Using Subculture to Design Original Sci-Fi Characters

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Sci-Fi Character Concept Art.

Character design needs a soul to feel real and help people connect.

In this behind-the-scenes page, you’ll see how I used ideas like subcultures, graffiti, and spirituality to build that soul.
I kept the outfits practical and easy to recognize, while adding some originality on top. I didn’t want them to feel like inside jokes only I got. It was important that we all could recognize the features, but they still needed to look bold and unique.

All of this work has been art directed, creative directed and concepted by myself. The sketches, 3D modeling and renders, were also done by me, Miguel Nogueira.

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Awards: Behance Character Design, CGSociety Hall of Fame, 80lv.

Organizing Ideas for Sci-Fi Concepts

One thing I try to ask myself a lot is, 'Where is the emotion?'

I use tools like persona profiles and mind maps to link and merge ideas.

When I use a mind map, I can see the whole project, which helps me find ideas to combine.

For example, if I'm designing a sci-fi character who is introverted and also an assassin, I write those traits in different branches. Then I start seeing connections. I might give them a hoodie and a mask; the hoodie makes them feel safe (for their introvert personality), and the mask helps hide their identity. It matches both who they are and what they do. This makes it feel like they’ve evolved to wear these over the course of their life, that’s what I like to design, someone who could actually exist.

Reference for Sci-Fi Character Design

It's almost a religious habit now to avoid looking at other concept artists' work when I'm creating something new. I've gotten so used to this method that being influenced by someone else's final product makes the process harder for me.

When designing robots, I look at the latest from Boston Dynamics, Open Bionics, and ASIMO.
When designing dragons, I study bugs, lizards, and nature.

Art imitates life, and it's hard to design while looking through someone else's lens, trying to copy experiences that are theirs and which I haven't lived.

With my sci-fi character designs, most of them feature a robotic implant of some sort. Arms like these start from a free base mesh, a normal human arm, which I then sculpt on top by re-skinning it as hard-surface, and converting all the human joints, fingers, and bending parts into screws, pistons, and ball joints.

Essentially, I re-imagine the human body as a machine.

Many of my character concept art pieces include assets that I've rarely showcased individually.

  • It's very hard to find a professional like Miguel. Very organized, prolific and effective with his workflow. Not to mention the impressive quality of ideas he brings to the table. it's an honor to have worked with him!

    João Lira, Assistant Art Director on Star Atlas

  • I am happy to have the chance to work with Miguel, an always enthusiastic and rapturous artist. He is one of the most supportive people I know, and he manages to stay humble despite his great talent and unique style. He has the capacity to come up with endless new ideas for every new project, and his solution-oriented approach (similar to that of engineers) make him a valuable team member. I honestly hope we will have many more opportunities to collaborate in the future.

    Ahmet Atıl Akar, Senior Concept Artist at NetEase Games

  • It was fantastic working with you on these (character designs for Many Notes), you're an exceptional talent with a wonderful work ethic. You had a tasteful process for creative exploration, and your balance of structure and freedom always invigorated our sessions. Looking forward to the future, Miguel.

    River Gandour, CEO of Dore

Past Clients:

Embark Studios, game studio logo, a previous client of Miguel Nogueira for Freelance Character Concept Art to partner with the game studio
Logo for Wizards of the Coast
netease games logo. the logo of a games company who sought Miguel's services as Freelance Concept Artist, providing solutions for hardsurface concepts as well as quality character designs for games
The word 'VOLTA' in bold, stylized white letters on a black background.
The DICE logo in white text on a black background.
playstation studios logotype, a well known game art studio, part of miguel nogueira's client for quality concept art services he provides as freelancer in his concept art website
AMD logo, a tech oriented company driving solutions for entertainment. Another freelance client of Miguel Nogueira where he offered his expertise as freelance concept artist and art director

The Results:
A Solid List of Sci-Fi Character Assets

Software used: Zbrush, Marvelous Designer, Photoshop, Keyshot.

By the end of this project, I delivered many different solutions for a concept art studio:

  • Functional 3D base mechanical designs.

  • Fashion design in Marvelous Designer with auto-generated UV maps, reducing production time for the 3D department.

  • Sci-fi graphics, decals and logos.

  • Marketing illustrations and concept art.

  • Newfound fundamentals of realistic character design, using elements from real people with the same vibe, social culture, and energy.

  • Well-rounded Sci-Fi Character Concept Art, where personality performs over pretty visuals.

Need help with any of those steps?

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