This workshop features an image from my personal sci-fi project, Fracton 8. My creative process involves Mandelbulb 3D (a greeble generator), 3D elements modelled and rendered in software such as Blender, and then Photoshop for finalising the composition.
Fracton 8 is set in the distant future of our planet, with no cities in the usual sense. People are gradually colonising outer space, building their new home on top of megastructures left behind by aliens.
In every piece I try to present human interaction with large-scale environments: flying vehicles, industrial lighting, TV screens and holograms. These elements helps to bring the cold steel structures to life, which are often seen from a person’s perspective – in a dark hotel room or behind reflective glass, say. Doing this adds another level of detail and scale.
Composition is the key to visualising an interesting story. That’s why I spend time choosing the best angle before tackling the details. For that process I usually use my own references. Being a photographer and matte painter means I’ve built up a massive photo library t hat I use both at work and in my personal art.
How I create… A CITY IN SPACE
1 Composition and rendering
I start by finding interesting shapes and angles generated by Mandelbulb 3D, before adjusting the lighting and camera focal length. I like wide angles and usually go for something around 24mm. Finally, I texture the generated structure with a tileable map.
Denne historien er fra September 2020-utgaven av ImagineFX.
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Denne historien er fra September 2020-utgaven av ImagineFX.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches
First Impressions
We discover the early influences that inspired the artist
ZBrush for iPad
GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant
BenQ GW2786TC
GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace
DRAGON OFORCEC
Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration
Erik Ly
Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing