How I Turned My 2D Cute Bunny Illustration into a 3D Giant Figurine for Mid-Autumn Festival at Jewel Changi Airport
It all started with a simple 2D sketch – a cute bunny designed for the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival. Little did I know, this bunny would soon be transformed into a towering 3D figurine greeting visitors at the entrance of Jewel Changi Airport’s iconic Rain Vortex! Here’s the story of how this project came to life.
A Bunny for the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration rich in tradition and filled with symbols of unity, harvest, and family. Among these symbols is the moon bunny, a figure often depicted in Chinese folklore, said to live on the moon and help the goddess Chang’e with elixirs of life.
For this project, I wanted to create a cute and modern version of the moon bunny, something playful yet rooted in tradition. My goal was to design a character that both kids and adults could enjoy, connecting with the festival’s spirit while having a touch of whimsy.
Sketching the Bunny: From Concept to 2D Illustration
I started with rough pencil sketches on paper, playing with various expressions and poses. The idea was to capture the bunny in a joyful and dynamic position, as if it were preparing lanterns for the festival.
I decided to keep the design simple and endearing:
- Round body: to give it a soft, approachable look.
- Large, expressive eyes: to create a sense of innocence and wonder.
- Tiny paws holding a lantern: a nod to the festival tradition of lanterns symbolizing hope and light.
Once I was satisfied with the sketch, I digitized it, refining the lines and adding soft pastel colors – mainly whites, pinks, and blues to give it a delicate yet festive feel. The final result was a cute, 2D bunny illustration ready to hop into the Mid-Autumn festivities!
The Giant Bunny Takes Shape in 3D
When I was approached by the team at Jewel Changi Airport to turn my bunny illustration into a 3D giant figurine, I was beyond excited! But I knew the process wouldn’t be as simple as scaling up a drawing.
Here’s how the transformation happened:
Collaboration with 3D Artists
With 3D artis's help, the bunny came to life. My 2D illustration served as the base, and we discussed how to maintain its charm and proportions while scaling it up to an impressive size. The 3D artists rendered the bunny using digital sculpting software, ensuring every detail—from the roundness of the body to the softness of its features—was translated into 3D and then to production.
Scaling Up: The Giant Figurine
Standing at the entrance of the Jewel Changi Airport Rain Vortex, the bunny was scaled to a giant 4 meters tall! Its large, friendly eyes and standing on a mooncake gave it a welcoming appearance, perfect for the festival atmosphere. We ensured that even though it was large, the proportions still looked natural and playful, just like the original 2D design.
Reflections on the Process
Turning my 2D cute bunny into a 3D giant figurine was a rewarding journey. What started as a simple sketch evolved into something monumental, blending art, culture, and community spirit. The project taught me so much about the world of 3D art, large-scale installations, and collaboration.
For me, this bunny wasn’t just about creating art for the festival – it was about capturing the joy of the Mid-Autumn season, where light, family, and togetherness shine brightly. To have it displayed at such an iconic location like Jewel Changi Airport, known for its blend of nature, technology, and art, made the entire experience unforgettable.
