[Riot Art Contest] - Eveline Albers

Aerisnoir

Hi!

I'll be working on the Environment Art part of the contest, currently throwing about some ideas in my head and making some scribbles. I will be uploading some sketches and silhouettes these few days before jumping onto Z-Brush.

My personal strengths are concept & modelling, and I currently see the most challenge in the actual making of the textures. Exciting stuff!

Good luck, everyone!

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Entry thematic idea:
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Technological research sites, converting the power of the crystals into liquid energy.
Main inspirations: Zaun and Piltover's use of crystals-to-magic liquid, Scientist Ziggs' splash art, Hextech splash arts, the 'New Dawn' Trailer, the existence of Heimerdinger, Rumble and Viktor as champions besides mercenaries like Katarina and Garen.

Inhibitor: Fuel converter.
Turret: Defensive mechanism connected to the Inhibitor by fuel cables.
Creep den: Giant skull den for the wolves with some scavenged tech lying about.

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Notice:
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Photobucket bandwidth is a thing with forum images. Here's the album: http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/library/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014?sort=3&page=1
So if images don't show up here, see them all there.

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Finished entry pieces:
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Aerisnoir

Still working on ideas here; just taking my time to let the mind wander around and explore notions.

The following things are the direction I know I want to go for:

- I want to work on designs for the Gromp, Wolves or Dragon nest. I haven't pinned down which one so it's probably going to be all of them for starters then run with the one that is the most captivating.

- Work with water, rocks, mushrooms and plants intertwined. Maybe some metal. I like metal, but it would need to have a good explanation for being there.

Some sketches have been made, hopefully I can upload them soon.

Aerisnoir

Two basic ideas of a creep nest, one for the wolves and one for the Gromp. I'm very up for taking these notions and concept further in 3D (fountain style, skull shape etc). That will give us the advantage of seeing these ideas from all sides.


Direct image removed to save bandwidth. Image under the link:
http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Creepnestideas.png.html?sort=3&o=10

Aerisnoir

(Apologies for the long text, it's kinda what happens when I design things. But give it a read! Especially you, Riot-eer. ^^ It involves your trailer/concept art.)

Alright, got more great ideas and direction yesterday during work, gave it the customary 'second glance' this morning to make sure it's still what I want and I'm ready to present! So the thing is; despite all ideas I had I felt unfulfilled in the narrative behind those ideas. My first approach was to 'make awesome assets for the new Summoner's rift map!'. Done, amazing, can't wait let's go!

But my narrative sense kept tingling and objecting, so I stopped to think why it was stopping me from making designs. Then it hit me: Riot Games is creating new lore! They not only redesigned Summoner's Rift: They made a cinematic trailer to introduce it. There is some kind of narrative direction there, a purpose, a feeling. A feeling that could permeat into the new game map. So I watched the cinematic and scrounched the new SR concept art in search of the hidden narrative and starting point. At the end of the trailer Ahri, Rengar, and Leona turn their battle-worn gazes to something that draws their attention, and they find a nexus glowing in the distance (Part I of img 1). The entire scene has something exploratory, something mystical and undiscovered... and the battle prior to this scene just oozes conflict and a 'race' to... something. It wasn't so much just a 'hunt', it were teams fighting each other.

But the player starts their match on Summoner's rift. So that clearly takes place on site. But why fight? Why be there? Why fight on such a location? Well, the concept art (part II of img 1) at first shows just exploratory imagery of a mood and environment. But then I looked closer; there's clearly a central nexus there. Are there more identifiable things to be found? Wait, those are two roads... three. Third one is hidden behind the ruined walls. So that pillar there, with two power orbs... that's an inhibitor isn't it? The second road hints at a similar plaza there. So three roads, three inhibitors, and the turrets are probably down the road, out of the picture. This -is- the game map.

So I thought further ahead: If teams ended up there, in this place with power and crystals and everything... they want to have that power, right? They would wish to harness it. They would start researching it; mining it. And they would go out and stop any rival from doing the same.


I want that to reflect in my turret and inhibitor: The research into this new place. The processing of it's power. Because then these game objects will tell a story involving the champions: You will have mercenaries (Sion), Peacekeepers (Vi/Caitlyn), Scientists and tinkerers (Heimerdinger, Dr. Mundo), Eplorers (Ezreal) and everyone else.

So for the INHIBITOR, I'm going to design some kind of Hextech research lab annex powercell processing device that is extracting crystal energy and turning it into liquid magic to fuel the turret.

For the TURRET, I'm going to make some kind of 'modern' piltover tech, maybe merged with old rock, fueled by liquid magic.

We can all guess what that will lead up to, right? You get the underlying suggestion of warring factions trying to smash each other's labs to bits. I don't know, but that amuses me. I would love to hit the inhibitor and think 'I'm not just getting my team super minions: I'm destroying months of your research.'

Or perhaps stealing research to make super minions?? (ok, fired up even more now.)

Img 2 shows some of my sketches and reference material (Yes, that's a map of Summoner's rift on the table) I'd like to put that in the end result. I think I'm going to use 3D for the ongoing sketchwork so we get a quick feeling for volume and appearance.


Image removed to save bandwidth. Images under the links:
http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/ceefca9b-35a2-42fa-a918-cd6693b19b1b.png.html?sort=3&o=0


http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Aerisnoir_Sketches1-TurretInhib.png.html?sort=3&o=1

Aerisnoir

Possible inspiration: Mad Scientist Ziggs splash art.

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Ziggs_1.jpg.html?sort=3&o=11

Aerisnoir

Today I thought some more on the concept art image I linked earlier (the detailed new SR one) and my intention on putting up research and tech related influence in there.

I want to try and tell the story of the pillars having been there for centuries, and then modern tech was grafted into it. For the turret this was done for defensive purposes. For the inhibitor, this is for empowering purposes.

My first tryout for the turret is attached. I am totally NOT happy with this, but it's a good starting point. It's a warmup for the techniques I'll be using and to get a feel for the point of view that is used. I'll have more sketches and ideas tomorrow based on this tryout!

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_FirstTurrettryout.png.html?sort=3&o=9

Aerisnoir

Idea remains obscure. I know exactly what I want to make, but getting it to sketch is difficult. So instead of forcing the issue I told myself today "It's ok, it's cool, no rush. Let's gather the materials first so we can see them and get a look at how they might interact, because the technological side is going to compliment/support the stone base."

So I gathered the following. See that large mask thing? That is EXACTLY the kind of working together I envision.

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Materialinspiration.png.html?sort=3&o=8

Aerisnoir

Forced myself into working on the mammoth skull idea for the wolves den and to further my ideas for the inhibitor and turret.

In my design I'm also addressing my main source of irritation when playing League of Legends: The game rule that you cannot destroy the inhibitor before destroying the turret in front of it. It's a typical game rule without an in-game (diegetic) explanation.

It annoys me. Remember when I said earlier that the inhibitor is going to be some kind of powercell/research base? Yes, that's right; harvested power is going to the turret. In return, I want the turret to form some kind of shield on the inhibitor so that players have an in-game explanation on why they can't destroy the inhibitor.

Regarding the mammoth skull frill: I'm preparing to experiment with what kind of beast it will be; also looking a bit at Rengar's notorious shoulderplate.

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Sketches_TurretInhibconnected.png.html?sort=3&o=7

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Mammothskullmockup.png.html?sort=3&o=6

Aerisnoir

Little bit more skull into the wolf den.

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_MammothSkull2.png.html?sort=3&o=5
+ Plus a couple of experimental sketches:
http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Sketches_2.png.html?sort=3&o=4

Aerisnoir

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_TurretSketches1.png.html?sort=3&o=3

moleman

amazing covarage on your steps, the only thing i am really missing rigth now is that the depth of explanation and storytelling you have with the turrets and inhibitor is totaly missing with the creep den. there it just feels like you thougth a mammoth skull would be cool for a wolf camp. other then that amazing stuff

Aerisnoir

Heh, that is kinda spot on to what is going on there: The turret and inhibitor were still in search of direction so there is a discrepancy between their story and the wolf den. T.b.h. I am not yet seeing a need to link the creep den's design to the other two assets in a major way... I am looking to possibly include some technical things later on as if they were stolen/scavenged/dragged off to the lair kinda way? Completed turret and inhibitor are needed for that, though.

I'm glad you like the progress so far!

Soy13

nice work man!

Ssjtroll

Dude this stuff is awesome!

Aerisnoir

Thanks everyone! Managed to get some more work into this. Support strut is built up on the 'Blue team' side, which makes for some alternative views depending on which team side you're viewing it from.

Style experimentation options:

• The metal support strut of Blue team POV. Width & Style.
• Technical machinery at the pillar base on both Blue and Purple team's POV.
• Middle part of the inhibitor. Right now it's supposed to be a glass cannister with crystal inside. I can and should try more options here.
• Tools in the barrel. More barrels.
• Telemetry thingies to add.

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Turret_Inhib_3.png.html?sort=3&o=2

Sirhaian

I love the way you're working on this!
I can't wait to see the result! \o/

Aerisnoir

In progress work with reference to the metals and tech I want in there. Chant with me guys, 'Curvy lines, gray and gold. Curvy lines, gray and gold. Curvy lines, gray and gold.

If I could just take one look at the Riot Art Direction Manifest, I won't be surprised at all to find a rule stating 'curvy lines a must, gray and gold match ups for colors mandatory.' And it's so pretty.

http://s749.photobucket.com/user/AerisNoir/media/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_TurretSketches3-1.png.html?sort=3&o=0

parasyte7

I just want to make sure you saw this post with the update to the rules:

Hi everyone,

At Riot Games, we have a very strong feedback culture. We pivot and make adjustments when things can be done better or are not working. In the spirit of this culture and after internal conversations with feedback from the community, we have decided to make some tweaks to the environment section of the contest. You can now choose to create the turret or the inhibitor rather than being required to create both. We want to make sure we are giving everyone enough time to create assets that you are proud of and able to finish in time for the December 19th deadline.

We are also tweaking the animation com petition and not have animators pick an established character since animating a specific character without the exact model will be difficult. We want to see solid animations that are keeping the animation style of LoL in mind when creating these ability assets.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing what you all come up with.

-Kenny

Aerisnoir

New work in progress update, Turret and Inhibitor are nearing their low-poly geometry end states.

(I know the update message is a grapeshot, but thanks for letting all of us know anyway. Of course, I'm with two feet in the Turret + Inhibitor pool.)

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_TurretandInhibitor-almostdone.jpg

Aerisnoir

New update. Ready to open Z-Brush and make high-poly details (and re-translating them as low-poly). Also starting with unwrapping and studying on how to make the textures.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir-TurretLowpolycomplete.jpg

Aerisnoir

New update. Still need to learn more about the handpainting technique used for League of Legends. Considering that I use stone and metal and crystal/liquid as you see in the scientist Ziggs and Hextech Galio splash art, this is a challenge.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_TurretTextureWorkinProgress.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_TurretTextureWorkinProgress.jpg

(Can't wait to see how much difference there will be between these work in progress shots and the final texture. So much to learn!)

Aerisnoir

Complete Summoner's Rift map overview: http://promo.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/srmapexperience/

Aerisnoir

New update: http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_WIP_Texturing_Turret.jpg

Thinking about leaving this for now and completing the unwrap of the Inhib so I can start matching them together.

Aerisnoir

Latest progress is up! Both the turret and inhibitor have received the majority of textures and coloring, leaving polishing and detailing.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Textures_inprogress.jpg

r4ptur3

i like that electronic shield idea -- very cool!

Aerisnoir

Thank you! I changed the texture style a bit.

With this, I'll be taking a break and will return around 8th of December. I'll be focusing more on the skull creep den design that I initially made; I kind of had to let it rest since this turret and inhibitor needed a bunch of work. Going to spend the majority of my time after my holiday working on that.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount - Riot Games art contest 2014/Aerisnoir_Texture_nearcompletion.jpg

Aerisnoir

Back from my break, and ready to return to the task at hand:
Finishing up some crystal work and continuing my wolf creep den design.

Small recap; that design is the big mammoth skull I showed at the start of the contest.
http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Creepnestideas.png

Made a new sketch yesterday which I will try to get on here as soon as possible.

Aerisnoir

Final week! Made some good progress on the creep den today, as can be seen below.

Home stretch goals:
- Complete zbrush high poly version of the den.
- Make the trees.
- Retopologize the model and unwrap.
- Paint texture.
- Finish up.

Feel free to leave commentary.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_CreepDen_Skullprogress.jpg

Aerisnoir

Creep den update with tree sketches. Please forgive zbrush for having trouble with lighting the polygons in a proper way.
Wanted to have this done today, but this is the second week I'm working on this while sick :P guess my dedication.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Creepden_Tree-sketch.jpg

Aerisnoir

The trees are quite a challenge...

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/AerisNoir/Polycount%20-%20Riot%20Games%20art%20contest%202014/Aerisnoir_Challengingtrees.jpg

Aerisnoir

It is done! Complete with cute jungle critter that came to pose after the wolf camp was cleared.

Aerisnoir

Ok, it's done! :P No, I did not miss the deadline; just went straight to bed after submitting my .zip instead of posting the end result here.

I had a lot of fun with this contest and learned a lot of new stuff.