Dreamscapes

First off Id like to state that these images are created through a hand-crafted process utilizing digital tools and does not use any sort of ai technology. Imagine the creative process of painting but utilizing digital tools instead of brushes. I personally find that utilizing ai technology stunts the creative process and I prefer art that is sourced from individuals who have crafted their skills through years of life experience and personal inspiration. I utilize Zbrush, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, Marmoset, Photoshop and After Effects.

Below is a test render in marmoset to see how the materials and lights are interacting.

Below is the initial zbrush sculpt. When I start these illustrations, I just start sculpting forms and shapes, sometimes I have a theme in mind, but mostly I just jump in sculpting. I try to come up with a shape language to tie the forms together and play with compositions. I can sculpt much faster than I can sketch so it allows me to experiment and play at a quick rate, letting creativity come through without the hindrance of tools. I’ve been working with zbrush for many years in the game industry, so I’m quite comfortable iterating quickly. Once I’m done with the sculpt, I have to prep the model to be utilized in “Substance painter” where Ill start creating materials.

Ill break up all the forms in separate parts so I can easily paint around each object. I will focus on coming up with a common style with color and materials and carry that visual language over to each prop. Ill then construct a scene in “Marmoset” and start setting up a base lighting and camera angle testing to see if the materials are working together. Ill keep massaging all of these elements until I reach a point that feels successful and then start rendering out test shots. The last step is massaging colors and levels in photoshop.