3D Swim Toy Manufacturing Models
Budget / SalaryA$100–400
TypeFreelance project
LocationRemote
Posted1 hour ago
Project Title:
Fixed Budget (AUD): 3D Industrial Product Designer to Convert 2D Mascot Illustrations into 3D Manufacturing Models (Silicone Swim Toys)
Project Description:
IMPORTANT: To prove you have actually read this brief and are not an automated bot, please start your bid response with the word "SWIMMER". If this word is missing, your bid will be instantly deleted.
3D Product Designer Required – Packo & Daisy Squishy Sensory Swim Toys
Project Overview
iSwim2 is an Australian aquatic education brand looking for an experienced 3D Product Designer to transform our existing 2D cartoon characters, Packo the Penguin and Daisy the Duck, into 3D models suitable for manufacturing as soft, squishy sensory swim toys.
These characters are part of our children's swimming product range. The toys will be used during swimming lessons for both sensory play above the water and underwater diving and retrieval activities.
Our aim is to create appealing, tactile toys that children can hold, squeeze and explore while developing confidence and enjoyment in the water. We are particularly interested in designs that appeal to young children, including children who benefit from additional sensory engagement.
We already have the original character illustrations. We need a designer who can retain their distinctive appearance while developing practical, functional 3D models that can progress towards commercial manufacture.
1. Design Requirements
Both characters should have a soft, friendly, rounded appearance, with proportions suitable for small children's hands.
Target age group: approximately 3–8 years.
Target dimensions: maximum approximately 75 mm high x 65 mm wide, subject to design and manufacturing advice.
Rounded, child-friendly forms without sharp edges or fragile projections.
A satisfying squeeze response suitable for small hands.
Sufficient durability for repeated squeezing, handling and use in chlorinated swimming pools.
Designs that can be manufactured economically, with minimal unnecessary complexity.
The 3D models must retain the key features, colours and personality of our original 2D illustrations.
Packo the Penguin
Packo's key features include his blue goggles, orange beak and feet, red swim trunks and blue towel.
The design should incorporate these features into a cohesive toy, avoiding loose attachments or delicate projections that could break during use.
Where practical, the swim trunks should include raised polka-dot details, and the towel could feature subtle raised ridges to provide additional tactile interest.
Daisy the Duck
Daisy's key features include her yellow body, orange feet, pink swimsuit and red hair bow.
The design should retain these recognisable features while incorporating them into a cohesive, rounded toy. Soft raised ridges on her wings and hair details would be desirable tactile features.
All character details should be designed with durability, cleaning and economical manufacture in mind. Where possible, clothing and accessories should be incorporated into the main body rather than manufactured as separate pieces.
2. Functionality – A Key Part of the Project
The toys are intended for two types of water play:
A. Squeeze and sink
Our preferred concept is for children to squeeze the toy to expel air, allow water to enter, and release it so that it can sink underwater. Children can then dive to retrieve it.
The designer will need to assess how this could work in practice, including the internal cavity, opening position and size, material flexibility, water entry and air release.
The toy must also be capable of draining and drying appropriately between uses. We do not want a design that unnecessarily traps water inside.
B. Sensory squeeze toy
The toys should also provide a pleasant tactile and squeezing experience when handled above the water.
If the sink-and-squeeze function cannot be achieved reliably in a single design, I would welcome the designer's advice on practical alternatives. For example, we could investigate a different internal structure or a separate weighted version.
Please explain any limitations, additional manufacturing requirements or cost implications associated with the proposed solution.
3. Material and Manufacturing Considerations
The models will ultimately be supplied to a manufacturer for assessment and production. Potential materials include suitable soft TPR or liquid silicone rubber (LSR), depending on the final design and manufacturing process.
The designer should have an understanding of product design for manufacture (DFM), including:
Appropriate wall thickness and flexibility for a hollow design.
Moulding requirements, draft angles and parting lines.
Avoiding problematic undercuts and fragile details.
Suitable construction for repeated squeezing and use in chlorinated water.
Practical methods for incorporating any internal weighting, if required.
Design choices that help minimise tooling and production costs.
If the hollow sink-and-squeeze concept is selected, a starting wall-thickness target of approximately 2.5–3 mm may be investigated, but the final specification should be based on the material, dimensions and manufacturing process.
Important: I am looking for practical design advice, not simply a visually attractive 3D character. The proposed design must be realistic to manufacture and suitable for its intended use.
4. Required Deliverables
The project covers both Packo and Daisy.
The successful designer will provide:
Two completed 3D character models based on the supplied illustrations.
High-quality renders showing each character from multiple angles.
STL and OBJ files suitable for prototype production and review.
Editable CAD source files and production-oriented STEP/STP files, or equivalent formats agreed with the designer and confirmed as suitable for the intended manufacturer.
A brief explanation of the proposed internal construction and how the sink-and-squeeze function is intended to work.
Any important manufacturing considerations or limitations identified during the design process.
The files must be supplied in a form that can be shared with prospective manufacturers for technical assessment and quotation.
The project is for 3D design and modelling only. Physical prototyping, mould manufacture and mass production are not included in this initial contract unless separately quoted and agreed.
All final agreed files must be supplied to iSwim2, with the agreed rights to use and modify the designs for commercial manufacture.
5. What I Am Looking For
Please apply if you have experience in one or more of the following:
3D product or industrial design.
Organic character modelling and translating 2D illustrations into 3D products.
Soft toys, squeeze toys, silicone or TPR products.
Product design for injection moulding or other suitable moulding processes.
Designing hollow, flexible products or products with internal weights.
Experience with children's products and sensory products would be an advantage.
Please include examples of relevant work in your proposal, particularly products that have progressed from a 3D model to actual manufacture.
6. Budget and Proposal Requirements
iSwim2 is a small Australian business, so budget is an important consideration. I am looking for a practical, cost-effective solution rather than an unnecessarily complex design.
Please provide:
Your fixed-price quote in AUD for both characters.
Your estimated turnaround time.
A brief outline of how you would approach the project.
Confirmation of the file formats you can supply.
Relevant examples of previous work.
Any initial concerns or recommendations regarding the sink-and-squeeze function.
Please identify any assumptions or additional costs upfront.
I would prefer to agree on a clear scope and fixed price before commencing work.
Thank you. I look forward to reviewing your proposals.
Lyn
Please note: Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
Packo the Penguin and Daisy the Duck are iSwim2 characters. All supplied illustrations and reference artwork remain the property of iSwim2 or their respective rights holder.
The artwork is provided solely for the purpose of quoting on and completing this project. It must not be copied, distributed, published, reproduced or used for any other purpose without written permission.
The successful freelancer will be required to agree to written terms covering confidentiality, ownership and transfer of intellectual property rights for the completed 3D models and associated design files.
Fixed Budget (AUD): 3D Industrial Product Designer to Convert 2D Mascot Illustrations into 3D Manufacturing Models (Silicone Swim Toys)
Project Description:
IMPORTANT: To prove you have actually read this brief and are not an automated bot, please start your bid response with the word "SWIMMER". If this word is missing, your bid will be instantly deleted.
3D Product Designer Required – Packo & Daisy Squishy Sensory Swim Toys
Project Overview
iSwim2 is an Australian aquatic education brand looking for an experienced 3D Product Designer to transform our existing 2D cartoon characters, Packo the Penguin and Daisy the Duck, into 3D models suitable for manufacturing as soft, squishy sensory swim toys.
These characters are part of our children's swimming product range. The toys will be used during swimming lessons for both sensory play above the water and underwater diving and retrieval activities.
Our aim is to create appealing, tactile toys that children can hold, squeeze and explore while developing confidence and enjoyment in the water. We are particularly interested in designs that appeal to young children, including children who benefit from additional sensory engagement.
We already have the original character illustrations. We need a designer who can retain their distinctive appearance while developing practical, functional 3D models that can progress towards commercial manufacture.
1. Design Requirements
Both characters should have a soft, friendly, rounded appearance, with proportions suitable for small children's hands.
Target age group: approximately 3–8 years.
Target dimensions: maximum approximately 75 mm high x 65 mm wide, subject to design and manufacturing advice.
Rounded, child-friendly forms without sharp edges or fragile projections.
A satisfying squeeze response suitable for small hands.
Sufficient durability for repeated squeezing, handling and use in chlorinated swimming pools.
Designs that can be manufactured economically, with minimal unnecessary complexity.
The 3D models must retain the key features, colours and personality of our original 2D illustrations.
Packo the Penguin
Packo's key features include his blue goggles, orange beak and feet, red swim trunks and blue towel.
The design should incorporate these features into a cohesive toy, avoiding loose attachments or delicate projections that could break during use.
Where practical, the swim trunks should include raised polka-dot details, and the towel could feature subtle raised ridges to provide additional tactile interest.
Daisy the Duck
Daisy's key features include her yellow body, orange feet, pink swimsuit and red hair bow.
The design should retain these recognisable features while incorporating them into a cohesive, rounded toy. Soft raised ridges on her wings and hair details would be desirable tactile features.
All character details should be designed with durability, cleaning and economical manufacture in mind. Where possible, clothing and accessories should be incorporated into the main body rather than manufactured as separate pieces.
2. Functionality – A Key Part of the Project
The toys are intended for two types of water play:
A. Squeeze and sink
Our preferred concept is for children to squeeze the toy to expel air, allow water to enter, and release it so that it can sink underwater. Children can then dive to retrieve it.
The designer will need to assess how this could work in practice, including the internal cavity, opening position and size, material flexibility, water entry and air release.
The toy must also be capable of draining and drying appropriately between uses. We do not want a design that unnecessarily traps water inside.
B. Sensory squeeze toy
The toys should also provide a pleasant tactile and squeezing experience when handled above the water.
If the sink-and-squeeze function cannot be achieved reliably in a single design, I would welcome the designer's advice on practical alternatives. For example, we could investigate a different internal structure or a separate weighted version.
Please explain any limitations, additional manufacturing requirements or cost implications associated with the proposed solution.
3. Material and Manufacturing Considerations
The models will ultimately be supplied to a manufacturer for assessment and production. Potential materials include suitable soft TPR or liquid silicone rubber (LSR), depending on the final design and manufacturing process.
The designer should have an understanding of product design for manufacture (DFM), including:
Appropriate wall thickness and flexibility for a hollow design.
Moulding requirements, draft angles and parting lines.
Avoiding problematic undercuts and fragile details.
Suitable construction for repeated squeezing and use in chlorinated water.
Practical methods for incorporating any internal weighting, if required.
Design choices that help minimise tooling and production costs.
If the hollow sink-and-squeeze concept is selected, a starting wall-thickness target of approximately 2.5–3 mm may be investigated, but the final specification should be based on the material, dimensions and manufacturing process.
Important: I am looking for practical design advice, not simply a visually attractive 3D character. The proposed design must be realistic to manufacture and suitable for its intended use.
4. Required Deliverables
The project covers both Packo and Daisy.
The successful designer will provide:
Two completed 3D character models based on the supplied illustrations.
High-quality renders showing each character from multiple angles.
STL and OBJ files suitable for prototype production and review.
Editable CAD source files and production-oriented STEP/STP files, or equivalent formats agreed with the designer and confirmed as suitable for the intended manufacturer.
A brief explanation of the proposed internal construction and how the sink-and-squeeze function is intended to work.
Any important manufacturing considerations or limitations identified during the design process.
The files must be supplied in a form that can be shared with prospective manufacturers for technical assessment and quotation.
The project is for 3D design and modelling only. Physical prototyping, mould manufacture and mass production are not included in this initial contract unless separately quoted and agreed.
All final agreed files must be supplied to iSwim2, with the agreed rights to use and modify the designs for commercial manufacture.
5. What I Am Looking For
Please apply if you have experience in one or more of the following:
3D product or industrial design.
Organic character modelling and translating 2D illustrations into 3D products.
Soft toys, squeeze toys, silicone or TPR products.
Product design for injection moulding or other suitable moulding processes.
Designing hollow, flexible products or products with internal weights.
Experience with children's products and sensory products would be an advantage.
Please include examples of relevant work in your proposal, particularly products that have progressed from a 3D model to actual manufacture.
6. Budget and Proposal Requirements
iSwim2 is a small Australian business, so budget is an important consideration. I am looking for a practical, cost-effective solution rather than an unnecessarily complex design.
Please provide:
Your fixed-price quote in AUD for both characters.
Your estimated turnaround time.
A brief outline of how you would approach the project.
Confirmation of the file formats you can supply.
Relevant examples of previous work.
Any initial concerns or recommendations regarding the sink-and-squeeze function.
Please identify any assumptions or additional costs upfront.
I would prefer to agree on a clear scope and fixed price before commencing work.
Thank you. I look forward to reviewing your proposals.
Lyn
Please note: Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
Packo the Penguin and Daisy the Duck are iSwim2 characters. All supplied illustrations and reference artwork remain the property of iSwim2 or their respective rights holder.
The artwork is provided solely for the purpose of quoting on and completing this project. It must not be copied, distributed, published, reproduced or used for any other purpose without written permission.
The successful freelancer will be required to agree to written terms covering confidentiality, ownership and transfer of intellectual property rights for the completed 3D models and associated design files.
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