CHARLIE HA

Dire Wolf

Project type:

Extinct Animal Sculpting project in Zbrush and Maya.

Project description:

For this project, I brought an extinct creature to life because this addresses some of the challenges sculptors face when they do not have complete reference. I selected any prehistoric or extinct animal as long as there is no known photographic evidence of the animal. I studied bones and muscles anatomy, artist interpretations, and looked at reference images in video games. I modeled the Wolf based on the dog model provided by Zbrush.

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The main objective for this project is to get more comfortable with digital sculpting and painting. A second objective is to start learning the interface and sculpting tools within Zbrush.

Date:

February 10 - 23, 2025

Role:

3D Sculptor.

Project highlight:

Renders from different angles:

Dire Wolf 1

Dire wolf 2

Texture:

Dire Wolf Texture

Reference:

Dire Wolf Reference

Reflection:

This project helped me learn how to use sculpting and painting tools in ZBrush. I also gained experience in researching visual references and problem-solving when faced with gaps or inconsistencies in available materials. For example, some references depict dire wolves as closely related to gray wolves, while others portray them with flatter, more stylized facial features. I chose to sculpt based on the more realistic wolf-like interpretation.

To tackle the challenge of sculpting fur, I used a ZBrush Fur Alpha created by VK Gamedev Digital Products in Artstation. Painting in ZBrush was particularly challenging for me, as I’m more accustomed to entering HEX codes rather than selecting colors manually.

Feedback I received included suggestions to add eyes with a glint for a more lifelike appearance, improve color blending around the face, and give more attention to the detail and form of the tail.