Project 3

The Capstone Project

 

Project Overview

Project Brief:

In this capstone project, you have complete creative control. Whether it’s an intricate creature sculpt, an expressive character bust, a stylized prop, or a cinematic environment, this project is 100% your call.

Use this as an opportunity to showcase everything you've learned so far: dynamesh workflows, hard surface sculpting, polypainting, Redshift rendering, and turntable presentation. Pull in inspiration from anywhere: film, games, mythology, personal story, or a mash-up of your favorite IPs. You are the director, sculptor, and storyteller.

Your goal is to create a portfolio-worthy showpiece that demonstrates technical proficiency, creative originality, and professional presentation.

This project is designed to reflect what it’s like to work independently in a studio pipeline or for your own freelance work. Think of it as your digital thesis.

  • 5/7/2025

  • Your final submission must include the following deliverables:

    Creative Concept:

    • Original sculpt of anything you choose (character, creature, prop, scene, vehicle, etc.)

    • Strong silhouette and design intention

    • Clear artistic direction (mood, story, or purpose)

    • Can be stylized, realistic, or hybrid

    Process & Modeling:

    • Must incorporate at least two different ZBrush workflows (Ex: Organic sculpting + Hard surface OR Polypainting + Cloth Simulation)

    • Demonstrate anatomical awareness or mechanical logic where applicable

    • Strong craftsmanship in surface detail and polish

    Rendering & Presentation:

    • Final Render (High-quality Hero Shot)

    • Turntable Movie

    • Orthographics Slide (Front/Side/Back for design clarity)

    • Sketches & Design Slide (Initial thumbnails or visual development)

    • Brushes Slide (Highlight the tools used in your pipeline)

    • References Slide (Gathered imagery or mood boards)

    • Hero Shot – Redshift3D Render: 25 pts

    • Turntable Movie: 15 pts

    • Orthographics Slide: 15 pts

    • Dev Sketches Slide: 10 pts

    • Brushes Slide: 10 pts

    • References Slide: 10 pts

    • Polypainting: 15 pts

    • Craftsmanship: 25 pts

    • Advanced Materials (SSS skin, glass shaders, or emissives materials): +10 pts

    • Scene Environment or Base (Custom base or background supporting the subject): +10 pts

    • Physical Lighting or FX Geometry (LEDs, magic effects, etc.): +10 pts

    • Stickers/Labels/Decals (If applicable to your design): +3 pts per element

Total Points: ???+

This is your time to flex everything you’ve mastered and push yourself as far as you can within the time allowed. Treat this project as a showreel centerpiece—something you'd be proud to present to a studio, mentor, or fellow artist. Lean into your strengths, challenge your weaknesses, and most importantly—have fun with it. You’ve earned this.

Let’s see what you’re made of. 🔥