Syed Ali-Khan
3d Artist
moodboard
For this project, I initially explored a medieval theme while gathering references. My concept evolved towards ancient Greek mythology, while still maintaining the chariot focus. I decided to center my design around Helios, the sun god and incorporated a color palette that leans towards the warmer side symbolizing sunlight or "golden hour". In Greek myth, Helios drives a chariot across the sky.
1 week timeline
sun Chariot Prop Sketch
I created initial sketches to explore how this myth could translate into my own version of a sun chariot. I also took some artistic liberties by designing and conceptualizing additional weapon props that Helios could hypothetically have used. By adding designs and elements of radiance like the sun, I developed three final prop designs.
axe and spear Showcase
This project features a stylized Viking-inspired weapon set, including a spear and axe, created as part of a real-time asset workflow. The final render highlights cohesive design language and material consistency across the set.
spear
prop breakdown
The spear asset was modeled in Maya using a low-poly workflow with an emphasis on efficient geometry and clean edge flow.
The breakdown showcases the transition from base mesh to optimized game-ready model, ensuring proper proportions and silhouette clarity with minimal poly usage for real-time performance.
Syed Ali-khan
3D artist
syeds-artloft.com
Syed Ali-khan
3D artist
syeds-artloft.com
Base
Wireframe
Final
spear
UV Maps + Texture
UVs were unwrapped and optimized in Maya, focusing on clean layout, minimal stretching, and consistent texel density. The asset was textured in Substance Painter using a PBR workflow, where smart materials and custom masks were used to define metal roughness, edge wear, and wood grain variation.​
Base Color
Normal
Metallic
Roughness
UV Unwrap
axe
prop breakdown
the axe was created in Maya with a focus on bold shape language and with readable proportions. Prioritized clean topology and geometry while maintaining the stylized detailing in the blade and handle.
Base
Wireframe
Final
axe
uv + texture
UVs were carefully laid out in Maya to maximize space and maintain uniform texel density. In Substance Painter, the axe was textured using layered materials to build contrast between metal and wood.
Metallic
Normal
Roughness
Base Color
UV Unwrap
chariot body/wheels breakdown
The chariot asset was modeled in Maya using a modular approach, allowing for efficient construction and reuse of repeating elements like panels and support.
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Topology was kept clean and optimized for real-time rendering all while still capturing stylized forms and ornamental details.
Syed Ali-khan
3D artist
syeds-artloft.com
Base
Wireframe
Final
chariot body
uv + texture
UV Mapping was completed in Maya, with the attention to logically segment the materials for efficient space usage. Texturing was done in Substance Painter, where layered PBR materials were used to define the wood surface of the chariot, metal fittings, and decorative elements.​
Base Color
Metallic
Normal
Roughness
UV Unwrap
chariot Wheels
uv+ texture
The wheels were unwrapped in Maya, focused on radial symmetry and efficient UV reuse wherever possible. In Substance Painter, materials were applied to emphasize structural elements such as spokes and rims with metal reinforcements.
Base Color
Metallic
Normal
Roughness
UV Unwrap
final render
Sun chariot prop
The final render showcases the fully realized asset, bringing together modeling, texturing, and material work into a cohesive and polished result. It reinforces the ideas pulled together in the earlier stages of researching references, mood boarding, and working with my initial sketches.
