Epic Showdown: Confronting a Famous Youtuber!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Dark Souls Models
- Collaborating with Dark Souls Models
- Choosing a Diorama Project
- Building the Base
- Painting the Miniatures
- Encasing the Skeleton in Ice
- Creating Rocky Formations
- Using Resin Créat for Detailing
- Applying Snow Effects
- Final Touches and Completion
Introduction
If You're a fan of scrolling through YouTube and discovering new hobbies, you've probably come across Dark Souls Models. This Channel features incredible painted miniatures and dioramas inspired by games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elder Ring. Intrigued by the content, I reached out to Dark Souls Models for a collaboration. After a few discussions, we decided to build a diorama together – the Mountaintop of Giants. Although I hadn't played any of the Souls games, I was excited to try something new, especially with a winter theme using snow effects, which I had Never attempted before. In this article, I will share my experience collaborating with Dark Souls Models and the process of building and painting the diorama step by step.
About Dark Souls Models
Dark Souls Models is a popular YouTube channel that showcases the masterful painting and diorama creation of various Soulsborne-themed models. The channel focuses on detailed miniatures and terrain recreations from games like Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elder Ring. With a growing following, Dark Souls Models has gained recognition for their impressive craftsmanship and Attention to Detail. From beautifully painted minis to lifelike dioramas, their content provides inspiration and Insight into the world of miniature modeling and scenic design.
Collaborating with Dark Souls Models
After discovering Dark Souls Models through YouTube, I was captivated by the exquisite work presented on the channel. Intrigued by their talent, I decided to reach out and propose a collaboration. I left a comment on one of their videos expressing my interest and was thrilled when they responded positively. We exchanged a few emails and scheduled a Zoom call to iron out the details of our collaboration.
During the Zoom call, we discussed our respective skills and preferences. Dark Souls Models had a deep understanding of the Soulsborne games and had vast experience in diorama creation. As for me, I brought fresh eyes and an eagerness to learn. We decided to work on a diorama together, specifically the Mountaintop of Giants, which featured snowy cliffs and a frozen skeleton encased in ice.
Choosing a Diorama Project
While I had never played any of the Souls games, Dark Souls Models provided me with the necessary references and images to familiarize myself with the Mountaintop of Giants concept. The snowy, mountainous terrain intrigued me as it posed a unique challenge, and I had always wanted to experiment with creating snow effects.
With the project finalized, we set a three-day deadline for completion. I received the STL files for the walking melum miniature, spider-like hands, and forearmed skeletons. Dark Souls Models also provided me with the Dimensions of the diorama – approximately A4 size – to ensure consistency between our creations.
Building the Base
To bring the Mountaintop of Giants to life, I decided to construct the diorama within a photo frame. Using my 3D printer, I created a custom-sized photo frame that would serve as the foundation. Inside the frame, I planned to build a rocky mountainous landscape with doors leading to a Hidden cavern. The centerpiece would be a frozen skeleton encased in ice, symbolizing the perilous Journey through the mountains.
Before assembling the base, I drafted a rough sketch of the diorama to Visualize the layout. Though my artistic skills were limited, I managed to capture the essence of my vision. Once satisfied with the design, I proceeded to 3D print the frame and the various components needed for the diorama.
Painting the Miniatures
Prior to assembling the diorama, I focused on painting the miniatures. I had selected a dwarf character as my adventurer, mainly because I had a personal fondness for dwarves. Following a slap-chop painting technique, I quickly and efficiently painted the miniatures with a base coat and highlights. The goal was to achieve a tabletop standard, as the focus of the diorama was the scenic design rather than intricate details on the miniatures.
Among the miniatures, the skeleton stood out as a unique piece that required special treatment. After painting, I decided to encase the skeleton in resin to simulate ice. Although unfamiliar with this technique, I embraced the opportunity to experiment and learn. With the help of a silicone mold, I poured two-part epoxy resin mixed with a high gloss additive over the skeleton to Create the appearance of ice. Through this process, I discovered the importance of stirring the resin slowly and allowing ample time for Bubble elimination.
Creating Rocky Formations
To achieve the rocky mountainous terrain, I employed a combination of 3D printed chunks and plaster of Paris. Using a crinkled aluminum foil as a texture tool, I pressed it on a silicone mold filled with plaster to obtain irregular shapes resembling rocks. These plaster rocks would be layered on the base to create depth and add an authentic rocky feel. Additionally, I utilized grout to fill in gaps between the rocks, blending them seamlessly.
I also utilized resin créat, a Water-Based plaster substitute, to create additional rock formations. By pouring the créat mixture into silicone molds, I produced various shapes and sizes, which I then strategically placed on the diorama to enhance its overall appearance. The combination of plaster rocks and resin créat yielded a realistic rocky environment that complemented the theme.
Applying Snow Effects
One of the most exciting aspects of the Mountaintop of Giants diorama was the opportunity to create snow effects. Drawing inspiration from other Creators, I dry brushed shades of Blue onto the rocks to simulate a cold, wintery atmosphere. This choice not only enhanced the Perception of coldness but also created a subtle contrast against the snow. I wanted the snow to appear as though it had fallen and settled naturally on the terrain, so I applied it in varying thicknesses using PVA glue and two types of snow powder.
The first Type of snow powder consisted of small round beads, which were sprinkled onto the diorama to create the illusion of freshly fallen snow. For a more detailed and powdery effect, I utilized an extremely fine snow powder, gently brushing it onto the surfaces. The combination of both snow powders resulted in a realistic snow-covered landscape, adding depth and authenticity to the diorama.
Final Touches and Completion
With all the elements in place, I added finishing touches to bring the diorama together. I 3D printed a couple of gravestones to serve as atmospheric details outside the door, further emphasizing the dark and mysterious ambiance. By adhering these gravestones to the base and adding a dusting of snow to Blend them seamlessly, I achieved a Cohesive composition.
Before considering the diorama complete, I made sure to secure all the miniatures in place. Removing sections of snow and grass, I glued the miniatures down, allowing them to become an integral part of the diorama. Finally, I painted and placed a tiny melum on the base, adding a Sense of movement and life to the scene.
In the end, my Mountaintop of Giants diorama turned out to be a fulfilling and rewarding project. Though I hadn't played the Souls games, the collaboration with Dark Souls Models allowed me to explore new techniques, expand my creativity, and learn from experienced modelers. The photo frame base provided a unique display option, allowing the diorama to be mounted on a wall or placed on a desk, serving as a constant reminder of the creative journey.
Overall, the collaborative experience with Dark Souls Models and the construction of the Mountaintop of Giants diorama fostered my passion for miniature modeling and scenic design. With newfound knowledge and inspiration, I look forward to future projects that push boundaries and encourage exploration within the hobby.
No difficulty
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TOOLIFY
