I've always loved underwater scenes, there is something so calming about the ocean and the creatures that live there. In this piece I wanted to explore character modeling, and challenge myself with the transparant/emissive materials of the Jellyfish.
Character Creation
To achieve my final image, I know I wanted to focus on a central character in awe of the jellyfish. I modeled this explorer in Cinema 4D using direct inspiration from American astronaut suites. I then brought him into Substance Painter to add all the color and patterning you see on his clothing. After that was finished I threw him back into Cinema and rigged him with simple IK handles.
He was then ready to posed and lit within the scene I had already created.
Composition and Lighting
One of my favorite parts in creating these pieces is figuring out composition, and lighting is directly related. I always start with the end in mind, meaning I set up my scene and lighting before I hone in on detailing of my subject matter.
As shown here, I start broad with the overall environment and lighting, and slowly work in the smaller elements. My composition will evolve along with these assets
Final Composite and Post Process
The last and most satisfying is the post processing and coloring of the image. I always like to add a little film grain in there to give texture as renders tend to look soft compared to real photography.