Pikachu Model and Print
Artist Statement
In 1995, a global phenomenon began in Japan named Pokemon, launching a series of video games, anime, and card game. When I was a child I found myself entranced by the games and anime adaptation, finding an immediate love for its star mascot: Pikachu. Its simplistic yet iconic design cemented it as a central figure, especially when it was chosen to be the main partner for anime protagonist Ash Ketchum. I wanted to capture Pikachu’s likeness in the video game Minecraft, as it allowed for a different perspective to be taken with the character. The flexibility of Minecraft’s core design allows for an infinite amount of possibilities to create amazing sculptures, which was something I wanted to channel for this piece. Pikachu’s designed has become increasingly streamlined over the years, with the original being “chubby” by comparison to its modern-day counterpart. I decided to attempt a recreation of Pikachu’s original design, so I may challenge myself by creating a round character out of square materials. I have tried to make this model in a previous project where I was also using Minecraft to build a Pikachu. The previous model turned out very box-like instead of the rounded Pikachu I was hoping to create. For this project, I decided to push my model further to create a better likeness of Pikachu.
3D Print, 2019
Model made in Minecraft. Printed with Cura Ultimaker 3.
The process of creating Pikachu began with a private creative server within Minecraft which allowed for more creative liberties compared to the in-class web server from the first iteration of the project. The key difference between the two is allowing my character to fly, as it enabled a much more convenient means of forming the rounded structure of Pikachu. The total time it took to complete Pikachu’s model was roughly six hours. Once it was completed, I used the program Mineways to export my new creation as its own 3D model, which I then imported to Meshlab, where I further refined the model. Then, using the 3D printing software Cura, I set up the model to be printed from an in-class 3D printer, which took approximately three and a half hours to complete. Once my Pikachu was printed, I took a nail file and rounded out the edges, removing as much extraneous printing material as I could, and once I was satisfied with my smoothed out model, I began painting. Using various acrylic paints, I colored Pikachu in with his iconic yellow fur, red cheeks, and brown tail stripes. The final product was leagues ahead of my prior attempts, showcasing a drastic improvement in quality and durability.
The goal of this project was to recreate one of my favorite characters with a stylized and unique finish. I grew up watching Pokemon, with dozens of plushies, toys, and cards, and I wanted to memorialize a major part of my childhood with my own version of Pikachu. This project was especially challenging physically, as I have learned I am incredibly prone to motion sickness, specifically with games featuring a first person perspective. It was due to this handicap I was forced to streamline and assess the quickest and most effective way to create my Pikachu while still honoring the original design I intended to recreate. I was not satisfied with my first attempt at this style of print a couple months ago, and wanted another shot at creating something truly unique with this system. During my research, I found other Pikachu models created by other artists in Minecraft which looked more true to form than mine, and I wanted to create something of equal quality. Overall, I am satisfied with this piece, and am proud of my progress with model creation and my skills in Minecraft.
