Project 5: Whip

As the environment artist on the unreleased game 'Project 5' — a top-down action adventure based on a beloved THQ Nordic IP — I worked on many interactive key assets, as well as simple environmental assets. The usual pipeline involved sculpting in ZBrush, creating a low-poly mesh in Blender, baking and texturing it in Substance 3D Painter, and then implementing the asset into the KAIKO proprietary engine and making it fit the artistic vision.

For many, including myself, working on fantasy weapons while getting paid for it is a dream come true. It was an absolute honour to be entrusted with creating this asset.
The concept demanded that the design work as a short sword/dagger when the weapon is sheathed, as well as a whip when it is drawn; therefore, the three parts had to fit together seamlessly, and the middle part had to be repeatable along a spline. Inspired by a spine, I designed the middle part to resemble a vertebra and gave the blade and handle bony properties.

Art direction by
https://www.artstation.com/mathiasfischer

Animation by
https://www.artstation.com/stutagni