In 2008, I finished reading a book called Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, about the consciousness of the elderly placed in genetically younger versions of themselves, fighting a galactic war to save humanity.  Between 2008 and 2011, I had been working on a personal project trying to concept out the characters, weapons, vehicles and aliens within the book.  I even went as far as project managing OMW in a program called SG Project to make sure I did not fall off schedule.

This project taught me a tough lesson: Don’t bite off more than you can chew.  I had restarted this project four times between 2008 and 2011, because I could not decide on an art style, and would change my visuals depending on my mood or just sheer boredom.  I had become a concept artist, art director and producer all at once, and to be honest with the scope of the project growing along with the art inconsistencies, it easily became overwhelming.  So with a heavy heart I decided to post what I liked from the work that I had, (which isn’t much) and shelve the project indefinitely.

Included here are teaser images, rough thumbnails of weapons, and character studies of who I wanted to cast in my version of the story.  I found out that they are working on a live-action movie and am hoping that they keep the green skin, which might not float too well in Hollywood. In any case, Old Man’s War is still one of my favorite science fiction books and is a great entertaining read.

I think what bothers me most is that I only barely scratched the surface on these characters and worlds within this story, and that someday I may revisit it when I can find an art style that I think suits the story that I visualized in my head and at the same time retain my own interest in the project.

Project: God of War 3

Name: Medusa

The Gorgon Medusa has always been a pillar of Classic Greek Mythology.  The design for this version of Medusa came from Charlie Wen on God of War One.  It was my task to update this design with a next-generation pass.  Shown here are pre-Zbrush preparations along with sculpt images and final renders for the ‘Art of God of War 3″ book from Ballistic Publishing.

Project: God of War 3

Name: Argus

A foul and hideous beast with a hundred glowing eyes, Argus emerges from the darkness to stalk and kill Kratos.  Concept artist Izzy Medrano again outdid himself in creating Argus.  It is a pity that we were unable to fit him in the game, and that the final version of the character was shelved.  Izzy and I, along with with technical artists and programmers were involved with getting his eyes working and tracking, also had included an exploding feature for his larger eyes.  Kratos was to wrap his chains around his body and squeeze him until his eyes exploded.  It was a glory to see, but sadly he was left on the cutting room floor.

Included here are process images, Zsculpts, and final renders for the ‘Art of God of War’ by Ballistic Publishing.

Project: God of War 3

Name: Ixion

Imprisoned forever in the God of War world, Ixion remains to serve Kratos on his journey.  This character was to represent pain and torture for the crimes he committed by being spun on a wheel half submerged in water with his limbs being stretched and pulled for eternity.  His death would be to have his limbs removed from his body by Kratos himself and unmasked to provide valuable information for his quest.  Included here are early modeling images as well as Zbrush sculpts, UV layout, early texture work and final renders.  Towards the end of production, this character never made it to the final product.

Project: God of War 3

Name: Daedalus

The architect gone mad, Daedalus hangs imprisoned in the God of War universe.  A blend of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, Daedalus’ character had to show frailty and madness hanging by his arms in chains.  Shown here are early modeling images, along with lighting tests and Zbrush sculpts, followed by final renders.

Project: God of War 3

Name:  Wraith, Pandora’s Box UI (block model),  Ice Weapon (not used in game), Aphrodite’ Chamber Bed, Alternate Kratos Costume, Athena Blade

Various extra artwork from God of War 3.  Characters include the vicious Wraith designed by Andrew Kim, an early block model for our UI menus of Pandora’s Box, the unused Ice Weapon that Kratos would sling.  Also included are the fully textured bed that Aphrodite and her girls would sleep on, as well an alternate Kratos costume and the Athena Blade he used during the first portion of God of War 3.

Project: God of War 3

Name: Poseidon Princess or Concubine

Frightened and scared the Poseidon Princess served Kratos with her life.  This character was modeled twice by me, with the redo being more game ready than the first.  Cloth was shortened for the fact that Kratos was dragging her with him being thrown around the environment.  Also shown here are early modeling images from Maya and Zbrush, as well as final renders for the ‘Art of God of War 3′ book.  An added bonus is the never before seen (spoiler) smashed meat version which sadly did not make the final cut of the game.

Project: God of War 3

Name:  Nemean Cestus

Originally owned by Hercules and then obtained violently by Kratos, the Nemean Cestus has brought much pain to the enemies of Krtaos in the God of War Universe.  Included here are concept art images by Izzy Medrano, along with process images in Maya and Zbrush as well as modelview shots from within the Playstation 3.  Final render includes texture work by Character Artist Tyler Breon to match the armor of Hercules.