Tiffany KAO 2024 - 3D Artist

This is one of the biggest projects I've ever done! The aim is to create a character in 3D (it can be made from existing or original fictional characters), so I thought I'd use my own character Astaron!

"Astaron is an imposing bodyguard who dominates the Tokyo cabaret scene. The scene unfolds as a spy is employed to keep an eye on him... but the spy is unfortunately spotted by him."

- SHOT BREAKDOWN : COMP / RAW / ALBEDO / WIREFRAME

- All of the textures are all handpainted, it was all done on Substance 3D Painter :

Here is an example of a Champagne bottle! The specular of the bottle is painted.

 //  ASTARON LOOKDEV TURN //

// TURN BREAKDOWN : FINAL / WIREFRAME //

 // ASTARON CONCEPT ART AND RESEARCHES //

Astaron is a character I owned for over a year before doing this 3D project, so I'd like to share my concept art here! (The drawings are rough, but it will help me visualize my future shot!)

Once I'd worked out the concept art, I collected references from a Japanese cabaret to get a clear idea of the lighting :

(1) For the first 3D render, I made a low-poly puppet to see where and how he poses in the scene. The scene doesn't match the drawing yet... 

(2) After doing a second rough 3D render test, we're getting closer to what I wanted. 

(3) I did a paintover to guide me towards the look I wanted!

After all the modeling and texture of the scene, this is how the final shot looks!

After making Astaron, I learnt a lot about how to model anatomy and handpainted texturing. Thanks to this project, I was able to now make his enemy, Daisuke ! The old detective of Tokyo.

But in this bonus part of the project, they are teaming up to defend.

(This is also an opportunity to remake a project I did in the summer *foreshadowing* but this bonus project is entirely focused on the character, you'll see in the last project.)

The process is similar to the Astaron project!

// CLOSE-UPS // - BREAKDOWN : COMP / DIFFUSE / WIREFRAME

// DAISUKE LOOKDEV //

// DAISUKE CONCEPT ART //

Daisuke is also a character I own for my hobby and I thought it would be good to go along with Astaron when it came to creating my own characters in 3D.

During the second year of CGI at ESMA (École Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques) in 2023, we had a transversal project (modeling, rendering, animating...) that consists of creating a short animated film about a hut with 3 shots! 

This is the final big project before going to the third year of ESMA!

// SHOT 03 BREAKDOWN : COMP / RAW / SHADED / WIREFRAME //

// SHOT 02 BREAKDOWN : COMP / RAW / SHADED / WIREFRAME //

// SHOT 01 BREAKDOWN : COMP / RAW / SHADED / WIREFRAME //

// HUT CONCEPT ART AND RESEARCHES //

First of all, before modelling, I have to find the design for the hut. Once I've found the design that appeals to me, I then focus on the color kit! That way I can visualise its textures better. Then I look at different angles to see which shots are best for the short film.

Now for the colours! I tried to find different atmospheres for the scene, I was more attracted by a relaxing and peaceful scene. Therefore, here's the result !

This is another personal project I did in July 2023 where I tried to focus on storytelling through the backgrounds and environments of my character Daisuke! This project is mainly about the setting rather than the character.

"Daisuke is an experienced old detective from Tokyo who has temporarily relocated to New Jersey to investigate a case."

(1) This is the animated version of the project where we can see Daisuke working at his desk.

(2) Here's a shot of the entrance to his office, it is like starting a story by reading the cover of a book.

(3) And finally, his gun, the one he used throughout his whole career and nicknamed "vieil ami" (old friend)

// SHOT 01 BREAKDOWN : COMP / RAW / WIREFRAME //

// SHOT 02 BREAKDOWN : COMP / WIREFRAME //

// SHOT 03 BREAKDOWN : COMP / WIREFRAME //

Before making these shots, I gathered moodboard and references to have a clear idea of the atmosphere :

Daisuke's design used to be different, this was done before the "Daisuke & Astaron" project.

The rough sketches help me to see how I set up the scene, the shot was clearly different before.

3D projects really develop my ideas and the freedom to make them come true. I never thought I would be able to make them haha.

I'm very happy to share my portfolio here. Seeing the evolution of past and current projects has made me realize that everyone can really improve and it's very encouraging! 

I encourage you to keep going, whatever the difficulties!