"Rua and Titch Making Clouds"
This is a personal project of mine that I wanted to create for some time. I wanted to craft a world soaked in warm, autumnal colours and filled with things to explore for my two newest character creations - Rua the Fox and Titch the Rabbit. My goal is to craft new worlds for these two characters to have adventures in.
In this first story, Rua and Titich find some fuzzy dandelions that they blow. Caught on the wind, these little fluffy clumps of dandelions float through the forest and wrap up around squirrels tree to form the clouds in the "Rainy Days" universe. A project in development alongside Rua and Titch's adventures. More about "Rainy Days" on my Instagram!
The Development
"Rua and Titch" spent quite long time in the development process. I wanted to create characters that felt right for the "Rainy Days" universe. Another project in process along side these two characters. It was essential they were charming, appealing and playful.
Below you'll find the very first 3D sketch of how I envisioned this project. I also share just some of the many stages of development this project went through. From character development to lighting, clothing and environment design.
The Clothing
The coats and boots that Rua and Titch wear were a big focus of the project. They relied heavily on Subsurface Scattering materials to allow plenty of light to pass through and there was many design iterations.
The Environment
I wanted the design to reflect the countryside I live in and walk with my dogs everyday. I wanted this project to be a very personal piece. Reflecting things I love and sharing my passion with the world. It's a stylized and exaggerated version of the places I visit. Developing the world was a big endeavor and even finding a right look for the clouds took many iterations.
The Lighting
Along side the characters and the forest, the lighting was a very big focus of this project. It had to strike the right balance and it was one of the more time consuming sections as this entire scene is very heavy with over 5 million hairs, numerous VDB clouds and plenty of SSS materials. Below are some of the lighting options that were in the running.
