Material Painting
ATST-34 Robot
For this project, I created a skin for a robot based on the moodboard I created.
Year :
2025
Industry :
Video Games
Client :
Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne
Project Duration :
5 weeks
Objective :
The goal of this project was to design a unique samurai-inspired skin for the AT-ST34 robot modeled by my teacher using Substance Painter. The main focus was on storytelling through material wear and texture detail, showing a battle-worn machine that still carries the elegance and discipline of a samurai warrior.
Initial Idea and Intent :
I wanted to merge traditional Japanese armor aesthetics with futuristic robotics. My moodboard was built around lacquered red metal, gold ornaments, and engraved kanji symbols representing virtues like endurance and strength. While creating the textures, I also took inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, especially the Guardians and Divine Beasts.
I added a glowing crystal material under the armor to suggest an inner life force, giving the impression that the robot’s core energy comes from something mystical rather than mechanical. The small glowing dots beneath the broken plates were meant to look like an aura leaking through cracks, symbolizing power and ancient energy at the same time.
Challenge :
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the “old” samurai feel with the high-tech elements without making the result look chaotic. I experimented with different smart materials and custom masks to keep the weathering consistent and natural. Another challenge was achieving a believable emissive effect for the crystal and blue light without overpowering the rest of the textures.
Solution :
In the end, careful layering, anchor points and color control helped create harmony between the worn red lacquer, golden trims, and subtle light sources. The final look feels both ancient and alive, like a mechanical warrior powered by forgotten magic.
More Projects
Material Painting
ATST-34 Robot
For this project, I created a skin for a robot based on the moodboard I created.
Year :
2025
Industry :
Video Games
Client :
Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne
Project Duration :
5 weeks
Objective :
The goal of this project was to design a unique samurai-inspired skin for the AT-ST34 robot modeled by my teacher using Substance Painter. The main focus was on storytelling through material wear and texture detail, showing a battle-worn machine that still carries the elegance and discipline of a samurai warrior.
Initial Idea and Intent :
I wanted to merge traditional Japanese armor aesthetics with futuristic robotics. My moodboard was built around lacquered red metal, gold ornaments, and engraved kanji symbols representing virtues like endurance and strength. While creating the textures, I also took inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, especially the Guardians and Divine Beasts.
I added a glowing crystal material under the armor to suggest an inner life force, giving the impression that the robot’s core energy comes from something mystical rather than mechanical. The small glowing dots beneath the broken plates were meant to look like an aura leaking through cracks, symbolizing power and ancient energy at the same time.
Challenge :
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the “old” samurai feel with the high-tech elements without making the result look chaotic. I experimented with different smart materials and custom masks to keep the weathering consistent and natural. Another challenge was achieving a believable emissive effect for the crystal and blue light without overpowering the rest of the textures.
Solution :
In the end, careful layering, anchor points and color control helped create harmony between the worn red lacquer, golden trims, and subtle light sources. The final look feels both ancient and alive, like a mechanical warrior powered by forgotten magic.
More Projects
Material Painting
ATST-34 Robot
For this project, I created a skin for a robot based on the moodboard I created.
Year :
2025
Industry :
Video Games
Client :
Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne
Project Duration :
5 weeks
Objective :
The goal of this project was to design a unique samurai-inspired skin for the AT-ST34 robot modeled by my teacher using Substance Painter. The main focus was on storytelling through material wear and texture detail, showing a battle-worn machine that still carries the elegance and discipline of a samurai warrior.
Initial Idea and Intent :
I wanted to merge traditional Japanese armor aesthetics with futuristic robotics. My moodboard was built around lacquered red metal, gold ornaments, and engraved kanji symbols representing virtues like endurance and strength. While creating the textures, I also took inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, especially the Guardians and Divine Beasts.
I added a glowing crystal material under the armor to suggest an inner life force, giving the impression that the robot’s core energy comes from something mystical rather than mechanical. The small glowing dots beneath the broken plates were meant to look like an aura leaking through cracks, symbolizing power and ancient energy at the same time.
Challenge :
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the “old” samurai feel with the high-tech elements without making the result look chaotic. I experimented with different smart materials and custom masks to keep the weathering consistent and natural. Another challenge was achieving a believable emissive effect for the crystal and blue light without overpowering the rest of the textures.
Solution :
In the end, careful layering, anchor points and color control helped create harmony between the worn red lacquer, golden trims, and subtle light sources. The final look feels both ancient and alive, like a mechanical warrior powered by forgotten magic.