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Dec 23 2011

Old Man’s War Project: Shelved

Posted in 2D, Personal Work

 

In 2008, I finished reading a book called Old Man’s War by John Scalzi, about the consciousness of the elderly placed in genetically younger versions of themselves, fighting a galactic war to save humanity.  Between 2008 and 2011, I had been working on a personal project trying to concept out the characters, weapons, vehicles and aliens within the book.  I even went as far as project managing OMW in a program called SG Project to make sure I did not fall off schedule.

This project taught me a tough lesson: Don’t bite off more than you can chew.  I had restarted this project four times between 2008 and 2011, because I could not decide on an art style, and would change my visuals depending on my mood or just sheer boredom.  I had become a concept artist, art director and producer all at once, and to be honest with the scope of the project growing along with the art inconsistencies, it easily became overwhelming.  So with a heavy heart I decided to post what I liked from the work that I had, (which isn’t much) and shelve the project indefinitely.

Included here are teaser images, rough thumbnails of weapons, and character studies of who I wanted to cast in my version of the story.  I found out that they are working on a live-action movie and am hoping that they keep the green skin, which might not float too well in Hollywood. In any case, Old Man’s War is still one of my favorite science fiction books and is a great entertaining read.

I think what bothers me most is that I only barely scratched the surface on these characters and worlds within this story, and that someday I may revisit it when I can find an art style that I think suits the story that I visualized in my head and at the same time retain my own interest in the project.

Posted in 2D, Personal Work

7 comments

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Steve Howell - December 29, 2011 - 8:04 AM

I’m a big Scalzi fan, and your work looks fantastic. I posted a link to this page, along with a properly-credited image on my blog because I think all Scalzi readers would love to see your work. If you prefer your work not be visible on my blog, just let me know and I’ll remove the image with profuse apologies. I would certainly like to see more of this great stuff.

Cheers,
Steve

David Sattar - December 29, 2011 - 9:52 AM

I’ve looked at 3 or 4 of your pics and they look good – but I’m probably not going to take the time to view them all.

You need a ‘View All’ button. just a vast vertical scrolling wall of pictures. The click, wait, close, wait, repeat thing is just too tedious.

Regards,

>> Dave Sattar <<

Erik San Juan - December 29, 2011 - 10:59 AM

Hey David, if you click on one image, and then click to the right or left of the open image you can quickly see them, it’s just that easy. Thanks for visiting.

Erik San Juan - December 29, 2011 - 11:01 AM

Thank you Steve, it is one of my favorite books. I appreciate the link to your blog page, and am happy that you visited. I recently had a kid too, so a lot o my life has changed. I am hoping to dedicate more time to this project in the future when I can really flesh out the characters in the bizarre worlds that Scalzi wrote up. Thanks for visiting!

Old Man’s War Project | Internet-D - January 19, 2012 - 4:02 AM

[...] war series, and this dude did a bunch of concept art for it, in an unofficial manner…www.eriksanjuanart.com/?p=956 AKPC_IDS += "16277,"; Tags old man's warscience fictionLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address [...]

Nathan - May 4, 2012 - 12:17 PM

Excellent work. I’ve really enjoyed the books and your images capture the mood of the story perfectly. Did you model the characters on anyone? I’m sure one of the girls looks a lot like Claudia Winkleman.

Erik San Juan - May 5, 2012 - 9:33 AM

Hello Nathan! Thank you for your kind comments! I did cast this as if I was trying to cast a movie–I had to look up Claudia–no I did not use her for reference, but she is gorgeous! I want to do more on these books because I am a big fan too, but the scope is huge and I need more time to paint. I have another project going on right now that you might be interested in so stay tuned!

Jun 04 2011

Medusa

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name: Medusa

The Gorgon Medusa has always been a pillar of Classic Greek Mythology.  The design for this version of Medusa came from Charlie Wen on God of War One.  It was my task to update this design with a next-generation pass.  Shown here are pre-Zbrush preparations along with sculpt images and final renders for the ‘Art of God of War 3″ book from Ballistic Publishing.

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

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Jun 04 2011

Argus

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name: Argus

A foul and hideous beast with a hundred glowing eyes, Argus emerges from the darkness to stalk and kill Kratos.  Concept artist Izzy Medrano again outdid himself in creating Argus.  It is a pity that we were unable to fit him in the game, and that the final version of the character was shelved.  Izzy and I, along with with technical artists and programmers were involved with getting his eyes working and tracking, also had included an exploding feature for his larger eyes.  Kratos was to wrap his chains around his body and squeeze him until his eyes exploded.  It was a glory to see, but sadly he was left on the cutting room floor.

Included here are process images, Zsculpts, and final renders for the ‘Art of God of War’ by Ballistic Publishing.

 

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

2 comments

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Kendall - July 27, 2011 - 12:45 PM

Hi Erik,

Do you perform freelance work? If so, I may have a project that interests you.

Erik San Juan - July 31, 2011 - 9:32 AM

Hi Kendall,

I am not able to do freelance at this time, as I am devoting pretty much all of my time to our new project at work! Thank you for visiting and asking–more updates are coming up soon.

May 21 2011

Ixion

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name: Ixion

Imprisoned forever in the God of War world, Ixion remains to serve Kratos on his journey.  This character was to represent pain and torture for the crimes he committed by being spun on a wheel half submerged in water with his limbs being stretched and pulled for eternity.  His death would be to have his limbs removed from his body by Kratos himself and unmasked to provide valuable information for his quest.  Included here are early modeling images as well as Zbrush sculpts, UV layout, early texture work and final renders.  Towards the end of production, this character never made it to the final product.

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

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May 21 2011

Daedalus

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name: Daedalus

The architect gone mad, Daedalus hangs imprisoned in the God of War universe.  A blend of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, Daedalus’ character had to show frailty and madness hanging by his arms in chains.  Shown here are early modeling images, along with lighting tests and Zbrush sculpts, followed by final renders.

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

2 comments

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Somebody - October 18, 2011 - 1:42 PM

The only thing about this guy that bugged me in GoW III is how exactly did he write that letter he left for Kratos when both his hands were chained in outstretched positions on both sides of his body? Furthermore, where did he get the paper that he wrote it on?

Erik San Juan - December 24, 2011 - 3:02 PM

I often wonder the same thing, very difficult from that position!

May 21 2011

God of War 3 Extras

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name:  Wraith, Pandora’s Box UI (block model),  Ice Weapon (not used in game), Aphrodite’ Chamber Bed, Alternate Kratos Costume, Athena Blade

Various extra artwork from God of War 3.  Characters include the vicious Wraith designed by Andrew Kim, an early block model for our UI menus of Pandora’s Box, the unused Ice Weapon that Kratos would sling.  Also included are the fully textured bed that Aphrodite and her girls would sleep on, as well an alternate Kratos costume and the Athena Blade he used during the first portion of God of War 3.

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

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Apr 10 2011

The Poseidon Princess

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name: Poseidon Princess or Concubine

Frightened and scared the Poseidon Princess served Kratos with her life.  This character was modeled twice by me, with the redo being more game ready than the first.  Cloth was shortened for the fact that Kratos was dragging her with him being thrown around the environment.  Also shown here are early modeling images from Maya and Zbrush, as well as final renders for the ‘Art of God of War 3′ book.  An added bonus is the never before seen (spoiler) smashed meat version which sadly did not make the final cut of the game.

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

7 comments

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draco alexandrion - July 31, 2011 - 1:38 AM

she has a nice has and some nice tits

Erik San Juan - July 31, 2011 - 9:33 AM

Thanks a lot! Stig said “bigger” and she just kept growing!

Somebody - September 7, 2011 - 9:20 AM

What was the purpose of the smashed meat version?

Erik San Juan - September 25, 2011 - 9:33 AM

The purpose of the smashed meat version was that her death would have occurred off-screen, but grinding her under a wheel that she was pinned to. Very difficult to destroy a character that you like!

Somebody - October 21, 2011 - 8:32 PM

Wait, that’s how she died in the released game. How did this alternate version of her death requiring “smashed meat” play out? Were you supposed to see the remains instead of just her feet beneath the wheel like in the final game? Sorry, I’m a bit confused here.

Erik San Juan - December 24, 2011 - 3:07 PM

Yes, you are correct. She did die this way, but we only understand that she was crushed and cannot clearly see the chunky model I made for her death. Would have been nice to see the act happen, but that might be way too brutal for a game like ours. :)

Somebody - December 29, 2011 - 7:45 PM

Ah, okay, I understand now. Thanks for clarifying.

Yeah, it was a real shame how she ended up. :( She was quite the looker, much more so than Aphrodite, IMO.

Apr 10 2011

The Nemean Cestus

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

 

Project: God of War 3

Name:  Nemean Cestus

Originally owned by Hercules and then obtained violently by Kratos, the Nemean Cestus has brought much pain to the enemies of Krtaos in the God of War Universe.  Included here are concept art images by Izzy Medrano, along with process images in Maya and Zbrush as well as modelview shots from within the Playstation 3.  Final render includes texture work by Character Artist Tyler Breon to match the armor of Hercules.

Posted in 3D, God of War 3

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