3D Character case study of
Valoron
Game-ready, optimized, fully animated.
3D Character case study of
Valoron
Game-ready, optimized, fully animated.
3D Character case study of
Valoron
Game-ready, optimized, fully animated.
How I make these 3D characters for you?
Creating character, can be very dauting and very time taking. Only a couple of years ago it used to take several man hours in repetitive tasks!
But thanks to several AI tools that helps in fastening certain parts of the pipeline. And no, its not just " prompt and whoosh!", far from that. When it comes to quality characters, AI is not quite there.
But rather than going black and white, we deploy it strategically to automate the more boring repetitive tasks "We chime in when it doesn't do a very good job"
How I make these 3D characters for you?
Creating character, can be very dauting and very time taking. Only a couple of years ago it used to take several man hours in repetitive tasks!
But thanks to several AI tools that helps in fastening certain parts of the pipeline. And no, its not just " prompt and whoosh!", far from that. When it comes to quality characters, AI is not quite there.
But rather than going black and white, we deploy it strategically to automate the more boring repetitive tasks "We chime in when it doesn't do a very good job"
How I make these 3D characters for you?
Creating character, can be very dauting and very time taking. Only a couple of years ago it used to take several man hours in repetitive tasks!
But thanks to several AI tools that helps in fastening certain parts of the pipeline. And no, its not just " prompt and whoosh!", far from that. When it comes to quality characters, AI is not quite there.
But rather than going black and white, we deploy it strategically to automate the more boring repetitive tasks "We chime in when it doesn't do a very good job"
PHASE 1 :
FINALIZING THE CONCPET AND MOODBOARD
For this project, we chose a stunning concept artwork by an unknown artist as the main inspiration, refining it into a style guide and production ready reference
Locking in the concept
Define character's role purpose and vision
Concept analysation
A curated board covering shapes, materials, and props
Reference Optimization
We adapt the chosen artwork into a production ready reference
Standout Factor
Assessing design to make sure its marketable and memorable
Revision Minimizer
Our alignment process removes 80% of potential feedback loops
By locking in the concept now, we ensure every next phase is faster, cleaner, and stress-free. This is the foundation that keeps your budget in check and your deadlines on track.
PHASE 1 :
FINALIZING THE CONCPET AND MOODBOARD
For this project, we chose a stunning concept artwork by an unknown artist as the main inspiration, refining it into a style guide and production ready reference
Locking in the concept
Define character's role purpose and vision
Concept analysation
A curated board covering shapes, materials, and props
Reference Optimization
We adapt the chosen artwork into a production ready reference
Standout Factor
Assessing design to make sure its marketable and memorable
Revision Minimizer
Our alignment process removes 80% of potential feedback loops
By locking in the concept now, we ensure every next phase is faster, cleaner, and stress-free. This is the foundation that keeps your budget in check and your deadlines on track.
PHASE 2 :
HIGH POLY SCULPTING IN ZBRUSH
We bring the approved concept to life in stunning high-resolution detail, capturing every crease, armor plate, and prop with precision. This stage sets the artistic tone for the entire model.
Shape perfection
Refined proportions and anatomy for a strong, believable silhouette.
Detail Pass
Intricate armor, fabric folds, and surface textures that elevate realism.
Prop & Weapon Sculpting
Every accessory is crafted to match the hero’s design language.
Style Fidelity
Stays true to the concept art while enhancing visual impact.
Client Preview
Mid-stage update for quick approvals before detailing
This is where the character gains its soul. A meticulous high poly sculpt ensures the final game-ready asset retains every bit of artistry from the concept.
PHASE 2 :
HIGH POLY SCULPTING IN ZBRUSH
We bring the approved concept to life in stunning high-resolution detail, capturing every crease, armor plate, and prop with precision. This stage sets the artistic tone for the entire model.
Shape perfection
Refined proportions and anatomy for a strong, believable silhouette.
Detail Pass
Intricate armor, fabric folds, and surface textures that elevate realism.
Prop & Weapon Sculpting
Every accessory is crafted to match the hero’s design language.
Style Fidelity
Stays true to the concept art while enhancing visual impact.
Client Preview
Mid-stage update for quick approvals before detailing
This is where the character gains its soul. A meticulous high poly sculpt ensures the final game-ready asset retains every bit of artistry from the concept.
PHASE 3 :
RETOPOLOGY AND MESH OPTIMIZATION
We convert the high poly sculpt into a clean, optimized mesh ready for animation and engine integration — without losing critical details. This ensures smooth performance and efficient production. The high poly sculpt serves as the blueprint for building an efficient, game-ready topology.
Clean Geometry
Optimized edge flow for deformation and easy rigging.
Polycount Control
Balanced density for quality and performance.
Animation-Ready
Topology tailored for smooth bending and posing.
Engine Compatibility
Meshes built for Unity, Unreal, and other target platforms.
Consistency Check
Every part matches the proportions and silhouette of the sculpt.
This is one of the most important phase and putting decent effort into this phase helps in saving a lot of time in the future. Lockingin the concept and all the features help us start strong and minimize feedback loops in the later stages of the process.
PHASE 3 :
RETOPOLOGY AND MESH OPTIMIZATION
We convert the high poly sculpt into a clean, optimized mesh ready for animation and engine integration — without losing critical details. This ensures smooth performance and efficient production. The high poly sculpt serves as the blueprint for building an efficient, game-ready topology.
Clean Geometry
Optimized edge flow for deformation and easy rigging.
Polycount Control
Balanced density for quality and performance.
Animation-Ready
Topology tailored for smooth bending and posing.
Engine Compatibility
Meshes built for Unity, Unreal, and other target platforms.
Consistency Check
Every part matches the proportions and silhouette of the sculpt.
This is one of the most important phase and putting decent effort into this phase helps in saving a lot of time in the future. Lockingin the concept and all the features help us start strong and minimize feedback loops in the later stages of the process.
PHASE 4 :
UV UNWRAPPING, BAKING AND TEXTURING
We prepare the optimized mesh for texturing by creating clean UV layouts, baking high-poly details, and applying realistic or stylized textures that bring the character to life.
Seamless UVs
Logical, distortion-free UV Maps for clean texture painting
Baking in substance painter
Capture every high-poly detail in normal, AO, and curvature maps.
PBR Texturing
Physically accurate materials for realism or stylized artistry.
Consistent Palette
Matches the approved moodboard for cohesive visual design.
Engine Ready assets
Optimized maps for Unity, Unreal, or custom pipelines.
This stage transforms the mesh into a visually complete hero, with every detail from the sculpt preserved in texture form — ready to shine in any lighting or environment.
PHASE 4 :
UV UNWRAPPING, BAKING AND TEXTURING
We prepare the optimized mesh for texturing by creating clean UV layouts, baking high-poly details, and applying realistic or stylized textures that bring the character to life.
Seamless UVs
Logical, distortion-free UV Maps for clean texture painting
Baking in substance painter
Capture every high-poly detail in normal, AO, and curvature maps.
PBR Texturing
Physically accurate materials for realism or stylized artistry.
Consistent Palette
Matches the approved moodboard for cohesive visual design.
Engine Ready assets
Optimized maps for Unity, Unreal, or custom pipelines.
This stage transforms the mesh into a visually complete hero, with every detail from the sculpt preserved in texture form — ready to shine in any lighting or environment.
PHASE 5 :
CUSTOM RIGGING FOR GAME AND FILMS UTILITY
We build a fully custom rig tailored to your character, ensuring flawless movement for both cinematic shots and real-time gameplay. Every control is designed for intuitive use and maximum animation flexibility.
Full-Body Control System
IK/FK switching, micro-tweak controls, hair and cloth controls
Corrective Bone Setup
Advanced corrective bones for natural deformation at joints
Facial & Prop Rigging
Custom facial controls and advanced weapon control
Animator friendly layout
Clean UI for controls, organised hierarchy for efficient workflow
Engine & Film Ready
Compatible with Unreal, UNITY and film production pipelines
A precision-built rig ensures the character moves believably in every scenario, giving animators the freedom to create expressive, lifelike performances without technical limitations.
PHASE 5 :
CUSTOM RIGGING FOR GAME AND FILMS UTILITY
We build a fully custom rig tailored to your character, ensuring flawless movement for both cinematic shots and real-time gameplay. Every control is designed for intuitive use and maximum animation flexibility.
Full-Body Control System
IK/FK switching, micro-tweak controls, hair and cloth controls
Corrective Bone Setup
Advanced corrective bones for natural deformation at joints
Facial & Prop Rigging
Custom facial controls and advanced weapon control
Animator friendly layout
Clean UI for controls, organised hierarchy for efficient workflow
Engine & Film Ready
Compatible with Unreal, UNITY and film production pipelines
A precision-built rig ensures the character moves believably in every scenario, giving animators the freedom to create expressive, lifelike performances without technical limitations.
PHASE 6 :
ANIMATION AND EXPORT TO UNREAL ENGINE
We breathe life into the rigged character with smooth, expressive animations and deliver it fully integrated into Unreal Engine, ready for gameplay or cinematic use.
Polished Animations
Natural, game ready movement with precise timing
Full range of actions
Idles, walks, runs, attacks, and custom cinematic poses
In-Engine Setup
Material, lighting, and animation blueprints configured in Unreal.
Performance optimized
Assets tailored for smooth runtime without visual loss.
Playable Delivery
Final character ready for immediate integration into your project
From the first keyframe to the last compile, your hero arrives in Unreal Engine looking and moving exactly as intended — ready to impress players and audiences alike.
PHASE 6 :
ANIMATION AND EXPORT TO UNREAL ENGINE
We breathe life into the rigged character with smooth, expressive animations and deliver it fully integrated into Unreal Engine, ready for gameplay or cinematic use.
Polished Animations
Natural, game ready movement with precise timing
Full range of actions
Idles, walks, runs, attacks, and custom cinematic poses
In-Engine Setup
Material, lighting, and animation blueprints configured in Unreal.
Performance optimized
Assets tailored for smooth runtime without visual loss.
Playable Delivery
Final character ready for immediate integration into your project
From the first keyframe to the last compile, your hero arrives in Unreal Engine looking and moving exactly as intended — ready to impress players and audiences alike.
Thanks for stopping by!
What started as a simple concept is now a fully playable, game-ready character. From the first sketch to seeing it come alive in Unreal Engine, every step was about making sure the design looked great, moved naturally, and fit perfectly into its world.
If you liked this project, have a look at my other characters or drop me a message — I’d love to chat about bringing your own ideas to life.