I did the smoke in blender using mesh extruded from curves and wave modifiers. Thanks to this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyLt83yPT7Y
Rig setup with IKFK switch and IK legs. The weapon has constraints to snap to his hands, and also to the circular world controller under it.
Some random poses to test the rig :p
Concept by Aye Jay https://www.instagram.com/ayejay_make_art/?hl=en
This started off as a quick sculpting project that I was planning to render in blender, but I ended up working on this on and off throughout the year while working and studying. I did the retopology in Maya and used this as rigging practice. The smoke was also something new that I did to familiarize myself with blender.
The biggest issue with the rig is the armpit topology. I initially wasn't planning on making it a full rig so I sculpted the highpoly mesh in an A pose because it was closer to the final pose in the concept. It was a little too late to go back and change the highpoly sculpt so I went along with the A pose and finished up the project the best I can. Right now, the rig can't fully lift his arms up because of the lack of topology in the armpits. Just something to take note of for future projects.
I still really enjoyed working on this model, especially for his textures :) Thanks again to ayejay for letting me use this concept and also to Sean for his endless amount of patience in guiding me through the rigging process.
