What is the ruling on designing 3D characters using a computer, and does its designer fall under the threat mentioned for image-makers who emulate God's creation?

If the designs are of animate beings (human or animal), they take the ruling of photographing animate beings, and their designer falls under the warning given to photographers. However, if the designs of animate beings are incomplete such that they do not resemble the real thing, or if they are of inanimate objects like mountains, trees, and buildings, then there is no harm in them.