Nico Hartmann

3D Character Modeler & Digital Sculptor

Self Employed

Nov 2024 - Present • 1 yr 11 mos

3D Character Modeler & Digital Sculptor Focused on creating stylized 3D characters, custom character models, and detailed digital sculptures for independent creators, game developers, artists, and creative projects. Work includes transforming sketches, concept art, reference images, and written briefs into recognizable three-dimensional characters with clear silhouettes, appealing proportions, and carefully developed forms. Responsibilities include stylized character modeling, 3D character sculpting, humanoid character creation, cartoon character modeling, character refinement, and developing distinctive facial features, clothing, accessories, and surface details according to the agreed concept. Each project begins with an assessment of the client's visual references, intended use, preferred style, and technical requirements. The workflow prioritizes shape language, proportion, visual consistency, and detail appropriate to the requested art direction. Models can be developed for presentation, digital artwork, game concepts, collectible figures, or 3D printing, depending on the project scope and technical specifications. Additional responsibilities include reviewing feedback, implementing agreed revisions, organizing project files, and preparing suitable exports in confirmed formats. Clear communication and defined deliverables help ensure that the final model aligns with the approved brief. Core skills include 3D character modeling, digital sculpting, stylized character design, concept-to-3D modeling, mesh refinement, visual storytelling, reference interpretation, and custom 3D asset creation.

Fantasy Creature Sculptor & Stylized Model Artist

Freelance

Jul 2024 - Present • 2 yrs 3 mos

Fantasy Creature Sculptor & Stylized Model Artist Focused on the creation of original fantasy creatures, monsters, stylized characters, and imaginative 3D sculptures for creative concepts, games, collectibles, and digital artwork. The process centers on turning a visual idea into a coherent three-dimensional form while preserving the character's unique identity and intended artistic style. Responsibilities include fantasy creature modeling, monster sculpting, creature anatomy development, stylized character modeling, humanoid and non-humanoid sculpting, and refinement of distinctive features such as horns, scales, armor, claws, facial structures, and other concept-specific details. Design decisions are guided by reference images, the project brief, and the desired balance between realism and stylization. The sculpting workflow begins with primary shapes and silhouette development before progressing to secondary forms and finer surface details. Attention is given to proportion, visual readability, character expression, and the relationship between individual features. The level of detail is matched to the intended purpose, whether the model is for a digital presentation, a game concept, a collectible figure, or a potential 3D-printing project. Project responsibilities also include assessing technical requirements, incorporating agreed feedback, organizing model files, and preparing confirmed exports. Requirements for watertight geometry, print supports, retopology, or animation preparation are clarified before they are included in the scope. Relevant skills include fantasy creature sculpting, monster character modeling, digital sculpting, stylized 3D art, character refinement, organic modeling, visual development, and custom 3D asset creation.

Game Character Artist & 3D Asset Creator

Freelancing Career

Jun 2024 - Present • 2 yrs 4 mos

Game Character Artist & 3D Asset Creator Specialized in developing distinctive 3D character assets for game concepts, indie game projects, and digital entertainment. The work focuses on translating character briefs and visual references into models that communicate personality, role, and art direction through silhouette, proportions, anatomy, and carefully selected details. Responsibilities include game character modeling, stylized hero and villain modeling, NPC character creation, humanoid modeling, fantasy character sculpting, and non-human creature modeling. Each assignment requires understanding the intended game style, camera distance, target platform, and expected level of detail before defining the appropriate modeling approach. Character development involves blocking out primary shapes, refining proportions, sculpting important features, and improving the overall form while maintaining consistency with the reference. Where required and agreed, models can be prepared for further game-art production through suitable mesh organization and export preparation. Technical requirements such as polygon budgets, retopology, UV mapping, textures, rigging, and engine compatibility are confirmed separately before work begins. The process also includes interpreting feedback, maintaining visual consistency across revisions, and preparing agreed deliverables in formats compatible with the client's workflow. Careful scope management helps prevent misunderstandings about what is included in the final asset. Relevant skills include 3D game character modeling, stylized character sculpting, fantasy game assets, NPC modeling, creature modeling, low-poly and high-poly workflows, mesh refinement, digital asset preparation, and concept-based 3D production.