Final Results:

Initial Ideas:

To subvert expectations, I had decided on tackling a task that blends 3D clay sculpture activity; with their own display case packaging that features specialised backing cards.

My goal with this task is to indulge in creating my own-created characters as mocked up figurine toys, and aim to create up to 7 of them. I also plan on hand painting the figures with acrylic paint, and designing the backing cards with illustrations of those characters, alongside character descriptions and advertisement for the others.

Development:

The Figurines:

When making the figurines, I had bought up to three packs of 'DAS' modelling clay, which dries up shortly after being left out to dry. 

I decided to keep my figures to a length/height of 3.75 Inches, and used tools such as scalpels, nails, rulers, scissors and my own fingers to detail the character designs as I sculpted them. To support the figurines inside the clay, I used an old book-binder wire spool; and cut off small lengths to support loose parts such as arms, legs, necks, wings, horns, etc.

Boxes:

Digital Components:

The Backing Card/Labels:

Measurements for backing card - 9 inches

When designing the backing cards, I wanted to design them to be simple in colour scheme, but show enough detail that tells you what the character is all about in personality. This would signify if they were hypothetically sold in shops, you would know if that character was a main or secondary character in importance to their brands. (e.g. Hero, villain, supporting role, background character, etc.)

Colour Gradient Experimentation:

Character Name Labels:

Character Portraits:

During the easter break, I decided to create illustrated renders of my characters to be placed onto the back of the box, alongside short biographies to further explain their character to the viewer.

The Figurines:

In the end, I had polished up a good selection of my own, made up characters that are displayed within custom made boxes, and printed out backing cards inserted behind the character, with miscellaneous content featured on the back.

Box Decorations:

The theme of the box's design was to feel somewhat DIY and scrappy. So I used a dry brush tool in Clip Studio Paint EX, and mixed lighter, muted colours together to create a paper textured background. I also picked up and slightly edited a royalty-free paper stock photo, and outlined it with my own pen brush tool. 

Labels:

Refinement:

Research/Referential Material:

To further explore what's commonplace in figurine distribution, I looked up some from my childhood, as well as some from my collection and what I see in stores and advertised to me on online retailers.