A smug goblin and a realistic chimp in a digital forest, capturing tom newbury 3d art essence.

Tom Newbury’s 15 Years in 3D Art: From Smug Goblins to Realistic Chimps

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-10-28

Tom Newbury, an experienced 3D artist from Australia, has spent the past 15 years honing his skills across feature films, game cinematics, and series. Known for his dedication to realism, Newbury brings 3D characters to life using tools like Maya, ZBrush, Mari, Marvelous Designer, and Blender. Within his creative portfolio, he has developed a unique style that sets his work apart. Here, he details four standout pieces.

Smug Goblin in His 3D Artwork

In a tutorial for the Think Tank Training Centre, Newbury showcased his workflow from inception to completion with his “Smug Goblin” piece. Though slightly more stylized than his usual projects, he envisioned blending the concept with his textural precision, demonstrating the hallmark of his artistry.

Close-up of a detailed, textured goblin character with lifelike skin and expression.
(Image credit: Tom Newbury)

Albino Demon

Inspired by an illustration by Vetarmora, Newbury crafted the “Albino Demon” to inject his signature realism into an existing design. His process involves reimagining such designs through his own lens, aiming to add layers of depth and reality. This approach enhances the realistic characters that define his work.

3D chimpanzee rendering showing intricate facial details and realistic fur textures.
(Image credit: Tom Newbury)

For another perspective on blending art with modern design, explore Max Lehman’s colorful sculptures that bridge future tech and ancient art.

Adolescent Chimp

The “Adolescent Chimp” showcases Newbury’s ambition to push his technical boundaries, inspired by Weta’s work on The Planet of the Apes series. This piece exemplifies his pursuit of hyper-realism in digital character creation under his creative umbrella.

A 3D constructed fantasy world featuring goblins and realistic nature elements.
(Image credit: Tom Newbury)

Dark Elf

Another work based on a Vetarmora painting, “Dark Elf” highlights Newbury’s fascination with light and design elements, particularly in the depicted earring and the character’s striking dark eyes. His attention to detail and emphasis on realistic characters are evident in this piece as well.

A vibrant scene with multiple 3D characters and imaginative backgrounds.
(Image credit: Tom Newbury)

For a broader look at Tom Newbury’s artistic endeavors, visit his ArtStation profile, where more examples of his 3D creations can be explored.

A smug goblin and a realistic chimp in a digital forest, capturing tom newbury 3d art essence.

Source: creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

What tools does Tom Newbury use for his 3D art?

Tom Newbury uses tools like Maya, ZBrush, Mari, Marvelous Designer, and Blender to bring 3D characters to life.

How does Tom Newbury’s ‘Smug Goblin’ differ from his usual projects?

The ‘Smug Goblin’ is slightly more stylized than his usual projects, as Newbury envisioned blending the concept with his textural precision.

What inspired Tom Newbury’s ‘Adolescent Chimp’ piece?

The ‘Adolescent Chimp’ was inspired by Weta’s work on The Planet of the Apes series and showcases Newbury’s pursuit of hyper-realism in digital character creation.

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