creature concept model

1. Create a rough sketch in Photoshop.
The most important thing at this stage is to create an appealing and clear overall silhouette and atmosphere, rather than focusing on the fine details.
I can think about the finer details later as I sculpt. However, if you're unsure about the details, it's a good idea to clarify them more during the initial design.

2. Sculpt in ZBrush
First, recreate the overall silhouette and dynamic pose, rather than focusing on the finer details. As the overall design nears completion, add finer details.
Light the finished product using KeyShot, imagining what it will look like, and proceed with the sculpting, clearly defining what will always be visible and what will be in shadow.
This will help you clearly define where to cut corners and what needs to be sculpted thoroughly, allowing you to complete your independent project in a short amount of time.
When working on your own independent project, it's important to streamline your production time.

3. Creating the lighting environment and texture
Use a rough model in Arnold to verify the final lighting.
Once the lighting environment is set, create the texture in Substance Painter.

4. Rendering
Set the depth of field and rendering resolution in Arnold, then perform the final rendering to complete the image.
My value when it comes to creating things is a sense of "unfinishedness." I believe that deliberately creating rough, dynamic, and overall sharp areas adds variety to a work.
I think this value is largely rooted in human nature. I don't believe there is a right answer when it comes to creating things, so I think it's fine to have a variety of values.