The Real Future....

The Fourth Annual Photoreal competition is now unveiled and yet again Design-engine.com is leading the way towards the future of design. This years competition uses cutting edge computer assisted or 'photoreal' toy designs and their reflection in the virtual world. The aim for many designers in the toy industry is to develop their submitted concept fully with the help of computer modeling and rendering software such as PRO E, ALIAS AND PHOTOSHOP, then hone the concept using materials and lighting. For the competition sake the goal is to allow designers to represent the possibility of existence of their toys while generating a little fame at the same time. The competition takes a developed concept and realizes it with a sense of feel and touch. The competition allows the designer to develop and form without cost for prototype or manufacturing.

Design and design awareness is growing all over the world. The ability to communicate form to the public novice as well as the head CEO of a major manufacturer is the dual goal. The direction of the industry is one of ever changing parameter and is a powerful driving force for the toy specific economy. LEGO building blocks and Lincoln Logs, for example, have been staples in children's toy chests for more than 70 years. Silly Putty and Play-Doh, despite their simplicity and odd scents, have managed to fascinate kids since the 1950s. Which of today's toys and games have the staying power to last until the next century? The communicative ability of the photoreal is essential to the designer and the manufacturer and eventually if production insures, the buyer. The development and application is happening before our eyes.

Last year judging was based on creativity, use of materials, lighting, creativity, photoreal, creativity and innovation Although the subjectivity of the judges comes into play we do make a conscious effort to pick knowledgeable and insightful people in the industry who we feel are more then capable of enlightened objective accessments of the entries. This year we again left it up to the judges to judge each entry for aesthetics, concepts and craftsmanship. We have as many winners as we have prizes.... truly everyone who enters wins.

Get the full bios of the judges here

First lets discuss the judges of the competition in alphabetical order:

Suzy Y. Chang – Corgi Classics, Sr. Designer, Suzy is obviously the most animated of the judges, leading a creative team she must appear more creative so she invented this persona. You must see her illustrator self portrait of her on the judges page.

Tiffany Krista - Kids II, Sr. Designer responsible for assuring the excellence of toy design and development in Atlanta's Kids II.Mike Prince – Director of Design at Beyond Design. (Look for an interview with Mike on Design-engine.com in the near future.)

The entries they were given to make judgments were tough, and with the ideals of the communicative movement growing ever-stronger decisions were hard pressed.

This was number one for concept..

The design entry below was made by Scott L. Rachwalski. He has been active in MAYA-user groups and is tied in with a Bay-Area design firm. This beautiful rendering was inspiring to most of the judges for its realism. This Tron inspired toy vehicle was ranked first for craftsmanship on the judges lists. The subtle line mixed in the reflective flooring gives way to the sharp design. The curvilinear structure has great power with spectacular realistic looking shadow. His rendering, which was number one for craftsmanship can be seen directly below.

This toy comes complete with
Tron like neon lights!

The next image below was from Nick Womeldorff who created a very interesting looking robot. The robot titled Swifty V1.2 was well conceived. The color scheme is very attractive and appealing like candy to the eye. Nick's knowledge of the Alias program allowed him to display the beauty of this industry.

The judges favorite work of art..

This competition is a rousing success Design-engine.com would like to thank all of the contestants for the hard work and we expect great things from all of you.

 

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