Design: Leviathan Set
A showcase image of all 7 Leviathan variants, the base variant, and 9 attachment types.
Throughout 2025, I was working on a commission in which I had to create a Leviathan Dreadnought from the Warhammer 40k universe. In this commission, I had to create multiple variants for the dreadnoughts, as well as different attachments that could be put on them all. This commission was different from all my others, as instead of working on one model for a long time, I was working on multiple separate models, all part of one set, for a long time. This was a difficult adjustment, as I found my passion and focus for each model to be different, due to completely different design styles between the variants. I view this experience as extremely positive all around, as I did enjoy creating most of the models I made. I also liked the challenge that pivoting design styles so quickly gave me, and it was interesting to try new things with each model, separately.
I started in this commission by designing the base model for the Leviathan dreadnought. As it is a type of mech, I had to ensure that the legs and joints could move smoothly in animation, and wouldn’t interfere or be too restricted in movement. I layered multiple models on top of each other- different underplates, top plates, and trims, to ensure that close-up detail was high, and to ensure that the model looked good all around. After making the model, I worked on each attachment separately, taking about a day for each, and also ensuring that they each wouldn’t collide with any of the geometry present on the base model of the mech. Once the attachments were done, I took a slight break before beginning on the variants. The variants each have an individual design style and faction identity, which changed their appearance. The first variant I made was meant to be heat-resistant and had scales, a rugged form, and different detailing parts to add dragon design elements, which are present in the faction’s identity. The second one I made was similar, but a bit neater- with cleaner scales and winding serpents. After that, the factions were very similar to make, typically with trim details, faction crests, and different pauldrons for each one. For a few, I had to create chains or separate parts that attached to the body, but they generally remained mostly similar. In the end, I cleaned each model up, exported it, and the commissioner was able to ensure the compatibility of each model with the game to which they would be added.
Another showcase image from a different angle of the leviathans.
