Master's - Thesis
"Designed for" your modular you: a technical artist's design process in creating stylized character customization systems
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011306
Abstract
This thesis explores the design methods and processes for how digital artists would create characters, in an effort of documenting a design process which focuses on modular avatar creation and customization for video games from the perspective of a technical artist. The role of technical artist is important in game development to act as the intermediary between full-time artists and programmers, someone who isn't an expert in either field, but understands the minutiae of both disciplines to know how best 3D avatar rigs should be properly designed and incorporated into the game engine environment for programmable purposes and user interaction. The technical artist helps create the tools and methodologies for artists so they can grasp the limitations and possibilities in creating 3D assets appropriate for the technical goals of an individual project. The methodology involves action research into current methods of stylized character creation. The goal is in the design and development of a foundational creation and implementation process of a project showcasing a stylized character creator/customization system inside of Unreal Engine 5, designed for use by both the artist and the player. We will discuss the different design and development processes of customization systems focused on realism and our reasons for going down the stylized aesthetic route. Results indicate the use of skeletal joints as a foundation for character customization alongside a UV layout material process introduced by developer Junya Motomura is modular, adaptable, efficient, and accessible for stylized methodologies. Not only that, but utilizing skeletal joints as the starting point in a modular rig for adjusting 3D body sizes allows for expediting the development process for blendshape-focused rigs and systems.
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Details
- Title
- "Designed for" your modular you
- Creators
- Ryan Badurina
- Contributors
- Tony Allen Rowe (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xx, 108 pages
- Resource Type
- Master's
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Digital Media; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991022170559104721