We received rigged 3D models from Rare.

I imported the models into 3DS Max. The purple box (left) was used as a bounding box for max width and height. The depth was variable. The 3 legendary characters (Gold Hoarder, Pirate Lord and Belle) only had a t-pose. I posed them while remaining true to their personalities.

We added a ship crest as a nameplate for the bust. This caused characters to be reposed and geometry to be fixed by hand in 3DS Max.

We worked with a factory in China and added a base with the logo for support.

We also added the two-tone metal effect.

There were lots of back and forth with the factory. Some elements were unachievable such as Humphrey’s ponytail. They were removed and/or remodeled.

3D Mockup

Tooling 3D

Final Product

3D Render

Final Product

Step 1 - Concept DEsign, Initial Pitch

With a limited knowledge of a still developing character and game world, we reworked some early concept art for the initial pitch.

We added a base for the figure of a worn, wooden barrel covered in barnacles displaying the logo. For Flameheart, we covered the base in jewels and gold and positioned him on rocks.

The plan was to add glitter paint to the gold to make them sparkle. And strategically add glow-in-the-dark paint to set him further apart from the competition.

Rare approved of the design.

Step 2 - pose the 3D Model

We received a 3D rigged model from Rare.

I imported the rigged model into Maya. Flameheart only had a t-pose and no animations to reference.

I posed him 2 ways. Version 1 was as a creepy, undead skeleton and Version 2 was as a composed leader.

Rare chose Version 2.

Step 3 - Redesign of the Base

During this stage, we were simultaneously developing the other figures in the series. As the Creative Lead and a collector of figurines, I felt our figures were generic and boring.

I had an idea to add a horde of skeletons answering their captains call. Rare liked the idea and provided us with the needed assets.

Step 4 - Composing the base

We used provided 3D assets to compose a base that told a story of a captain calling upon his undead army to protect his treasure.

We built a wood barrel base and filled it with a treasure chest, sand, rocks, gold coins and plants. We wanted to add the logo so we used a ship’s crest and added it to the front.

The skeleton minions were imported into 3DS Max and posed using repurposed animations provided by Rare.

As TIER1’s first figurine, we created low-cost and premium 3D version to test factory limitations and cost efficiency.

Step 6 - Paint

The TIER1 Art Team developed very detailed paint spec sheets with included pantones under my supervision.

I worked back-and-forth with the factory to achieve the final look.

3D Model

Tooled Prototype

Final Product