Role
Product Design
3D Sculpting
Prototyping
Overview -
Tidal Snapper is an original designer toy concept inspired by martial arts cinema, ocean mythology, and the expressive forms found in contemporary vinyl collectibles. The project explores how dynamic posing, exaggerated proportions, and environmental storytelling can transform a simple character into a display-worthy collectible.
Designed from the ground up as a premium art toy, every element—from the character's stance to the sculpted water effects—works together to communicate movement, personality, and narrative while remaining conscious of production and manufacturability.
Design Challenge - The goal was to create a character that immediately conveyed confidence and power through silhouette alone. Rather than relying on complex accessories or surface detail, I focused on strong proportions, expressive facial features, and a dynamic pose that feels frozen at the peak of an action sequence.
A secondary objective was integrating the display base into the storytelling. Instead of functioning solely as structural support, the sculpted water effects become an extension of the character's movement, reinforcing the illusion that the ocean itself is responding to the Snapper's martial arts technique.
Design Process - The project began with exploratory sketches focused on silhouette, attitude, and visual personality. Once the overall design language was established, the character was sculpted digitally in ZBrush, where anatomy, clothing, accessories, and environmental effects were refined simultaneously.
After the primary sculpt was approved, attention shifted toward production considerations, including part separation, draft-friendly forms, and opportunities for efficient paint masking. Final presentation renders were created to evaluate color balance, materials, and overall shelf presence.
Design Highlights - Original character developed specifically for the designer toy market
Dynamic action pose built around a readable silhouette from every angle
Integrated environmental base that enhances the character narrative
Layered costume design inspired by martial arts and ocean folklore
Stylized anatomy optimized for collectible proportions
High-detail digital sculpt prepared with manufacturability in mind
Presentation renders created to evaluate color, materials, and collector appeal
Tools
Maxon Zbrush, Adobe Substance Painter, Marmoset Tool Bag 4
Adobe Photoshop
Skills Demonstrated
Character Design
Toy Concept Development
Digital Sculpting
Product Visualization
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
Visual Storytelling
Color & Material Development
Collectible Product Design
Lessons Learned - Tidal Snapper represents my passion for creating characters that feel equally at home as pieces of sculpture and collectible products. The project challenged me to think beyond character design alone, considering manufacturing constraints, visual balance, display presence, and the emotional connection collectors have with designer toys.
It reflects my broader design philosophy: great collectibles don't simply depict characters—they tell stories through form, pose, and craftsmanship.
