Anime Explosion

SOFTWARE

DESCRIPTION

Unreal Engine 5 - Houdini - Maya - After Effects - Substance Designer - Procreate

I worked on a month-long project inspired by anime and mechs, focused on creating 2D anime-style explosions within a 3D environment. Our team of four kept the environment simple so the visual effects, animation, and cinematic presentation could remain the focus. I was responsible for the VFX, compositing, concept art, rigging, and technical animation. I rigged the character, gun, and robotic elements, animated the robot, and handled the camera work for the final sequence. The effects were created and implemented in Unreal Engine 5 using Niagara and Houdini, with final compositing and polish completed in After Effects. I also used material blueprints to create stylized shaders, hand-painted textures and impact frames in Procreate and Photoshop, and generated additional procedural textures in Substance Designer.

PROJECT BREAKDOWN

MAIN VFX:
This is a showcase of a variety of effects including a large explosion, ground destruction, a gunshot, multiple explosions, and a charge-up effect, each massively contributing to the dynamic energy of the scene.

SUPPORTING VFX:
The supporting VFX are designed to enhance the main effects by aiding with transitions and adding impact. They seamlessly contribute to the overall scene, ensuring that the key moments like explosions and destruction feel more immersive and dynamic.

HAND DRAWN REFERENCE:
I created two loose drawings to give an initial idea of what we might be creating. While they were just rough concepts, I ended up going beyond what was originally planned, though they served as the foundation for the first ideas.

EXPLOSION REFERENCE:
We wanted to create a large, dramatic anime-style dome explosion. Our vision included a powerful beam shooting upwards from the center, with additional rings spreading out to emphasize the effect, capturing the energy typical of iconic anime explosions.

HAND DRAWN TEXTURES:
I created these in Procreate, with some specifically designed as impact frames. These textures added a personal, artistic touch to the effects, helping to enhance the overall visual style of the project.

GUNSHOT REFERENCE:
We wanted to create a massive blast with a lot of noise and movement. To convey a sense of dark energy, we incorporated black into the effect, while still making it colorful and flashy to capture attention and heighten the intensity.

RIGGING:
Developed a custom Python auto-rigging system with automated control generation, IK/FK switching, and Python-driven spine motion. I handled technical animation and rigging for both the character and weapon, creating production-ready rigs focused on clean controls, flexible posing, and efficient animation workflows.

LIVI BONAVENTURA | TECHNICAL ARTIST - DESIGN ENGINEER

Anime Explosion

SOFTWARE

DESCRIPTION

MAIN VFX: This is a showcase of a variety of effects including a large explosion, ground destruction, a gunshot, multiple explosions, and a charge-up effect, each massively contributing to the dynamic energy of the scene.

SUPPORTING VFX: The supporting VFX are designed to enhance the main effects by aiding with transitions and adding impact. They seamlessly contribute to the overall scene, ensuring that the key moments like explosions and destruction feel more immersive and dynamic.

HAND DRAWN REFERENCE: I created two loose drawings to give an initial idea of what we might be creating. While they were just rough concepts, I ended up going beyond what was originally planned, though they served as the foundation for the first ideas.

EXPLOSION REFERENCE: We wanted to create a large, dramatic anime-style dome explosion. Our vision included a powerful beam shooting upwards from the center, with additional rings spreading out to emphasize the effect, capturing the energy typical of iconic anime explosions.