CREATING THE CREW: DESIGNING A RAIDER
To start off 2024 with a bang, we wanted to pull back the curtain on our characters and how we went about designing Drosera’s raiders!
Here with us to explain the creative process, we’ve got Jasmin, one of our character artists, giving some insight into bringing a character to life.
MEET CALISTO, “THE DESTINED SCHOLAR”
Calisto comes from a rare alien race known for their keen senses and impeccable memories, often making them the best explorers, archivists, and historians. Although Calisto’s family are no strangers to this stereotype and have left their mark on galactic discoveries for centuries, Drosera still remains an enigma to many and he has his sights set on unfolding its mystery while making a little cash on the side via Raiding.
Q: What type of factors influence a character’s colour palette and aesthetic? What ultimately influenced Calisto’s?
A: We went through different variables… we wanted to give him his own individual feel while also having him blend in with a roster of characters (both the ones we have and the ones to come!). His bright orange body colour, contrasting with a more neutral outfit, gives players hints on his unique and conflicted backstory.
Q: As the one who both concepted and modelled Calisto, what kind of preliminary research went into designing him? What was the inspiration?
A: I wanted to use an archetype that was far from the untamed nature of the environment and the chaotic skirmishes around Nectar gathering. Some of my biggest inspirations came from Young Indiana Jones and the banker archetype in far west stories.
Q: Name one fun fact about Calisto’s backstory?
A: His father’s name is also Calisto, so he could technically be called Junior! ;p (a.k.a his secret internal code name for a long time)
Q: What are some of the most challenging or common issues that occur when transitioning a character from concept to 3D?
A: Some proportions and parts of the character can have a different look and feel once it’s modeled in 3D. The modeler needs to adapt and find the best way to keep the essence of the 2D design while having a clean and satisfying silhouette from all angles. Fortunately, I was able to do both in the end!
Q: Over the course of Calisto’s whole design process, what software was used to bring him to life?
A:
Original concept done with Clip Studio Paint
Base and high detail modeling is mostly done in Zbrush with 3ds Max’s help for specific parts
Retopoly and unwraping in 3ds Max
Baking and textures are done with Substance painter
Integration, material setup and fine tuning is done within Unreal Engine
