The spectacular 'faux reliefs' of Grant Parsley

By Creative Bloq Staff
published

They're not made of metal. They're made of pixels! Grant Parsley explains how he used Zbrush and Blender to create these awesome Wizard of Oz-themed artifacts.

They look real - but they're made from pixels, not metal

They look real - but they're made from pixels, not metal

We can't believe these Wizard of Oz-themed metallic reliefs (opens in new tab) aren't solid objects but entirely made of pixels!

Dallas-based illustrator/graphic designer Grant Parsley used a combination of 3D tools Zbrush (opens in new tab) and Blender (opens in new tab) to create the collection. A recent convert to the use of 3D software for illustration, he didn't want to just follow in other illustrators' footsteps but create something new.

New approach

"Most artists create either lo-poly work for gaming or high realism work for visual effects," he explains. "And for good reason - this is where most of the jobs are focused for 3D artists. But while this type of work is incredible, I wanted to try something different."

Parsley chose iconic Wizard of Oz characters to try out his technique

Parsley chose iconic Wizard of Oz characters to try out his technique

As he searched for inspiration, he focused on at the fine art that's closest to 3D - sculpture. "While reviewing museum reliefs, it hit me that a relief style might lend itself to illustrating classic children’s literature. I’d recently read The Wizard of Oz with my young daughter and could envision illustrating these beloved characters in relief form. And I’m thrilled with the results."

How they're made

To create his "faux reliefs", Parsley begins by sketching out several compositions in loose pencil. "Once I’m pleased with a composition, I sculpt my organic hi-poly elements entirely in Zbrush. Then I model the simple hard edge elements in Blender. "

The "faux relief" creations are fashioned using Zbrush and Blender

The "faux relief" creations are fashioned using Zbrush and Blender

He merges all elements together in Zbrush and refine the merged mesh. "Next, I create additional variants of the model - working quickly to create slight differences in the surface.

"Finally, I import all of the work into Blender, assign a unique texture to each mesh, light, and render. The combined meshes enhance the texture differences in the relief surface and produce a very natural worn appearance."

Like this? Read these!

Have you seen an inspiring and original use of 3D software? Let us know about it in the comments!

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Creative Bloq Staff

The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of six full-time members of staff: Editor Kerrie Hughes, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Deals Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Digital Arts and Design Editor Ian Dean, and Staff Writer Amelia Bamsey, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq. 

Related articles