Sheik X Overwatch - Concepts

A Sheik x Overwatch Fan Art collaboration between myself Jack Hamilton and Shayleen Hulbert. 3D model here:
https://www.artstation.com/artwork/aYNYgJ
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For this collaboration we wanted to design and model a take on Sheik that would see them viably represented within the Overwatch universe. Here I have uploaded my part in the collaboration which was to concept the overall look and feel and work with Shay to make sure we both had elements that we loved within the design.
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v ------ About the process ------ v
Our first port of call for exploration was playing with the idea of a modernised Sheik. Specifically, we thought a street dancer vibe was ace, so we played with clothing that promoted Hyrulean & streetwear clothing lines. Baggy pants, asymmetry, baseball caps, hoodies etc.
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And whilst we had fun following this route we felt it was moving away from not only the Overwatch theme but also what made Sheik recognisable. It wasn’t enough to rely on decals and Sheikah iconography.
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So we re-evaluated what makes Sheik, Sheik, & we felt that was first and foremost it’s them being a Ninja. So looking at the main line franchise of Zelda & it’s spin offs, we studied Sheiks iterations & noted all the recurring elements of their design we noted how the outfits were always form fitting, colour distributions of white vs blue, levels of face obfuscation & hair styles etc.
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This is ultimately what brought us closer to the end result that Shay then went onto adapt & model which promotes the sci-fi ninja look & more recognisable attire of Sheik.
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We pulled back on the drapery & bagginess designs that Sheik just isn’t known for and we instead pushed the forms that they are. Most notably the upsidedown triangle aspect of their torso thanks to the shawl & broad shoulders. Other elements such as bandages on the arms, high collar to obscure the lower face, a swooping fringe & form fitting clothes.
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The Overwatch side of things came in the form of “how do we add those tasty Overwatch gizmos and decorative armour widgets.. OH AND GLOWY BITS!”
Luckily the Sheikah tribe have gorgeous blue glowy technology via the Sheikah Slate and other such devices, so we felt that could be combined with a slightly more combat ready outfit design that builds upon the OG look. Shoulder pads, thigh pads, Knee pads, bossa af sci-fi ninja boots and lest we all forget, those giddying hip windows.
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Then there were the extras. The callouts to the world of ‘The Legend of Zelda’. Things such as Sheikah Eye patterns, the triforce which gingerly links Sheik to Zelda & my favourite, the Ocarina song input for the Prelude of Light which we used on the shoulder as a decal.
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Shay went on to add even more details like this during the texturing phase and I urge you to all find them!
I hope this brief thread was at the very least interesting and I’d be more than happy to answer any questions about the process, All the best!