GLIMMER

ARTIST

Michael Mao SOFTWARE

Zbrush, Arnold, Substance Painter

Infinity Studio lead digital sculptor Michael Mao spent ten hours working on this enchanting character, which is based on Glimmer by illustrator Rose Benjamin. “I used mostly classical sculpting techniques while creating it,” he says, “but I tried to integrate some contemporary aesthetics while I was observing the design.”

Mao used the creative process behind this character to explore sculpting techniques and create a free tutorial on his Youtube channel. Zbrush was the tool of choice for sculpting the character, a process that utilised Mao’s understanding of human skull anatomy. “For other parts such as colour and style, I think Rose Benjamin’s Glimmer is splendid. I just recreated it in 3D,” he explains.

“I think most people have the capacity to do such work. The reason I made it is purely to spread my knowledge out to those who have just started work as a sculptor.”

Inspiration for Mao’s work comes from many different sources, from traditional art to anime and films. “I think it is important to keep studying from everything around an artist,” he adds. “The whole creation process will benefit from your observation and analysis.”