Rugops Paleo 3D Illustration 2023

This project features a scientifically inspired reconstruction of Rugops primus, a mid-sized theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of what is now Niger, Africa. The work includes a naturalistic environment illustration and a technical blueprint-style profile render, combining artistic interpretation with paleontological reference. The goal of this project was to explore paleo-creature modeling, realistic skin texturing, and documentary-style presentation.

My Role

Sole Creator: Responsible for the full paleo-art process—from sculpting and texturing to environment creation, lighting, rendering, and compositing.

Responsibilities:

Scientific Research: Studied available fossil references, skeletal diagrams, and paleo-art interpretations to guide anatomical accuracy and proportions.
Sculpting & Modeling: Created the full Rugops model, including anatomical details such as cranial ornamentation, scale variation, and muscular structure.
Retopology & UV Layout: Built clean topology for detailed texture work and laid out UVs for high-resolution maps.
Texture & Surface Development: Painted realistic skin textures with attention to pore detail, scars, scutes, and coloration inspired by modern reptiles and birds.
Environment Illustration: Built a Late Cretaceous forest environment including vegetation, ground debris, logs, atmospheric dust, and layered depth to place Rugops in a believable ecosystem.
Lighting & Rendering: Set up a naturalistic outdoor lighting rig for the main illustration and a studio-style blueprint lighting setup for the technical profile view.
Blueprint Presentation: Designed the scientific profile plate including world map marker, size chart, skeletal reference overlay, and labeled data (age, length, weight, locality).
Compositing & Final Polish: Composited passes to unify light, color, and atmosphere; added depth haze, ground dust, and subtle grain for a documentary feel.