*Try* Switching to Path Tracing. To speed things up, use Adaptive Sampling (Available on the latest Dev Build - standalone, not sure if you are using a dcc plugin) If you use Adaptive Sampling, make sure you have a Noise Render pass enabled. It will render at normal speed and then gradually speed ...

The opening shot the colors are muddy, could it be due to compression?
The optical flare is too much for my personal liking.
Nevertheless, it's good but lacks that 'punch' effect.

I believe it's from compression. And thanks for the feedback, I would agree a bit on optical flares and I'll pass ...

Anyone? Some advice/feedback would be really helpful toward my next rendering project.

The shader looks great! I have been experimenting with a similar technique in Substance Designer/Painter. Keep up the great work!

This was done approximately a year ago as a collaboration with a good friend. I never got around to posting it on here to see what people think, but here it is!

https://vimeo.com/167451130

If you want to check out the process and such, there is more information on my behance page.
https://www ...

This is very good work! Great visualization and focus, kudos to you!

Very reasonably priced, I will definitely be upgrading. I used Octane 3 Beta for the past few months, and I have loved it. You all did a fantastic job!