James Catterson is entered in the “Steampunk Myths and Legends” update: View Challenge Page
Steampunk Myths and Legends Entry: James Catterson
Hi Everyone,
I Don’t think i have properly entered a cgtalk challenge before so I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing other people’s work progress.
My basic concept right now is of a huge steam punk metropolis. Im still not sure how to show it tough, this is my first small concept sketch:
My first sketch of my entry, not sure about the office part
Im not sure if the perspective is going to work, or if the office will detract from the city. I think sorting out the composition might be a bit tricky, so any advice and crits are really appreciated!
Ok so I have fleshed out the concept a bit more in my head. I forgot to write in my first post that this is going to be a steam punk take on the myth of Atlantis.
I’m going to focus on the ‘Military threat’ element of the myth, of a civilization that had conquered areas of Europe and Africa, and was enslaving the population in these areas.
The story goes that Athens led an alliance against Atlantis which led to a failed invasion of Athens by Atlantis. Shortly after this, Atlantis sunk into the sea. My entry is going to be before this ill fated invasion, showing Atlantis in all its glory, preparing for a big military operation.
Im still not sure about the view from the office idea, I did want to try and introduce some propaganda into the office, to show the non military efforts that Atlantis was going to, to get support for the invasion. Plus the office could be a chance to have a few Steam punk ish items around.
Going to do a larger sketch today to try and explore some more ideas.
I have changed the camera angle and the location of the character. This time to a nearby roof top, looking down on a zeppelin being loaded with supplies.
The angle is inspired by some of the mirrors edge concept art, which is fantastic.
Composition is not my strong point so any critiques or feedback on that or anything else is greatly appreciated.
This is my wip of the train that will be on a viaduct that has snaked though the city.
Not sure how much detail i am going to put on because of its distance from the camera. The character on the roof top is likely to now be leaning over the edge, like a spy. Maybe wearing stuff similar to ‘Garrett’ in the Thief Games
Any comments are much appreciated.
I look forward to seeing your zeppelin, and good idea on having your character facing into the camera, I have no idea how I am going to show the main character in my entry!
I like the way you have done a pre-vis of how you want the image, I’m going to try and do that to make it easier to see what I need to focus on.
Look forward to seeing your progress.
Hi James,
oh, another Atlantis theme! Interesting idea to show Atlantis in all it’s power and glory and I already like your preview! The first sketch was also good, but I guess this will be a lot more to model and maybe all the details are lost - so the changed concept is a good choice for me! Good start with the modeling, looking forward to see an update.
Have a nice day!
-sabrina
keraj37 - Thanks for stopping by! Good luck to you to
Chaymation - Thanks for commenting, doing a small bit of pre viz has certainly helped me out in figuring out exactly what to do. I cant wait to start the zeppelin, its gonna be the best part to do i reckon.
daWinky - Thanks for the feedback, i think my original would have been far too much to do and would have been a very busy image. Im gonna have to work flat out with my current image as it is, having a big interiror as well would have been mammoth!
Moved on from the train for now to start some of the buildings. Will most likely go back to the train at a later date to add details etc.
This is the start of one of the buildings that will be visible on the ground. It will be a grand guildhall with extra steam punkyness added to it.
Im planning on starting as many assets as possible over the next week. So i can get a better idea of how long i’m going to need to finish this and how much detail each part will end up needing.
Hey James, love the second concept! I think the angle you have with the character looking down is very height enducing and dizzying! Good stuff! And yeah, Mirror’s Edge is an awesome game! 
The train is looking good. I’m no train expert, but maybe that round cylinder part up front (see my expertness! ;)) should be a bit bigger, no?
I’m also very much looking forward to seeing the zeppelin develop, should be really could to make indeed!
Best of luck with the challenge!
Yes, thats a very good approach, this way you’re also able to make quick changes where needed …
The start of the building looks good, clean modeling and already enough details to get a good impression of the style!![]()
-sabrina
Further progress on the Guildhall building. Hopefully will be close to finishing this building tomorrow.
daWinky - Thanks for the comments! ![]()
warpv - Thanks for the feedback, ill have another look at my train reference to see about that.
Do you guys think the composition of the concept image works?
Added some cogs and a symbol which i think i might use as the symbol of Atlantis. Something a bit Totalitarianism about it. Although hopefully its an original symbol and not something i have remembered from somewhere.
Will hopefully help add to the back story of this the image
Started a second building. This is a large Brick built warehouse structure that the zeppelin will be on top of.
On the roof will be some elaborate scaffolding and then the zeppelin with ropes coming off of it holding it down.
This building should be a good contrast to the Guildhall, as it will be orange brick, dirty and fairly run down looking.
Hi James,
good progress with your buildings here:thumbsup: , looking forward to see them textured!
On the roof will be some elaborate scaffolding and then the zeppelin with ropes coming off of it holding it down.
Great idea, this will add a lot to the steampunk feeling, especially if you put some weight on the scaffolding, something with a lot of gears and similar stuff;) !
-sabrina









