This was my graduation project at AKV St. Joost.
‘Ashen Veil’ is a 3D-animated short film that functions as an introduction to a larger story. It was based on the idea of how insignificant humanity is against forces of nature, and how ancient civilizations would often rationalize natural disasters by relating these events to gods or spirits. We follow a hunter who unknowingly gets beneath the veil separating our world from another.
I strove to create a short cinematic experience that sets a story in motion and makes the viewer curious to know more. I like storytelling that doesn’t immediately explain everything and can keep you guessing for what might happen next. The beginning might feel confusing, but it should always make sense by the end.
It started out as an opening chapter of a graphic novel loosely inspired by Norse Mythology.
Eventually I decided to rework the story into an animation project. Many sketches and ideas where reused for the models within the animation.
Eventually I decided to rework the story into an animation project. Many sketches and ideas where reused for the models within the animation.
The character I wanted to create had to feel like a person that would naturally fit into a more medieval feeling world. Making it more down to earth while still keeping it stylized and interesting.
Despite it being a 3D project, I wanted to include 2d elements. The perfect way achieve that was to digitally paint the textures of the character. The result is
detailled without using too many complex shaders within the 3D software.
detailled without using too many complex shaders within the 3D software.
This was the first time I made a full 3D character. It was a satisfying process to see everything come together.
Final shots
