Snowy Scene Created in Maya

I have used Maya before but usually I do modelling in ZBrush, so this was a new experience for me. As I have done mostly realistic models, I wanted to make this scene more simplistic and stylized whilst still capturing the feel and atmosphere.

Modeling

Using the primitive shapes, I build up the scene, focusing on the overall composition. I then started to create the actual models with more detail and shape. For the igloo, I merged a sphere and cylinder then sliced them in half. To make the entrance open, I used the boolean tool, subtracting a smaller cylinder from the mesh. The trees were also made from simple shapes, inserting edge loops and scaling them to create the layered effect. I modelled the bridge out of cube primitives then applied a bend deformer to give it the arch. The shape of the frozen lake was cut out of ground mesh, leading the eye through the scene. To add a bit more detail, I created a footprint shape and the using the boolean tool again, I subtracted the from the snow mesh, also leading the viewers eye over the bridge to the igloo.

Materials

All the materials were created using the AiStandardSurface Shader, importing textures and changing the values for specularity and transmission, depending on the reflectivity and roughness of each mesh. To create the glow from the fire inside the igloo, I created a sphere and turned up the emission settings of the material and gave it an orangey yellow colour. I wanted the glow to subtly penetrate the walls of the igloo, so I added subsurface scattering to the igloo material. I had to tweak some of the textures in Photoshop to give them the desired look. I also had to adjust the UVs of some of the meshes, particularly the igloo to get the textures to look right. Here are the different versions of the ice river…

Lighting

For the lighting, I tested out a few different versions and the one I liked the most was using an HDRI as I felt the contrast between the cool and warm tones really transformed the scene.

Final Render

As an exercise for this rotation, we had to turn mundane objects into characters, so I chose a bottle and a mug to come up with this…

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Sketches

I sketched out 3 ideas for a character with the theme of winter; a penguin eskimo, an ice king and a gangster snowman. I decided I liked the penguin the most.

Artist Reference – Michael Kutsche

I wanted to render my character like with the lighting and style of Michael Kutsche.

Outline

Using the mainly the pen tool in Photoshop I drew the basic outline of the character in a front and side pose, making sure that the proportions matched and lined up with both poses.

Base Colours

Next I filled in the colours, testing out different variations to see which combination worked the best. I decided to go with the orange and light blue as I felt the warm yellowy hues contrasted nicely with the cool blues, portraying the warmth of the coat and scarf.

Added Texture

Using the pen tool again, I added texture to the coat and scarf. I build up the layers with a variety of tones to create the fur.

Final Renders

To create the final look, I used clipping masks and adjustment layers to paint the highlights and shadows, making sure the light was coming from the same direction for both poses.

I made two final versions; one with a plain background and one with a snowy winter scene.

This rotation definitely took me out of my comfort zone as I usually don’t like writing or making up stories. However, once I got into it, I enjoyed it quite a lot. I began writing without much of a plan figuring out the story as I went along until I was about halfway through and I had an idea for what I wanted to write. I then ended up rewriting most of it to fit my idea. I tried not to give too much away too quickly in the story, only hinting to things rather then saying what they are straight out, to make it more compelling, as I’d learnt from the exercises we did in this rotation.  At first I found it very challenging to keep the story to 150 words, but after some editing and cutting out parts, I found there was a lot that wasn’t needed and it enhanced the story as a whole. I’m happy with how this turned out and it definitely developed my storytelling.

The Beginning of the End

I woke up drenched in sweat and my whole body was aching. I tried to wipe away a bead of sweat that was rolling down my forehead, but I couldn’t move. A wave of fear and confusion overwhelmed me as I realised I was bound to a post. I could not fathom where I was. I could only recall foggy memories of masked men and severe pain. My heart began pounding against my ribs as I opened my mouth to call for help, but no words came. Looking around the dark room my eyes focused on a piece of mangled flesh in a metal clamp in a pool of blood. The sight of it made me gag as I realised what the gruesome object was. I closed my eyes hoping this nightmare would end. There was a wooden door opposite me. Suddenly the handle turned, and the door swung open.