When I started the project, the first part that challenged me the most was the concept stage. Even though the ideas began to form in my mind, turning these thoughts into a meaningful and consistent concept took time. Then, creating a very organic and flowing candle sculpt in ZBrush was another challenge.
However, thanks to the brush sets I used, I was able to move through this stage in a more controlled way and without losing time. Since the painterly effect is one of my favorite stylization techniques, I wanted to push it one step further in this project. Making the wax surface transitions, melt marks, and small color variations feel hand-painted was both enjoyable and demanding.
The last major challenge was the rendering part. In my previous works, I usually take my renders in Marmoset Toolbag, but for the Meet Mat 5 contest, I had to take all renders inside Substance 3D Painter. I tried many iterations to find the right HDRI, adjust the SSS settings, and make the light behave correctly on the wax.
Finding the right balance was the most critical point of this stage. Even though the time was limited, the process taught me to make quick decisions, remove unnecessary steps, and set the right priorities. There were some techniques I wanted to try, but there wasn’t enough time. Still, this pushed me to focus on producing the best result with the conditions I had and to think more strategically.
This project gave me a new perspective, both technically and creatively. It also opened space in my portfolio for a more personal work that reflects my own story and interpretation, and that was the most valuable part of the process for me. My advice for beginners is to be patient and not hesitate to experiment a lot. You realize over time how much small steps can lead to big improvement.
Sharing your work with communities speeds up your progress and increases motivation. Feedback from others often shows details you might not notice on your own. And most importantly, never stop trying; everything you keep working on will take you to the next level.
Sharing this project and its process, and being featured on this platform for the second time, was truly enjoyable. I would like to sincerely thank the 80 Level team and Emma Collins for this opportunity. I regularly share my WIP stages and 3D tips on my social media, so feel free to follow me there as well.