VRay Test

Here's a 3D test I made just over the weekend using Maya and VRay, and some textures for the guitar that I was rather fond of.
I did try to save myself some time on this render test, so the models of the lamp, chair, and guitar were purchased from Turbosquid, but the textures were lost in translation from Max to Maya.

Motor City Comic Con

here’s some of the sketches and fun from this year’s Motor City Comic Con.
AOA is planning on doing more local cons this year, so look for us around Detroit and Chicago!

Lotus Emblem

Here is the character model sheet for Rowen, the leading lady of my comic Lotus Emblem. The books themselves are still in pre-production, as I continue to get all of my characters designed and ready, but pages should start coming early this summer! You can also follow the comic's progress at the Lotus Emblem Blog or Tumblr accounts. Feedback is also always appreciated!

Updated: 2012 Special Effects & Motion Graphics Reel

December 2012 SFX & Motion Graphics Reel from Niles Bontrager on Vimeo.

Double Whammy!

Finally, here is my senior thesis film from 09, Code Monkey. I tried to keep it for the festival circuits, but never had the funds to distribute, so here it is. Enjoy!

Also, my website is now up! Check it out at artoftheniles.com

Duckodile

Another of my favorite animal mash-up experiments, the duckodile.

Internal Crisis, 3D animation test

My September 11 Second Club entry.

A man is having an internal crisis and talks it out with a puppet.

Sword in the Stone Animation Test

Sword in the Stone from Niles Bontrager on Vimeo.
A new 3D test using the Boris Rig.

This time he wants to be the hero.



Rig by Jason Ryan Animation.

"Oblivion Descends" - Zeratul Fan art

I decided to do a piece to really challenge myself, and after talking to my other half I decided to go with the very character that inspired me to get into art in the first place: Zeratul. The goal with this was to push myself as much as I could through the painting process, give myself a method to work with in future projects, and to get myself to a level I could be proud of. I feel very happy to have come this far with the piece, and now I'd like to put what I've learned from it into practice with my own designs. It's a big step for me, but this piece makes me much more confident in my ability to make art the way I envision it in my mind, and to continue to make things I can be proud of.
The art you see here is my handiwork, but the character Zeratul belongs to Blizzard Entertainment.

Two Final "ARMSmasters" Shots

Here are two recently refinished shots from Mike Winn's ARMSmasters project. We've been going back through the trailer and adding shadow passes, new scenes, and even more effects. These two shots are from the original, and have gotten a nice face lift for our final (final) trailer.

ARMSmasters Kongou Zoom shot from Niles Bontrager on Vimeo.

An updated version of Kongou's rocket to the face shot. Now with shadows, gradients, and effects!

ARMSmasters Aeslyn Turn shot from Niles Bontrager on Vimeo.

Another ARMSmasters updated shot. This is the Aeslyn turn shot with shadows and a few added effects. Makes a pretty big difference!

To see the original trailer, take a look here!