Evil Ray: High-Fidelity Visualization for the "Official Enemy of the Sun"
I created ultra-high-resolution 3D product visualizations for the launch of Evil Ray, a disruptive new sunscreen brand by Pembleton. Using Maya and Redshift, I delivered versatile assets for print, digital, and OOH campaigns, ensuring the 3D renders matched physical samples with photorealistic precision.
THE BRIEF
Pembleton approached me to visualize the launch range for Evil Ray, a brand built on a rebellious narrative that frames the sun as a hostile entity. The requirement was to deliver three hero bottles in ultra-high resolution (8K+) suitable for large-format print and digital use.
While the primary visual direction involved a bold purple brand color, the deliverables needed to be versatile. The client needed the flexibility to place these bottles on dark, light, or transparent backgrounds without compromising edge fidelity or lighting quality.
THE CHALLENGES
The core challenge was achieving a physically accurate "digital twin" while maintaining a flexible, non-destructive workflow.
Material Fidelity: The packaging uses a specific recycled plastic with a soft matte finish. I needed to replicate the subsurface scattering and roughness of the physical sample exactly, ensuring the render felt tactile and real, not "perfectly CG."
Lighting Consistency: A single lighting setup doesn’t work for everything. A rim light that pops against a black background often disappears or looks muddy against white. I needed a strategy to deliver consistent volume and shape across completely different background values.
E-Commerce Optimization: Cutting objects out of dark backgrounds often leaves ugly "fringing" when placed on white e-commerce sites (like Amazon). I needed to ensure the deliverables were future-proofed against this common issue.
THE PROCESS
My workflow focused on efficiency and flexibility, using Maya and Redshift.
Smart Modeling: Instead of spending hours re-topologyzing the CAD files provided by the client, I utilized the Redshift Round Corner node. This allowed me to render perfect, smooth bevels on the raw CAD geometry without destructive modeling, saving significant time while keeping the data accurate to manufacturing specs.
Look Development: Using physical samples as a reference, I dialed in the shader network to capture the specific matte texture of the purple plastic and the crispness of the Reg Mombassa vector artwork on the labels.
Dual-Lighting Setup: To solve the background issue, I built two distinct lighting environments. One was optimized for dark backgrounds (emphasizing rim lights to separate the bottle from the void), and a second high-key setup was tuned for white backgrounds.
Animation: Following the successful still renders, I was commissioned to create an animated version to showcase the UV-reactive elements of the label, bringing the "hidden" sun-warning features to life.
THE DELIVERABLES
Hero Stills: 3 x Ultra-High-Res renders (8K+) for OOH and Print.
E-Commerce Assets: Optimized renders on pure white and transparent backgrounds (PNGs & Layered PSDs) to ensure clean integration on Amazon and web stores.
Animation: A motion asset demonstrating the UV-reactive label technology.
HOW CAN I HELP YOUR BRAND
I don't just "make 3D models", I solve production headaches before they happen. By anticipating how your assets will be used (from billboards to Amazon listings), I deliver files that work everywhere.
Production Speed: My workflow is designed to handle CAD data efficiently, meaning faster turnarounds without sacrificing quality.
Commercial Awareness: I understand the difference between a pretty picture and a functional e-commerce asset that drives sales.
Versatility: Whether you need a dark, moody campaign shot or a clean white-background product image, I provide the lighting and compositing expertise to make your product look its best in any context.
VISUAL BREAKDOWN
Below is a closer look at the final deliverables. You will see macro details highlighting the matte plastic texture and embossed geometry, followed by the moody, high-contrast studio shot on black.
I have also included the full three-bottle lineup on white, demonstrating how the lighting was adapted for clean e-commerce use.
Let's work together! Do you need a 3d Render for your product or company?