Delving into History
When I started working on this image, it was only because I needed to introduce more 3D tools in my workflow. I’ve been interested mainly in ZBrush and how I could incorporate more 3D models as a starting point or base for my 2D design work.
Personally, studying a new tool becomes more compelling if I can turn the object of my study into a final piece. It helps me to learn the functionalities of the software, ZBrush in this case, based on what I need at a specific moment for a specific design concept. Knowing what I expect during the learning process gives me a mental guideline of what it can turn into as a final piece.
Crafting a Centrepiece
The cangaceiro’s hat is one of the most recognizable elements in their outfit, usually very well-ornamented. On my design, I tried to bring the same iconography to that element. My intention was to use a big pool of references, with the central homage to Brazilian figures and pop culture combined with a myriad of icons from many places outside the country. The hat was the central piece where I could use most of my own references.
Initial Colour Blockout
Here’s an early example of how I usually block out my colours over a greyscale image, building colour with layer filters like Overlay and Soft Light. It’s something straightforward at the initial colouring stage before I start the proper painting. Many of the details are added in the latter stages, but sometimes I just can’t resist painting some of these early in the process. It helps me to look a bit further forward to what I want for the final render, such as any skin imperfections, scars or weathered materials.
Developing Detail
One of my main concerns while I’m painting is not to overwhelm the image with details, which is difficult for someone like me that likes to give every element of the image the same importance. Part of my process is to find the right amount of details and blank spaces to bring reasonable balance to the full image.
Details in the Final Render
From the beginning, one of my main references for this piece was Kaneda’s bike and his cool jacket from Akira. The red should be the main colour for the central element of the character: his hat. I usually like to work with just a few colours, but because of the nature of this piece with so many objects and coloured elements, it became a challenge to find a balanced palette for the overall image. I decided that elements like the pin badges, logos and jewellery should be colourful, and the outfit, hair and so on should be red, white and neutral colours.
Conclusion
The process of creating this image was a challenging and rewarding experience. I learned to balance the use of 3D tools and 2D painting, incorporating references from different cultures and sources. The end result is a unique and fascinating character that represents the rich cultural heritage of Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired the design of the character’s hat?
A: The hat was inspired by traditional Brazilian pop culture, including music, art, and history. I wanted to incorporate elements that would make it stand out as a symbol of Brazilian culture.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in creating this image?
A: The biggest challenge was balancing the amount of detail and colour in the image. I wanted to avoid overwhelming the viewer with too much information, while still conveying the complexity and richness of Brazilian culture.
Q: How did you approach the painting process?
A: I approached the painting process by starting with a greyscale image and building colour with layer filters. I then added details and refined the image, balancing the use of colour and contrast.
