Hyper-realistic Insect Design
with Eric Keller
Description
In this video series, Eric Keller demonstrates his process for designing, modeling and texturing an original realistic insect using ZBrush, Maya, and Substance Painter, sharing techniques that he has developed over the years working on projects for both the scientific community and the entertainment industry. He talks about how he relies on insect physiology and evolutionary biology as guidelines for his original concept and how to bring photo and microscope reference directly into ZBrush using Spotlight. Eric takes the design from basic blockout using Dynamesh all the way to completed model. The chapters focus on how to sculpt and detail specific parts of the insect based on comparisons with other insects. The final model is then rigged and posed in Maya and lit and rendered based on simulating real world macro photography techniques. Eric also demonstrates how to light and render variations of the insect using the Octane for Maya plug-in. While the lectures demonstrate advanced techniques in these specific software packages the general principles can be applied to alternate workflows. The lecture also includes a bonus chapter on spider physiology and rendering techniques.
Duration: 7h 33m
Format: HD 1920x1080
Eric Keller
CG artist
Eric Keller is a veteran Freelance CG artist with over twenty-five years of experience creating models for feature films, episodic TV, scientific visualization, planetarium shows, VR, AR, 3D printing, and jewelry design. Eric has worked as a visual effects artist on commercials, television, games, and feature films for decades, with credits including John Wick: Chapter 4, Predator: Badlands, Aquaman, and The Haunting of Hill House.
Eric has also taught at Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games, and Animation, covering Maya and ZBrush, and has written highly rated books and tutorials on both programs. His instructional work has appeared in leading industry publications such as 3D World, and he has been invited as a guest lecturer at Harvard Medical School, sharing his expertise on 3D modeling and visualization techniques.
