Here is a showcase of my 3D models, highlighting the development process and iterations that brought each design to life.
3D modeling began as a skill I pursued to broaden my knowledge as a game designer and to collaborate effectively with art teams, ensuring models are implemented seamlessly into projects.
Digital art transforms fleeting ideas into timeless creations.
The Sword of the Worthy
This is a summer project where I designed a sword imbued with a story. The concept evolved significantly through its development, ultimately becoming the Sword of the Butterfly Goddess. According to its legend, this sword was gifted by the Butterfly Goddess to protect the forest. It remains dormant, with its wings folded, until a worthy wielder proves themselves.
To complement the sword, I created an environment to showcase it, reflecting its mystical origins. The sword was modeled in Maya, sculpted in Mudbox, and textured using Substance Painter.
Textures
High Poly
Low poly
Quad-Draw
Concept & Development
I started by sketching several concepts, exploring how the butterfly's characteristics could influence the sword's design and functionality.
After careful consideration, I chose a design that focuses on precision and elegance, with the sword's primary purpose being to pierce and puncture the body rather than slash, reflecting the sharp and deliberate nature of a butterfly's movements.
I then refined my concept, experimenting with various design elements and iterating on the details until I achieved a result that felt cohesive and satisfying.
Lastly, I drew the environment behind the design and began to 3d model the sword.
To present the sword in context, I designed a small forest environment in Unreal Engine 5. This scene includes a small pond and a prominent rock formation that serves as a natural display pedestal for the sword. The environment is populated with animated butterflies, reinforcing the thematic connection between the weapon and the delicate nature of the butterfly’s movements.
Using UE5’s advanced lighting and rendering capabilities, I was able to create realistic reflections on the pond’s surface and detailed natural shadows that highlight the sword’s form and textures. This setting not only grounds the design in a believable world but also enhances the narrative quality of the piece by situating the weapon within an environment that reflects its inspiration and intended elegance.
The Unforgiving Shield
This was an assignment where I designed a shield inspired by my Romanian heritage. Drawing from Romania’s rich vampire folklore, I crafted a shield with intricate, haunting details, including fang-like protrusions to symbolize the fearsome teeth of the mythical creatures.
The design reflects the protective yet ominous nature of vampires in our culture, combining dark elegance with functionality. The shield was modeled in Maya, sculpted in Mudbox, and textured in Substance Painter, showcasing a balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern 3D techniques.
Textures
Sculpt
Low poly
Quad-Draw
Concept & Development
I started by sketching several concepts, exploring different shapes influenced by Romanian motifs.
The teeth elements test variations in edge design and defensive function, while the top features a bat, reflecting the animal vampires are traditionally known to transform into.
I also explored different shapes for the base of the shield and chose and edgier look to complete the shield
I then refined my concept, experimenting with different design elements and iterating on details until the shape and function felt balanced.
Finally, I added an environment background to showcase the design and began 3D modeling the shield.
To present the shield in a fitting context, I created a cave environment in Unreal Engine 5, designed to enhance its Romanian-inspired aesthetic. The scene is illuminated with a subtle blue-hued light, casting cool shadows across the rock surfaces and emphasizing the metallic textures and jagged teeth of the shield.
The cave setting was chosen to reflect the darker, more ominous side of its folklore inspiration, with the bat motif at the top linking directly to vampire mythology. Using UE5’s dynamic lighting and lumen reflections, the environment captures glints of light on the shield’s edges while maintaining an atmospheric depth.