Koi Knight

This project was truly a labor of love that I've been working on in sprints. I wanted to find a challenging concept to push my high poly asset creation with a unique design. After shortlisting a couple of Illustrations I ran across this concept by Sora Kim, and after reaching out they were gracious enough to allow me to use their work for a portfolio piece: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/0lLvZY

I wanted to give a shoutout to a couple of artists I reached out to for feedback during the process that pushed me to make it amazing!

John Hannon for sticking with me since I started it to give consistent polish feedback and high-poly workflows: https://www.artstation.com/johnhannon

Eva Sophie Cringle for texture, lighting and presentation feedback
https://www.artstation.com/evanyla

Trysten (Phenix) for Unreal Engine feedback, workflows and lighting advice!
https://www.artstation.com/phenix_txt

Rig created with Blender and Auto Rig Pro with some custom bones for the tail cape and swords

Rig created with Blender and Auto Rig Pro with some custom bones for the tail cape and swords

early node tree in substance designer for the rope material

early node tree in substance designer for the rope material

Took a couple attempts and some deep dives into designer to get it right

Took a couple attempts and some deep dives into designer to get it right

Highpoly Zbrush sculpt

Highpoly Zbrush sculpt

Rig test for the upper torso