After the storm

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Unfortunately – as I expected – I was not able to finish all the deliverables but I wanted to share the work I have done with you anyway.
Try new software:
My goal to try some new software.
I worked with the quixel mixer for the first time and was impressed how easy it was to use. I did the texture for the steps with the mixer. A stone floor with wetness added and some decal on it to break up the tidiness.
The second thing I wanted to try was the speedtree software. The very particular shape of the trees was perfect for that task because I had nothing comparable in my library. I didn`t get it quite right but keeping in mind that it was the first time working with that software the result was close enough for me. I am quite happy my generated trees.
Composition:
I wanted to reflect the regular shape of the building in my image so I went for a square format. The main ledge of the library is dividing the image in two equal halves. The shadow ends at the lower third of the image – following the rule of thirds but breaking them a bit.
I put a flying crow on the top right third to catch the eye and lead them towards the building. Also the man is situated on one of the thirds walking to the building.
Light:
I wanted to create an autumn morning mood right after a storm. The bottom third of the image is still in the shadow to set the focus on the main character – the building with most of its parts already lit by the morning sun.
The reflection of the sun in the glass of the main entrance is slightly out of the center and its bright reflection hitting the wet surface of the stairs again leads the eye of the viewer to the main focus of the image.
Materials:
Two materials were very important for me. Firstly, the color and texture of the facade with its significant stains. I think I nailed that part. And secondly the worn and wet texture of the walls next to the steps leading to the library.
I used a distance map to get the stains under the letters and AO maps to get the wet stains on top and bottom of the wall. Maybe the contrast here is a bit too strong.
After all I am happy with the result and I hope you guys like it too.

Book, dust and lasers

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Participating in this challenge was at once supremely entertaining and enjoyable. When I was browsing the site and I came across the invitation, the library’s architecture caught my attention. I did not have previous experience with contests, but when looking at the images, instantly started to have some different ideas. I don’t know why looking at the library and its surroundings automatically brought to my mind scenes from the movie Star Wars, specifically of the city of Mos Eisley in Tatooine. Then I decided to get into the game, will it work? More than competing I wanted to see the result!
When I realized I was immersed in that universe composed of starships, stormtroopers, dust and sand. I thought about how to merge the library into Mos Eisley’s architecture without losing her identity. So I added some classic elements from that place as blocks of stones, domed ceiling and antennae.
The most challenging part was telling a story with all that. A library holds a lot of knowledge, and knowledge is power! In StarWars’ universe which character represents that insatiable quest for power? The answer was immediate, Darth Vader!
So I did it. I had a story! Vader in his quest for power, appropriating and claiming also a powerful source of knowledge.
All the ships used in the projects and characters are consistent with the history and time of the film.
During the process I was more and more amused! Working with dedication in every grain of dust, crack and stone to transport that library to another universe. Working with two suns was the first big challenge. As I was performing the tests, the result was surprising. The contrast of colors generated by the desert climate with the bluish sky greatly pleased me.
It was an experience that allowed me to step out of the comfort zone, explore new techniques, unleash the imagination and expand the way I work for endless possibilities.