3D Modelling - Clay

Mimicking real clay, textured with procedural and external materials (Last updated Jul 2024)

Blender

Texturing

3D model of my face on a rock stand

Process

Originally, I modelled a basic person to showcase them in different concept scenarios for a speculative design course where we imagined different potential futures.

But much later, I was interested in recreating how clay or Play-Doh looked in a 3D render. After looking up tutorials on creating the texture, I further modified it for realism.

There are a few modifiers placed on each piece in order to randomly morph the surface into more realistic and organic models. From there, a fingerprint texture is connected to each piece, with the texture also connected to the normals, to adjust the height of the surface accordingly. The lighting is taken from a studio lighting setup to mimic a place where someone may be working on clay.

If I had to improve this, I would try to separate more pieces and make it look more rough, with some pieces falling off or areas where it's clear that clay was mushed together.

Process Photos

3D Model of a low poly girl
Clay render of a 3D model of a girl
Textured render of a 3D model of a girl

Final Model

3D Model of my face, medium-closeup
3D Model of my face, viewport render
3D Model of my face, closeup
3D Model of my face, medium-closeup
3D Model of my face, close-up wearing sunglasses
3D Model of glasses on a reflective black table