For this month’s sculpting challenge, we’re excited to team up with XP-PEN to offer you an amazing opportunity to win part of over $1400 in prizes!
Our theme is “Sci-Fi Circus”, so we want to see some weird & wonderful creatures, characters and performers that you might find at an intergalactic menagerie.
How to enter: simply sculpt a character that you might find in a sci-fi circus, upload it to Sketchfab, and tag it #XPPENSculptChallenge.
UPDATE: Winners
3rd Place: Space Kaijū Juggler by Julien Chambriard
2nd Place: Bounce by 000734
1st Place: Sci-Fi Circus Challenge: Bajwali Wolf by Hammer
To see what the judges had to say about the winning entries, head over to the Sketchfab Forum. And to see all of the entries, check out the tag gallery.
X-Infinite, P-Possibility, Pen-Digital Pen.
XP-PEN has been a professional and reliable supplier of graphics tablets for 14 years, and now is running business in more than 100 countries.
No matter whether you are a professional designer, illustrator, or a digital art hobbyist, you can always find an XP-PEN product that suits you well. ~ xp-pen.com
Rules
- Use your favorite software and workflow to sculpt a character that you might find in a sci-fi circus.
- Any coloring method is allowed, e.g., hand-painted, PBR, vertex color.
- Submit only new work, but feel free to submit multiple entries.
- If you use concept art to create your work, be sure to ask permission from the concept artist, credit them, and link back to their work. We also encourage you to split your prize with them, if you win.
- Once you’ve created your model, upload it to Sketchfab, tag it #XPPenSculptChallenge.
- Submission deadline is Monday, June 1, 2020 (23:59 New York time – EDT)
Judges
- Warkarma, Mieke Roth, Kevin Cayuela Borg, Geoffrey Marchal, and vrhuman, Sketchfab Masters
- Bart, Tom, and Abby Crawford, Community Team
Prizes
- First Place
- XP-PEN Artist 22R ProX1PC Tablet
- XP-PEN mascot model
- $50 Amazon gift card (or equivalent if you don’t have access to Amazon)
- A framed art print of the winning entry
- 12 months of Sketchfab Plus
- Second Place
- XP-PEN Artist 15.6ProX1PC
- $50 Amazon gift card
- 6 months of Sketchfab Plus
- Third Place
- XP-PEN Deco Pro M
- $25 Amazon gift card
- 3 months of Sketchfab Plus
Terms and Conditions
- No purchase necessary.
- By entering this competition, entrants will be deemed to have accepted and agreed to the conditions.
- This is a contest for individuals, no teams.
- No alternative prizes available. The prize draw is not open to Sketchfab employees or their families.
- No ripping of models from anywhere on the Internet, all entries must be original works.
- The judges’ decision are final – in case of dispute, no correspondence will be entered into.
- Winning entries will be documented and may be used for promotional purposes.
- Contestants’ models must be uploaded to Sketchfab and tagged #XPPenSculptChallenge to be considered.
- Winners retain all Intellectual Property as per Sketchfab standard Terms and Conditions.
- Winners and winning entries may be required to take part in any publicity resulting from this competition.
- The winner will be contacted by Friday, June 5, 2020.
- Promoter: Sketchfab Inc, 1123 Broadway, Suite 501, New York, NY 10010, USA.
About the author
If we don’t know how to sculpt a character in programs such as Blender or ZBrush, can we create a “3D painting” instead (i.e., where a planar surface acts as a canvas)?
Hi there! Just checking if there is an age range to this? Or can anyone participate?
looks fun!
Thanks for this great challenge Sketch fab. I am from India, am I eligible to participate in this challenge .
Yes, absolutely!
Hi Celine! You must be at least 13 years old to use Sketchfab and to enter any of our challenges. For more information, check out https://sketchfab.com/terms#general
Hi Simon! This is a sculpting challenge, so non-sculpted entries will be ineligible to win.
hi ,
where i can add my sculpture work for this challange?
i would like to participate
Are Tiltbrush sketches acceptable?
Hi ,
Do I have to retop the sculpt , or does the polyflow doesn’t matter ?
Greetings
Is it allowed to have the character/s animated? Can we use 3D modeling for gadgets or other assets used by the sculpted character or only sculpting is allowed?
i’m from Viet Nam, can i participate this challenge ?
How can I participate
How do I receive the award?
Can sculpting be used with modling?
You’ll find detailed instructions in the blogpost: create an artwork using only sculpting (no other techniques allowed), and upload it with tag XPPENSculptChallenge before Monday, June 1, 2020 (23:59 New York time – EDT). Prizes will be shipped to you.
Certainly, we’re not excluding any countries.
Animation is allowed but will not be considered during the judging process. You can use only sculpting for this challenge, no other techniques.
Polyflow is not a factor. However, you may wish to retopo your work to optimize for real-time display.
No, sorry. This challenge is for sculpting only. We have a VR modeling challenge coming up too – stay tuned!
Brilliant, have fun!
You need to upload them into your Sketchfab account and add the XPPENSculptChallenge tag – see instructions above.
Hi
Just the sculpture ? or also the low poly version of it?
Also do we have to create the whole background of a circus and/or we are allowed to do that?
Does the character has to be animated?
Best regards
Flo
Hi Flo. To answer your questions: just the sculpture, you don’t have to model a background, but you can if you want to, and the character does not have to be animated.
Can we use blockbench for the challenge?
Can I use a 2D reference?
I just made one character using one. It fits the theme. Just hope it is valid.
how can subscibe in the challenge
thinks but i have free coumpte in Skechfab is this normal
thinks but i have free coumpte in Skechfab is this normal
sorry but this question final
Is it possible to participate in more than one form
I believe Blockbench is not a 3D Sculpting tool, so unfortunately not.
Using a reference or concept art by another artist is allowed, as long as you properly credit them.
Sorry, what do you mean?
Do you mean submit more than one entry? That’s absolutely fine 🙂
One more question, if may I.
The actual sculpt, has yo be done from only one mesh ? Or can I use multiple meshes at the beginning, like just for blocking it out at least. No modelling just blocking it.
That’s fine 🙂
Is it possible to participate in more than one form
I have a free account, can I participate?
Are you going to prepare a cartoon competition?
What is the poly count number limitation?
Absolutely!
That sounds like a fun topic yes, we’ll consider it!
We didn’t set a hard poly limit on this, but realtime performance will be a factor when judging. So use common sense and optimize where you can 🙂
Good idea—we may at some point.
What are the criteria when judging the work?
Is it possible to use other forms with the ball and sculpt it?
Unfortunately I cannot participate because I have a free account
There is another way to participate, please
You can participate regardless of account type—all Sketchfab community members are invited and encouraged to participate. 🙂
hi I’m Timmy and I need to know how do you participate for this competition
Is necessary upload textured model? My painting skill is really poor 🙂
With free account I’m able to join challenge with 1 model only, right? (or set models as downloadable)
If the sculpt is not JUST the animal but it has props that are needed to tell the story (like environmental pieces) is that alright?
Hi, I’m from Argentina. Can I participate?
Can I model the basic shape just basic and then sculpte it.
Yeah blocking it out first is fine, as long as the final entry is a sculpt.
Absolutely!
Anything that you feel is needed for a good ‘Sci-Fi Circus’ scene. It’s up to you!
Texturing is not required, this challenge focuses only on the sculpting. And correct, free accounts allow you to publish one non-downloadable per month.
Hi Timmy! All the instructions are in this blogpost above. Do you have a specific question?
thinks
How many models i want to did for this contest sir.
Is it possible to sculpt any animal?
Is it possible to use small modeling and large scale carving?
Is it possible to use shading in coloring
Medium VR is allowed then right?
Sure thing, all sculpting tool are allowed.
At least one 🙂
You can sculpt any animal, but you’re only allowed to use sculpting tools.
Hey! Is it allowed to utilize retopology along with texture baking, or should the entry be be the raw sculpt?
Can you enter from outside the US? (I live in Belgium)
Saudia Arabia , Jazan
Should we carve something related to your captivity? Do we not have the freedom to carve what we want?
When will the award be delivered?
But sculpting is just tough
Is it okay to sculpt a character from a movie to fit into this theme?
Yes, fan art is allowed.
True, sculpting is a skill. We’ll have other challenge topics soon though, stay tuned 🙂
Yes, there are no country restrictions.
Yes, optimization with retopo and baking is fine.
If you want to participate in this challenge, you’ll have to stick to the challenge topic ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Prizes will be sent approximately 1 week after the challenge ends. Delivery time will be different for each country, so it’s impossible to predict.
You can participate too – there are no country restrictions.
As long as you use sculpting tools and you stick to the challenge theme, you’re good!
Can the scenario be modeled? (lake cages)
¿Can i participate with several models?
is this only for pure sculpting. i cannot use 3dsmax to add accessories and retopo the model.
Pure sculpting only, yes.
Yes; you can submit multiple entries, or have one entry with multiple models in it.
No; this is sculpting only.
how the prizes will be distributed if the winner is in other country?
Hi! I Can add a character to my scene for complement my creature?
Another question;
The sculpt has to be downloadable or not?
Yes, that’s fine
No, your model can remain non-downloadable if you wish.
We will ship them to you.
Could I make just the sculpture or do I need to retopologize it?
Can i Submit a sculpt head of a monster if its totally sculpted by me…
how the winners will be announced… How will i get to know if i am the winner….
You will be contacted by email.
The goal of the challenge is to sculpt a character. You can enter with only a head, but I don’t think your chances of winning will be very high.
Retopology is not a requirement. However, if your model is too heavy for real-time display on Sketchfab you should put in an effort to clean up/decimate your mesh.
Its looks cooolll
Bellisimo❤️
So I’ve found a workaround online, to connect my iPad to my PC, as I don’t have an actual graphics tablet yet.
I do have a small (hopefully also basic) design for a sculpt, so I’ll be trying to submit that.
this is good for me as iam new to zbrush and only know basic sculpting. Iam gonna knock your socks off!!! Me and my son will design a concept and i will sculpt in zebrush, retopo and decimate check. Is there a limit to max polygons as they can tend to high in detail. Also basic clay sculptures okor polypainting and texturing is a must? Thank you from ibbi and ash (ages 11 and 37)
https://skfb.ly/6SBXP
Just uploaded for the entry. How long does it take to show up in Tag Listing?
Hi there, are we supposed to texture this at all? or just leave it with simple “Clay” or “concrete” shader?
Iam from Pakistan. Can i compete?
We look forward to seeing your entry! There is not a max poly limit, but keep in mind that judges will be reviewing entries for “suitability for real-time”, which includes loading speed. Clay sculptures are ok, but texturing will get you bonus points. 😉
It should appear in the tag gallery after you publish it.
Texturing is recommended, but there is no rule that you must texture it.
Yes, you can compete in the challenge regardless of where you are located. 🙂
Is it possible to imitate ideas
Regarding the award, the Corona virus will not affect its transmission to the country
Good night, Do you have a maximum number of polygons that can be used? I have a free account and want to know to be able to post the work in the contest and have it optimized to show in real time? And I still don’t know how to retopo?
sound reallyfun and exciting, cant wait to participate…?
I just wanted to ask if there are any specific country’s citizens who can participate or any country?
can we win this contest by just submiting the sculpted character with no colours, textures, modifiers etc. because the character is subdived very much so the software is lagging
we have to sculpt the character with just one object or multiple objects ?
we have to do only sculpting or can we add some modifiers to the object? (This is very important question)
Anybody from any country can participate.
There is no polygon maximum, but keep in mind that entries will be judged on their suitability for real-time.
Can the final subscription be just an image or we need to send a blend file etc. I’m new, thanks.
Cool
Hi,
Are we allowed to use fibermesh and Zmodeller inside of Zbrush or do they not count as sculpting?
Thanks 🙂
Can i use other texture maps such as roughness, normal and others ?
and next question is,
Can i retopoloize my model after sculpting so that my computer won’t crash while uploding in sketch fab due to my pc’s graphic card limitation?
Thankyou
How did your deliver during lockdown?
Can i make a timelapse video for my youtube channel while creating and post it on youtube after results ?
Thankyou.
Hi,
This is a really fun challenge. I was wondering what it means when it says any colouring method is allowed. Does that mean I can do all texturing in substance painter?
Also, are there any rules on UV mapping? Can I take my sculpt into Maya for example to unwrap, or does it need to be kept within Zbrush?
And can we retopologize in an external software, and bring back to zbrush?
And can we use tools in Zbrush such as surface noise? Or does that not count as sculpting?
Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make sure I follow the rules!
Thanks for your help!
Sophie
what type of challenge exactly it is
Would it be acceptable to enter a complete scene, with all but the textures and environment/lighting sculpted?
I’d assume subdivide is fine, I think as long as it’s pretty much entirely sculpting based, it’s fine.
Your ad band on top of page does NOT go away on mobile phones and sits on top of the 3D model. Maybe you can do something regarding this issue. Thank you.
I love it
So much
This is a 3D sculpting challenge.
Hi Sophie. You can sculpt, retopologize, and texture in whatever softwares you want to work with. Just make sure that your entry is a sculpt, and not, for example, voxel art or a 3D scan. 🙂
Hi there. The final submission needs to be a 3D model uploaded to your Sketchfab account and tagged with #XPPENSculptChallenge.
Sorry to hear you are having problems with the banner! Please note that the banner will always reappear when a new (different) banner is added to the site. The same banner should not display once you have closed it by hitting the X button.
If this is not the issue, please can you submit a support ticket? https://help.sketchfab.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
If you want to use concept art to create your piece, that is fine. Just remember to credit the concept artist and link to the original concept artwork.
Yes, you can use texture maps and retopologize your sculpt.
Yes, that’s fine.
Sketchfab magic 😉
Yes, that’s fine.
Yes, you can use Fibermesh and Zmodeller.
Hello Sketchfab , first thank you to make this many challenges every weeks it’s very encouraging for non pro artist , secondly pardon my English I’m French but I’m not sure to understand the difference between modeling and sculpting ,
I plan to sculpt (ok it’s in the question but I want to be sure, long work is coming ^^’ ) all my scene using only Vr , is it ok for you ?
Sculpting in VR is fine!
Can I sculpt on the model I prepared with Maya
Thank you for the quick response Bart , Vr was the key who open me the door to 3d and allow me to build a bridge between imagination to reality . I’m clearly not the best out there but will do my best on this challenge to show how far we can go even as a self taught when we follow themagical path of Vr =)
I want to make three characters in a scene, can I? Would I be able to upload it on the site just by giving decimate?
Hi everyone! Just want to make sure if It’s ok to blockout hardsurface elements and sculpt them after? I’m willing to bake the details in a retopo mesh (i’ve already read that you guys said that it’s ok to use this workflow..)
Thank you very much!
Yes, that’s acceptable.
Thank you Bart!
could I use the free distributed objects to decorate the work?(main creature is fully original! it is using in the gears or equipments for spice…)
HELLO !
Dans le Brem du défit, C’est preferable de mettre une version Low poly ? (sachant que cela perd en details )? ou, peut-on mettre des niveaux de subdivisuions plus haut ?
I can’t seem to find the Discord channel for this contest.
Hi,
Are we allowed to rig and pose in an external software, or does posing need to be done in Zbrush?
Thanks,
Sophie
I’ve added the #XPPENSculptChallenge to my entry, but it isn’t showing up on the list, is there an approval process that I need to wait for or did I tag my entry wrong?
You can join #challenges on our community discord at https://discord.gg/CGKnSvJ
No, you can only use material that you created yourself.
Will materials count as a factor for judgement.
Hi there!
My question is that I am seeing more people doing material based sculpting. Neither polygon based.
I would like to know Whether judges will judge polygon based sculpting or material based ????
HI, thank you for replying my question before. 🙂
and, I have a another question about “new”.
does it means “new” means, that “the character who never participate to contest”?
or never seen in anywhere open?
If I show the WIP of character to somewhere, does it became a “not new”?
Hi Sketchfab, my name is Ayatullah and I would like to ask you to extend the deadline by a few days please.
Sorry but we can’t do that -it wouldn’t be fair to all the other participants who worked hard to meet the deadline.
Ok I understand.
There is any poly count limit ?’
because i sculpt one concept, there is i need to bake normal map or i upload it directly
There is any poly count limit ?’
because i sculpt one concept, there is i need to bake normal map or i upload it directly
Hi, I have made a model using blender and I used texture paint to add color to my work and when i uploaded it on sketchfab there was no color, what is the solution for this and is it necessary to add color?
I’m getting an error 20 for my model I’m uploading for the challenge. What should I do?
Hi sketchfab, I am asking how do we know who the winner is, not to say that I am impatient, I just want to know so that we know who the winner is.
The winners will be announced here, on our forum and on social media. They’ll also be contacted privately.
Hi, it looks like you already managed to upload it? I see a challenge entry in your account from 11 hours ago.
It sort of worked, I couldn’t get the textures to export in though and it looks so much better with textures.
Congratz to the winner!
Just dont get on thing, why did you said is a sculpting challange, when all that was pointed out, was texturing and modeling..