This project explores modeling a stylized chess piece in Maya, focusing on form clarity, lighting and rendering to convey materiality and presence.
Tools Used
Maya, Arnold, Photoshop, orthographic drawing, Procreate, lighting tests, concept development.
Concept
For this project, I explored the interplay of reflection and glass to transform perception. Initially aiming for gemstone-like chess pieces, I shifted to a glass chess scene when the original concept didn’t translate well. The reflective walls create the illusion of a looping scene, evoking a "through the looking glass" feeling where reality and reflection blur. In my sketches, I focused on the shapes of the chess pieces, minimizing extra detail to highlight the light and glass facets. The reflections and lighting give the space a surreal yet calming quality.
Process
1. Sketches & Blueprints
Hand-drawn orthographic views established form, layout, and the conceptual direction.
Hand-drawn orthographic views established form, layout, and the conceptual direction.
2. Blocking in Maya
Basic geometry defined space, scale, and the initial feel of the environment.
Basic geometry defined space, scale, and the initial feel of the environment.
3. Iteration & Refinement
You made adjustments based on what the scene “told” you—moving objects, testing reflections, adjusting space, and reshaping forms.
You made adjustments based on what the scene “told” you—moving objects, testing reflections, adjusting space, and reshaping forms.
4. Lighting Tests
Directional light, colored light, and shadow exploration brought emotional tone to the scene.
Directional light, colored light, and shadow exploration brought emotional tone to the scene.
5. Final Render
A moody, thoughtful environment that balances clarity, surrealism, and depth.
A moody, thoughtful environment that balances clarity, surrealism, and depth.
Reflection
This final render blends modeling, lighting, and reflection in a personal story. Focusing on the fallen king and standing queen captures a still moment after a move. The pleasing balance, warm lighting, and glassy materials enhance the mood, while the mirror adds depth, suggesting a world beyond the visible scene. This project highlights the essence of visual storytelling.