case study_3

Context

El Señor Miyagi franchise — a merchandising distributor, producer and clothing brand with around 30 stores nationwide — specialized in original designs inspired by cult movies, famous series, anime and comics.

Between 2017 and 2021, I worked as the brand’s main illustrator and multidisciplinary creative, contributing to graphic design, web design and maintenance, collaboration in social media communication, product logistics, printing management and store openings across the country. A strong corporate image and carefully designed window displays were core elements of the brand identity.

This case study combines two representative projects: the full restoration and artistic redesign of two ninots indultats (Bat-Minion and Spider-Minion), and the creation of a large-scale 3D Star Wars diorama installation for a storefront in Málaga.

Challenge

The first challenge consisted of restoring two abandoned ninots indultats — traditional Valencian figures saved from being burned — which were severely damaged, dirty and structurally compromised.

Key challenges included:

The second challenge involved designing and producing a 3D Star Wars inspired storefront installation that would create the illusion of depth and perspective distortion when viewed from a specific point.

Additional technical challenges:

My Role

Tasks: I was responsible for both the complete physical restoration and the comprehensive artistic reinterpretation of the ninots, as well as their transport and delivery in perfect, restored condition. For the diorama, I proposed the concept which was accepted, I fully configured the 3D scene, I made all the camera adjustments and distortion corrections to the side panels to achieve the desired optical effect and I managed the rendering and printing of the various custom-made parts.

Action

For the restoration of the ninots: Missing areas were reconstructed with putty and carefully sanded to create smooth surfaces ready for repainting. Improvements to Bat-Minion: triangular patterns in the specular highlights of his suit and improvised details, a refined emerald base, correcting numerous damages, and restoring the original desaturated tone. Spider-Minion: The upper anchor was reinforced; the spiderweb pattern on his suit was given greater relief with thicker black lines; the new paint job incorporated specular patterns to simulate overhead lighting.

For the 3D Diorama installation: A Death Star corridor scene was generated from a free 3D model from Video Copilot, illuminated by additional area lights strategically placed throughout. The storefront was recreated in 3D using precise measurements, and the side views were digitally distorted to create the illusion of corrected perspective when viewed from the center. The four final pieces were rendered at 150 dpi for large-format printing.