Celaeno's Lair

17 Feb, 2026

Role: 3D Character Rigging · 3D Character Animation · Editing · 3D Modelling

Project Details

Type: Student animation project

Format: 3D animated short

Duration: 32 seconds

Context: Animation studies, 5th semester

In the oldest oak of the forest lives the harpy Celaeno, feared by all. A wanderer encounters her and feels threatened. But is she truly dangerous, or could she actually help him?

Rigging (Main Focus)

Built using mGear Biped Template as a structural base and extended with custom systems.

Core Setup

• Custom components for wings, feathers, tail, and fingers
• FK/IK switching
• Additional driver (drv) structure outside mGear for constraints, automations, and Set Driven Keys
• Clear separation between animator controls and technical driver layer

Skinning

• Layered workflow using ngSkinTools (body → spine → extremities → wings → head)
• Separate objects required individual setups, revealing pipeline limitations
• Reinforced the importance of early planning for multi-mesh rigs

Wing System

• Pose-driven setup via single wingClose attribute (SDK)
• Corrective blendshapes sculpted in pose using SHAPES
• Explicit deformation order management (skinCluster before blendShape)
• Identified hierarchy and evaluation issues when combining SDK + blendshapes

Facial Rig

• Built with mGear Eye and Lips Riggers
• Blendshapes for secondary deformation
• Functional but structurally simpler than the body rig
• Clear areas for improvement in mouth performance and modular integration

Key Technical Takeaways

• Deformation order control is critical for stability
• SDK + blendshape systems require careful hierarchy management
• Clean rig structure prevents spatial drift during animation
• Animator usability must guide control design
• Early UV and structural preparation are essential for sculpt-based workflows

This rig functions as a technical prototype and foundation for further refinement, particularly in deformation stability and control optimization.

Editing

• Iterative animatic development to define pacing and tension
• Storyboard and shot development created collaboratively
• Illustrated frames by Ioana-Andreea Surdu
• Editing and sound editing handled in DaVinci Resolve
• Focus on timing, spatial contrast (interior vs. exterior), and gradual tension build

Technical Insight:
DaVinci Resolve showed limitations for surround workflows compared to dedicated audio software, reinforcing the importance of tool selection within a production pipeline.

3D

• Concept based on oak references and inspiration from Sleepy Hollow (1999)
• Dual access points designed to reflect character logic
• Blocking + UVs in Maya → Sculpt in ZBrush → Texture in Substance Painter
• High-to-low workflow with baked height information
• Explored procedural and photo-based texturing approaches