My name is Melissa Ng and I'm a self-taught artist. I started exploring 3D modeling and 3D printing seriously back in 2014 and haven't looked back. Since then, I've become obsessed with making intricately detailed fantasy mask and armor designs.
One of my latest creations is the "Sovereign Armor," which took over 518 hours to design and create (this does NOT include 3D printing hours). Oh, and it weighs only 8 lbs.
After making the "Dreamer Regalia" for actress Felicia Day, my next challenge was to create a practical and versatile Medieval-inspired fantasy armor for a woman (that would be more reasonable than the scantily clad bikini "armor" often seen in games, film, TV, etc.). The Sovereign Armor can be worn as one entire set or it can be divided into multiple outfits and can be worn by various model figures since it is flexible.
And while the Sovereign Armor is designed to be worn by a woman, the armor’s message is for everyone. I made this in honor of the creatives out there who know that, even though it’s empowering to be the ruler of your dreams and creations, you also know how incredibly lonely the journey can often be. The intricate patterns are meant to look like rolling waves while the fluting is meant to look like ripples. I wanted the glowing LEDs to give the impression of magical and ethereal energy and symbolize the light of the creative.
And the light of the creative is a beautiful and painful thing. Beautiful because it’s what inspires you to create. Painful because it’s always at risk of being snuffed out. But, as we all know, nothing worthwhile ever comes without pain and effort. I hope you enjoy my work! :D
I'm a self-taught artist and I've created a 3D printed Sovereign Armor
The project started with me doing 88 hours of research with the help of armor educator Ian LaSpina aka Knyght Errant. There was also 20 hours of sketching
Next step was creating a 3D model based on my body measurements
After creating a base model of armor and drawing sketches of intricate details, I modeled the intricate details into the armor
While the armor was printed, I rendered the color and LEDs to give myself an idea of what the final piece would look like
After cleaning and gluing the printed pieces I spent 12 hours sealing the multiple layers of armor components
Next steps were sanding, more cleaning, and making the surface paint-ready. Then I hand-painted the basecoat
I airbrushed several different colors and once that was done, I hand-painted gold embossed details
After sealing the armor I spent 115 hours creating multiple layered lining, LED placement, and connecting armor components
And here is the finished product
The armor with LEDs on
Close up of the Sovereign Armor breastplate
Close up of the back of the Sovereign Armor gorget (neck armor)
Close up of the Sovereign armor front pieces
Close up of the Sovereign armor back pieces
Sovereign Armor gauntlet articulation test
Me in the armor
And now I work like this everyday
