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Hyperreal Character Study

Hyperreal Character Study


A custom real-time 3D character built for cinematic design, realism exploration, and digital identity development.


A hyperreal 3D character created using Unreal Engine and advanced sculpting workflows.

This study explores facial structure, skin detailing, lighting, and expression tests to push realism, personality, and technical precision.

3D Character Artist

Leah Knipe

Disciplines

Realism · Anatomy · LookDev

Project Duration

3 Weeks

The goal of this study was to create a uniquely designed digital human with cinematic-quality lighting and detail. This includes custom facial rigging, expression tests, and shader refinement to achieve a lifelike presence.
The goal of this study was to create a uniquely designed digital human with cinematic-quality lighting and detail. This includes custom facial rigging, expression tests, and shader refinement to achieve a lifelike presence.
The goal of this study was to create a uniquely designed digital human with cinematic-quality lighting and detail. This includes custom facial rigging, expression tests, and shader refinement to achieve a lifelike presence.
First
Second
Before
After

facial detailing

facial detailing

facial detailing

Captured through custom lighting setups, high-resolution textures, and precision shader work.
Captured through custom lighting setups, high-resolution textures, and precision shader work.
Captured through custom lighting setups, high-resolution textures, and precision shader work.

Expression Range

Expression Range

Expression Range

Testing rig flexibility through a range of natural and stylized expressions.
Testing rig flexibility through a range of natural and stylized expressions.
Testing rig flexibility through a range of natural and stylized expressions.

Hairstyle Variations

Hairstyle Variations

Hairstyle Variations

Exploring different hair grooms to showcase versatility and character identity.
Exploring different hair grooms to showcase versatility and character identity.
Exploring different hair grooms to showcase versatility and character identity.

body showcase

body showcase

body showcase

A full-body view capturing proportions, silhouette, and physique design.
A full-body view capturing proportions, silhouette, and physique design.
A full-body view capturing proportions, silhouette, and physique design.

motion & body rig

motion & body rig

motion & body rig

Evaluating body movement and weight in real time.
Evaluating body movement and weight in real time.
Evaluating body movement and weight in real time.

FIRELIGHT FREEDOM

FIRELIGHT FREEDOM

FIRELIGHT FREEDOM

A warm, cinematic moment of dancing in the dark, lit only by the soft glow of firelight.
A warm, cinematic moment of dancing in the dark, lit only by the soft glow of firelight.
A warm, cinematic moment of dancing in the dark, lit only by the soft glow of firelight.

HERO MODE ACTIVATED

HERO MODE ACTIVATED

HERO MODE ACTIVATED

Stepping into an adventurous persona with a superhero suit, posing confidently like a world explorer.
Stepping into an adventurous persona with a superhero suit, posing confidently like a world explorer.
Stepping into an adventurous persona with a superhero suit, posing confidently like a world explorer.

EDITORIAL FANTASY

EDITORIAL FANTASY

EDITORIAL FANTASY

High-quality, magazine-inspired portraits with polished lighting and bold visual styling.
High-quality, magazine-inspired portraits with polished lighting and bold visual styling.
High-quality, magazine-inspired portraits with polished lighting and bold visual styling.

DISCIPLINED & DETERMINED

DISCIPLINED & DETERMINED

DISCIPLINED & DETERMINED

Comfortable, empowered movement in athletic underwear — focused on strength, form, and self-determination.
Comfortable, empowered movement in athletic underwear — focused on strength, form, and self-determination.
Comfortable, empowered movement in athletic underwear — focused on strength, form, and self-determination.

RHYTHM & ENERGY

RHYTHM & ENERGY

RHYTHM & ENERGY

Expressive dancing that captures personality, fun, and fluid body motion.
Expressive dancing that captures personality, fun, and fluid body motion.
Expressive dancing that captures personality, fun, and fluid body motion.

Request Full Case Study (PDF)

Request Full Case Study (PDF)

Request Full Case Study (PDF)

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