
LEIF EKELUND - SENIOR GAME ARTIST
"DEAD BALL" : ZOMBIE BASEBALL CHARACTER SERIES - PERSONAL PROJECT
3D MODELING





VGW LuckyLand Slots: Hi-res Dragon Render for "Crown of Fire"


ROBLOX CHARACTERS: LOW POLY - HAND PAINTED TEXTURES




WWE 2K15 : HEAD SCULPTS

NBA 2K15 : HEAD SCULPTS

In 2014, I had the privilege to work as 3D Character Artist on WWE2K15 and NBA2K15. Each athlete is 3D scanned as they perform a series of facial expressions. The scan data is imported into Maya as a massive 3D file. With a Lo-Res template head mesh in Maya, I sculpted the mesh into 11 different expression heads. Above are a few sample renders of the facial expressions. It was extremely important to match the intricate details of the scan data not only for player resemblance, but also for continuity in the sensitive wireflow areas such as the inner eye, mouth and nostril areas. Breakdowns in such areas can cause a noticeable abnormality in the animation process. I was responsible for 3D head sculpting only. No Texture work. The WWE video above shows a blendshape animation of both Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston. In addition, I cut in a game play clip of the final product.
XAVIER WOODS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS







KOFI KINGSTON FACIAL EXPRESSIONS







TYREKE EVANS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS - NEW ORLEANS PELICANS







MATTHEW DELLAVEDOVA FACIAL EXPRESSIONS - CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
ERNIE JOHNSON FACIAL EXPRESSIONS - NBA COMMENTATOR















