Uplift Universe - Image Entry: Andreas Hagetoft

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208787491_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208787491_large.jpg)

The Intital Concept

The storyline of the image -
In a 'secret' tunnel overlooking the city a shady transaction takes place. A mistress hires an off-world assassin for the purpose of eliminating a romantic competitor.

To help develop the concept I created the tunnel in a 3D application so that I would have some assistance in determining the correct perspective for the image. I then proceeded to place stick-figure placeholders where my main characters should be.

The reason for the stick figure approach is that this is my first fully painted non abstract/composite image(I'm a novice at best). For this reason I'm also going to segment the image into more managable parts to allow for easier alterations later on.

The work plan will look something like this:

1. Background - Skyline at(past??) sun set.
2. Tunnel
3. Mistress character
4. Assassin character
5. Tweaking and what else comes to mind.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208787959_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208787959_large.jpg)

Just a quick shading test of tunnel and skyline.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208801632_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208801632_large.jpg)

Added rough sketchs of the characters.

[theblahblah]

May I suggest you use a hologram or a similar device to show the person the mistress wants assasinated? The hologram could be on the ground ( where the assassin is looking) displaying a floating head with the words "Target" above it like the holograms used in star wars. This might make the story clearer to the viewer imo, although ofcourse that might have been what you wanted to do from the start. Nice concept btw, its kinda like a mixtre between medieval romance stories and sci-fi. Good luck:D

[AndreasHagetoft]

Thanks for the idea, it's quite good and duly noted.

My initial idea was that the assassin was lowering his eye sight in fear/respect of the Mistress. However I can see that a clarification of who the target might be will help the viewer understand the story better.

The idea of a hologram displaying the target is good and probably quite easy to implement as it can be done at a right angle to viewer of the image as opposed to a typical 'most wanted' poster lying on the ground or clutched in the assasins hand.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208960589_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208960589_large.jpg)

This is the 'final' background, the world outside the tunnel. It was created by splitting the task into the following parts:
1. Stars - Universe
2. Atmosphere - The color scale was selected from the premise of an industrial civilization dominating the world.
3. Clouds - Kept in the same color scheme as the atmosphere plus a little white grey and black.
4. City/skyline silhouette - The setting sun gives a little light to the buildings and structures in the distance while the industrial areas in the foreground remain dark.
5. Lighting the skyline, adding windows and secondary lighting from streets and buildings.
6. FX lights, mist and smoke.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208960957_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1208960957_large.jpg)

Image sequence depicting the construction of the background. I thought that some visuals would aid in the understanding of how the background was created.

Please note the the image numbering is not meant to correlate/match the constuction plan in my prevoius post.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209304899_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209304899_large.jpg)

The tunnel is constructed by firstly creating the tunnel structure, using the 3D sketch as a guide. Next the basic shading was created, which in turn needed some adjusting of the tones to prevent over-exposure.
Tunnel and pipe textures was applied. The pipe was then tinted to give some contrast to the rest of the tunnel.
Finally enhancements to the tunnel structure was applied and the shading tweaked a little.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209305053_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209305053_large.jpg)

The tunnel as it is now. Tweaks will probably continue throughout the project.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209491797_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209491797_large.jpg)

A few enhancements to the background and altered shading of the tunnel. Have also added some figures above the tunnel arcs and a proper floor.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209731060_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209731060_large.jpg)

Image sequence depicting the creation of the assassin, from sketch to fully colored.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209731355_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1209731355_large.jpg)

The complete image thus far. Currently the mistress and some target identifier is still missing.

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1210081269_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1210081269_large.jpg)

Have added an image projector that unfolds an old 'western' style target poster and the first incarnation of the mistress.

[Ivy00]

Very cool to see this all coming together so nicely :)

[AndreasHagetoft]

http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1210344595_medium.jpg (http://assets.cgsociety.org/challenge/entries/20/15414/15414_1210344595_large.jpg)

The base motivation for the story and the image is that relations between humans and aliens probably would be much the same as human to human relations. Therefore an age old tale of romance and retribution seemed in order.

The Story -
In a 'secret' tunnel overlooking the city a shady transaction takes place. A mistress hires an off-world assassin for the purpose of eliminating a romantic competitor.

[AndreasHagetoft]

The best of luck to all participants of the 'Uplift Universe' CG Challenge.

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