TURN A 2D CONCEPT INTO AN INCREDIBLE 3D-PRINTED FIGURE

Concept artist Emily Chapman shares her process for sculpting, printing and painting an outstanding model to put on display

- Emily Chapman

Working as a freelance creature and character concept artist, my main passion is bringing imaginative sci-fi and fantasy designs to life through 3D sculpting, sketching, and digital painting. I'm excited to share my hands-on learning experience, which blends all of these skills into an intriguing and interactive compilation.

In this tutorial, we'll explore the journey of turning a 2D concept illustration into a fully realised 3D figure. My starting point was a bust that I'd previously sculpted as a standalone piece before realising the potential to push it further, envisioning a more intricate and larger-scale artwork. This decision set the stage for our workshop, where I'll expand on how to create a more complex and aesthetically pleasing statue.

First we'll delve into sculpting. I'll walk you through my brief-butuseful process for refining and detailing the sculpt, showcasing techniques that enhance realism and depth. We'll touch up on various tools in ZBrush that I enjoy using to shape our sculpture with precision and creativity.

Next, we'll move on to 3D printing, where the digital design becomes tangible reality. We'll explore the use of both clear and grey resins, discussing their properties and how they impact the final outcome of the 3D print. You'll gain insight into my printing process, including how to prepare a model and troubleshoot any issues that you may run into to improve the success of your print.

Once we have our printed pieces, I'll show you how I like to paint 3D prints. I'll demonstrate how to use alcohol inks on clear resin, and how acrylic paints can bring life and vibrancy to your physical designs. I also want to share some personal techniques I use to achieve realistic textures, dynamic colour schemes, and intricate little details that will elevate your piece.