Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Animation

The Process

Creating the Animation

I created this 3D animation to clearly visualize the form and surface details of a kidney affected by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. By combining 3D modeling, realistic materials, and motion, the animation presents the anatomy in a clear and engaging way.

Overview

Building the 3D Model

I began by sculpting the kidney in ZBrush, carefully developing its overall form and the numerous cysts covering its surface. Once the model was complete, I painted the surface texture to introduce natural variation, depth, and anatomical detail.

Step 1

Lighting and Materials

The finished model was then brought into KeyShot, where I added the kidney’s material and adjusted the lighting. This stage helped define the model’s final appearance while ensuring that the shape, texture, and individual cysts remained easy to see.

Step 2

Animation and Post-Production

Finally, I brought the rendered files into Adobe After Effects to assemble and animate the sequence. I refined the timing and transitions before adding explanatory text and sound to create a polished educational animation.

Step 3
  • AKPD Kidney

  • Close-up of a polycystic kidney.

  • A dark-colored model of a human brain surrounded by bubbles and liquid, with a brown stem or cable extending downward, set against a background with black and white segments.

The Final Animation

The final animation brings together the 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and motion developed throughout the project. It offers a clear, focused view of a polycystic kidney and helps viewers better understand how the condition changes the organ’s external structure.

Back to Animations & 3D Models