rimscy.blogspot.com

Digital Painting: Nightmare

2012-02-17T03:34:00.001+08:00

Perhaps I'll take some time to polish it up a little.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Solar Bear

2012-02-07T22:37:00.000+08:00

Imagine the world in the absence of a sun, where living things are forced to live in complete darkness.
Then there is... the solar bear.

Concept sketch

Tools used:: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Lilee, Redesigned

2012-01-30T23:58:00.002+08:00

Revamped appearance of the character I designed over a year ago.
Looking forward to start on modelling sometime soon. Get my skills back. :)

The war has only just begun...

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Cindy

2012-01-28T05:08:00.002+08:00

Completely exhausted but satisfied. Goodnight everybody! :)

That very special person

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 2 hour 20 minutes

The Many Faces of James Bond

2012-01-25T00:04:00.001+08:00

This marks the completion of the Bond project for me. :)

Portrait of all the actors who played James Bond in the official EON films

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: George Lazenby

2012-01-17T01:17:00.001+08:00

Though not on my list of favourite Bond actors, On Her Majesty's Secret Service is in my opinion one of the most interesting film in the series alongside GoldenEye and Casino Royale.
However, the ending is really sad...

"This never happened to the other guy."

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Roger Moore

2012-01-13T23:21:00.004+08:00

Going back to the 007 Bond series; here is Roger Moore.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo
Last Updated: 12:21AM, 16 Jan 2012

Digital Painting: Klaus Nomi

2012-01-12T01:43:00.006+08:00

Never judge a man's voice by his appearance:
Guys simply must listen to The Cold Song. It will send a chill down your spine, I guarantee. :P

Lightning Strikes again, and again, and again.

(I worked on this while listening to John Barry's memorial concert broadcast. It was an emotional journey hearing what his old friends and fellow film composers had to say about their experiences with him. Now I have nothing but respect for that man and his music.)

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Top of the Hill

2012-01-07T02:16:00.002+08:00

If there was such a place... :))

Where the eagles soar

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Genie

2012-01-04T02:15:00.002+08:00

Wow, a genie!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Deathwing

2012-01-01T02:58:00.001+08:00

First digital painting for the new year!
Deathwing at the Maelstrom and what seemed like a puny little, possibly warrior or paladin tank. Apparently he doesn't have any team mates around so he must be very dead by the time you see this.

The Last Stand

Happy new year!
Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS5.1, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Grumpy Old Man

2011-12-27T20:41:00.001+08:00

Woo! First post since upgrading to a new computer!
It's been a while since I painted something and I thought I'd do a quick one for the Christmas holidays. Though... It's already over.
Anyway I've been thinking, Christmas isn't just about sharing and caring and bringing joy to one another. It's about spending and budget-breaking and stuff. So here's what our lovely dear Santa Claus truly represents.

"Money or Joy!"

This is dedicated to everyone around, especially Mr. SyaeZ who is currently on the way back from Taiwan.

Or maybe I'm just in really great mood today. Who knows?

Digital Painting: Wings

2011-11-24T01:27:00.002+08:00

At last, produced something I'm fully satisfied with. :)

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 2 hour 40 minutes

It's OVER 9000!

2011-11-22T03:16:00.001+08:00

Hah 9000 views! I thought I'd try something new.
Thanks for the support and comments people!

An Unorthodox Flying Object

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 2 hours

Digital Painting: Daniel Craig

2011-11-16T01:43:00.009+08:00

Updated. Wasn't quite satisfied with the initial painting so I attempted another from a different angle and lighting. It's surprisingly difficult to capture his features! The "feel" was very on and off during the process of painting.

Initial painting without references

Second attempt with references. Altered angle and lighting

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Last Updated: 11:47PM, 21 Nov 2011

Digital Painting: Pierce Brosnan

2011-11-12T01:45:00.007+08:00

2nd update. So far he's still my favorite Bond actor!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Last Updated: 12:23AM, 16 Jan 2012

Digital Painting: Timothy Dalton

2011-11-11T01:13:00.002+08:00

Okay. Took some time off gaming to do a quick painting.
I have this idea of doing a portrait of all the previous Bond actors. But first, I have to watch the film.
There's 6 of them, right?

My name is Bond, James Bond.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 1 hour

Digital Painting: Elaine, Janelle, Melany

2011-10-18T02:34:00.000+08:00

Done by request. My apologies for any imperfection, I am but a student. :P

Elaine, Janelle, Melany

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Practice I

2011-09-29T03:23:00.001+08:00

Just another random practice painting done really late at night.
Been doing way too much flash at my attachment company and slowly distancing from my Bamboo (company uses Intuos 3, a little low on grip for my taste).

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 2 hr 39 min

Quick Sketch: Girl

2011-09-15T18:05:00.001+08:00

No references, just sketch :P

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop 7.0, Wacom Intuos 3

Time taken: 7 mins

Concept Art: iMech

2011-09-05T02:45:00.000+08:00

It's my mech!

Workflow

Final

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 1 hr 10 mins

Final Year Project 2: Character Turntables

2011-09-02T18:14:00.001+08:00

The Manticore
The protagonist. A loyal commander who lived in biblical times. He had much success leading his men to war and emerging victorious until he was betrayed and executed by the Sun King who had gone mad with power, turning the entire kingdom into a lifeless desert. Since resurrected by a rogue wizard's ritual (a highly tedious procedure), he had sprouted a set of wings and a scorpion tail as a permanent side effect. Over time, he naturally developed a feline fighting style, which combined with his altered physique forms the recipe for the ultimate warrior.

PolyCount: 8680

No. of texture maps: 3

Texture map resolution: 1024x1024

Efreet
A powerful fire based creature that can be summoned, able to teleport in and out of combat, instantly turning the tide in battles.

PolyCount: 4231

No. of texture maps: 3

Texture map resolution: 1024x1024

Sun King
The main antagonist and the source of corruption. He has full control over the sun and draws energy from it. Throughout his reign of terror, he turned half of the earth into a scorching desert, where the sun never sets.

PolyCount: 6382

No. of texture maps: 3

Texture map resolution: 1024x1024

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe After Effects CS5

Final Year Project 2: Manticore VS Sun King

2011-09-02T05:09:00.002+08:00

Rendered video without sound.

Prelude to boss encounter

Special thanks to ASCIISyaeZ for helping out with creating visual effects and video editing on such short notice, and lecturers for giving helpful feedback and suggestions along the course of the project.

Will follow the advice to continue improvising on this video and use it for grad show. :)

Software used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Adobe After Effects CS5, Sony Vegas

Final Year Project 2: Environment (Final)

2011-08-29T23:44:00.001+08:00

Some more test rendering and tweaking on the environment lighting and shadows. I would prefer using layered texture for the terrain if there was more time, it would really bring out the area around the oasis.

Tiny little desert plants :)

Animation is now!
Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Final Year Project 2: Environment (Compilation)

2011-08-29T21:49:00.002+08:00

Putting everything in place.

Wireframe

Smooth shaded

Textured and lit

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Final Year Project 2: Weapons

2011-08-29T04:19:00.002+08:00

"Die waffen legt an!"

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Efreet (Final)

2011-08-28T04:16:00.001+08:00

Ah, the sweet sense of accomplishment; the source of my motivation and determination. It's like being in love!
Sure it's hard work but looking back at the end product makes it all worthwhile. :)
Now I need waffen, und additional props for my eerily empty environment.

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Final Year Project 2: Sun King (Final)

2011-08-27T21:20:00.002+08:00

Turntable and lighting test.
It's really a waste because I modeled this character with some interesting facial features. The details didn't come out as much as I wanted due to the helmet.

2 down, 1 more to go.
Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Final Year Project 2: Sun King (Texture)

2011-08-27T04:47:00.004+08:00

Oh, it's past 4:30 in the morning. Great. I've finally lost my complete sense of time.
Texturing while listening to the making of The Dark Knight. Ah, c'est la vie!
Adding VFX to my list of post-FYP self-study. For now, appointment with bed. :)

Perspective, Front view, Side view

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Sketch: The Team

2011-08-25T03:44:00.003+08:00

Meet The Team

Where's the soldier and demoman? ;D
Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Efreet (Texture)

2011-08-24T18:26:00.000+08:00

I'm done with this one for now, next step rigging. Gonna take a short break for now.. I'm mentally exhausted!

Perspective, Front view, Side view

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Storyboard Thumbnails

2011-08-24T03:29:00.001+08:00

Got a little sick of texture painting so I did a quick sketch of the storyboard I had in mind.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Sun King (Model)

2011-08-23T01:14:00.001+08:00

Alright, here marks the end of the character modeling phase for me. Moving on to unwrap and texturing.., though looking back the models makes me feel like adding more detail to them.

Perspective, Front view, Side view

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Final Year Project 2: Efreet (Model)

2011-08-21T01:10:00.001+08:00

Worked on this for the day. Kinda slow on the progress. Damn you rainy day! *raise fist*

Perspective, Front view, Side view

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Final Year Project 2: Enemy Concept

2011-08-17T04:42:00.000+08:00

An early concept sketch of the final boss and minion.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: The Manticore (Final)

2011-08-15T22:13:00.001+08:00

The model is now fully rigged, textured and lit. Invested many hours into this but it's all worth the effort! :P
Now to start worrying about if I can complete the rest of the project in the next 3 weeks.. D: Gotta rush!

Took a few frames off my turntable render to save time

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Digital Painting: Azazel

2011-08-07T19:17:00.001+08:00

Quick painting based on the character from First Class portrayed by Jason Flemyng.

He's real badass!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 35 minutes

Final Year Project 2: The Manticore (Texture)

2011-07-25T00:57:00.003+08:00

Finished applying texture to the mesh (at last!) and did a quick lighting test. I'd say it passed. :D
Time to rig and prepare for animation!

Perspective, Front view, Side view

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4

Final Year Project 2: The Manticore (Model)

2011-07-17T17:05:00.001+08:00

Silhouette, Perspective, Side view

Almost ready to unwrap, just going to add a few more accessories while keeping polycount under 8k.

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Sonic 3: Angel Island Zone (Music)

2011-07-11T00:36:00.014+08:00

This is an aural transcription of the original first level background music from Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
It was done partly as a hobby and as a request for a friend.

I first created the score in Sibelius then exported it as a .midi file and later converted it into .mp3 via an online converter. The sound quality is a lot better in comparison.

Link to the site can be found here: Free Midi Converter

Theme from Act 1

Theme from Act 2

Mini Boss Theme

Major Boss Theme

Note: Original music composed by Sonic Team
Tools used: Sibelius 5.0, Windows Movie Maker

Digital Painting: Winter

2011-07-02T05:19:00.004+08:00

Polished up the draft and gave it a slight overexposure effect.
This is neither photo referenced, nor is it based off any real life person. It is purely built from my imagination, and I'm proud of it!

Beauty is not just something to be seen, it is something to be felt

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 2 hours 15 minutes

Digital Painting: ÜberCharged

2011-06-30T04:01:00.002+08:00

When you are staring point blank at Heavy with the K.G.B., you may as well drop your pants and surrender.

Just a friendly word of advice. :)

The lethal combination

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Magneto II

2011-06-24T02:48:00.008+08:00

Combined 2 of my recent paintings together (and added some screen effects) in an attempt to create something more interesting.

Probably what it would look like if Sebastian Shaw and Magneto were to be working together. Hahah.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Nuke

2011-06-22T04:55:00.002+08:00

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Cake

2011-06-21T06:05:00.004+08:00

A tribute to the Portal series of games. Love it!
I hope there is a third installment coming soon...

"...you will be baked, and then there will be cake."

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Magneto

2011-06-20T06:04:00.001+08:00

Ah, it seemed like ages since I last held my Wacom pen!
Couldn't help it, took some time off 3D to do a quick painting.

Erik Lehnsherr, Magneto

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 1 hour 15 minutes

Parody Logo Design: Team McFortress 2

2011-06-14T22:00:00.003+08:00

A sudden inspiration while eating McDonald's Big Breakfast. Enjoy!

It takes four hundred thousand dollars to display this image... for twelve seconds!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4

Flash 4 Dead: Zombies and Guns

2011-06-14T20:52:00.003+08:00

In addition to the previous Flash 4 Dead post, a zombie character and 2 new weapons have been created.
(This is done as a request for a friend of mine who is currently working on an actionscript animation assignment.)

Zombie says hi

Tools used: Adobe Flash CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Manticore Concept II

2011-06-13T17:41:00.000+08:00

Upgraded.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Flash 4 Dead: Zoey and Louis

2011-06-10T17:20:00.004+08:00

Vector characters I designed and created based on the original Left 4 Dead survivors.
As the title suggests, I really, really hate working on Flash.
(This is done as a request for a friend of mine who is currently working on an actionscript animation assignment.)

Zoey says hi

Tools used: Adobe Flash CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Actions and Expressions

2011-06-09T17:36:00.000+08:00

Self-made references for future animation use.
Gonna take a long time hand-keyframing these actions. :S

Expressions

Actions

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Canon Powershot A3200

Digital Painting: My World

2011-06-08T02:02:00.003+08:00

I missed out pizza! :P

Things I love, care and desire

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 40 minutes

Final Year Project 2: Manticore Concept

2011-06-06T13:54:00.000+08:00

This is an early concept of the protagonist or "hero" in the fictional game I'm creating.
Currently he is without armor or weapons, they will be added on the next update.

The Manticore

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Desert Palace (Textured)

2011-06-05T22:03:00.000+08:00

The progress of my Final Year Project so far.

Currently working on the storyboard and brainstorming for ideas!

Applied some changes to the palm tree model

Another test render of the scene so far

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4

Comic: Saving General Warfield

2011-06-03T02:44:00.002+08:00

[Click on image above to view in full size]

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Comic: Worm (2006)

2011-06-02T00:09:00.003+08:00

This is a comic strip I drew back in June 11, 2006 for a live comic competition.
I was the first to submit and nailed the gold by judges' decision. The prize was a pack of copic liners, I still have them and still drawing. :)

When I started, I never expected to win anything. It was more of a get it done and over with attitude.
I took roughly about 15 minutes to complete the entire thing, planning, character, story, frame arrangement etc.
Oh and by the way the main character used was to be designed based on the person sitting next to me... so yeah she should be quite confused as to why I depicted her as a worm with hair.

After the whole judging thing, they took a candid photo of me and gave me a short interview and it was out on that week's Chinese newspaper.

Below is the cut-out by my dad:

I am so under dressed!

Final Year Project 2: Palm Tree Model

2011-05-30T01:55:00.002+08:00

Here's a small update.
Had a lot of fun building this one :)

Mesh, Texture, Lighting

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4

Final Year Project 2: House Model II

2011-05-29T16:17:00.004+08:00

2nd model unwrapped and textured.
Did a little tweaking on the environmental lighting as well.
It so exciting to see the scene slowly becoming what I have in mind.
Gotta push on! :D

Test render with lighting

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4

Final Year Project 2: Desert Palace (Model)

2011-05-29T00:37:00.009+08:00

I noticed something today.

Once I start modeling, I can't seem to stop until its done or till I'm satisfied.

That kind of freaked myself out a little. I was feeling thirsty the whole time but just couldn't get up to grab a drink... for 3 hours!

Anyways woot! That's probably the most work I've ever done in one day: Built a skybox, modeled a building, unwrapped and textured another.
Time for relaxation! :P

Polygonal mesh

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4
Time taken: 3 hours 35 minutes

Comic: StuffedCraft (Colored)

2011-05-23T18:43:00.006+08:00

Finally took some time to get it colored.

[Click on image above to view in full size]

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Tomboy

2011-05-22T02:57:00.006+08:00

Girls with guns

Update (23 May 2011): Uploaded new version with a lighter background.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 4 hours

Final Year Project 2: House Model I

2011-05-21T01:58:00.003+08:00

First house model completed!
One small step for progress, one giant leap for motivation. I'm happy. :)
Doors and windows will be added on later together with other environmental props.

Test render with lighting

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Final Year Project 2: Environment Concept

2011-05-17T16:28:00.007+08:00

Okay as of now, the design phase of my Final Year Project officially begins.
Adopted the Egyptian / Middle Eastern style architecture in the land of knights and kings.

This is where the final battle takes place:

Couple of designs soon to be modeled in Maya:

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Self-Portrait

2011-05-15T22:07:00.000+08:00

Me!

Decided to do a painting of myself, used a mirror as reference. :D

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 1 hour 10 minutes

Digital Artbook: GALEXIS

2011-05-09T14:05:00.005+08:00

An artbook I created for a fictional space exploration-action game, used as my final assignment submission for Environment Visualization. Enjoy!

Note: Matte paintings are created with images found on various websites via Google search.
Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Eyes

2011-05-06T18:21:00.000+08:00

All eyes are upon you!

Ever get that feeling that whatever you are doing is being monitored by someone or... something?

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Bloodthirsty

2011-05-05T01:52:00.001+08:00

Aren't we all?

Vampires have the thirst for blood, humans have the thirst for success.
Whenever we fail to achieve what we desire, everything around us just seems meaningless or rather... pale.
Well, spare others the unpleasant look on our faces and start doing something about it.
Hard work doesn't guarantee success, but it gives us a chance to succeed...

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Femme Fatale

2011-05-02T01:49:00.007+08:00

From Russia with love, lots of love

Update (04 May 2011): Edited and re-uploaded picture

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Centaur

2011-04-29T00:39:00.004+08:00

A female centaur!

Damn, my wrist hurts. I should take a break now :)

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4
Time taken: 4 hours

Digital Painting: Sentinel

2011-04-28T01:38:00.001+08:00

A design I had in mind for the past few days. Probably using this as a character concept for my Final Year Project. Still deciding...

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: My Friend, The Gecko

2011-04-27T01:25:00.003+08:00

This little guy never fails to cheer me up. Today is no exception :)

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

3D Visual Effects: Back Alley

2011-04-26T02:11:00.009+08:00

This is a small scene created by myself to incorporate several elements present in a thunder storm.
The whole idea is to create a set of effects that has relation to its environment rather than standalone pieces that had nothing to do with each other. Design of the scene is based (as title suggests) on back alleys. Now to think of it, I probably should've included a dumpster.
Effects present in this scene uses UV texture animation and particle system.
Compilation is done in Unity 3D, a free downloaded game engine for non-commercial use.

Lightning, rain and oil drum fire.

Water splashes and rain drops.

If that looks like a lot of work, here's a little secret: I completed it in less than a day (6-7 hours with some frustration on the lightmap which eventually did not work and was left out), including the models.

This is the original color map (left) used for the scene.
I also generated a lightmap that's baked onto texture (right) as well on UV2 but did not manage to map it correctly inside Unity 3D.

Note: Textures made from pictures and photos taken from various websites via Google search.
Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011, Unity 3D, Adobe Photoshop CS4,Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Heartbroken

2011-04-25T03:30:00.013+08:00

Most human beings would experience this emotional feeling at some point of their lives:

From since the person you knew you would devote all your heart into loving appears from beyond the horizon. To the time that person is standing next to you. And finally when both lives are separated, leaving you in suspense wondering if that person would ever be seen again.

The greater the happiness something gives you,

the greater the pain it causes when it is taken away.

However no matter how bad things may seem, there's always a new beginning to look forward to as long as you let it. Be good at what you do and be grateful for what you get!

And as Penn Jillette says: "Never heal a broken heart by pretending it's not broken."

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Concept Sketches: David, Lyn, Mookjai, and Suharto

2011-04-21T01:43:00.005+08:00

These rough character sketches are done up for my Final Year Project. When approved, a full character design will be drawn ,consisting of the front and side views. The modeling phase will then follow. These four characters are each of a unique race representing their respective countries. David being French, Lyn - Chinese, Mookjai comes from Thailand and Suharto from Indonesia.
Update (25 Apr 2011): Idea was discontinued as my group mate decided to work solo on another project.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Heroes of Might and Magic III: High Score

2011-04-20T02:04:00.003+08:00

OK. I played this when I was back in Taiwan for vacation.
And surprisingly, it broke all my previous high score records.

Here are some screenshots I took at the end.
Also to note, this is on expert difficulty against 7 AI opponents, FFA.

The Final Battle
(not very epic as this was his last ditch effort to recapture the nearest town)

Victorious!

3D Animation: Attack and Defeat (Lilee)

2011-04-20T01:09:00.007+08:00

This was done as my final assignment submission for Real-Time 3D Animation module some time in February this year.
The 3D model I used to animate was one I created back in September 2010 for my semester project. For more information on the 3D model, refer to: Semester Project 3: Lilee and Linsy

Character rigging and weight painting are completed during class time.
Methods used in creating the animations include blendshapes (facial expressions), smooth bind (body) and rigid bind (accessories) skeletons.

Below are the rendered playblasts of the animations:

Forward flip attack from standing pose (looping)

Defeat from standing pose (non-looping)

Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011
Special thanks: Mr. Ron Ang

Comic: StuffedCraft

2011-04-18T14:24:00.004+08:00

[Click on image above to view in full size]

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Mutalisk

2011-04-17T15:55:00.001+08:00

The Zerg race's very own terror of the skies.

Painted this when I was in Taiwan, using my laptop and realized I didn't have CS4 installed. The graphics driver was outdated as well. That's the consequence for not even switching it on for over a year: No pen pressure for opacity!

Tools used: Photoshop Elements 7.0, Wacom Bamboo

3D Modeling: Apocalypse Tank

2011-03-24T08:29:00.003+08:00

Completed 3D model of the iconic Apocalypse Tank from Red Alert 2.
Modeled based on concept sketches found on the internet.

Time taken: Approx. 5 hours
Tools used: Autodesk Maya 2011

Comic: Gamer

2011-03-20T03:14:00.002+08:00

It's something gamers like myself have to battle constantly every single day of our lives: Reality.
Some days we prevail (the path to losing track of time and surroundings) and other days we get crushed by it (well... assignments).

I ought to be doing something... something constructive... nah maybe tomorrow.

Digital Painting: Steiner Tank

2011-03-12T06:49:00.005+08:00

Yes, it's pro wrestling's Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner hybrid with Left 4 Dead's Tank!
Here's the work in progress:

And the final artwork:

It has been awhile since I last did a digital painting. Hopefully I can find some time in between gaming to brush up on my skills a little :)

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Matte Painting: Future City

2011-02-12T21:57:00.003+08:00

Yeap, a pretty generic title for this pic.
I didn't know what else to name it.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Autodesk Maya 2011

Digital Painting: Witch!

2011-01-13T18:30:00.000+08:00

Alt-Tabbing will do you no good...

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Ocean Depths

2011-01-01T04:13:00.002+08:00

What lurks at the bottom ain't pretty

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: 3 hours

Digital Painting: Arclite Shock Cannon

2010-12-29T17:34:00.001+08:00

"I dispensed some indiscriminate justice!"

A small tribute to the Siege Tanks in StarCraft and StarCraft II.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Archangel

2010-12-26T02:18:00.002+08:00

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo
Time taken: Approx. 5 hours

Digital Matte Painting: Frozen Falls (Final)

2010-12-18T18:48:00.000+08:00

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Concept Sketches: Environment Design

2010-12-14T22:15:00.001+08:00

Et voilá!
A couple of concept artworks I did some time ago for my Environment Visualization class:

Desert and swamp

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Comic: Darkpaladin

2010-11-11T05:58:00.007+08:00

This one is based on my Blood Elf paladin of the same name. I play on the Dragonmaw US server. :) See you there!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Comic: A.J. Styles, The Phenomenal One

2010-11-11T05:57:00.004+08:00

Well, a short introduction: This here is the stylized version of my favorite American professional wrestler, A.J. Styles. I've really enjoyed watching his performance since back when I was in primary school. I would still do so frequently if I weren't so busy dealing with school assignments.This guy has wowed me all these years without fail with his incredible athletic capability. Thumbs up for his pure awesomeness!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Matte Painting: Frozen Falls (Concept)

2010-10-28T19:57:00.001+08:00

A quick touch up to the original concept sketch. Increased the level of detail to the image as well as the lighting.
Below, I attempted to give a more epic feel to the scene by dropping the brightness to push contrast.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Matte Painting: Frozen Falls (Sketch)

2010-10-24T21:43:00.006+08:00

Above, the concept art for my first assignment on digital matte painting. Not much, just a sunrise over the horizon of a lake with the majestic waterfalls frozen completely solid. Well, if you're wondering it took me just over an hour's time to conjure up this image.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Matte Painting: Cityscape

2010-10-24T21:36:00.004+08:00

Just had my first lesson on digital matte painting today (Well, technically yesterday). Thus above, my second attempt done during class time as a small exercise for the tutor to get a rough idea of our standards in photoshop. I'm pretty excited about it right now and I'm determined to do a much better job for my assignments to come. So far I've been having much interest in becoming a 2D concept artist, 3D modeler, texture painter, visual effects artist as well as digital matte painter. Oh, and I'm also looking forward to learning how to properly rig 3D models along with a bit of animation.
I really hope I can become good at this someday. My greatest desire!
A big thank you to all my lecturers and tutors in advance!

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Matte Painting: Castle (Enhanced)

2010-10-21T02:27:00.006+08:00

Spent 4 hours today on enhancing my digital matte painting giving it a more believable, realistic look.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Matte Painting: Castle

2010-10-20T03:40:00.005+08:00

Welcome to my first ever attempt at digital matte painting. This is an improvisation of my school exercise on Environment Visualization.
I don't have an exact name for it as of yet so I'll just call it Castle. Total time spent on this painting is 115 minutes. As this is the first time I'm trying to do a matte painting, I didn't want to kill myself with all the tiny details as seen in work from the professionals. Therefore seriously speaking, this picture below should still have been categorized under concept art.

The ruins was designed to be the once beautiful homeland of the White Knight. I'll fill you in on what happened to its inhabitants as I progress further into this module.
For the castle, it was originally built in the midst of a dense forest, on top of the sturdiest rocks found by man back then in the region. There was a river passing through the forest nearby and the soil around its floodplains was extremely fertile. Soon the population was expanding. Trees were cut down to make way for farms. People's lives are greatly improving. Nobody seemed to give a second thought. It was not until many years later that nature finally struck back. Due to massive deforestation over the decades, the soft soil in the region was becoming increasingly eroded by the fast-flowing river. This happened so quickly one night in a huge thunderstorm. Everything that the gushing water could take away were taken leaving behind exactly what is shown in the picture above. The remaining population were then disconnected from the outside world.

Below shows how I began my painting as well as the original painting before adding layers for effects:

Draft

Completed Painting w/o Effects

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: White Knight

2010-10-18T03:25:00.002+08:00

This had been what I have always wanted to be: A lone courageous warrior with his trusted steed on a crusade to find the meaning of life.
He fights for what is right, believes in no god or others, only in himself. White here represents superiority and righteousness. A trustworthy companion is one just like the special people who have sacrificed their time and effort to assist him at times when he needed it most. He will be ever grateful towards them and shall return the favor on a later date.
The characters are cast in a desert environment under harsh, direct sunlight causing overexposure. First (failed) attempt to create a lens flare effect via painting as the lens flare tool from photoshop isn't working out too well for this scene.

The image below shows how I initially start off my digital paintings: A quick draft and creating a palette consisting of the base colors which I intend to use. The draft serves as an important guideline so even if you need to make alterations in the process, you wouldn't veer too far off course.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Colossus

2010-10-16T11:00:00.001+08:00

Any statue that is exceptionally large in size can be known as a colossus.

However, this one has been animated and is making its way across the stormy sea.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Efreet

2010-10-16T10:55:00.004+08:00

An Efreet, otherwise known as afreet or ifrit, is a type of supernatural creature which belongs in the Arabic and Islamic religions. They are called upon as infernal spirits that attribute to fire and are often noted for their ruthlessness and cunning.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Digital Painting: Scorpion

2010-10-15T12:22:00.005+08:00

A 2 hour digital painting session of my astrological sign Scorpio.

Don't worry, I won't bite. I STING.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo

Semester Project 3: Game Poster

2010-09-17T18:26:00.008+08:00

This here is the game poster. Spent about 5 hours painting it using a Wacom tablet. The image resolution is much lower than what I would normally paint on as this is originally created to serve as a web introduction screen.

Tools used: Adobe Photoshop CS4, Wacom Bamboo