This model was inspired by the Mass Effect game universe. My first idea was to create a new character for an online challenge, so using ZBrush I tried to sketch a few ideas in 3D.

I started to sketch with a simple base mesh in ZBrush trying to find the overall idea for the design. At this stage I just used simple brushes in ZBrush such as the Move and Standard brush. I try to keep everything within one Subtool until I have found the design that I like. During this stage I usually change my mind a lot!

After I had found a good shape I started to refine the model by breaking it into many Subtools and adding new pieces that completed the main idea. I try not to go crazy with details at this stage, because everything will have to be redone from scratch later. As soon as I have the main idea and the overall shape of the design I stop using ZBrush (Fig.01 - 02).




Once the sketch is ready I use the decimation master and import the model into 3ds Max to be used as a guide to create the final model. I generally use new objects to build everything but some things are faster using retopology tools in 3ds Max and ZBrush. In this instance I created some simple geometry and retopologized them to build the shoulders and legs, after which I refined and finished them in 3ds Max. At the end of this stage the entire model was done (Fig.03).