Modular 3D printable prop with interchangeable components. - Personal Project
Inspiration
I have always been inspired by the props in the Men in Black films. Unlike other Sci-fi films, there is an element of humour and absurd style throughout which the props play a big part in helping to cultivate. They help us suspend disbelief and I think that is key in what these props should do. The Cricket was used to put the rookie in his place in a hilarious way and then to signal a rite of passage moment when he transitions to the big boy (series 4) de-atomiser later on in the film.
Ergonomics & Precision
In my work as an Industrial Designer and have been involved in creating hand tools and fitness equipment. It is an area that looks simple but the hand can pick up every uncomfortable detail. Working in NURBS allowed me the ability to be more precise in my surfacing and create something that whilst only for entertainment purposes would still feel comfortable to hold.
Hybrid Workflow: AI & Unreal Engine
My use of AI in this project extended to small visual effects and not the design process. In the core of the prop I was imagining there would be some kind of reaction taking place. Blobs coming from the energy source through the pipes to the reactor area. I used Gemini to create a radioactive looking fluid simulation mixing inside. These would be visible via cavity on either side of the prop.
Unreal engine allowed me to rapidly iterate between CMF (colour material finish) options, lighting and choosing the final shots in real time. What helped with the prop specifically was being able to embed videos as materials and see the effects in real time whilst shooting the clips.
From Digital to Physical
I 3d printed the final design in resin which was challening and messy but helped capture all the details of the prop.
Music - ES_Me Vs. World - MV Archives
Inspiration
I have always been inspired by the props in the Men in Black films. Unlike other Sci-fi films, there is an element of humour and absurd style throughout which the props play a big part in helping to cultivate. They help us suspend disbelief and I think that is key in what these props should do. The Cricket was used to put the rookie in his place in a hilarious way and then to signal a rite of passage moment when he transitions to the big boy (series 4) de-atomiser later on in the film.
Ergonomics & Precision
In my work as an Industrial Designer and have been involved in creating hand tools and fitness equipment. It is an area that looks simple but the hand can pick up every uncomfortable detail. Working in NURBS allowed me the ability to be more precise in my surfacing and create something that whilst only for entertainment purposes would still feel comfortable to hold.
Hybrid Workflow: AI & Unreal Engine
My use of AI in this project extended to small visual effects and not the design process. In the core of the prop I was imagining there would be some kind of reaction taking place. Blobs coming from the energy source through the pipes to the reactor area. I used Gemini to create a radioactive looking fluid simulation mixing inside. These would be visible via cavity on either side of the prop.
Unreal engine allowed me to rapidly iterate between CMF (colour material finish) options, lighting and choosing the final shots in real time. What helped with the prop specifically was being able to embed videos as materials and see the effects in real time whilst shooting the clips.
From Digital to Physical
I 3d printed the final design in resin which was challening and messy but helped capture all the details of the prop.
Music - ES_Me Vs. World - MV Archives
Skills:
Key Sketch:
![]()
- Modeling: NURBS
-
Render Engine: Unreal Engine
-
VFX: Gemini AI
- Prototyping: Resin 3D Print
Key Sketch:
