Rusting Metal Flat Mockup - Nonverbal Storytelling

Concept Thumbnail Sketch

I started by knolling "junk" on a 12x12 cardboard canvas. The “junk” I used was: milk/pop lids, flash meter, beads, Logitech mouse, foam board, plastic container, metal brackets, washers, brass plated paper fasteners, wire, and chipboard.

The result of knolling and trying different layouts to get the right feel and look.

Base coat wash of metallic silver, matt black, and red acrylic paint over everything.

I went back and forth with a rag to add and subtract the paint to get the desired steel texture and feel. Then using hot glue, I created several small clusters and mounds of glue where I thought rust and grime would collect.

Added LEDs, extra wire coming in and out of different sections, added highlights with a silver alcohol based marker, and I made another pass with a light matt black wash and sprayed a fine mist of black over the entire composition.

Finally I lit the composition with blue light and used fog to create an atmosphere around the user interface adding to the tone of the story.