Big Parade
THU Golden Ticket Challenge 2018
Big Parade
1st Place – THU Golden Ticket ArtStation Challenge
Year: 2018
Project Overview
This artwork was created for the Trojan Horse was a Unicorn (THU) Golden Ticket Challenge on ArtStation. The competition was a great opportunity to push creative boundaries, and Big Parade was my final submission. The concept captures a grand festival procession, where floating ships adorned with flowers drift through a vast architectural space, blending elements of fantasy and baroque aesthetics.
Key Features
- Scribble to Scene – From initial ink drawings to a detailed digital painting, refining composition along the way.
- Architectural Grandeur – Inspired by classical European baroque architecture, infused with fantasy elements.
- Floating Procession – Ships decorated with flowers and banners, hovering through an ethereal city.
- Light & Atmosphere – A focus on soft daylight filtering through arches, giving the scene a luminous quality.
Approach & Process
Early Sketches
The idea started with quick pen sketches, exploring the relationship between monumental structures and floating ships. The goal was to create a sense of scale and movement, capturing the grandeur of a festival-like event.
Blocking & 3D Layout
A basic 3D blockout was created to establish depth, lighting, and scale. This helped refine the composition and define how the ships would float through the massive archways.
Painting & Photobashing
Once the layout was finalized, the digital painting process began. Using photo textures and hand-painted details, the scene was enriched with festival decorations, crowd movement, and atmospheric lighting.
Final Render & Polish
The final version was refined with color grading, atmospheric perspective, and detailed storytelling elements, such as the intricate costumes of the parade attendees.
Final Scene Showcase
This short cinematic flythrough presents Big Parade in motion. This atmospheric showcase highlights the scene’s scale, depth, and dynamic elements, accompanied by ambient background sounds to enhance immersion.
Award & Recognition
“Big Parade” was awarded 1st place in the Student Category of the Trojan Horse was a Unicorn (THU) Golden Ticket Challenge on ArtStation.
I am very grateful that my work was selected by the jury among many amazing pieces from all the talented artists.
The prize included a visit to the 2018 THU in Malta, which opened me experiences that still influence me to this day.
Bringing Worlds to Life
Using a mix of hand-drawn sketches, digital painting, and 3D blockouts, I create rich, immersive visuals that translate complex ideas into compelling storytelling. Whether for concept art, worldbuilding, or production design, my approach ensures depth, atmosphere, and visual impact tailored to your project.
Liked what you see? Let’s bring your vision to life!
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