This is a personal work that I have been wanting to create for some time. I wanted to create a tool that would create this transformation effect on any geometry fed into it. It is based on a solver that transfers attributes that deform the scales inside a for-loop. The scales are scaled (no pun intended), rotated, as well as bent (though it is too fast to notice) during the transformation. The scales have one material on one side, and a different material on the other side. While they transform on the skin of the geometry, the material also changes underneath. I also added some nice little customization features such as the ability to tweak the shape of the scale, and ability to add swirl patterns in the growth of the scales. Adding some billowy smoke, particles, and dramatic lighting helped to finalize the shot.