NYSL X Astro 2021 Lit Holiday Candle Collection

The goal of this project was to generate excitement around the NYSL personalities and give back to the fans. By offering these one-of-a-kind collectible keepsakes, fans could take home a unique piece of the team, enhancing NYSL’s presence within the league.

To bring this vision to life, NYSL commissioned me to create four stylized 3D figurines that captured each teammate’s unique personality in my signature style. These figurines were not just decorative but also functional, as they were 3D printed and cast in wax to serve as candles. The project presented unusual challenges in making the candles functional, which I overcame through creative problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of 3D space and manufacturing processes.

For the initial draft, my focus was on getting the proportions right. I wanted the candles to form a cohesive set, so I began with a single base model for each figure and then customized it to match the respective NYSL player. I also started considering accessories that could further highlight their personalities.

In the second draft, I refined the facial features of each figure and added intricate details to the accessories. Since the figurines were monochromatic, all details had to be modeled rather than painted.

With most of the details completed, I turned my attention to optimizing the models for 3D printing and mold making. The biggest challenge was with Hydra, the model on the swing. Since changing the swing wasn’t an option, I enlarged his shoes and added the NYSL logo at the base to enhance stability. For Neptune, originally posed in a clam shell, I reimagined him sitting down with his trident, surrounded by seashells.

Promotional Photos

The client was very pleased with the final product. The candles were a hit and sold out in one day.
“OMG these are AMAZING! Ashley, you are truly a legend, these were approved on the first pass, there’s literally no feedback, that’s how perfect they are. -NYSL Creative Director

Credits:

Character Design/3D model: Ashley Blanchette

Creative Director: Matt Lucero

Motion Design: Paul Rey Alcantara Arias