ZenViz

22/11/2024

🍄 Today, I’ve completed another striking visual and would love to share some thoughts behind it.

Revisiting this scene from the previous project offered the perfect opportunity to craft a quality visual without the need to develop a completely new setting and atmosphere.
This time, I chose to focus on a rarely explored aspect of life in archviz – fungi. The kingdom of mushrooms is incredibly diverse and vibrant, showcasing species that can make us marvel at the richness of life on Earth. While I’m no mycologist and can only guess that these mushrooms aren’t edible, they don’t need to be for us to appreciate them. Their beauty lies in their vibrant red hues, shimmering in daylight after a rainy day, sheltering smaller insects and existing in perfect symbiosis with surrounding plant life.
Did you know that fungi play a vital role in ecosystems through something known as the "Wood Wide Web"? This underground network enables plants to share carbohydrates and sugars with fungi, while fungi reciprocate by supplying phosphorus, nitrogen, and water from the soil. They can even send warning signals about pests and diseases, underscoring their importance in forest ecosystems.

Another captivating example is the cordyceps mushroom, a testament to the strange and mysterious aspects of life. These fungi release spores that, when inhaled by ants or other insects, gradually invade their hosts, alter their behavior, and compel them to climb to high perches. There, the host locks itself in a "death grip" while the fungus consumes its body and sprouts. This "zombie-like" phenomenon has inspired various media, including the popular The Last of Us series.

Mushrooms are fascinating—and a unique way to enrich your visuals. They bring a blend of serene beauty and subtle danger, adding layers of intrigue and realism. After all, it's these little details that make an image feel alive and truly unforgettable.

Truly fascinating, and even more reasons to make fungi more present in your visuals to add a dash of serene beauty and subtle danger to spice up your image, adding layers of intrigue and realism. After all, it's these little things that make an image truly unforgettable.

10/10/2024

Experience the magic of autumn in Galicia! As golden leaves blanket the hills and misty mornings cling to ancient villages, the crisp air and vibrant colors create a cozy, otherworldly vibe. Wander through the fiery forests, soak in the charm of rustic stone houses, and feel the peaceful beauty of nature all around you. Fall in love with Galicia this autumn!

26/09/2024

Galician mist

As part of my latest project, I’ve immersed myself in extensive research, drawing inspiration from my travels through the Galician lands. Collaborating with someone from Galicia was instrumental in helping me achieve an authentic yet modern look for the design featured in this image.

Leveraging MidJourney in my creative process has been a game-changer—it allowed me to focus more on the materials and atmosphere while saving valuable time on camera setup. Reusing the background from the original image was a fantastic way to guide the atmosphere and ensure the perspective was on point. With additional tweaks and attention to composition, I was able to bring the image to life, making it even more engaging to explore.

Moreover, using Substance Designer and Substance Painter was a thrilling experience. These tools are incredibly powerful, and I can't wait to dive deeper into what they have to offer.

This has been an exciting project, and I look forward to expanding this scene further, exploring new perspectives and tools!

I’m excited about the creative possibilities ahead!

05/07/2024