Case Study – Action figure prototyping

Here’s a quick behind-the-scenes on a recent prototyping job to summarise the processes Modelshop use for action figure development.

‘Savage Dad’ is one of the alter egos of digital creator, freestyle footballer and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jeremy Lynch. Ahead of his upcoming comic book debut, Modelshop were asked to design and prototype a 8” fully articulated action figure depicting the character.

2D Design

Using reference artwork provided by the client, the figure is planned as 2D elevations. Points of articulation are identified, and details mapped around the form of the figure.

3D Design

Once these 2D designs are agreed with the client, they can be translated into 3D with digital sculpting software. The mechanisms for the articulation are designed and the fine detail of the surface crafted.

Once complete, renderings and a video of the sculpt are output showing colour selection and split-out.

Printing

The various parts that make up the figure can now be printed. For this figure, resin SLA printers were used, and different resins chosen for different parts, preferencing fine detail or strength where needed.

Once evidence of the printing build structure are removed, the parts can be assembled with adhesive and the joints friction-fit together.

Painting and Deco

With colours mixed to match the rendered artwork, larger areas are painted with a spray gun and finer details then filled in by hand. Details that are too small to hand-paint such as logos, text or in this case tattoos can be applied as either rub-down dry transfers, or as waterslide decals.