AURORA
Project: Aurora
Studio: IM Creative
Role: 3D Design | VFX-CGI | Compositing
Working on this heartfelt sci-fi project, I aimed to blend a modern, sleek aesthetic with the gritty tone of its time period. To achieve that balance, I designed custom HUDs, UI elements, and holographic technology interfaces that complement the ship’s aged look throughout the film. I also handled the compositing of VFX and CGI into the live-action footage, which I’ll update and share once the project officially releases with its trailer and other materials.
HOLOGRAM COMMUNICATION DESIGN CONCEPT:
My goal was to create a holographic interface that felt aged and grounded within the film’s world, without venturing too far into the overly futuristic, Star Wars style and aesthetic.
HOLOGRAM CONTROL CENTER DESIGN ASSETS:
For the control center assets, I continued to build on the holographic style, focusing on maintaining a consistent visual tone throughout. Since the control center is a key location that appears multiple times in the film, it was important to ensure the design felt cohesive and integral to the world’s overall aesthetic.
HUD UI CONTROL CENTER DESIGN:
I designed a classic radar doppler system with a subtle modern twist to enhance its visual appeal and functionality.
SCREEN GRAPHICS DESIGN UI:
Staying true to the ship’s time period, I designed the operating systems and computer graphics with a vintage aesthetic, muted and monochromatic color schemes in blue and green tones, complete with grain and signal interference. This approach serves as an homage to 1980s computer technology, perfectly complementing the spacecraft’s aged and weathered appearance.
PROCESS
UNDER THE HOOD
For this project, I utilized a wide range of tools to develop the film’s custom tech elements. I created the 3D holograms and control deck visuals in Cinema 4D, using custom shaders to achieve the holographic look before moving into After Effects for compositing. In After Effects, I refined and integrated the elements to blend seamlessly within each scene. Photoshop and Illustrator were also key in designing the various HUD and UI interfaces seen throughout the cockpit and control center.
PROJECT
Aurora
CREDITS
3D Design & Animation: Ian Miller
R&D: Evi Quijano
Lighting: Ian Miller
Previz: Ian Miller
VFX-CGI Compositing: Ian Miller
TOOLKIT
Cinema 4D
Octane
After Effects
Illustrator
Photoshop