Best Of

Finished Entrants (eligible for 1st–3rd place):

• 1st The Freelancer – Alexander

This character model is a clear standout. It demonstrates a comprehensive and well-structured development process, fulfilling the requested breakdown with exceptional clarity. Each individual component reflects a high degree of intentionality, planning, and technical craftsmanship.

The final result presents a distinctly readable silhouette, convincing mass distribution, and convincingly rendered material definition. The work completed in Marvelous Designer is particularly noteworthy: the cloth simulation, layering logic, and naturalistic fold behaviour immediately convey a high level of proficiency. The combination of layered equipment, insulated garments, and a protective mask coherently establishes a cold-weather operator aesthetic, with materials clearly differentiated across fabric, metal, and polymer surfaces.

To elevate the piece even further, the addition of micro-detail and subtle chromatic variation would help mitigate regions that currently appear somewhat uniform. Introducing slight tonal shifts for indications of textile wear, and nuanced roughness variation—especially around areas of mechanical stress such as knees, elbows, and strap edges—would break up flatter surfaces and enhance material authenticity. A dedicated textile-density pass could further reinforce realism and improve close-range readability. Additionally, slightly stronger ambient occlusion and increased contrast between layered gear elements could help articulate depth more effectively. The weapon would also benefit from enhanced wear variation. Finally, incorporating minor asymmetry and subtle texture breakup in the mask and head region could introduce greater character specificity and reduce the impression of perfect symmetry.

 

• 2nd R.M. – iam717

You demonstrate a strong command of stylized character creation in this piece, with clear attention to shape language, colour placement, and overall visual cohesion. The transition from 2D concept to 3D construction is handled with notable skill, reflecting an understanding of both form and interpretation—no small achievement so well done!

Your final result has confident line work and thoughtful prop integration and breakdown throughout your thread. Each piece you constructed reflects a solid level of technical skill and artistic polish. The design reads well at a glance and shows a consistent creative voice—an important asset for any portfolio.

For further portfolio development, consider refining material separation with subtle value or line-weight shifts to enhance clarity, and explore slight variations in texture or colour hierarchy to guide viewer focus more intentionally. These adjustments would elevate the design’s readability. A rigged pose to help elaborate the characters personality would also be very nice to see, especially on this crazy dude.

And finally, it’s exciting to see an interpretation of what this character might look like if they existed in the Mad Max–inspired universe from the Rick and Morty tribute sequence. I’d love to see a Netflix special created in your style.

https://youtu.be/mSAXhn-wkZw?t=11

 

• 3rd Rust Rhino – Hang Li

This vehicle concept shows a strong sense of personality and visual identity, combining exaggerated industrial forms with a cohesive “scrap-built” aesthetic. The design choices—such as the aggressive front blades, layered metal plating, and high-contrast orange bodywork—demonstrate originality and communicate narrative function effectively. The texturing work, particularly the weathering and surface wear, reflects solid technical skill and contributes meaningfully to the model’s overall believability.

To strengthen this for your portfolio, consider refining some elements like the stretched UV’s on the door, the simple shape of the rear fender over the tracks so it’s not quite so crude in its construction, maybe add some bevels? Stronger material separation so metals, paint, and rubber read even more distinctly under varied lighting. You might also explore a stronger hierarchy of detail, emphasizing key focal areas while simplifying secondary zones for clearer visual flow. And I would like to see a thin cartoon outline as the concept depicted but I appreciate that might just be personal preference. These adjustments would help push both clarity and stylistic polish to an even higher level. Over all well done, you did a great job and I love this piece.

 

Honorable Mentions (incomplete but notable work):

• Sodom – Fabi G

The artwork uses bold black-and-white contrast to emphasize silhouette and mass, giving the armoured figure an imposing, almost iconic presence. The stark values reinforce the sense of brutality conveyed through the skull motifs and heavy armour forms. You might consider adding an outline to help the figure stand out from the background—perhaps using the opposite value of whatever area it borders. Alternatively, a comic-book style approach with some light fill could also give the piece additional clarity and visual punch.

Here is an example by WinBrush - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U80mTG9NRd8 

And a final note, I thought you might enjoy this by Kamil Hepner, different style but I thought you might like a look https://youtu.be/Dn6d2y3kL7Y?t=70

 

• Electric Monk – Kanga
• 

The retopology work is clean and well executed, and the underlying concept is compelling—I can already envision how striking the final piece will be. The upper body shows a thoughtful balance between intricate details and calmer, more open surfaces, and the precision in the constructed components is especially impressive. The cybernetic monk theme carries a strong Shinto-like resonance, evoking imagery of a supernatural figure or modern reinterpretation of a Yōkai, you have made a fantastic IP right there! Amazing work.

Fragta – Klaimtrev

The character model shows strong foundational work, particularly in the facial sculpt and the asymmetrical design choices that give the character a distinctive presence. The skin shader carries convincing micro-detail—pores, roughness variation, and subtle coloration all contribute to a believable surface under light. The bold hair colour and shaved-side style also suit a cyberpunk aesthetic effectively.

Several refinements could elevate the piece further. The specular response on the face is somewhat uniform, giving parts of the skin an unintended glossy look; adding variation between oily and matte zones would help. The shoulder also appears to be a noticeably different skin tone from the face, which can distract from overall cohesion. The transition between the shaved scalp and longer hair would benefit from softer blending, and the hair itself could use more curvature to create a natural flow. The ear shape could also use a bit more attention to achieve more anatomical clarity. Finally, the clothing—especially the collar—would benefit from stronger material definition to match the detail level of the head. Overall, the work shows strong direction and is close to feeling fully polished.

Greentooth Environment – Aumramaram

This thread is a strong example of indie-scale ambition driven by creative constraints. The combination of voxel art, instancing, and a simple engine shows resourcefulness and a clear vision. Your environments have lots of potential to be much more than a concept: it could become a highly playable, visually unique world. Excited to see how it evolves, you are clearly an idea power house! Amazing work!

• Bratan – Masslove

Great character, I would love to see him with small detective cues—like a badge, worn accessories, a utility radio, or a more disheveled element—would instantly anchor his identity. The face could use a bit more weariness and asymmetry to convey his personality, and introducing one or two subtle tech accents would help tie him visually into the Valorant universe.

Your project feels like it’s built on a strong and interesting idea. With further refinement of silhouette, volume, and storytelling elements, this character could become both visually distinct and narratively rich. Looking forward to how Bratan evolves, after looking at him again today, I would love to see this character with a Flashlight, Cigarette, Bottle, Revolver and Police badge but what you have so far is amazing.