Programs
Downloads
Calendar
Contact us
Log in
Mentors
Community
Log in
Tutorial

Racial Differences for
Likeness Sculpts

Ben Courtenay
Art Heroes Contributor
In this tutorial, we'll be covering the main differences between Caucasian and Asian eyes, the basics of eye anatomy, and some useful tips for sculpting eyes.

Getting Started!

Even though we're looking at the differences between eyes it's important to cover the foundational similarities.

I'm going to be using images from anatomy for sculptors, so if you're interested in getting one for yourself, use the link here!

Let's get Sculpting

Since eyes all share the same anatomical parts, so to speak, creating a generic face is a great place to start. By practicing with a model you'll expand your understanding of anatomy and pick up a feel for sculpting eyes. This will help you create characters more effectively and efficiently!

Here are some steps to get you started:

  • Establish orbital ridges
  • Add eye
  • Create eyelids - there are multiple ways to do this: Using masking + Dynamesh + Move brush or Gizmo. Or extracting eyelids from the eye itself (this is the technique I use the most)
  • Important to keep the shape of the eye, natural curvature - follow anatomy
  • Plane change from the tear duct - look for the line!
  • Keep eye ridge thickness consistent across both eyelids
  • The top eye area is split into two sections, inner flat/plane change, outer soft/volume
how to pose a character in zbrush

Ethnical Differences

Now that we've covered the fundamental forms let's get into the main differences between ethnicities:

  • The epicanthus is the most distinct difference. Asian eye's cover folds usually sit a little forward covering part of the upper lid and inner corner of the eye.

  • With Caucasian eyes, the opposite can be said. The brow area can be sunken, hooded, or somewhere in between.

  • The eye tilt (canthal tilt) is another major difference. There is always going to be variations but generally Asian eyes tend to tilt up more, while Caucasian eyes are usually levelled or sunken.

Sculpting Different races with Josh Wallace

Want to learn more?

Go check out our stream with josh wallace on sculpting racial differences
These are the basic fundamentals of sculpting the eye area. Hopefully, you've found this article helpful and if you want something more in depth, let us know in the comments below!


Ben Courtenay,
Art Heroes Contributor

More tutorials from our blog:
    Get updated when we release a new tut
    Weekly 3D tips and inspo, delivered.
    By clicking the button you agree to our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe any time.