This game artist turns “emotion and dance” into haunting creature designs

A woman sculpts a creature from clay
(Image credit: Liuyazi (Arya) Hou)

Liuyazi 'Arya' Hou is a senior concept artist and sculptor working across AAA, console, VR and mobile games. She combines digital and traditional sculpting, using the best 3D modelling software to create characters inspired by fantasy and mysticism.

On her website, she says, "My personal art often reflects a bizarre, mystical, and fantasy theme, inspired by my experience, emotions, and dance", and you can see that in each of the fantastic creatures she makes.

3D models and scenes of monsters

(Image credit: Liuyazi 'Arya' Hou)

The Glacial Rider of Judgment Day

“This was an attempt to visualise vibration, weight and momentum. I wanted to attempt to explore the idea of catastrophe as a transformation.”

3D models and scenes of monsters

(Image credit: Liuyazi 'Arya' Hou)

Serpent Dragon

“An ancient giant serpent dragon coils around a rocky ledge, emitting low, resonant chants that echo with a soaring eagle’s cry.”

3D models and scenes of monsters

(Image credit: Liuyazi 'Arya' Hou)

The Plague Rider of Judgment Day

“To create an insightful weapon, I explored the similarities between disease and vibration. Both are unseen forces that disturb inner balance, changing physical and mental states."

This article originally appeared in our sister magazine ImagineFX. See the latest subscription deals for print and digital for more.

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Ian Dean
Editor, Digital Arts & 3D

Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.

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