MyMiniFactory, the world’s largest curated download platform for free 3D printable models, and the sister site of 3D printer reseller iMakr, launched a 3D design and printing contest this week, along with WildBrain, one of the leading preschool and children’s entertainment content creators on platforms like YouTube and Dailymotion. Their multi-platform kids’ video network works with many companies, in order to make early learning animations exciting for their target audience: children. WildBrain manages hundreds of popular brands on YouTube, including Teletubbies, Caillou, and Twirlywoos, and they are hoping that the 3D printing community can lend a hand, and a little inspiration, by creating some new early learning character designs.
This is pretty different than some of MyMiniFactory’s other recent contests, such as their June competition which challenged participants to design 3D printed shells for Google’s OnHub router. This competition is looking for fresh and creative 3D printable character design ideas, that are suitable for early learning shows targeted to kids ages 3-5. You can also submit designs for a group of characters, you don’t have to cap it at one. Since the characters will need to be brought to life on and off screen, they do need to be 3D printable – think simple and colorful, too. The character, or characters, you create with your 3D design skills could star in a new WildBrain production!
If you’re thinking about entering the contest, MyMiniFactory has provided some helpful tips and inspiration to help you stay at the top of the pack. So while you’re designing, consider the following:
- Who is your target age group in the early learning community?
- Explore the WildBrain characters and see what makes them attractive to children.
- Think about the existing characters you like, and what makes them stand out.
- How can your character(s) be an educational instrument for young children?
Contest entrants must submit one to three character designs, each of which need to include a written description that is 300 words or less. There is a limit of five entries per person/email address. Keep in mind that your design should appeal to a preschool-age audience, and should not contain material that is hateful, obscene, promotes racism or discrimination, unlawful, slanderous, libelous, etc. Any designs that have brand names, trademarks, or company logos could be disqualified. You can find the full terms and conditions on the official contest page; please read before entering the contest. You are allowed to submit work that has been designed by a collaborative team of up to two people; if a team wins, the prize will be divided equally.
Speaking of the prize, the winning designer will receive $500, and the opportunity to have your design featured in an original children’s animation, which will be created and produced by WildBrain! Based on the response from this contest, WildBrain will look into whether they want to open it to the rest of the world, but for now, it’s only open to people in the US, Canada, and the UK. All contest entries must be received by 11:59 PM Greenwich Mean Time on January 9, so you’ve got a little less than a month left to dust off your thinking cap, put it on, and start designing whimsical characters. Good luck! Discuss in the 3D Design Contest forum at 3DPB.com.
