What if you took the Baroque decadence of an IP like Warhammer 40k, but instead of drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman history, you looked to ancient Armenia instead? I was driven by this question to create this project, where I re-imagined personal computers from the early 1980s as part of an alternate history where they’re used to invoke arcane magic. I drew from many sources of inspiration for this piece, blending a stylized sci-fi/fantasy aesthetic with motifs I adapted from historical Armenian decorative arts.

This project has strong personal connections for me; I’m part Armenian, and love learning more about my culture. I also have a strong personal interest in the history of decorative arts, from jewelry to textiles to ceramics. I think knowing and thinking about how things are made in real life can add a realistic spark to 3D work, too.

I did extensive research for this project, which draws on Armenian decorative arts from c. 1600-1900. These sources aren’t recreated 1:1; instead, they’re filtered through a stylized fantasy lens, creating chunkier, solid shapes that fit within the art direction I envisioned.

Game Engine: UE5
Platform: PC/Console (Personal)
Tools used: Blender, Photoshop, Substance Painter/Designer

Dedicated to John Megirian & Marie Shahangirian, whose meeting after fleeing their home country led to one of my favorite people being born. Also, hey great-grandma Marie: can you believe we’re still trying to perfect your spinach and rice recipe in the year 2026?