Underwater Creature

For my underwater creature, I decided to make something based on a Manta Ray, how include an axe and hammer shape, inspired by sword fish and saw fish.

I looked up reference images and made sketches from them (to be uploaded, have sketches with me), to get an idea and feel for the shape Manta Rays have.

 

 

I the sketched out my design and shape, the head I changed to something that fitted. I wanted a shape that looked steam-lined.

I then moved on to 3D and created the creature in Maya.

I started off creating the creature flat to the same shape as the concept.

I then started adding some form and volume, but being careful not to add too much because of the type of creature it is.

I then added detail to the fins, as well as some gills on the bottoms, as well as antennas on top and eyes at the front.

I curved the fins up to give it some motion and a bit more form.

I finally added some quite simple textures, just black and white.

I then tried to do a few variation in rendering, using Mental Ray and a sky dome after feedback, however I did not get very far.

For the final painting I curved the fins as though it is swimming and added black and white textures, similar to a Manta Ray.



Final Painting

 I realise now that I could have used the subdivide tool in order to get a smoother mash before the paint over, and I also could have used a shader that looks less artificial. The final design I like, it's an interesting design, almost like a Pokemon.

I think I should have also added a blue overlay, so that the creature appears to be deeper, which would suit the background.