Complete Development Process from Design Concept to Finished Figurine

Background

A client commissioned us to develop a custom figurine with a Japanese style theme. The goal was to transform the designer’s 2D drawings into a precise 3D model through multiple rounds of revisions, and finally deliver a physical prototype that met the design requirements. The project covered all stages, from modeling to sample painting and assembly, ultimately delivering a product that satisfied the client.

Project Timeline and Workflow

Day 1: Receiving Design Drawings and Starting 3D Modeling

• Task Description:

1. The designer provided front view, side view, and top view drawings, along with key dimension annotations and functional descriptions.

2. The drawings detailed the overall shape, facial expression, clothing details, and color scheme of the figurine.

• Execution Process:

  1. Design Review:

  1. Verified the completeness of the drawings and confirmed the key dimensions and functional descriptions.

  2. Identified unclear details in the design (e.g., texture details or specific decorative elements).

     2. 3D Modeling:

  3. The 3D modeling engineer began creating the initial 3D model based on the drawings, including the hair, face, arms, body, and clothing.

Day 2: First Round of Feedback and Detail Adjustments

• Task Description:

  • Sent the first version of the 3D model to the designer for review, focusing on confirming the overall shape and key details.

• Execution Process:

  1. Submitting Initial 3D Model:

     • Delivered the model file (STEP/STL format) along with a comparison to the design drawings.

     • The designer reviewed the model, focusing on details of the hair, face, arms, and fingers.

  2. Feedback and Adjustments:

     • Hair: Adjusted the flow and layering to better match the design style.

     • Face: Refined the facial contours to align with the character's features.

     • Arms and Fingers: Corrected proportions and poses for a more natural appearance.

Day 3: Second Round of Feedback and Japanese Style Optimization

• Task Description:

  • Submitted the updated model for the designer’s second review, focusing on further refining key features.

• Execution Process:

  1. Designer Feedback:

     • The designer provided additional adjustments to emphasize the Japanese aesthetic:

     • Hair: Redesigned the hair contours to better match Japanese anime-style characteristics.

     • Eyes: Adjusted the size and expression to convey more emotion.

     • Pants Folds: Enhanced the clothing texture for a more natural and dynamic feel.

  2. Revisions:

     • Incorporated the feedback and ensured all adjustments met the designer’s expectations.

Day 4: Final Version Approval and Production Preparation

• Task Description:

  • Submitted the final version of the 3D model for client review and prepared for production.

• Execution Process:

  1. Client Review:

     • The client reviewed the final model, focusing on the details of the face, clothing folds, and overall shape.

     • After confirming that the model met all expectations, the client approved it for production.

  2. Production Preparation:

     • Sent the finalized 3D model to the production team for 3D printing using ABS-like materials.

     • A prototype was printed and assembled to provide a physical sample for client confirmation.

Day 5: Prototype Confirmation and Part Design for Production

Task Description:

• After the client approved the prototype, split-part designs were prepared for injection mold production.

1. Execution Process:

   1. Split-Part Design:

      • The 3D model was split into production-friendly parts (e.g., head, arms, body, clothing) to facilitate manufacturing and assembly.

   2. Second 3D Printing:

      • Printed the split parts and painted them according to the designer’s specified colors.

Sample Production and Painting

Painting Process:

• Large Areas: Handheld spray paint was used for uniform coverage (e.g., large sections of the clothing).

• Fine Details: Hand-painted techniques were applied to intricate areas (e.g., eyes, bag buckles, shoes).

• Assembly: All parts were glued together to complete the final sample.

• Timeframe:

  • Painting and assembly took 3 days.

  • The final sample’s colors perfectly matched the design drawings.

Project Outcome and Client Feedback

Outcome:

• Successfully completed a 3D model and prototype that matched the client’s design requirements.

• The figurine’s Japanese aesthetic, including its face, eyes, and detailed clothing, was highly accurate.

• The sample was meticulously crafted with precise painting and assembly.

  Client Feedback:

• The client was very satisfied with the figurine’s overall shape, aesthetic details, and color accuracy.

• Praised the team’s professionalism and quick response throughout the project.

Key Takeaways

1. Importance of Iterative Feedback:

   • Designer feedback during the modeling process was essential for refining details and capturing the design intent. Multiple review rounds ensured a high level of precision.

2. Seamless Integration of Design and Production:

   • The split-part design stage considered production and assembly needs, ensuring smooth manufacturing.

3. Combination of Manual Craftsmanship and Technology:

   • Using both hand-painting and spray-painting techniques allowed for detailed and vibrant color rendering in the final product.

4. Time Management and Efficiency:

   • The entire project, from design drawings to the final sample, was completed in just 10 days, showcasing the team’s effective collaboration and execution.