Weapons / Objects

Sand Rifle Project

The concept behind this art project was to design a futuristic sci-fi rifle with a twist: instead of firing traditional ammunition, the weapon would shoot high-pressure sand. The idea was to create a military-grade firearm tailored for combat on a harsh desert planet, where sand would be both a powerful and abundant resource.

The design process began with the development of the internal firing mechanism. This step was crucial in establishing how the weapon would function and provided a structural foundation that guided the rest of the design.

To visualize a practical, military-style weapon, I photobashed elements from real firearms to create a cohesive and functional silhouette. This helped solidify the proportions and overall form of the rifle, grounding the sci-fi concept in realism.

With the base shape finalized, I moved on to the detailed drawing. Using the photobash as a reference, I refined the design by adding surface details, textures, and features that made the weapon feel both futuristic and rugged enough for desert warfare.

Finally, I created a 3D model of the rifle.

yellow = sand blue = compressed air

Wakizashi Gun Project

After watching the Marathon reveal trailer, I was instantly drawn in by the art style. The combination of bold colour blocking and brutalist sci-fi tech immediately inspired me to create something in that visual language.

The result is this: a gun-sword concept that blends melee and ranged functionality into a sleek, Marathon inspired design.

The weapon features a medium-to-small blade, agile and purpose built for close quarters combat, with a distinctive twist: a single bullet embedded directly into the cross guard. The guard itself is hinged, and when pulled forward like a lever, it triggers the bullet to fire. This design gives the wielder one shot a last resort or surprise attack seamlessly integrated into the grip and motion of the weapon.

Stylistically, the piece is rooted in Marathon’s aesthetic: sharp silhouettes, utilitarian geometry, and smooth, industrial materials.

Counter Strike Skin Project

For this art project, I set out to design a custom gun skin for Counter-Strike 2, something that would feel at home within the game’s established economy and visual style, while also introducing a unique touch of craftsmanship.

I began by researching popular skins within the CS community. That research revealed a few key trends: simplicity in layout, frequent use of gradients, and a strong preference for pattern-based designs. These insights guided my approach. I knew I wanted to create something that felt polished, not overdesigned, and visually aligned with what players are drawn to.

After gathering feedback through a class vote, I chose titanium damascus as the core material for my concept. It was a perfect fit: known for its vibrant, heat-treated colours and swirling layered patterns, titanium damascus allowed me to introduce visual richness while maintaining a clean, focused design. By applying it selectively to key parts of the weapon, I was able to balance intricate detail with visual restraint.

One of the main technical challenges was creating the damascus pattern to work within the Source engine’s texture system. The skin had to be built entirely from varying shades of red, green, and blue values that are later interpreted and recoloured in-game. Achieving the right combination of color dynamics and material realism required careful calibration and iteration.

For the non-patterned sections, I avoided generic, overused textures. Instead, I took a hands-on approach. My mum found an old metal slate in our garden, which turned out to be the perfect material. After days of sanding it to achieve the right forged look, I photographed the surface, along with several types of wood, and converted them into normal maps. These gave the skin tangible depth and authenticity when viewed in-game.

The final result combines rare, randomized pattern variations, true-to-life material rendering, and a clean, cohesive design that, in my opinion, fits seamlessly into Counter-Strike’s iconic visual identity. The process was both technically demanding and creatively rewarding.

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