Human Anatomy

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A passion project inspired by my enjoyment of 3D design, life drawing, and sculptural pottery.

These were hobbies that I approached without the pressure of deadlines, viewing them as opportunities to explore new tools and techniques. Within these practices, studying human anatomy played a pivotal role. It was through this exploration that the idea of designing and 3D printing a human skull emerged—a task that promised to challenge me due to its intricacies. Despite its complexity, I viewed it as a rewarding endeavour in my journey toward mastering 3D printing.

I delved into a collection of references on Pinterest, seeking inspiration and detailed imagery to inform my design.

Additionally, I revisited resources such as Brune Hogarth’s Dynamic Drawing Series and Bridgman’s Complete Guide to Drawing from Life, refreshing my understanding of anatomical structures and proportions. These resources served as invaluable guides as I navigated the intricacies of translating a three-dimensional form into a digital design, laying the groundwork for what would become my first 3D-printed creation.

I digitally sculpted the foundation for a Human Skull model.

Once I had established this groundwork, I transitioned the model to Blender. I relied heavily on a selection of tools within Blender, including the Move, Draw, Clay, Inflate, and Smooth tools. Additionally, I embraced the Dyntopo feature, utilizing it to introduce intentional imperfections across the surface of the model. These imperfections added depth and character, enhancing the overall realism of the model.

The model underwent materialisation and texturing within Blender, meticulously crafted to closely resemble a lifelike, slightly aged Human Skull.

To enhance its visual appeal, I implemented a sophisticated three-point lighting technique, incorporating a spot, area, and point light. This dynamic lighting setup not only accentuated the details of the skull but also imbued it with a sense of depth and realism. In addition to lighting, I introduced a background plane to the scene, strategically positioned to create the illusion of depth in the final render. This subtle addition added dimensionality to the composition, elevating the overall aesthetic of the artwork.

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Three-dimensional printing took place with the use of a Creality Ender 3 V2.

Once the printer arrived, I eagerly followed Troy McMillian, an expert in building and flying printed RC airplanes. It wasn't solely his passion for planes that captivated me, but also his Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing with the Creality Ender 3 V2 Printer. This video not only provided insights into setting up the printer but also detailed instructions on utilizing Cura to convert my Blender OBJ files, along with recommendations for optimal settings to ensure successful prints.

The artefact has been meticulously sanded using medium and fine sandpaper to eliminate any visible layer lines.

Subsequently, I applied Polyfiller to address any remaining gaps, allowing it to harden before proceeding with another round of sanding. After rectifying any undesired imperfections, I commenced the painting process on the skull. Beginning with a base coat of Bone-white acrylic paint, I followed up with a brown wash, followed by another layer of bone-white. Finally, I added highlights using pure white acrylic paint, ensuring that the model to dry between each application.

I delicately applied a dab of charcoal to emphasise the shaded areas. Once satisfied with the overall appearance, I concluded the process by sealing the model with a clear matte spray, providing a professional and polished finish.