Shudu has caused quite the controversy on Instagram as she is considered to be "one of the most beautiful [personas]" on the social media platform, yet she is an entirely digital model. Lacking corporeal presence, Shudu's computerized appearance is all too real thanks to the amazingly detailed image rendering work of creator Cameron James-Wilson. The photographer shares that each image takes about three days time to complete "and that's not including the weeks of planning."
During Shudu's debut on Instagram, people absolutely misappropriated the digital model as a real person -- "a testament to the hyper-real level of detail in Cameron's 3D modelling." Yet, Shudu has a distinct "kind" that has been surfacing on the Instagram platform. Although she may be considered as the first fully digital model, Shudu might have competition (or an ally) in entirely digitized Gram infleuncers like Lil' Miquela.
Fully Digital Models
Shudu is a Project by Photographer Cameron James-Wilson
Trend Themes
1. Hyper-real Digital Models - The hyper-real level of detail in digital models like Shudu presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion and advertising industries.
2. Rise of Digitized Influencers - The emergence of fully digital models and influencers like Shudu and Lil' Miquela offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the social media and marketing industries.
3. Advanced Image Rendering Technology - The need to create realistic digital models like Shudu and the time-consuming process of image rendering present opportunities for disruptive innovation in the technology and creative industries.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The hyper-real digital models like Shudu can disrupt the traditional fashion industry by challenging the need for physical models and opening new possibilities for virtual fashion shows and product presentations.
2. Advertising - Digital models like Shudu can disrupt the advertising industry by offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional photoshoots and enabling creative possibilities for brands to reach their target audience in new and engaging ways.
3. Technology - The advancement of image rendering technology required for creating hyper-real digital models like Shudu can lead to disruptive innovations in computer graphics, virtual reality, and augmented reality industries.