My thesis, my passion project, my monsters - Little Fiends.
Overview
Little Fiends is an original collectible character project that combines illustration, 3D sculpting, product design, and fabrication. The project explores the balance between playful and unsettling aesthetics while creating physical products that can be manufactured through consumer-level 3D printing technologies.
The Challenge
Many collectible figures prioritize visual appeal without considering manufacturability. My goal was to create original characters that maintained a distinctive visual identity while remaining practical to prototype, print, and finish as physical products
My Role
This photo was from my senior exhibition, where the Little Fiends debuted. Creator, Product Designer, and Fabricator
Responsibilities included:
Character Design
Concept Development
Digital Sculpting
Prototype Development
3D Printing
Surface Finishing
Packaging Exploration
Process
Each character began as a concept sketch before moving into digital sculpting software. Throughout development, I evaluated printability, structural integrity, and aesthetic consistency.
The process included: Character ideation Sketch development Digital sculpting Print testing Surface finishing Product photography
Programs Used
Design Considerations
Key challenges included:
Supporting delicate features during printing
Maintaining recognizable silhouettes
Balancing cute and eerie visual characteristics
Optimizing designs for production
Outcome
The project resulted in a growing collection of original collectible characters, physical prototypes, and a developing brand identity. Little Fiends demonstrates the complete workflow from concept to finished product.
Reflection
This project strengthened my understanding of digital fabrication, rapid prototyping, manufacturing constraints, and product development. It represents the intersection of art, design, and production that continues to influence my creative practice.