“George.” Digital Creature Concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes. (click to view full-size image)
Yes, I have done yet another creature concept. This one I’ve named “George.” I have been doing these creature concept for several reasons. First, to build up my “Characters and Creatures Portfolio.” Second, to keep practicing using my ZBrush application — specifically practicing creating believable muscle masses, as well as different texturing techniques. And finally, because it is fun.
That’s right, I’m having fun. When I first started with this concept, I wasn’t exactly sure what kind of creature George was going to be. However, as I started building him up, I decided to make him into an amphibian-like monster. I initially thought he would be an alien scientist, but I just finished watching one of the “Hobbit” movies… so I concluded George would be a monster.
Full sized image of George’s head. Note the “gills” under his ear. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
On the technical side, for any fellow ZBrushers who may be reading this blog, this is the first time I’ve used ZBrush’s “body parts” insert brush to build up the torso, arms and legs. Typically, I use a preset base mesh when sculpting humanioid characters, but I found it to be much easier to use this insert brush. I will be definitely using this brush for future sculpts.
I have also created a video depicting my sculpting workflow. I do these videos (of which all of them can be viewed on my Videos page) for a couple of reasons. First, to help me with my self-promotion. Second, so I can review and hopefully continue to improve my sculpting techniques.
As before, George here was created in ZBrush, with the final image produced in Photoshop. I hope you like George as much as I do.
“Rover.” Creature Concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
I have completed my latest creature concept. “Rover” is now alive. I wanted to create a fierce-looking, completely alien creature (hence the four eyes and natural armor). While detailing Rover, I wanted to make him appear to have been in multiple battles so I added various scars and scratches. You can view the final detailing process in my latest video release of my sculpt.
Rover was created in ZBrush, with final composite produced in Adobe Photoshop. I hope you like him.
“Jake.” Character Concep;t. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes (click image to view larger rendering)
I had originally created this character in my early attempts at using ZBrush. Though I was really pleased with my first concept, I learned so much more since then. With that said, I really wanted this “Jake” character to look more “real.” I think I finally managed to reach this goal. Please let me know what you think.
Technically this is still a WIP (work-in-progress). I am still detailing the coat, pants and other accessories. I will post the completed sculpt at a later date.
“Frank.” Character Concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
Meet Frank. My newest character concept. The idea behind Frank was to create a half human, half alien rogue. I had in mind from the beginning in this concept to create a dark-skinned character with blond hair and orange eyes, giving him a more alien appearance. However I wanted any other alien features to be softened (skull bones and ridges less pronounced) with the hope he would be a handsome “Face-like” (from the A-Team) character. I hope I achieved this goal.
As always, I created this character using ZBrush, and final production was completed in Photoshop. Feedback would be appreciated.
“Red Hood.” Creature concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
I decided to try my hand at creating a creature concept. I was playing on my ZBrush application with no real idea in mind when I just started pulling out shapes from a sphere. Eventually this creature came to life.
“Red-Hooded Lizard-Thingy” is more of a working title for this creature concept. The fact is, I’m no biologist so I can’t think of a real name for this piece. If anybody has an idea, please add a comment with your suggestion.
I was actually very pleased with the results of this creature concept, that I created desktop wallpapers from this image. If you’d like one, visit my FREE Image Library to download a copy for yourself.
As I noted above, this creature concept was created in ZBrush, with the final image produced in Photoshop.
I hope you like it.
“Alix.” Character Concept. (c) 2014 Michael J. Barnes.
I had some spare time on my hands the past couple of days, so I started doodling with an idea and finally came up with this. I named this character “Alix.” This new concept piece is of an alien character. I will probably use him in a future illustration, but I don’t know how to employ him just yet.
During the process of building up this character concept, I decided I wanted to make him into a “tough guy,” but I didn’t want to put him in armor. I finally decided that I was going to create a “crime boss” character. Someone like Jabba the Hutt. With that in mind, I decided to add piercings, then a scar through the eye that rendered this character’s eye damaged. I actually thought about adding a tattoo to the face but scrapped that idea because I decided that would be too much. Finally, I decided to put him in “casual” wear, which would be more “boss” like.
This character concept was sculpted in Zbrush with the final image produced in Photoshop.