our pipeline. Here, we meticulously added intricate details and refined the look based on the concept art.
After sculpting Nach in high-poly, we proceeded to the low-poly phase, focusing on retopology and baking for the model. This step was crucial for optimizing the model while preserving its visual fidelity. Once the model was ready, our next step was to breathe life into it using Substance Painter. Here, we thoroughly applied materials and textures to enhance the details and bring out the character’s unique aesthetic.
The team working on the Armata project consisted of artists with diverse specialties and varying levels of expertise. Despite these differences, everyone embraced the challenge and show a willingness to explore beyond their comfort zones. Through a well-defined process and supportive guidance, our junior artists push their creative boundaries and reach new heights in their skills and creativity. This project demonstrated the power of collaboration and learning – even those less experienced can achieve impressive results with the right support.
Conclusion
Despite a tight deadline and managing several ongoing projects, our small team delivered groundbreaking result, including new style, workflow, and pipeline. This project pushed us to explore uncharted territories, both creatively and technically.
