Sketchbook: Brenna Blackman

brennablackman

Hello Polycount! I'm new. I've also not been very good at sharing my work/progress online - see also: almost never.  This, I hope, is about to change.

To start, I'll be posting my progress on various assignments as I finish out my semester. I'm just getting started in Zbrush, but becoming more familiar is definitely one of my main focuses moving forward. I'm open to constructive criticism.

Thanks!


These first images are from a very quick assignment I used as a sort of crash course in becoming more accustomed to working between Maya and Zbrush. Working with multiple subtools, creating alphas, and controlling a stiff but organic material (leather) were key learning goals for me. 

brennablackman

H'okay so, for the next month or so I'll be working on my first full character. Fully anticipating a steep climb but very excited.
The task was to take an already existing comic book character and re-imagine them. I chose Sailor Moon meets Mad Max.
The final will be textured and rendered out in UE4.

To get started I made myself up a couple of Mood Boards trying to gather fashion and general bad-assery inspiration.

On the Sailor Moon, side this has always been my go to for Naoko Takeuchi's artbook scans -> http://mangastyle.net/

Here's how all of this started to come together in my mind:



Honestly, I could iterate on that forever - and I desperately want to but I've got a lot of learning and sculpting ahead of me.

Currently getting started on the sculpt of the head and base mesh. By the time those are done, I'll know what she'll be wearing.

Project: Mad Moon is officially underway.

DaveC27

Ambitious subject! Can't wait to see the fruits of your labour. 

I agree with the decision to focus on the base mesh right and let the costume ideas peculate. 


Note: the art book link seems to be broken.

Shera

Um yes? I love the Sailor Moon Mad Max idea. Is this going to be more of a realistic style or a stylized one?

atelier_chevalier

I am so excited to see this going forward, oh my god. I like the bottom right costume best, personally. It has a nice balance between her classic look and the Mad Max look you want. Especially the wispy fabric, it really echoes the Wives from Fury Road.

waveshock3r

Sick concept! I really like the Furiosa vibe you have with this design! I too am curious as to what style you want to utilize for this character.
~ Kyle L

AmandaWawyn

Those are two world I would have never thought to combine. You made Sailor Moon definitely look like a bad ass.

CCS

Love the dark style of sailor moon.  Throws a new twist to the character.  The 3rd sketch is my favorite. -Casey

Comet Lord Set

Cool idea and great references. Looking forward to seeing this as a game character. Could be cool to see some colour in the sketches for materials.

SDelorme2113

Used the wrong account before, haha. My bad.

Comet Lord Set said:

Cool idea and great references. Looking forward to seeing this as a game character. Could be cool to see some colour in the sketches for materials.

ajmagyar

I am super excited to see how this will turn out! She is gonna be AWESOME! 

TiaGrantham

Usagi looks ready to kick ass and take names! Look forward to seeing how this goes. 

brennablackman

@DaveC27 Fixed.
@Shera a little on the stylized side but not too crazy I don't think. Just enough to give my novice-ness some wiggle room.

Thanks everybody. 

brennablackman

Here is the final concept I've decided to go forward with for this character.

The base is pretty well finished. I spent too much time on this step - this being my first attempt at sculpting a body and working on anything this complicated. I started with a Zsphere skeleton.

Currently building the other pieces in both Maya and Zbrush.

DianaVanDamme

I signed up just so I could comment. I'm stalking your project

Shera

You did a really great job on the eyelids and mouth! Can't wait to see the final project. 

DaveC27

How are you approaching the hair/pigtails? Can you animate them to blow in an ever-present wind? No biggie, right?