Cambi 2019-2021

Cambi is an original character I created entirely from scratch as part of my ongoing universe. She represents one of the earliest and most important foundations in this project when I incorporated Marmoset Toolbag into my workflow: her body, topology, and facial structure serve as the base mesh for all the other fairies in this world. Cambi’s creation provided the opportunity to refine stylized anatomy, develop a unique wing-design system, and explore expressive lighting that complements the ethereal nature of these characters.

My Role

Sole Creator: Modeling, Sculpting, Texturing, Shading, Hair, Wings, Rigging, Lighting, Rendering, and Illustration

Responsibilities:

Modeling, Sculpting & Topology

I modeled and sculpted Cambi entirely by hand, focusing on clean deformation-friendly topology suitable for future animation and reuse.
Her mesh represents the base fairy archetype—a standardized rig-ready foundation used to generate multiple unique fairies in the same universe.
Wing geometry incorporates layered forms, decorative edge details, and UV layouts optimized for pattern painting and emissive map control.

Texturing & Shading

Cambi’s textures were painted to reinforce the stylized aesthetic:

• Soft subsurface-driven skin shading for a warm, glowing look

• Face and body markings inspired by Tribal motifs and natural pigments

• Wings textured with circuit-like organic patterns to contrast the soft anatomy

• Emissive accents throughout hair and wings to enhance her bioluminescent feel

Her materials were built to respond to dramatic, colored lighting—especially warm hues, florals, and glowing environments.

Rigging & Deformation

I created a custom rig for Cambi, including:

• Full body controls

• Facial blendshapes

• Simple wing controls for flutter, arching, and decorative movement
  This rig is the template used for all other fairies, maintaining consistency and speeding future character development.

Lighting, Rendering & Illustration

This project includes multiple final illustrations showcasing Cambi in different moods and narrative contexts:

• Autumn-inspired portraiture, emphasizing soft glows and warm backlighting

• Flight and action scenes exploring dynamic posing among oversized flowers

• Dreamlike garden environments, using painterly lighting and atmospheric depth

• Character duos, highlighting how Cambi’s base mesh supports other fairy variants

Each render was crafted to showcase not only the character but also the emotional tone of her world—radiant, magical, and intimate.

Software Used

3DS Max, Maya (Rigging and Posing), Zbrush, Marmoset Toolbag3, Substance Painter, TopoGun 2, After Effects, Photoshop