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The Art of Iconic Creature Design

Last updated: Oct 17 2025

Creature Design with Aaron Sims

Photobashing and ZBrush Workflows with Aaron Sims​

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This workshop covers two essential creature design workflows: 2D photobashing in Photoshop and 3D sculpting in ZBrush, providing comprehensive techniques for creating iconic character designs for film and TV.

Description​

There are many approaches for designing characters for the screen. Industry veteran Aaron Sims details two of his tried-and-trusted workflows for creating iconic concept designs for film and TV, using Photoshop and ZBrush. As well as guiding you through his production-proven techniques, Aaron shares his thoughts on the importance of conveying personality and character through designs and shares some of the key lessons he's learned over his 35-year career.

Key Features:​

  • 2D photobashing techniques in Photoshop
  • 3D sculpting workflows in ZBrush
  • Character personality and design principles
  • Professional industry techniques from a 35-year veteran
  • Integration of 2D and 3D design approaches

Technical Specifications:​

  • Duration: 2h 06m
  • Format: HD 1920x1080
  • Software: Photoshop, ZBrush, KeyShot

Lessons​

Lesson Overview​

    1. Preview
    1. Aaron Sims Background
    1. Why Design in 2D and why design in 3D
    1. Creature Designing in 2D
    1. Creature 3D Design Sculpting
    1. Creature 3D Design Texturing
    1. Creature 3D Design Rendering
    1. Conclusion

Instructor​

Aaron Sims - Art Director

Aaron Sims, the mind behind some of this generation's most unforgettable cinema creatures, began his career over three decades ago as a special effects artist working alongside industry icons Rick Baker and Stan Winston (Evil Dead, Gremlins 2, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Men In Black). His pioneering techniques in the world of visual effects influenced the face of character and creature design in Film, Television, Games, Previs, and VFX early on in their application (A.I., Constantine, War of the Worlds, Big Fish). In 2005, Aaron Sims Creative was formed in order to bring together a wide range of the world's most talented concept and visual effects artists and create memorable characters, creatures, VFX, costumes, and key scenes (I am Legend, The Incredible Hulk, The Amazing Spiderman, Clash of the Titans, The Conjuring, Stranger Things). Aaron's unparalleled skill and dedication to consistently creating stunning content for all platforms of visual entertainment has led ASC to become the premiere boutique studio for creature and franchise design & development.

"Aaron Sims is the consummate industry professional in that he consistently marries his considerable artistic talent with the powerful technological tools of today, producing work that not only meets the demands of time-sensitive production schedules, but also never fails to impress."

- Stan Winston, Stan Winston Studio

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