I combined two projects together; the roman helmet and the skull from ‘bronze age queen’. My main goal for this render was to create convincing materials for (wet) mud and grime. Besides the two cards (‘A’ and ‘C’) all was created using a combination of material nodes and geo nodes for extra detail (debris, smudges and pebbles). Some post processing using the compositor and Photoshop.
Also created a short animation: https://youtube.com/shorts/7WciA6DLxKc?si=SF0R3y1N0eyyEiqi
This is incredible realism.
For myself, I still see a lot of areas to improve, but many thanks, it keeps me going!
The sound design for the dig site was perhaps a little over the top, but very effective. The sound for the museum was perfect!
Amazing work!
Thanks, I’ll make the next digsite more serene 
Certainly, to my eye, “this looks entirely like a real object.” Marked by pieces of paper by the archaeologists who found it. The helmet is also entirely convincing. As for the animation, “yes, this is obviously real footage, taken in a museum.” (Complete with crowd noises.)
And: as for “lots of areas to improve,” there does come a point in every project that’s affectionately known as: “FISI!” (xxx it, ship it) The point where you shrink-wrap the thing and place it on the loading dock. “It’s done.” (Until, of course, it isn’t … one more tweak …)
You’re absolutely right, I try not to obsess too much about details and just call it a day. But you still know that what could have done better. Most of the time I try to incorporate that in the next project.
I featured you on BlenderNation, have a great weekend!
