<h2>Update Three</h2><h3>More Materials</h3>I’m still deep in the materials phase — and for good reason. This week, I created three new shaders with more complex, pattern-specific setups. There’s still a good amount of material work ahead, and I estimate about two more updates before this phase is fully wrapped up.<h3>Tileable Materials</h3>Clay_Floor<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/8aae9e06-34bf-4154-8045-0356761974e5.png" alt="">Zellige<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/f631338d-b3a7-47c8-ba67-f934bae4cd37.png" alt=""><h3>Surface Material</h3>Clay<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/6d6e61ef-4d74-4e6c-80e7-d99f2cf271bd.png" alt=""><h2>Update Two</h2><h3>Materials First: Laying the Foundation</h3>This update I focused on building the core shaders and base materials inside Unreal Engine. I created a set of tileable textures (more are coming), including some that will be used with props featuring multiple UV channels. Starting with materials might seem a bit early, but for this project, they’re the backbone — the entire environment will be shaped around them. Having these materials defined now will guide my modeling choices and help maintain visual consistency as the scene grows.<h3>Tileable Materials</h3>Wood_Ceiling<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/540c9def-bf67-4ff0-8231-1bb195c0e4e7.png" alt=""><img src="" alt="">Wood_Orange<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/d7d8987e-a449-492d-941e-00d6d797f251.png" alt=""><h3>Surface Materials</h3>Iron<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/52132ec9-0855-4f77-9112-5804a2e2d48e.png" alt=""><img src="" alt="">Brass<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/d8ca9626-4848-41b0-af99-04a71e6334d0.png" alt="">Terracota<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/ca0a1583-5e6b-4796-8430-e4aa14331a02.png" alt="">Wood_polish<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/147/images/c5f1ffaa-0fc2-4cb0-a51d-0f898aad965c.png" alt=""><h2>Update one</h2><h3>Greetings!</h3>Hey! I'm Nowacki, an 3D Environment Artist currently working at Diorama Digital, and I've been in the game industry for nearly five years. I'm excited to be part of this new challenge, where I'll be creating a scene based on the Baj-Sheerh concept by Max Bedulenko. I was drawn to it for its strong storytelling and the chance to work on a compelling indoor environment — something I really enjoy. I'm passionate about environment art and have a deep appreciation for Arab culture, which also played a big part in my choice. I'm optimistic about this contest and looking forward to exchanging ideas with other artists and learning along the way.<img src="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/posts/update/147" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/05f3bfa8-b36e-41f7-9ac2-5f3f7a910481/05f3bfa8-b36e-41f7-9ac2-5f3f7a910481.jpeg" alt=""><h3>Blocking</h3>Adapting the concept's perspective into 3D has been a fun challenge. Some elements like the tables and windows needed scale adjustments to make sense spatially. Camera distortion also played a role — I ended up with a 15mm focal length to get the closest match. Lighting will be tricky too: even with many windows, sunlight doesn’t reach very far into the space, so achieving that bright, airy look will be a creative challenge<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/8715ae5a-ba85-405a-ac72-47f9939b318c/8715ae5a-ba85-405a-ac72-47f9939b318c.png" alt=""><h3>Asset Strategy</h3>I’ve grouped each asset type by shader workflow. Scalable props will use a second UV channel for symbols and a first for tileables — giving me freedom to reuse them in different sizes, colors, and symbol combinations. Fabrics will have wind simulation, and modular pieces will carry three UV sets for Tile, EdgeWear, and an RGB Mask with AO, Grunge, and Dust.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/30c39703-fafc-407e-a608-5ee8d216dbc2/30c39703-fafc-407e-a608-5ee8d216dbc2.png" alt=""><h3>References</h3>I gathered tons of references to immerse myself in this world. I pulled visual inspiration from India, Iran, Morocco, Turkey, and Egypt — and dove into videos and walkthroughs of real locations. Long live the internet!<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/40f84295-00b2-43f6-96a3-e51d10d463cf/40f84295-00b2-43f6-96a3-e51d10d463cf.png" alt=""><h3>Catch you on the flippity flip!</h3>I’ll keep posting updates as the project evolves, so feel free to follow along!
I’d love to connect — don’t hesitate to message me on Discord: @megaalemoon or add me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandre-nowacki-3d-environment-artist/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.artstation.com/alexandre_nowacki" target="_blank">Artstation</a>.

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Taking on Baj-Sheerh for this challenge! I’ll be sharing my full process — wins, mistakes, and all.

Baj-Sheerh

Hello everyone!First of all, I'd like to say a big thank you to the organisers of this competition.To meet this challenge, I chose to create my own concept: an ancient city located on a flying island, floating in the air thanks to technology from an ancient advanced civilisation. This city, nestled in a lush tropical forest, has an architecture that blends several styles from great ancient civilisations, such as Egypt, Persia, Ancient Greece and Assyria. Protected by a field of invisibility, this city, forgotten by the modern world, is said to have evolved in isolation, developing its own culture and technology, on the fringes of our contemporary civilisation. It is said that some ancient maps hidden in certain temples of ancient times indicate the position of this island. Here is my reference board :<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/00b747ba-3d0e-4022-a8e5-726830f62d6e/00b747ba-3d0e-4022-a8e5-726830f62d6e.png" alt="">This project is still in progress so stay tuned :)#learteschallenge

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New Blog Post

Hello there! This project will be a prop concept, presenting a distiller unit that produces rare and mysterious essential oil that 'veils' you in the alleys of 'Armenian District' by Max Bedulenko. <img src="" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/bbafc7a9-46dc-41b1-9cda-cebb8bbb2eee/bbafc7a9-46dc-41b1-9cda-cebb8bbb2eee.jpeg" alt="">I chose this concept because of it's mysterious and oriental cultural reference. This crowded district made me think being veiled would be very useful if I want to do shady business... <img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/25b522e6-9994-4647-b061-540edea2b976/25b522e6-9994-4647-b061-540edea2b976.png" alt="">My story is that there's an underground perfumery that sells this veiling essential oils/perfumes. My minimum scale is producing a functional and grounded distiller unit with callouts and orthographic views. I plan to include perfume bottles as extra.I plan to use Blender and Photoshop for this project. My biggest challenge will be designing a functional distiller unit with believable but fun design. I'll start with learning how a distiller works and do exploration sketches. Stay well!#learteschallenge

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Veil In A Bottle

In the game development process with Unreal Engine, the key to creating practical game mechanics without writing complex code lies in the Blueprint system. In this blog post, we will delve deeply into the production workflows of Blueprint and similar features.<h2>What is Blueprint and Why is it Important?</h2>Blueprint is Unreal Engine's visual scripting system. It enables you to create game mechanics without requiring any coding knowledge. This system is highly useful for both professionals and beginners, offering a flexible and intuitive way to build gameplay functionality efficiently.<img src="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/posts/update/138" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/138/images/d215c295-3b29-4c8f-a47e-8d70dea19c17.png" alt=""><h2>Blueprint Production Process</h2>The Blueprint production process consists of the following steps:1- Concept and PlanningEvery successful project starts with solid planning. A good plan involves deciding which game mechanics will be used and how these mechanics will be presented to the player.2 - Initiating Blueprint DesignCreating a new Blueprint in Unreal Engine begins with selecting the appropriate class (such as Actor, Pawn, Character, etc.). The choice of Blueprint class determines the in-game functionality of the object you are creating.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/138/images/81b61fdf-5cbb-4d02-b803-1d6bae70e98b.png" alt="">3 - Creating the Logical StructureYou create the Blueprint logical flow using visual nodes. These nodes connect events, functions, and conditions to trigger actions within the game.4 - Testing and Debugging ProcessYou use Unreal Engine’s simulation modes to test the Blueprint you’ve created and to fix any errors. Identifying and resolving issues is a critical phase of the Blueprint production process.5 - Optimization and RefinementIn the final step, performance improvements and optimizations are made. Unnecessary operations are removed or reorganized to enhance the efficiency of the nodes used and optimize overall performance.<h2>Advantages of Blueprint Production</h2>– Rapid prototyping without the need for coding knowledge.– Easy debugging with a clear and visual interface.– Flexible development possibilities thanks to extensive library support.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Using Blueprint significantly accelerates and simplifies the game development process. It offers a unique solution, especially for developers without coding skills.&nbsp;By following this guide step by step, you can easily create your own projects and make a strong start to your game development journey!&nbsp;You can also find high-quality assets and resources to enhance your projects at <a href="http://cosmos.leartesstudios.com" target="_blank">Cosmos</a>

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Step-by-step guide to creating gameplay mechanics using Unreal Engine's Blueprint system without coding. Includes planning, logic design, debugging, and optimization phases.

Blueprint Production Process with Unreal Engine: A Step-by-Step Comprehensive Guide

Hey everyone!
I’m excited to join the Leartes challenge — even if I’m not 100% confident in myself yet, I believe growth comes through doing things that scare you a little!For my entry, I chose the "Vienna" concept by Max Bedulenko.
Why Vienna? I’ve always had a deep love for this city — its architecture, atmosphere, and layered history. The concept also includes rich sculptural and character elements, which make it both inspiring and technically challenging — exactly what I was looking for!<img src="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/posts/update/137" alt="">One of my goals is to build the environment using a modular workflow for the architecture, so I can focus on reusability and efficient scene building while maintaining a detailed, authentic look.<img src="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/posts/update/137" alt="">I’ll be using Blender, ZBrush, Photoshop, Substance 3D Painter, Marmoset Toolbag, and of course, Unreal Engine for the final presentation.Let’s see where this journey takes me ✨Original concept:

<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/f19e3a75-5abe-4208-9abb-a826e189f457/f19e3a75-5abe-4208-9abb-a826e189f457.jpeg" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/b4f05472-d79a-46e0-8743-2efec226760c/b4f05472-d79a-46e0-8743-2efec226760c.png" alt="">#learteschallenge

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Hello everyone,First, I would like to thank Leartes Studios for giving me the opportunity to be part of this incredible challenge.This is a great chance for me to test and apply both my discipline and my experience as a 3D artist.For this challenge, I’ve chosen The Sheegothai by Max Bedulenko as my reference. This concept fascinates me, and I’m excited to explore it further and expand upon the idea.

I wanted to combine the essence of a small nomadic tribe—one that cleverly hid and Superior in developing advanced technology from the rest of the world. These people did not seek wealth or possessions; money was simply a means to obtain food.They are masters of science, skilled hunters, and survival experts in harsh, salty environments.


<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/ca6e2f6b-66ab-4f48-9f18-33baa106b4f0/ca6e2f6b-66ab-4f48-9f18-33baa106b4f0.jpeg" alt="">I’ll be using Blender for modeling, Nomad Sculpt for sculpting, Infinite Painter/Krita for texture decals, Quixel Mixer for detailing, and Unreal Engine for the final presentation.I hope you enjoy following my progress and thank you for checking it out!

#learteschallenge.
<a href="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/challenges/veiled-realms-art-challenge" target="_blank">https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/challenges/veiled-realms-art-challenge</a>

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Veiled Realms Art Challenge By Leartes Studios

Nomadic Tribes🏴‍☠️, everlast

For this Great and First 3D Artists Challenge that I Participate, I will use one of My Unpublished Stories, and since I Know How to Draw, I will post photos of my drawings. For the Modeling of the Models of my Project I will use ''Blender - v3.3.5'' and I will Export to ''Unity 2022.3.61f1'', for the Rendering and Final Visualization of the Project.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/134/images/79ef4898-8130-4475-a3d4-8a0d6ccf89d2.jpeg" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/134/images/0b3bed7b-a461-45ac-87be-3abd01c460f5.jpeg" alt="">PLOT...This is Eden, where peace, tranquility and harmony exist. A paradise that everyone wants to be in, conquer or have for themselves. However, after a great event, this so-called paradise disappeared or was destroyed. A place that everyone desired in every way, now disappeared or hidden, who knows what happened to this place that everyone who has been there, wished never to leave. They said it was as big as a continent or even bigger than a continent, others say it was a nation or bigger than one. Since Eden itself is a vast region that is inhabited by its natural inhabitants, who are neither human, much less monsters or sly creatures or even demons, nor bloodthirsty beings. The Creatures of Eden are of Peaceful Extinction, that is, the Carnivorous Extinction Species, only feed on species from Eden itself, and not on beings that never existed in Eden, the Herbivorous Extinction Species and Many Other Extinctions of course. Any Species or Beings outside of Eden, did not have the Attention of the Predators of the Known "Paradise". In addition to being rich in fruits and other edible foods produced by Paradise itself and by the natural events that happen there, in addition to the high levels of minerals, even minerals that have never been seen before. With Paradise in the pose of Someone, Be it from a Simple Man to Non-Human Beings, it would be a being of great Power, of course if it knew how to use everything that Eden Has to Offer with Intelligence and Wisdom. But Now the Question Remains, where or what Happened to Eden, the Paradise so Coveted by Kings and Emperors of Kingdoms and Nations and by other Non-Human Beings. Was it Underground, or was it made by the Great Creator, or was it simply destroyed by large-scale magic, since the existence of magic is confirmed in this world. Some people who passed by Eden mentioned having seen a great light covering the entire place. Now imagine someone with such power to make a nation or continent disappear from the map (no one knows for sure the real size of paradise. One more thing is certain, Eden is no smaller than a nation or bigger than a continent). But to make an entire place like that was either the work of a god or a deity, perhaps it was a wizard with powers comparable to those of a god of destruction, no one knows. But the question remains: why do this, why make a place like that disappear. Was Eden destroyed or is it just hidden?...An Original Project, only the Textures I will use are not Original...Thank you very much for the Ticket for me to Participate in this Challenge, Leartes Studios.#learteschallenge

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Eden, The Paradise Everyone Wants to Be In. An Original Project.

Eden, o Grande Paraíso Oculto

Hello everyone.For this challenge I have decided to make a witchwoods inspired game prop.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/6f35982d-a87b-4502-b773-3c4ddb017507/6f35982d-a87b-4502-b773-3c4ddb017507.png" alt="">While scrolling on Pinterest I found many interesting ideas and I ended up deciding on making a very dark and witchy crystal ball incorporating the elements of the witchwoods aesthetics.Here Is a screen shot of my reference board<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/252e3d8e-dfd1-4232-90a7-e574580a504b/252e3d8e-dfd1-4232-90a7-e574580a504b.png" alt="">I am planning on using mostly Blender for the whole modelling process and to scatter a few cosmos assets for a set dressing for the crystal ball.Stay tuned. :)#learteschallenge<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/04362c28-7db9-4031-a196-f4cdbf9074c0.png" alt="">After that I sent everything to ZBrush, where I sculpted and detailed the model, using hand sculpting and alphas to make intricate ornaments on the model.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/5e68e2cf-bdd1-468f-88fa-0d2953eb0e8f.png" alt="">Once I was done in ZBrush, I went back to Blender, where I retopologized and made the UVs for the model.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/9e94cb5f-6d3b-4a1d-a978-a96cea2bf336.png" alt="">Once the UVs were done, it was time for baking and texturing. Texturing and baking were both done in Substance Painter, and I went through a few iterations until I got the look I was going for. I was inspired by old Moroccan jewels and pottery for the texture.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/17e09030-06a7-4a20-8fd5-bbde46179b21.png" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/81d8e476-083c-4980-8878-76193d00cd84.png" alt="">After everything was done, it was time for setting the scene for the rendering.Again inside Blender.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/4b1ba36c-7fe6-4da8-9931-aef9eb914516.png" alt=""><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/46002611-a65a-4f5d-82e5-28251e4f9a10.png" alt="">

And&nbsp;for&nbsp;last I&nbsp;sent everything to Unreal Engine 5, where&nbsp;I&nbsp;set the scene using one of&nbsp;Leartes&nbsp;environments&nbsp;(Witch&nbsp;Village).&nbsp;Most of the objects&nbsp;in&nbsp;the scene came straight from the&nbsp;Cosmos&nbsp;Store.In UE5, I set&nbsp;all&nbsp;the materials and lighting so that everything was perfect for the last&nbsp;step:&nbsp;rendering.

<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/133/images/1c8598bd-9efd-4f47-afc2-77414265a7ca.png" alt="">

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Witchwoods seance

Hello everyone!
I'm truly honored to be part of this amazing challenge!Although I'm not very fluent in English, I kindly ask for your understanding if you notice any awkward expressions throughout this blog. I’ll do my best to communicate my process and passion clearly.I first discovered Max Bedulenko’s concept art on ArtStation and was instantly captivated by his work. I’ve been following him ever since, and when this challenge was announced, I felt incredibly excited just to have the opportunity to participate.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/2b60763e-5962-47d5-bade-03cd6904bef8/2b60763e-5962-47d5-bade-03cd6904bef8.png" alt="">For this challenge, I chose"The Water Mill of Nogroth".
I was immediately drawn to the cold, wintry atmosphere of the sea and the majestic shapes of the buildings. The harmony between those elements struck me at first glance. The architectural style, which feels inspired by northern Russian regions combined with a touch of steampunk, felt fresh and compelling—something I really wanted to challenge myself with.<img src="https://cosmos.leartesstudios.com/posts/update/126" alt="">Here is my reference board.
<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/08761fad-70ba-4eb7-bf6a-9a0d5fee5f3a/08761fad-70ba-4eb7-bf6a-9a0d5fee5f3a.png" alt="">I plan to use Unreal Engine 5, and I’ll be creating all the assets myself. I’ll model using 3ds Max and ZBrush, and I’ll handle texturing in Substance Painter and Substance Designer. If possible, I also plan to train myself in Marvelous Designer and SpeedTree to create cloth and vegetation.I just graduated from university this year and have been focused on studying environment art for games. I believe this challenge will be a huge step forward for me, and I’m genuinely looking forward to the journey ahead.Thank you! Please stay tuned for my progress!!#learteschallenge

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"The Water Mill of Nogroth" 
by Taemin Park

The Water Mill of Nogroth

<h3>Hi everyone 
My inspiration for the Veiled Realms Challenge</h3>My idea started with what did Lost World and Forgotten Times meant. 
For me, it is the past of time, and how nature takes back what is his. 
Im a big fan of post-apocalyptic scenarios and wanted to show something related to this.

Thinking on using Leartes Studios assets as well as my own and megascans assets to create a vibrant environment<h3>Cheers!</h3><img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/170118bc-7e1f-4e2d-925b-5756f27b4ab4/170118bc-7e1f-4e2d-925b-5756f27b4ab4.png" alt="">#leartesstudios

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My inspiration for the Veiled Realms Challange

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Nogroth

<h2>Introduction
</h2>Hi everybody and welcome to my first blog post! I’m very excited to be stepping into this challenge as an aspiring environment artist. I look forward to learning as much as I can while coming away with a great piece to add to my portfolio.<h2>Concept Choice</h2>My concept comes from a personal world I’ve been building for my tabletop RPG group. The Liar’s Doom is a reminder for the people not to spread false tales to great beasts. Some millennia past, the leaders of this city gave false knowledge to the Elysian Dragon as it flew over the realm in its quest for knowledge. In retaliation for the deception, the great beast reached down their massive head and breathed the city into its maw, leaving the ruins suspended as they are, and the history of the city forgotten by all but the dragon.<h2>Tool and Asset Usage</h2>I'm planning on using UE5 to create a real-time environment as well as Maya and Blender for asset creation. I'll also be using some assets from Cosmos alongside Dash to help me scatter them naturally.<h2>Reference Board</h2>I'm really going for the idea of a city that has been lifted into the air and broken apart, so floating islands with buildings and just general debris. My referenced images were licensed from Adobe Stock.<img src="https://uploads.cosmos.leartesstudios.com/blog/temp/11e55225-7a42-4f8d-8c75-c798155e263e/11e55225-7a42-4f8d-8c75-c798155e263e.png" alt="">I'm really looking forward to this journey and can't wait to see what I can create!#learteschallenge

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Introduction post for the Leartes Art Challenge

Cosmos Blog: Your Guide to Creation