We usually work with ready-made, modern 3D models. This time it was different. The client came to us with nostalgia and a request to bring to life a character that originally consisted of just a handful of pixels on a CRT monitor screen.
This challenge opened up a new portfolio of our individual projects. Today, we present the creation process of a unique figurine. Meet Kimbuzzi – an alien from the iconic second edition of the game Master of Orion.
The Challenge: Pixels vs. Imagination
For the modeler, the reference we received for this project was a tough nut to crack. We only had a small, two-dimensional, heavily pixelated portrait miniature of the character from the 90s – no details, just the basic shape.
Our process had to start from scratch. We had to design the anatomy of this character, guessing the armor details and proportions that the game simply didn't show. Kimbuzzi received a massive, muscular, primate-like silhouette, dense fur falling over its neck, and heavy, futuristic armor. To add dynamism to the design, we armed him with an assault rifle and posed him ready for action.
We paid special attention to the base. We designed an industrial, metallic spaceship deck with visible trusses, wires, and damage. It connects the character's story with the raw, tactical nature for which our studio is known.
Artisan Finish
The physical 3D print itself is just the beginning. Painting is when the model truly comes to life. We applied a dark, deep base color of oxidized steel. Then, we manually highlighted it with metallic, copper-brown rubs. The dry-brushing technique perfectly brought out every detail from the print – from the texture of the armor, through the sharp facial features, to individual strands of fur on the alien's back.
The result is a heavy (approx. 0.5 kg), solid, and absolutely unique figurine that stands firmly on a desk.
Secret Weapon: NFC and... Tomatoes
The best part of this project, however, was the client's idea to use modern technology. This armed cosmic tough guy conceals an invisible NFC tag in his armored base.
One might think it's used for authenticating orbital strikes. Well, no. When a smartphone is brought close to the figurine's base, the chip automatically launches a specially programmed AI chat.
The task of this artificial intelligence is not to conquer the galaxy, but to... help with the tactical cultivation of tomatoes in a home greenhouse. It is precisely this specific detail that makes this project unique. This galactic adventurer finds his calling as a chief greenhouse agronomist. This just goes to show: we combine physical craftsmanship with the latest technologies exactly as you wish.
Let's Create Your Project
Kimbuzzi is proof that in our studio, we are limited only by imagination. We don't need perfect technical designs to create something unique.
Do you have an idea for your own figurine? A favorite childhood character, a unique prop, or a concept for an award for your team? All we need is a sketch, a photo, or – as in this case – an old game miniature.
We create custom figurines and statues, taking them from a virtual model, through 3D printing, all the way to hand painting. If you have an idea for your own creation, please contact us.