Lil' Penny, the iconic puppet alter ego of NBA star Penny Hardaway, is making a comeback - this time in 3D! In this video I'll walk you through my process of creating a detailed 3D model of this beloved 90s character, voiced by the legendary Chris Rock in Nike commercials.

Sculpting the Head

The process begins in Nomad Sculpt, where I craft Lil' Penny's distinctive head. This mobile sculpting app allows for intricate detailing, capturing the puppet's unique features and expressions that made him a pop culture phenomenon.

Refining in Blender

After exporting the head model, I import it into Blender for further refinement. Here, I adjust the proportions and smooth out any imperfections, to get Lil' Penny's signature look.

Creating the Body

With the head complete, I move on to modeling Lil' Penny's body. Using Blender's powerful modeling tools, I create a body that matches the puppet's proportions from the original commercials. For this step I used a purchased action figure model used for 3D printing.

Adding Clothing + Texturing

For the clothing, I went with the classic 90s Orlando Magic jersey, utilizing a purchased basketball uniform and then textured Substance Painter.

Rigging the Model

To bring Lil' Penny to life, I set up a rig that allows for puppet-like movements. This step is crucial in capturing the character's animated and exaggerated gestures that made him so entertaining. I use AccuRig from Reallusion to rig the model. I think take it into Blender to set up a Rigify rig used for posing and animation.

Final render

With the model complete, I set up the lighting and camera angles to showcase Lil' Penny in all his 3D glory. The result is a recreation of this unforgettable character, ready for a new generation of fans to enjoy.

Creating this 3D model of Lil' Penny has been a nostalgic journey, reminding me of the impact this character had on sneaker culture and 90s pop culture as a whole.

From his witty one-liners to his larger-than-life personality, Lil' Penny represented an innovative approach to athlete endorsements that still resonates today.

If you're interested in seeing more of my work or purchasing prints, please visit my portfolio and PRINT SHOP. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at my 3D modeling process!

I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at my 3D modeling process.

I'm available for hire to create animated 3D videos that can bring your ideas, characters, or products to life. Whether you're looking to create a memorable marketing campaign, an engaging educational video, or a unique piece of digital art, I can help turn your vision into reality.

Why Choose Me for Your 3D Animation Needs?

Expertise in various 3D modeling and animation software
Attention to detail and commitment to quality
Creative problem-solving to meet your specific needs
Experience in bringing beloved characters to life in 3D

Don't let your ideas remain static…CONTACT ME today to discuss how we can collaborate on your next 3D animation project.

Creating Lil’ Penny in blender