Welcome.
Find out about my work and vision as
3D Gameplay Animator and Rigging Artist
My core competence lies in my work as a senior gameplay animator and rigging artist, where I specialise in bridging the gap between 3D software and game engines. With my background in animated film production, I have worked with both large and small studios.
This website offers insight into my work, the motivations that drive me, and my professional journey. Here you can explore my experience, personal development, and skill set, always keeping an eye on technical development.
Enjoy exploring my work.
My research project: BastRunner
I just built a complete game. Didn't plan for that.
I wanted to dig deeper into Unity's animation system to understand it properly, find where I could push it. What I didn't expect was how fast that rabbit hole turned into something real. Or how steep the learning curve would be. In the best possible way.
AI/vibe coding made a lot of it possible, especially for me on the programming side. Things that would have slowed me down for days just didn't.
But I think about what that means. All that knowledge had to come from somewhere. Years of people's work. Mine too, probably. It's not a simple story. But I'd rather stay curious than stay stuck.
I have to admit, I haven't enjoyed building this much in years.
First gameplay clip coming soon. Work in progress. 🤖
Full Character Creation Pipeline workflow
My workflow on Medieval Empires 🡆
These characters originate from a character generator in Medieval Empires. Each character has numerous variations.
© Medieval Empires
This is the last project I worked on for several years. I am specialized in creative 3D animation and rigging for all platforms, preferably Unity. For the game Medieval Empires, I was responsible for modeling, rigging, and animation, right up to integration into the game engine.
I have developed a pipeline to make the character rig and animation management system scalable.
© Medieval Empires
Character modeling and texturing, retopo and retexture from AI
Efficient workflow for any and AI-generated 3D character. Clean retopology, high-quality textures, and optimal preparation for rigging, animation, and integration into game engines and other renderers.
✅ Yes, I can create all of this without AI. Depending on the requirements, AI-generated templates can give a good starting point.
AI generated, 484748 faces
Retopo 768 faces
Game Animation Reel
I have compiled a few animations from games that I have worked on, plus a playthrough of level 03 o_Ossel´s Odyssey
Film Animation Reel
Traditional 3D Character Animation
About Me
Bringing Characters to Life – From Concept to Animation
Hi, I’m Oliver Stephan, 3D Character Artist, labeling myself as: creaturelab3d.
I specialize in 3D character modeling, rigging, and animation, turning creative concepts into production-ready assets for games, film, and advertising.
With a strong focus on technical precision and artistic expression, I handle the entire process from initial character design to final delivery in the render engine or game environment.
My work blends clean, production-oriented modeling with a love for cartoony, experimental, and expressive designs. Whether it’s for game studios, film productions, or brands looking for unique characters that stand out, I bring ideas to life with a distinctive creative touch.
creaturelab3d combines creativity and craftsmanship crafting characters that connect, move, and inspire.
I am using Blender, Painter, Affinity & Unity
For more work examples, please head over to vimeo
Please also take a look at my personal project, o_Ossel´s Odyssey
Contact:
Phone: +49 177 372 48 90
Email: contact@creaturelab3d.com
Web: https://www.creaturelab3d.com
VAT Identification Number:
DE238261388
Imprint / Legal Notice
Information according to § 5 TMG
Oliver Stephan
Maritimweg 3
14542 Werder (Havel)
Germany
Responsible for content according to § 55 (2) RStV:
Oliver Stephan
Maritimweg 3
14542 Werder (Havel)
Copyright
© Oliver Stephan. All content, images, graphics, and designs on this website are protected by copyright. Any reproduction, editing, or distribution is not permitted without the express written permission of the author.
Liability for Content
The contents of our pages have been created with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided.
Liability for Links
My website contains links to external third-party websites, over whose content we have no control. Therefore, we cannot accept any responsibility for such external content. The respective provider or operator of the linked pages is always responsible for the content of those pages.