This is my final project at Think Tank Training Centre, where I specialized in Environments and Props for Film. It represents not only the skills I’ve developed over the past year, but also the kind of storytelling and atmosphere I love bringing into my work.
From the beginning, I wanted to create an environment that felt artistic and meaningful. I imagined a quiet moment in the life of a Viking shield-maiden, an art shack, a peaceful and creative corner where she would paint and restore her shields. Instead of choosing an existing concept, I decided to build this idea from scratch, combining historical research with my own imagination to create a world that felt both grounded and expressive.
From the beginning, I wanted to create an environment that felt artistic and meaningful. I imagined a quiet moment in the life of a Viking shield-maiden, an art shack, a peaceful and creative corner where she would paint and restore her shields. Instead of choosing an existing concept, I decided to build this idea from scratch, combining historical research with my own imagination to create a world that felt both grounded and expressive.
Demo Reel
The creative process began with ideation and concept development, followed by the blockout stage, where I defined the space and its main structures, trying different compositions and removing elements that didn’t serve the story. I then moved on to developing the 3D assets, focusing on detailed modeling and sculpting that matched the style and tone of the scene. I paid close attention to how Viking culture approached craftsmanship, how they would have built, repaired, and decorated their tools in a way that was both functional and beautiful. This research guided every decision I made throughout the project.
Texturing played a key role in the storytelling. I researched real-world materials from the Viking era to give authenticity and depth to each asset, focusing on how they aged, wore down, and interacted with light. There was a lot of back and forth, testing, tweaking, and reworking shaders to make sure everything felt cohesive under the lighting I had chosen. Lighting itself was essential for setting the mood, I wanted the space to feel warm, peaceful, and alive with traces of the person who inhabits it. Finding the right balance between texture and lighting was crucial.
Once the assets and lighting were finalized, I moved on to rendering, which required balancing quality and time. My goal was to create harmony between realism and atmosphere, crafting a scene rich in detail, without losing its narrative essence. Rendering and compositing brought a final layer of refinement, helping me fully realize the atmosphere I had imagined from the beginning. In Nuke, I added some subtle lens glares and soft color adjustments to enhance the mood.
Narrative Overview
"Outside, the wind speaks of war. Inside, she paints the last breath of calm"
"Outside, the wind speaks of war. Inside, she paints the last breath of calm"
In the quiet before battle, she works to repair what once was damaged and stained. She is the one who restores the shields — once battered, now made strong again. Each piece carries the marks of past fights, and yet, none are discarded. Through her hands, they are given time, care, and purpose — to stand once more in the shield wall.
Software Used:
– Maya, V-Ray, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Mari, Nuke.
