DESIGN AND RENDER A SPELLBINDING CHARACTER

Ivan Mironenko shares his process for creating a captivating figure in a bewitching scene

- Ivan Mironenko

The world of 3D character creation can feel a little like sorcery at times, especially when we’re creating figures such as witches! For this tutorial, I’m going to show you that you’re capable of conjuring 3D magic too, as I explain my process for creating a character.

Every enchanting tale begins with a character, and my witch is no exception with her mysterious aura and potential for storytelling.

After starting out by devising a project plan, we’ll then venture deeper into the creative process and discover the importance of imbuing our character with a distinct personality and presence. From the arch of her brow to the curve of her cloak, every aspect of my witch’s design is meticulously crafted to create a sense wonder.

Of course, no spellbinding story would be complete without a captivating backdrop for our characters. The environment plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and enhancing the visual experience. With every stroke of our digital brush and every flicker of light, we can bring characters to life in breathtaking detail.

Although I’m demonstrating my workflow through my witch character, you can apply this process to any other character that you fancy building, so don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your imagination. Explore new worlds, tell new stories, and unleash the magic.

01 CREATE A PUREREF FILE

Before you start modelling, take a minute to create a PureRef file to collect images that inspire your project. Although your main goal is to conform to the concept, having a few good references such as clothing, a head, female anatomy, props and so on will help you set a course and save time. Every good 3D artist has their own collection of such references.

02 BUILD THE BLOCKOUT