The Draconic Essence & Rising 3D Render by zakiel29

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The Draconic Essence &amp Rising 3D Render, Digital Artwork by zakiel29

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The Draconic Essence & Rising

3D Render by zakiel29

Disclaimer (Artist Note)
Just a quick heads-up: I’m still working on mastering those breathtaking, ultra-artistic renders that many of you share here and on other platforms. Due to time and hardware limitations, my focus is a bit different. I am, first and foremost, a 3D content creator. I’m usually working against the clock, "jumping" into the next project where I pour all my time and effort to ensure the next product is even better than the last.

I’ve considered using AI to enhance my renders—maybe to replace backgrounds, tweak lighting, or change the overall mood—but I’m still not sure if that would hold the same value for you. So, for now, I’m sharing my promotional renders. My goal with these is to showcase the actual product features and technical details rather than telling a cinematic story.

Thank you so much for your understanding and for the incredible support! It means the world to me.

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Draconic Essence & Rising: A 2017 Classic, Reborn for Genesis 9
Where do I even start with this one? This project was a rollercoaster of nostalgia and "what ifs."

It all started while I was working on the promos for a different product (a massive, imposing book called DeathBringer Tome—keep an eye out for it!). I was honestly getting a bit burnt out on the DeathBringer aesthetic when a notification popped up: someone had just bought the original Draconic Essence for Genesis 3.

I looked back at that set. It was my very first complete outfit set from way back in 2017. I had used it recently for some promo renders for my thrones, and even then, I thought about updating it... but honestly? I couldn't be bothered to dive into that rabbit hole back then.

But this time, it felt different. The set deserved it. The people who supported me in 2017 and those still buying it in 2026 deserved a version that met today’s standards. So, I put the book aside and got to work.

From ZBrush Pain to Substance Painter Magic
The difference between 2017 and now is insane. Back then, I didn't use Substance Painter. Every texture was hand-painted using a mix of ZBrush and Photoshop, working with millions of polygons just to get the details right. If I wanted to change a material from metal to leather? I practically had to start from scratch. It took me months of exhausting work.

This time, it was a whole new world:

I took the mesh and the maps into Substance Painter and applied the Smart Materials I’ve developed over the years.

"What if I make a Latex version?" Done.

"How about Leather with detailed seams and studs?" Done.

"What if I use those same seams for a second Latex variant?" Done.

I even got bored with my usual metal presets and created a brand-new set of "Immaculate/Celestial" metals just for this release. The product just kept growing and growing!

A Gift for the OGs
The best part? I decided that everyone who purchased the original G3 version would get this massive G9 update for free. It’s my way of saying thank you to those who trusted my work from the very beginning.

I love what DAZ allows me to do. My biggest struggle now isn't the technical limitation, but knowing when to say "enough!" and actually hit the upload button instead of making 100 more variants.