CUSTOM ACTION FIGURES: TURNING IMAGINATION INTO PHYSICAL FORM

Ever held a teeny-tiny custom action figure in your hand and thought, "What if I were to create something like this myself?" Don't fret, you're not the only one there. From child heroes to heroes who bound off your drawing board, action figures are where imagination sets in and burns on an entirely different level. To others, the customised action figures are nothing more than a plastic chip in the form of an action figure, but to collector types, they are an art form. And to many artists, they are the beginning of an art career.

Here at 3dsense, we have seen firsthand how that spark of inspiration can actually catch fire. Our Figurine & Product Design Program is for those who want to bring their concepts to life, not just in theory, but in very real, custom action figures. If you are a serious collector with a desire for collecting these customised toys, this is where vision converges with professionalism.

The number of custom action figures produced has increased tenfold over the past decade. Once exclusive to toy hobbyists, the market has turned into a live marketplace where pop culture, art, and technology have converged. Children, fans, and enthusiasts now regularly place orders for custom figurines of their favourite characters. Independent video game developers create limited-edition pieces for their audiences, while artists produce bespoke figures as a creative outlet.

What was previously a hobby has now grown into a more formalised design practice, and even a lucrative career. This overnight sensation is backed not just by fandom culture and nostalgia but also by advancements in 3d printing and digital sculpting. Software such as ZBrush, Blender, and Fromlabs' printers made the entire process accessible to a broader audience. Hence, we observe a sudden surge in custom 3D-printed action figures designed by creators who want to gain greater control over their ideal vision and product.

Creating customized action figures requires more than just raw sculpting talent. The attention to detail, precision, and focus stem from a multidisciplinary approach that blends a minimalist, childlike likeness with the basics of storytelling. At 3dsense, our 1-Year Figurine & Product Design Course enables students to familiarize themselves with every step of the manufacturing process. Beginning with learning the basics of human anatomy and graduating with a figure designed from start to finish by themselves.

The creative process begins with an idea, something that represents your interests and values. Perhaps a superhero figure you've always admired, or a towering mecha robot with gadgets aplenty, anything and everything is on the table. 

After drafting the vision in mind, it's time to put pen to tablet and turn your sketches into proper 3D models. This is where your keen eye for detail shines, striking a delicate balance between maintaining the fidelity of your character's aesthetic design and ensuring practical production viability during manufacturing. Striking the sweet spot between the two is a skill that takes discipline and regular practice to finesse.

To prepare a 3D model for 3D printing, one must learn how to slice a figure into its components properly. Students can develop hands-on experience with 3D printers, learning not only how to prepare their models for printing but also how to operate and troubleshoot potential mechanical issues. After grasping the basics, they will begin to fine-tune specific settings to achieve the most optimized configuration for the smoothest surface finish. By the last level of the course, all students have a pro-level custom figure; for instance, they designed, built, and brought that model.

The choice of your printer can be the make-or-break of the outcome. While making custom 3D-printed action figures, the various printers offer varying levels of detail, material support, and surface quality. These are the four most common types utilised in action figure and miniature construction, and some side advice on how to help you achieve your best possible print:

It's one of the easiest ways to 3D print that you can find. It melts plastic layer upon layer. Wonderful for large pieces or large rough prototypes. While not as precise as the other methods, it is a fantastic choice for novices to get familiar with the basics of scale, support structures, and machine assembly.

SLS uses a high-powered laser to fuse powder material, such as nylon, into a solid state. It is best used for long-lasting miniatures with moving components, butit  is the most expensive of the three methods listed here.

SLA is a printing technique that commonly uses a UV light to solidify liquid resin, producing remarkably detailed prints. It's among the highest in demand for most action figure artists aiming to produce clear facial details.

Miniature-making is half art and half science. Never take the step of using a clean, high-res model to avoid printing issues. Employ low layer heights for details, and don't rush for the future; slower is better quality. Lastly, post-processing is just as crucial as printing, sanding, priming, and painting, all of which are done with due haste to bring your action figure toy to life.

The platform of personalised 3D printed action figures has introduced innovation in both creativity and mass production. No longer are designers constrained by the cost as much as by the minimum order quantities required for mass-produced toys. Instead, they can make single units or small quantities as and when they wish to, creating a highly detailed personal action toy that stands comparison to the factory's.

This shift is evident, empowering independent creators, video game developers, comic book artists, and writers who can now offer real-life products alongside their virtual ones. Large-scale companies have further bolstered fanbase loyalty by offering unique and handcrafted collectible action figures of beloved IPs. 

What is so thrilling about 3D Printing is its capability to push beyond the limits. You can twist, alter, customise, and fit the attire and stance to a level above to decide what suits you in the best possible manner. This level of flexibility is a match made in heaven for the makers who are eager to marry innovation and craftsmanship.

Here at 3dsense, we emphasise the importance of balancing practical crafting techniques with expert fluency in digital software navigation. Our specially planned Figurine & Product Design Program is designed to mimic the real-world processes of the toymaking industry.

You will be mentored by lecturers who have years of industry experience in the fields of manufacturing, production design, 3D printing, and design language. Get an early foot in the door with our industry relations when you begin to curate your portfolio, showcasing the best of your artistic talent, and start building your network of like-minded individuals and professionals in the community.

3dsense has built up a tight-knit community of alumni talent and industrial connections who are employed with well-known toy manufacturers, professional collectible studios, and event heir own self-startups. Our educators here do not just want you to succeed during your one year of education with us, but also want you to find success after graduation and beyond.

Having once dreamed of having your very own mini-me in the palm of your hand, watching it move, pose, and express emotions, this is your time to shine. 3dsense's Figurine & Product Design Program gives you everything you need to kick-start your journey as a creator of custom action figures, from digital sculpting to its very manufacture.