top of page

VFX Senior Thesis - Gemstones

  • theemilykraus
  • Oct 19, 2025
  • 2 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Concept:

An episode opening sequence for a television series based off of an unpublished novel series by Scarlette Masons, "The Elemental Kingdom Chronicles"


Models using these stones:








***Updated as worked on***


UPDATE 1


10/20:

  • Research was conducted on a variety of gemstones:

    • Gems

    • Crystals

    • Uncut & Cut

Moving Forward:

  • Working to bring all research together in order to create gemstones for the chalice, tiara, and crown models that capture light in a realistic/hand-created way

  • Start with modeling


Personal Field Research:

Video Reference:


Photo Reference:


Research/Inspo:

Inspiration of SCAD Alumni's work (Shea Crowley):

[All Rights to Shea Crowley]

Research for Gemstone Shaders over a variety of programs:

Maya References/Tutorials


Houdini References/Tutorials


Blender References/Tutorials

Other Programs



UPDATE 2


10/21:

  • Internal imperfections in Blender

Moving Forward:

  • Trying other programs

  • Making final gem models



UPDATE 3


12/01:

  • New crystal models created in a variety of facets

Moving Forward:

  • Trying other programs

  • Making textures for gems / working from references



UPDATE 4


12/03:

  • Houdini testing, model start from tutorial reference

Moving Forward:

  • Trying other programs

  • Making textures for gems / working from references


UPDATE 5


12/26:

  • model and uv cleanup

Moving Forward:

  • Trying other programs

  • Making textures for gems / working from references


UPDATE 6


12/28:

  • Gemstone Shader progress

Moving Forward:

  • Trying other programs

  • Making textures for gems / working from references

WIP:

UPDATE 7


12/30:

  • Completed Crystal test

UPDATE 8


12/31:

  • Crystal Shader models based on references

Moving Forward:

  • Inputting shaded gemstones into models, adjusting as needed.

  • Adding imperfections/scratches manually when needed



Variety of gem models using cuts and color/gem types in Myrah's Tiara model:

UPDATE 9


01/06:

  • Crystal Shader render tests

Moving Forward:

  • Inputting shaded gemstones into models, adjusting as needed.

  • Adding imperfections/scratches manually when needed


Test shots per gem facet and size:


Chalice Test:



 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page