Viperess of the BLack Sun 2020-2023

Viperess of the Black Sun is a long-running character art exploration inspired by Frank Frazetta, Conan the Barbarian, dark fantasy, and the bold, dramatic visuals of 1950s–60s pulp art. This project showcases my full pipeline as a 3D Generalist—concepting, modeling, surfacing, rigging, lighting, rendering, and compositing.

A defining aspect of this project is that it represents an evolution of my skills over time.
The collection includes older renders and early design passes, mixed alongside updated models, improved rigs, refined materials, and modern rendering techniques. Together, they create a visual timeline of how the Viperess has grown as both a character and a technical showcase of my own artistic development.

My Role

Responsible for all aspects of the project, from modeling and rigging to animation, rendering, and post-production.

Responsibilities:

• Concept design & character development

• Sculpting and modeling (character, snakes, costumes, props)

• Retopology & UVs

• Texturing, shading, and hair systems

• Full rigging for the Viperess and all snake limbs/appendages

• Scene layout & environment modeling

• Lighting and cinematic color design

• Rendering setups and post-processing

• Final key art compositions

Rigging & Technical Focus

A major goal of the project was to develop a unique and flexible rig worthy of a serpentine villain. The character features:

Dual Snake Limb Rigs

Each snake appendage is a fully independent rig, complete with:

• Spline-IK systems

• Custom controls for twisting, curling, striking, and expressive poses

• Independent head rigs for animation and attitude

• Secondary motion to achieve fluid, creature-like performance

These individual rigs were then combined with the main body rig, allowing the Viperess to pose dynamically and interact with environments or characters in complex ways.

Main Body Rig

• Full control set for stylized anatomical posing

• Facial rig for expression and attitude

• Deformer-based enhancements for smooth bending

• Custom controls for dramatic, pulp-inspired body language

The rig was designed to support everything from elegant, statuesque poses to violent, explosive action shots, reflecting the project’s heavy fantasy inspiration.

Software Used

3DS Max, Corona Renderer, Marmoset Toolbag, Maya (Rigging and Posing) Substance Painter, TopoGun 2, After Effects, Photoshop