Aaron Teo

DESCRIPTION // This 3D model mech, Codename: Rexerker is designed to fit into the “Pacific Rim” film’s universe as one of the ‘Jaeger’ that fought the ‘Kaijiu’. It is constructed with a full titanium core with minimal protection armor to maximise its mobility. This mech’s name is an amalgamation of ‘Rex’ due to its fingers and feet resembling the claws of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and ‘Berserker’, which was a member of a unique group of elite Viking warriors who went into battle without any traditional armor. Similarly the mech is equipped with minimal armour. The colour red also symbolises the anger and rage of a berserker, hence, the name Rexerker is given to this mech.

Rexerker is equipped with a carbon steel saber on both of its elbows, which can be holstered and extremely powerful flashbang lights attached to the yellow metallic glass on its chest. It has fought countless battles, thus, scratches and damage can be seen on some parts of the armor. Rexerker is currently on standby mode in a hangar located in Australia, preparing to fend off another attack.

This is my first personal project I did as a hobby after graduating from University so I’m glad I got to design and create through my own vision without any restrictions.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style has always been sci-fi futuristic or fantasy. I prefer realistic and detail textures over simple colours but I like working on both. I also tend to pay a lot of attention to fine details when creating my 3D models because I think these little extra details help to enhance the overall model.

Q: Briefly outline your creative process. What are the major steps?

A: Depending on the project, searching through Pinterest and rewatching movies or TV shows helps me to identifying aspects that catch the viewers’ attention. Listening to music or soundtracks also helps me to visualise scenes and moments I want to capture in my projects. In the end, what is most important is receiving feedback from others and evolving my work based on that feedback.

Q: Who and/or what influences your work and why?

A: My inspiration mostly comes from Anime, movies and games. I’m a fan of giant mech and monsters, thus, the movie ‘Pacific Rim’ inspired me to create a design for this project.

After learning the basics of 3D modeling, I started this project. In general, anime is always giving me inspiration to create stories. Every night when I go to bed and close my eyes, I start thinking of alternative paths for stories to take. The only thing stopping me are the limits of my imagination.

Q: In your own opinion, what is the funniest word in the English language and why?

A: I’m not sure if this is a word but ‘Mountain Chicken’ is just weird and funny to me. Why? Because it is not a chicken, it is actually a type of frog. A frog that is given the name ‘chicken’ but is not a chicken.

Q: If you built a themed hotel, what would the theme be and what would the rooms look like?

A: How about an old school space sci-fi, like the film ‘Alien’ (1979). It is futuristic in a way and not many people has actually seen this kind of technology. Before entering the room, a map would be projected to show that access has been granted after tapping the key card. The beds are curved sleeping pods and visitors can sleep with the lid closed if they want to. The walls and floors will be silver with grey stripes to match the space theme. The closet will be a hexagonal shape with a glass door to appear as though it is storing a space suit. The floor just outside the bathroom door will have the word ‘ENTERING AIRLOCK’ printed on it so when flushing the toilet, it will be like flushing the waste into space. The bathroom will have a double sliding door opening in opposite directions to help you feel that you are entering an airlock room.

AGE | 24

WEBSITE | aaronttx.artstation.com

TOOLS | Maya 3D, Substance Painter