Limited Slip Studios, USA : 3D, UI, VFX, Animation services

LimitedSlipStudios

ABOUT US

Prior to our founding in 2009, our team members spent over a decade working in-house together.

As a studio, we have never missed a deadline (in fact we usually beat it), gone over budget, or failed to execute a visual bar. Not when faced with tough deadlines, lean budgets, emerging tech or unreasonable work-flows. This is testament to the talent, knowledge and dedication of our staff.

One of the chief Benefits we enjoy working as a vendor is the opportunity to work on MANY projects over the course of a year, whereas in-house we might work on one or two. This gives us distinct advantage over our in-house counterparts as we are exposed to a more diverse range of tech, method, style and genre.


Our Ideal Clients
Companies run by driven stakeholders who understand our industry, the complexities of production, and the passion for craft. They respect and value our intimate team makeup, balanced with the ongoing need to evolve, and the iteration+innovation this requires. We want to work with clients who share these values of pride and professionalism and want to be cost effective and competitive without compromising those values. As so many of our competitors race to the bottom of commodity pricing, we want to stay apart and above them in all respects, servicing buyers that are not willing to rush to the bottom with the others.
...

Mission:

 'Vision Realized' means doing things right- for us, the client & project

 Devising elegant solutions to complex problems

 Your project, on target; we check the boxes... so you don’t have to!

Philosophy:

 Our success is yours- so we give your projects our full measure

 We strive to live where Method meets Innovation

 Forever Students & Teachers in pursuit of Inspiration/Growth

Relevant Mastery

 Multi-Gen experience in Art Production/Industry Methodology

 Emphasis on craftsmanship+productivity+execution

 We have Never missed a milestone or budget

Specialities

 Art/Animation/Story Pipeline (concept through implement)

 Assess/Troubleshoot/Navigate pipelines; process past to present

 Software/Style/Genre agnostic- whatever your project requires

Services

 2D: Concept/Illustration, Storyboards

 3D: Sculpt, Model, UV, Texture, Shaders; hard-surface to organic

 Animation: Rigs, Hand Key, Mocap or mixed; Retarget, Process and Cleanup

 Technical: Camera, FX, physics/collision,Format/Conversions, VR/AR, etc.

 UI/UX: Design & Implementation

 Engine/Post: Unity, Unreal, CryE, VR (HTC Vive, PSVR, etc), and more

 Software: Max, Maya, MotionBuilder, Zbrush, Adobe CS, Substance, Quixel, Marmoset Toolbag, Marvelous Designer, etc.

KEY TEAM Kevin Wright: Studio Head (Planetside, Counterstrike:CZ, LOTR:TT, AfterBurner: Black Falcon, Drawn to Life: the Next Chapter)
Chris Santangelo: Technical Designer & Director (NAVAIR: EHF FOT & SCSS (Submarine Comms), WLCTT (Weapon Launch Control), CSRR, BLQ-10, GE-CT)
Brad Garneau: Principal Artist and Production Guru (Ultima: Samurai & Mondains Legacy, Command and Conquer: Renegade, Epic Mickey, Project Overkill)
Kaj Swift: Production Operations Director

(Dance Central 3, Golden Axe: Beast Rider, Iron Man, NBA 2k1/2/3, NHL, NFL 2k)

LimitedSlipStudios

Project/Client High-lights:

Dead Alliance - AA
Client:            Psyops / Illfonic
PS4/PC-Steam
Publisher:     Maximum Games
-     Mid-to-Complex Scale Art & Tech Solutions
-     All Zombie Characters : Modeling, Texturing, Rigging, Technical Setup
-     Hi End Sculpts, 4k Rez Textures, Process for Game LODs
-     Highly Stylized Characters with Modular Parts built to spec.

Alekhine’s Gun - AA
Client:            Haggard Games

PC/PS4/XB360+1
Publisher:     Maximum Games

-      Mid- Scale Art Solutions
-      Game Cinematics

WWE 16/17 - AAA
Client:            Visual Concepts/Yukes LTD

PC/PS3+4/XB360+1
Publisher: 2k

-   Mid , Complex-Scale Art & Tech Solutions; Stylized Sports Personalities to spec.
-     30+ Characters : Model/Texture/Rig/Weight, Tech+Proprietary Solutions for Engine.

Mortal Kobat X - AAA
Client:             NetherRealms                                      Publisher:    WB
-      Complex-Scale Art & Tech Solutions
-     Rig/Weight, Animation & Tech Setup for cloth/physics/collision solutions.

Heroes Reborn : Gemini & Enigma - AA Client:           Phosphor Games
PS4/XB1/PC-Steam/Mobile
Publisher:     Imperative Ent-      Mid Term, Complex-Scale Art & Tech Solutions

-      25 minutes of in game Cinematics

-     Setup and Process, Facial/Dialogue and Key Frame Animation.

Dance Central 3 - AAA
Client:            Backbone / Foundation 9
Next Gen Console (PS3 and xBox360)
Publisher:    Activision/Harmonix
-     Long Term, Large Scale Complex Technical Art Solutions: 30+ Characters
-     Rig/Weight, Tech Setup for cloth/physics/collision and Post Engine Integration.

The Hobbit: KoME & Aot3A & Wartune :
Client: Kabam
Mobile (iOS/Android) & Web
Publishers:  WB, Kabam
-     Multiple Projects; Mid-Scale Tech and Art Solutions
-     Characters, Props, Environs: Modeling, Texturing, Rigging, Animation

LimitedSlipStudios

Recent Staff Works

Stylized Gun: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/eWKA3

LimitedSlipStudios

Recent Staff Works

Character: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/qlJWP

LimitedSlipStudios

Recent Professional Works

LimitedSlipStudios

WIP on an artstation piece from a recent client project. hope to post final content within the next week or two

LimitedSlipStudios

final output, sending to artstation

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

 Hello! Welcome to our main page announcing our upcoming showcase of Dragons we created this year for Backlip, and their Mobile IP Dragonvale World.

 We will be sharing 5 dragons sets here over the next month, so please follow our pages on Linkedin, FB and Artstation so you see our latest posts.  For now, here is a teaser of what is to come.

 Finally, many thanks to the Client and our team- ENJOY!

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/58WoRO

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

 As promised, here is The first Dragon set we will be sharing: the Machina. Look for the next post where we will be sharing their animations.

 Of the Mech dragons, they are the biggest and strongest, acting as a guardian to the others, described as purposeful, stoic and intimidating.

 Take a look, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook & Artstation, and stay tuned for more posts!

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/DxL3ee

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

For our first full dragon reveal, we are pleased to share the Machina Adult: 3D model and Base textures with in game animations!

 "The adult Machina embodies the traits of a Stoic Guardian, and mentors these values to its younger namesake."

 When designing this character and it’s animations, we tried to capture/convey a stoic but playful tigerish personality, with the functionality of being motor driven in line with its mechanized heritage.

 Hope you enjoy, and Stay tuned for the Baby animations in the coming days!!!

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Z5lzd8

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

 For our next full reveal, we are pleased to share Machina Baby: 3D model, Base textures with in game animations.

 "Even as a hatchling, The Machina displays the 'Protector Instinct'. They learn from their elders the path of the Guardian, and emulate their behavior, often to comedic effect. As they grow in character and strength, they also develop in good humor."

For the Baby we tried to capture the essence of the child/parent relationship- where child has great adoration of the parent, and tries to act like their role model in every way, in ways funny and adorable. Hope you Enjoy!

 We are also excited to show you our next installment, so stay tuned for: Mantis, Dragon of the Void Clan!

https://artstn.co/p/aR0B9X

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Our 2nd Dragon set we are sharing: Mantis, from the Void family.  Look for another post tomorrow where we will be sharing the adult animations.

They are the very reclusive; but are lively and mischievous when observed.  Don't let them catch you watching! 

Dragon Lore:  “Mantis dragons are complex creatures. Their smooth gait and calm demeanor have awarded them a respected reputation. Some magic-folk have followed these enchanting dragons into the woods up until the moment they were turned away by the creature's piercing stare. To this day, most don't know Mantis dragons frolic in secret dragon snap fields, playing until their hearts are content... then, without warning, they ravenously eat all the tops off the flowers...”

We hope you enjoy, and Let us know what you think!

https://artstn.co/p/KaRLmx

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Lets continue our showcase with Mantis Adult and in game animations!

"The Mantis Dragons display an otherworldly beauty, full of grace, mischief and magic."

When designing this character, we tried to capture elements of a mischievous personality, along with a graceful, otherworldly quality, even elfin or fairylike .  With its butterfly wings, orca like head, and mantis like structure, its definitely one of the more unique designs we created.

Let us know what you think, and Stay tuned for the Baby Mantis animations!!!

https://artstn.co/p/Vd2EkZ

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

For today's share, we have the Mantis Baby with in game animations!

"Not yet as graceful as the adult, they are apt to be found in play, pantomiming the adults and frolicking  under the watchful eye of their elders."

Let us know what you think!

And keep an eye out for this weekend where we reveal the Tock Dragon!

 

https://artstn.co/p/YaGkqq

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

our next post in the series!

Tock's are the oldest and wisest of the mech dragons, fragile and delicate like a grandfather clock. Regal and purposeful, with movements delicate and precise as a timepiece.

Lore:  "For those inclined to be tardy, a joke always awaits them at their destination. Someone always remarks, "Need a new Tock dragon?" These predictable lecturers don't realize that Tock dragons are no help at all to sleepy surface folk.  In fact, these dragons fly tirelessly day and night, undeterred by any impediment. The last thing they would do is sit around waiting for the sun to rise, just to rouse a layabout."

For more in details, descriptions, breeding stats on the Tock, visit the following links:

- Fan Wikia: http://dragonvaleworld.wikia.com/wiki/Tock_Dragon

- how to breed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0RC4rjrMDw

https://artstn.co/p/rRzgn5

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

post#9 in this 16 part series!

Tock's are the oldest and wisest of the mech dragons, fragile and delicate like a grandfather clock. Regal and purposeful, with movements delicate and precise as a timepiece.

Lore:  "For those inclined to be tardy, a joke always awaits them at their destination. Someone always remarks, "Need a new Tock dragon?" These predictable lecturers don't realize that Tock dragons are no help at all to sleepy surface folk.  In fact, these dragons fly tirelessly day and night, undeterred by any impediment. The last thing they would do is sit around waiting for the sun to rise, just to rouse a layabout."

For more in details, descriptions, breeding stats on the Tock, visit the following links:

- Fan Wikia: http://dragonvaleworld.wikia.com/wiki/Tock_Dragon

- how to breed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0RC4rjrMDw

https://artstn.co/p/rRzgn5

LimitedSlipStudios

Type your comment

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Post #10 in our 16 part series! Tock Adult animations!

Articulated and elegant...

The Tock dragon was somewhat challenging- no eyes, connection dependent parts, and long thin shape-forms.  We wanted a design that moved smoothly (a la 'timepiece') in contrast to the very mechanical Machina, but with some hints to the mechanical origin (wings, mouth hinge at times).  A lot of this was rig related, and really pushed us to develop our own rig tool.

Let us know what you think, and Stay tuned for the Tock Baby animations!!!

https://artstn.co/p/W2XOry

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Post #11 in our 16 part series! Tock Adult animations!

Not yet as graceful (or as patient) as the adult, baby Tock's try hard to emulate their namesake.  Too bad they can't tell time yet...

Let us know what you think, and Stay tuned for next week's reveal: the Echo Dragon!

https://artstn.co/p/lVGwyY

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!  

post#12 of this 16 part series!

The Echo has no eyes, using its audial senses to navigate its dark cavern lairs. The animations were inspired by the quick, precise movements of bats.

Lore: "The Youthful Union of Cavern Knowledge is a group of aspiring students focused on exploring subterranean ecosystems. During one outing, the club discovered a small dragon hanging upside down from a cave ceiling. They all took out scrolls to capture an image of the sleeping creature. One witch cleared her throat before reciting an incantation, which woke the dragon who took flight. It danced in tight circles around everyone's head. The witch shouted her incantation while trying to aim her scroll at the manic flyer. But the image on the parchment only captured the view of the cave, no dragon. The rest of the union cast the same spell with the same results. When they returned to Lillian, they described the incident, which peaked the lorebrarian's interest. She surmised this mysterious dragon deserved a name regardless of visual proof and blurted out, "Echo!”

For more detail, breeding stats, visit the following links:

-           Fan Wikia: https://dragonvaleworld.fandom.com/wiki/Echo_Dragon

-           how to breed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNHZ_deyAVM

 

https://artstn.co/p/qAoRLL

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Lets continue our showcase:  post#13 of this 16 part series :Echo Adult with in game animations!

One Part Dragon, one part bat, we tried to incorporate precision in movement and a curious personality.  Not having eyes was definitely a challenge to giving these guys some character! And with its butterfly-like wings, A bone like head, and bat-like structure, its definitely unique.

Let us know what you think, and Stay tuned for the Echo Baby animations!!! 

https://artstn.co/p/Vd2EbN

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Post#13 of this 16 part series: Echo Baby animations!

We really went for the cute factor and the curious nature for the baby set.  Had a ton of fun working on this! 

Let us know what you think, and Stay tuned for the final dragon installment: Basilisk! 

https://artstn.co/p/8lB4PG

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Post #14 in our 16 part series!

The last dragon set we will share is 'Basilisk'.  Having no need for eyes in their pitch black world, their movements are sneaky & minimal, until they are swift & deadly. The intimidating design made it a challenge for a cuter, friendlier side of this dragon.

Lore: "Harry Pliny was working on a tricky plumbing spell when a Basilisk burst through the pipes. The poor wizard was so startled he just stood there as the dragon sauntered right towards his pumpermelon patch and began using its gaping maw as a shovel to scoop up whole swathes of crop. It then licked its claws, yawned a massive yawn, and curled up for a nap amidst the ruin. Later, Harry wrote in his journal, "I don't know what was more startling, the sight of the dragon in such close proximity, or the rate at which it devoured my pumpermelons."

For details/breeding stats on Basilisks:

- Fan Wiki: https://dragonvaleworld.fandom.com/wiki/Basilisk_Dragon

- How to breed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-wGwovkXSA

Take a look, and stay tuned for their animations later this week!

https://artstn.co/p/0XzNbE

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

Post #15 in our 16 part series - Tock Adult animations!

The basilisk's intimidating design made it a challenge for a cuter, friendlier side of this dragon. And the long, lanky whip like tail coupled with the long barrel-like torso really pushed us when developing its rig.  Note that this dragon is both a walker AND a swimmer (see in the animations).

Let us know what you think, and stay tuned for the Baby animations!!!

https://artstn.co/p/w8PoeV

LimitedSlipStudios

HERE BE DRAGONS!

This is the final post in our 16 part series - Basilisk Baby animations!  

The cuteness factor really comes through with this guy.  Combining a Mole-like body with Alligator attitude was a really strange combo, but it all worked out in the end.  I hope you agree- Let us know what you think!

Thank you for all the kind comments, follows and reactions.  We had a blast sharing some of our recent work with you, and hope you've enjoyed it as well!  We have some more works to share, so feel free to follow our Artstation page and stay tuned for future posts!

https://artstn.co/p/3oEOmE