What is this?

This modular 3D environment was rendered in Unreal Engine, with assets created using Autodesk Maya, Substance Designer, and Substance Painter. All models in the scene were created by me, with most of the modular materials authored in Substance Designer while smaller props and unique assets were textured in Substance Painter. The project was built with real-time rendering in mind, with attention given to texture sizes and overall environment scope to maintain strong performance.

Victorian Workshop

The environment is centered around a Victorian-inspired steampunk workshop, with a mech serving as the primary focal point of the scene. A large focus of the project was composition and lighting, specifically creating strong shadow contrast between focal and non-focal areas to help guide the viewer’s eye through the environment. Props, architectural framing, and lighting were all used to emphasize important elements within the scene. One example is the frontal mech composition, where the second-floor balcony and surrounding props frame the mech and naturally direct attention toward it.

I also focused on creating a lived-in atmosphere through environmental storytelling and set dressing. Decals were used to add dirt and wear throughout the shop to reinforce the feeling that the space is actively used. I attempted to include narrative elements that hinted at why the workshop owner would need a mech in the first place, though I feel some of these story elements could have been pushed further to create stronger viewer intrigue and investment in the environment.

Due to a strict production timeline, some planned features were scaled back, including additional mech damage and disrepair details. If I were to revisit the project, I would improve the mech topology and adjust my sculpting workflow to better support beveling and cleaner geometry. I would also expand the environmental storytelling throughout the space, as stronger narrative details would help further sell the world and strengthen the overall presentation of the environment.

Progress Shots

Moodboards

Here are my are my moodboards. All imagines were pulled from Pinterest.
https://pin.it/72HkDgIZ7

Contact

Marshallball94@gmail.com