Juliano Souza transforms characters using advanced 3D techniques in a vibrant digital studio.

Juliano Souza Transforms Iconic Characters with Advanced 3D Techniques in Rio Grande da Serra

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Written by John Oliver

2026-08-17

Juliano Souza, a seasoned 3D artist from Rio Grande da Serra, Brazil, brings classic video game characters to life through his remarkable fan art. With over 12 years of experience in advertising, games, and promotional videos, he reimagines these characters with expertise. Souza’s passion projects highlight his mastery over a range of tools including 3ds Max, Maya, Unreal Engine, and more.

How He Recreates Iconic Characters

A Magical Encounter with Zelda

The first piece features a charming depiction of a famous game character. He revitalizes this character by utilizing Phoenix in 3ds Max for wave simulation, and Corona Render’s sky system for dynamic cloud animations.

Unveiling the Process

In a making-of video, Souza shares insights into his creative workflow with a detailed turntable view of his project. It’s fascinating to see how he transforms simple concepts into visual masterpieces.

For a different take on artistic transformation, explore Magnhild Kennedy’s exquisite masks that turn vintage textiles into vibrant living art.

Detailed 3D model of a turntable on a dark background.
Link turntable (fanart). – YouTube

Sonic’s Explosive Scene

Another vibrant creation showcases a lively action scene with bursts of color and dynamic motion. Souza crafted it using tools like 3ds Max, ZBrush, and Substance Painter, demonstrating his skill in using these tools. Here again, he reimagines a beloved gaming icon into a thrilling action sequence.

3D character model with intricate textures and expressions.
(Image credit: Juliano Souza)

Exploring New Frontiers with Metroid

Souza’s work on the Metroid Fusion fan art as a study project allowed him to experiment with Unreal Engine.

Close-up of digital character with realistic skin tones and details.
(Image credit: Juliano Souza)

Mario and Bowser in a Classic Clash

Souza recreated an iconic duo using assets from Quixel Bridge for intricate details in models like castle walls and luminaires. The fan art delivers nostalgia with a modern twist in design. Through his work, he transforms Mario and Bowser’s clash into a visually stunning piece.

Digital artwork featuring a highly detailed character in bright lighting.
(Image credit: Juliano Souza)

Discover more of Juliano’s creative ventures on his ArtStation profile. For those interested in building their own setups, exploring options like the best laptops for 3D modeling might be worthwhile. To stay updated on art and design innovations, consider subscribing to Creative Bloq or download the Creative Bloq app for iOS for quick access to inspiring content.

Similarly, Kosen Ohtsubo’s reimagining of Japanese flower art offers a unique fusion of tradition and modernity in visual storytelling.

Sources & Links

Source: creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Juliano Souza recreate iconic characters?

Juliano Souza uses tools like 3ds Max, Maya, and Unreal Engine to reimagine video game characters. He utilizes techniques like Phoenix in 3ds Max for wave simulation and Corona Render for dynamic animations.

What project did Juliano Souza use Unreal Engine for?

Souza used Unreal Engine for his Metroid Fusion fan art as a study project, allowing him to experiment with new techniques.

What tools did Juliano Souza use for Sonic’s action scene?

Juliano Souza created Sonic’s action scene using tools like 3ds Max, ZBrush, and Substance Painter, showcasing his skill in reimagining gaming icons into vibrant action sequences.