How to Custom Collectible Toy Prototypes?

  Have you ever dreamed of bringing your characters to life, transforming your imagination into tangible, collectible art toys? Today, I'm going to take you on an exciting journey through the entire process of creating a custom art toy prototype, from the first sketch to the final product.

  The first step is to turn your idea into a 3D model. Start by sketching out the concept of the character, capturing the essence of what I want this toy to embody. This process can be done using pencil sketches or hand-drawn on a tablet, and once you're happy with your design it's time for 3D modeling.

  3D modeling requires the use of professional software such as 3D Max, Blender, or ZBrush. You need to sculpt every detail to make sure that the proportions are just right and the personality comes through. Modeling requires precision and patience. Here I use modifiers to smooth out the shapes and make the model printable. Overlapping sections need to be carefully merged and unnecessary details trimmed away. This is done to create a solid, uniform piece that is perfect for 3D printing.

  Once the modeling is complete, the design needs to be exported as an STL file, which is the standard format used for 3D printing. Now, it's time to get ready for digital creation in the physical world. Once everything is ready, it's time to start printing.

  It's fascinating to watch the 3D printer in action. The model takes shape layer by layer, rising out of the resin like a sculpture emerging from a block of marble. Every detail, from the smallest feature to the overall silhouette, is carefully crafted.

    Once the print is complete, it's time to clean and cure the model. Resin prints need to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue, and then cured under UV light to ensure complete hardening. Ultimately, a clear, detailed prototype is ready for the next step.

   Even the best prints require some post-processing. To allow for better color, rough areas need to be sanded, layer lines smoothed, and imperfections filled in with epoxy putty. The purpose of this step is to refine the model and make sure it looks and feels as smooth as possible.

  Now comes the most exciting part - coloring. A splash of bright color can really bring a character to life. It's common to start with a base color and then carefully apply shadows and highlights to create depth and personality. During the coloring process, an airbrush is required to achieve a smooth, professional finish. Of course, most of the intricate colors need to be hand-painted, which is a great test of the colorist's artistic skills.

  Once the airbrush coloring was complete, it was time to assemble the final piece. Carefully gluing the pieces together ensures that everything fits perfectly. A final coat of gloss not only protects the paint but also gives the toy a polished, professional look.”

  This is our custom art toy that came to life from concept to creation. It's an incredible journey of creativity, learning, and craftsmanship. Whether you're an artist, collector, or someone who loves to create, I hope this inspires you to start your own projects and bring your ideas to life.