// Free Sculpt Challenge: Orc Head //

Full Course: ZBrush Basics in Environment Concept Art

Thurlow Jacobson

Apr 9. 2024

// Free Sculpt Challenge: Orc Head //

I chose an orc head for my free sculpt subject, inspired by a cornerstone game from my childhood, World of Warcraft. This challenge was a confidence booster as I never believed I could possibly sculpt an orc or anything similar before. Its almost like a dream came true as I can finally translate the fantastical and science-fictional ideas of my youth into reality. The first set of screenshots show my orc without a helmet. I am very pleased with how it turned out, although it has this somewhat stylized appearance, it captures the essence of my source material. There are many more improvements and polishings I can do with the orc head, but I decided to stop at this point as showcases my learnings well and it feels presentable as a concept artwork (after some matte painting in photoshop, of course).

// Final Helmet //

The helm feels like it is trying to be several different things at once. There are elements of runes, spider webs, simple filigree, and dragon-like scales are typically not seen together. I am definitely biased in saying the following, but I think the abundance of these contrasting elements creates this odd sense of cohesiveness. If I got this helm as a legendary or epic in an RPG, I would be pretty pleased. It almost is like a mullet, with these almost-elven curves and details on the front, and a spider web of runes in the back. There could most-certainly be some fun worldbuilding to be had with this piece.

// First Helmet Attempt //

The following showcases my first try at creating a helmet for my orc. The helmet is battered and rusted, looking almost as if it is a mass produced piece of armament for an orc foot soldier. I thought that my orc's face displayed a certain level of charisma and confidence of a leader, leading me to creating a more ornate helm as seen above.