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ESO fan and 3D artist ZunaSW crafts incredible recreations of many of Tamriel’s heroes and monsters. Learn about the challenges and creative process involved when producing these miraculous models in this Community Spotlight.
Hi, Zuna! Thank you for taking the time to join us today. We’d love to know more about your ESO journey—how did you first come to visit Tamriel in the 2nd Era?
I’ve been a fan of The Elder Scrolls franchise since TES IV: Oblivion. I was lucky enough to enter the beta for ESO, and I’ve been playing ever since! I mostly do PvE and RP, but I enjoy playing some PvP from time to time as well.
Wow, so you’ve been around since the very beginning! Tell us, when did you first begin creating 3D models? How did you develop your skills over time?
When I was ten years old, I began making mods for video games, including Oblivion and Skyrim. Then I decided to pursue a career path in 3D Art and Video Game Design, mainly studying to become a 3D Character Artist.
I initially only designed weapons, but I’ve moved on to characters and creatures, and I love it! Anatomy was definitely the most important thing for me to learn in order to improve. However, there are also other fundaments of art such as color, silhouette, render composition, retopology, textures, and optimization.
The Prince of Destruction
Sounds like you’ve come a long way! So, what first inspired you to create 3D models of characters from ESO?
ESO has been with me throughout my journey to become a Character Artist. My inspiration comes from what game I play: seeing the art of the game and what the artists who work on the game are capable of creating inspires me greatly. Since then, I’ve tried to create a 3D model of my ESO main character, Hjalmar Bear-Heart. I’ve done about eight or nine versions of Hjalmar so far. Seeing each version is like viewing the entirety of my journey, as many of these were created years apart from one another.
I believe my inspiration and motivation is to not only continue designing inventive creations people enjoy, but also to improve as an artist.
The Ascendant Lord
You’ve crafted Daedric Princes, cute critters, and most recently, Breton Lords. What part of the process do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of it is seeing people respond positively to what I make. When creating art, you want to give those who view it something to latch onto. When people experience my art feel something similar to what was in my mind while I was designing the piece, it is incredibly rewarding.
However, during the process, I also really love sculpting. It is very relaxing!
You often seem to design your models with 3D printing in mind. Does that create unique challenges for you as you work?
To a degree, yes. When I work on a model, I do it in an "A-pose” (similar to the common T-pose but with the arms a bit more diagonal). This is done so I may rig it in the future if I wish for the model to be animated or imported into a gaming engine.
For 3D printing, I need to create a very specific pose. This becomes a challenge to consider what sort of a pose fits the character and works best for a 3D print. I also must prepare the 3D model carefully for the printing process, which can be very tricky considering all the minor details that might make the print more difficult.
Zuna’s 3D Printed Models
Very intriguing! By the way, with the High Isle Chapter arriving soon, are there any other characters or monsters this release might inspire?
Definitely! I’m actually in the process of creating a model of the Ascendant Lord as we speak! Just as the Markarth DLC inspired me to create a 3D model of Arana, and Blackwood of Mehrunes Dagon, I expect High Isle to inspire me to create even more. I am very interested in the Faun pet and mount, and I think they will make for a nice challenge! I am also a big fan of druids, and I'm certain I'll want to create something related to them.
What advice do you have for your fellow ESO fans who are interested in creating 3D models? What software or tech do you use?
My advice is to never be discouraged when starting out. It can be rough, but never give up! Practice, as much as you can.
I often use software such as ZBrush, which allows me to sculpt digitally. I also use Maya, for general 3D modeling, UVs and rigging. I’ll use Marvelous Designer for cloth simulation parts, as well as Substance Painter and Designer for texturing. Normally I do my game renders in Marmoset Toolbag or Unreal Engine, but plenty of ESO models I’ve done were created in ZBrush and Photoshop. There is a whole lot involved in the process, but for people who are starting out, I recommend using the software Blender, and slowly familiarizing yourself with the aforementioned programs once you get a chance.
Even Daedra need pets
You’ve designed so many awesome 3D models, but is there any one creation you’re particularly proud of?
I am very proud of my latest model, the Ascendant Lord! It was quite the challenge. I worked hard on perfecting the surface of his armor in ZBrush.
I am also very proud of my latest model of my own ESO character, Hjalmar. I am very happy with my current work-in-progress model of him. In fact, I plan to create a fully game-ready character!
Holy cow, that’s outstanding!
I know, right? I imported the latest version of Hjalmar into Unreal Engine 4 and gave him animations! His leather skirts and belt items even contain physics! I can’t wait to continue working on this latest model and seeing how far I can take it!
Hjalmar Bear-Heart
Well, we wish you the best of luck! Before we go, can you let the #ESOFam know where find to you and your work?
Everyone can find me on my Twitter, and view my wider library of work on ArtStation or my Instagram. You can also find me exploring Tamriel in ESO on the EU PC server. My username is Kynes_Peace!
Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic work with us today, Zuna! We always love seeing ESO creators flex their artistic skills and show off their love for the vast world of The Elder Scrolls. If you know an ESO content creator who you believe deserves to be celebrated with the rest of the #ESOFam, please share them with us via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
