Week 20 - Reflective Journal

This week I started refining the stones more in ZBrush, looking at details found in real hag stones (fig.1) such as small holes and scratches.

Fig. 1: Unknown Maker. Hag Stones on String

I need to begin considering how I want to do the textures on these models. As I'll most likely be using pre-made assets, I would want the more realistic textures on the assets to match my stones. I've considered a stylised approach, which give some freedom with my texture work.

Fig. 2: Spence, 2023. Hag Stone Details (1)

Fig. 3: Spence, 2023. Hag Stone Details (2)

Fig. 4: Spence, 2023. Hag Stone Details (3)

The rocks so far could go either way, towards realism or stylised. For inspiration, I'm primarily looking at Firewatch (2016) for a stylised approach, and Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) for realism.

Fig. 5: Firewatch (2014). Firewatch Waterfall.

Fig. 6: Tzvetanov, 2016. Dragon Age Inquisition - highland rocks / vista cliffs.

There will be other rocks in my environment that are different from the hag stones - regular rocks that were already there. The distinct difference is that the hag stones have been shaped by their sea environment. 

Fig. 7: Spence, 2023. Hag Stone Progress (1)

Fig. 8: Spence, 2023. Hag Stone Progress (2)

Fig. 9: Spence, 2023. Hag Stone Progress (3)

Fig. 10: Spence, 2023. Environment Block-Out

I also began blocking out a potential layout for my environment to get a rough idea of how to fill the space. I will be basing this on some early rough sketches of my scene (fig. 11). 

Fig. 11: Spence, 2023. Rough Environment Sketches

References:

Images:

Figure 1. Unknown Maker. Hag Stones on String. St Margarets [online]. Available at: https://stmargarets.london/archives/2015/06/the_magical_hag_stones_of_the_river_crane.html [Accessed on: 31/01/2023]

Figure 2. SPENCE, Nel. Hag Stone Details (1). Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 3. SPENCE, Nel. Hag Stone Details (2). Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 4. SPENCE, Nel. Hag Stone Details (3). Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 5. Firewatch (2014). Firewatch Waterfall. [in-game screenshot]. Game Reviews AU [online]. Available at: https://gamereviewsau.com/firewatch-review/2/ [Accessed on: 01/02/2023]

Figure 6. TZVETANOV, Dimitar. 2016. Dragon Age Inquisition - highland rocks / vista cliffs. ArtStation [online]. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Rq8XW [Accessed on: 01/02/2023]

Figure 7. SPENCE, Nel. Hag Stone Progress (1). Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 8. SPENCE, Nel. Hag Stone Progress (2). Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 9. SPENCE, Nel. Hag Stone Progress (3). Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 10. SPENCE, Nel. Environment Block-Out. Private Collection: Nel Spence

Figure 11. SPENCE, Nel. Rough Environment Sketches. Private Collection: Nel Spence