Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebecca Hing. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rebecca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My journey into the world of 3D printing and digital sculpting began unexpectedly when my husband gifted me an Elegoo Mars for my birthday. Having previously enjoyed working with ceramics and creating cosplays, life had led me to put those passions on hold due to wrist injuries and the responsibilities of starting a family. While I never felt a strong desire for a 3D printer, I decided to explore its capabilities when presented with the opportunity.
Initially, I started with the usual items – key hangers, knick-knacks, and the like. However, my innate love for creating led me to yearn for more than just printing and painting existing designs. As a video game enthusiast, I delved into Blender to recreate elements from games I enjoy. Soon, I found myself not only printing but also sculpting my own designs.
Motivated by the desire to enhance my skills, I moved from small items to creating figures of non-playable characters and eventually crafted my own player character from an online MMORPG. Using a tablet software called Nomad Sculpt, I applied my art degree by treating the digital medium as if it were clay. To my surprise, my digital sphere evolved into a physical rendition of my playable character.
Initially, I embarked on this creative journey for personal enjoyment. When I shared my creations online, the response was unexpectedly positive, sparking interest from others who wanted personalized pieces. Recognizing the potential, I began taking commissions, marking the inception of what would become “The Creative Otter.” I Incorporated my favorite animal into the business name added a personal touch. “The Creative Otter” aptly captures the essence of my work, spanning from digital modeling to printing and painting. The flexibility of the name allows for future growth without requiring a change. Establishing “The Creative Otter” as an LLC fulfilled a childhood dream of owning an art business, albeit in a form I hadn’t initially imagined. I still remember my first commission vividly, commemorated by an unpainted print in my studio.
Most of my commissions revolve around recreating characters from video game and anime, but I’ve also ventured into pieces from other media. Each creation is a unique challenge, contributing to my artistic growth. From characters in battle, or others simply enjoying a chaotic time fishing, to scenes of joy and sorrow, each piece tells a compelling story about the character and the individual behind it.
Unable to pursue ceramics and cosplay due to physical constraints, I found a remarkable outlet that allowed my creativity to flow in new ways. Embracing new skills and remaining unafraid to tackle challenges has been crucial to my growth. I have much to learn and improve, but I take pride in every piece I’ve created and look forward to the artistic journey ahead.
Rebecca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Since my earliest memories, I’ve always identified as an artist with a fervent desire to express myself creatively. During my high school years, my dream was to become a video game character designer. In college, my aspirations shifted towards becoming an art teacher, driven by the passion to inspire others to embrace their creativity. Simultaneously, my love for gaming and literature has been a constant in my life, stemming from early memories of playing Super Mario World 3 with my older brother to my current appreciation for novels like “The Lord of the Rings.”
In my business, I specialize in providing comprehensive 3D models, from the STL (printable file) to fully finished painted sculptures, and everything in between. Leveraging my innate skills, I bring characters to life for my clients by infusing a sense of movement into each piece. What distinguishes my work from others is the deliberate inclusion of dynamic elements in the positioning of characters and stands. Additionally, I enjoy incorporating light into my sculptures, be it a field of glowing flowers or a luminous campfire beside the character. With a clear understanding of the client’s vision, I transform their ideas into custom, one-of-a-kind figurines, working seamlessly from sketches, pictures, or any other references they provide.
Dedicated to ensuring client satisfaction, I invest quality time, attention, and meticulous effort into each sculpture. I take pride in every piece I work on and involve clients in every step of the process. Open communication and collaboration are integral to the journey of turning their ideas into tangible works of art. To further enhance this experience, I conduct livestreams through a Discord channel, allowing clients to witness the real-time creation of their pieces. This interactive approach has not only been enjoyable but has also fostered a deeper connection with clients as they witness the evolution from concept to a fully finished sculpture, often accompanied by shared laughter at the raw, unrefined stages, embodying the mantra of “trust the process.”
The creative process is a labor-intensive endeavor, ranging from two weeks to a few months, with the longest project taking just under two months. Each character, typically standing around 15 cm in height, is meticulously crafted with attention to small details. Despite the time and effort involved, the fulfillment derived from working on these unique pieces keeps me dedicated and motivated to this art form. I am grateful for the support of wonderful clients who have allowed me to continue pursuing my craft.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most crucial advice I can offer is understanding your client base—knowing their preferences, what general vision, and budget. I cultivated my audience on social media by consistently sharing updates on each piece currently. Progress shots and engaging questions maintain the audience’s interest and interaction with my page. A significant boost to visibility came from participating in an art contest for Square Enix’s Fanfest in the summer of 2023. Making it to the finals and winning in one of the categories, which showcased my craftsmanship to a broader audience.
Getting my work in front of people has been pivotal in expanding my clientele. Future plans involve attending conventions to further display my skills and different works for art to ensure continuous visibility and growth. Remaining active and sustaining the momentum of my work is crucial. Additionally, I incorporate a general piece alongside commissioned projects. This not only serves as a warm-up and practice, but also allows me to create general pieces that may attract individuals to explore my store and site. Recognizable characters in these personal pieces increase the likelihood that visitors will delve into my broader body of work instead of scrolling past.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Building genuine connections with clients has become an integral part of my artistic journey. Beyond the sculpting process, I often engage in heartfelt conversations with clients, sharing aspects of our lives and exchanging stories about our shared interests, such as games or upcoming events. I genuinely enjoy hearing about their experiences, plans, and passions. When clients express excitement, I find myself sharing in that joy with them. In return, I also open up about the exciting updates in my own life.
This approach transforms the client-artist dynamic into a friendship rather than a purely transactional relationship. I reach out to them as a friend would, checking in on significant events or simply asking how they are doing. This personal touch has led to some remarkable connections, and many clients have become lasting friends. One memorable instance involved staying in touch, which eventually led to creating a wedding cake topper for a client.
To express gratitude for returning clients and foster ongoing relationships, I offer discounts, and I’m transparent about this practice. While my work may not be a necessity for everyone, the sincerity and openness in our interactions go a long way. I aim to convey that each client holds significance for me, and I strive to maintain a sense of connection by staying in touch and celebrating milestones as friends would. My goal is to demonstrate that I am not merely a random artist, and they are not just random clients; each one holds a special place in my artistic journey, and I want that to be reflected in our ongoing partnership.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rhing91.wixsite.com/thecreativeotter
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeotter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/funsizedbex
Image Credits
Hing Photography