Bloodfire at the golden idol 2022
Bloodfire at the Golden Idol is a cinematic action illustration set within a sinister ceremonial chamber of the Viperess. The scene captures Micheal locked in combat with a group of reptilian warriors beneath a glowing serpent idol, while the Viperess lies in comfort above them. The image combines mythology-inspired design, pulp-fantasy drama, and high-contrast environmental storytelling.
My Role
Sole Creator: Responsible for all modeling, texturing, scene assembly, lighting, rendering, creature creation, and compositing.
Responsibilities:
Concept & Art Direction
Designed a pulp-fantasy narrative moment inspired by dark fantasy, sword-and-sorcery aesthetics, and 1950–60s adventure illustration.
Developed the visual language of the Golden Idol chamber: ritualistic, ancient, and illuminated by fire and glowing supernatural energy.
Modeling & Sculpting
Sculpted and modeled all characters, including Steel, the reptilian warriors, and the ceremonial Viperess.
Created the snake idol centerpiece, ceremonial urns, stone structures, and environmental props.
Built both organic and hard-surface elements with stylized proportions and exaggerated detail.
Rigging & Posing
Rigged all characters for dynamic action posing, including multi-joint lizard warriors and expressive hero/lunge poses for Micheal.
Balanced multiple interacting rigs to ensure clean silhouettes and readable action.
Texturing & Lookdev
Painted all textures for characters, props, and the idol using a stylized realism approach.
Developed distinct material responses: scaly reptile skin, glowing electrical armor nodes, weathered stone, molten gold, and firelit surfaces.
Environment & Set Design
Constructed the entire chamber environment with columns, carved reliefs, urns, steps, fire bowls, and a dramatic background moon glow.
Integrated the large golden cobra idol as a focal point to anchor the composition.
Lighting & Rendering
Built a dramatic lighting setup using warm firelight, deep shadows, rim-lights, and glowing emissive surfaces.
Used color contrast (golden/yellow fire vs. dark red atmospheric tones) to emphasize tension and focal points.
Cinematic Composition
Staged the scene to guide the viewer’s eye from the idol, down through Viperess, and into the chaotic battle between Micheal and the reptilian warriors.
Designed the layout to create depth with layered characters, fog, and foreground smoke.
Compositing & Final Polish
Combined render passes with color grading, atmospheric fog, bloom, sharpen, and texture overlays for a gritty dark-fantasy finish.
Created a wireframe comparison version to highlight modeling detail and topology.
Software Used
3DS Max, Maya (Rigging and Posing), Marmoset Toolbag, Substance Painter, TopoGun 2, After Effects, Photoshop
