We transformed a diverse range of emergency preparedness gear into high-fidelity digital marketing assets for Wallaby’s Amazon and web presence. A key requirement was a clean, consistent, retail-ready appearance. Rather than photographing products and painstakingly retouching imperfections, we crafted precise 3D models and selectively introduced only the imperfections needed for idealised realism. This approach delivered complete control over aesthetics, lighting, consistency, and future scalability.
Believable 3D imagery relies on the harmony between accurate modelling, physically plausible materials, and realistic lighting. Core product visuals were created entirely through traditional 3D modelling, simulation, rendering and retouching, with AI-assisted tools used selectively to refine facial details on simulated characters.
Modelling, Fabric Simulation and Materials
Working from physical samples and reference photography, every component was carefully measured and reconstructed to ensure accuracy. Hard-surface parts were modelled in Modo, while soft items were simulated in Marvelous Designer.
Sleeping bags, ponchos and storage sacks were disassembled to analyse their sewing patterns, which were then recreated as digital cloth simulations. By controlling gravity and customising fabric physics, we could mimic everything from foil to velour or ripstop, all with an optimised drape. Not too crumpled, not too clean – just right.
We developed bespoke materials for most surfaces, including the coloured mylar foil, specific ripstop nylon, and the detailed textures of moulded plastics. For the fire plugs, we creatively repurposed existing material libraries, including fibreglass and newspaper and enhanced these with physical fibres. All materials were stress-tested across multiple lighting scenarios to ensure the products remain believable and consistent, from studio shots to outdoor scenes and close-ups.
Lighting, Rendering and Post Production
An Amazon hero lighting setup was created to produce ultra-clean, high-key imagery optimised for e-commerce. This environment ensures clarity, colour accuracy, and consistency across the entire product range. For contextual marketing visuals, products were integrated into photographic backplates or fully 3D environments, with lighting carefully matched to ensure realism. Rendering was completed using Octane within Modo.
ABOVE: 3D sleeping bag and character integrated into a client-supplied environment. BELOW: Full CG environments capture the natural interaction between sunlight, foliage and the products, creating a cinematic sense of depth and scale.
3D character and poncho simulation composited into a stock landscape image, with fully CG foreground elements to ground the subject in the scene.
Existing library textures couldn’t match Wallaby’s signature ripstop. We developed a custom shader to mimic their exact thread arrangement and light-scattering properties, ensuring visual fidelity in every shot.
We modelled an 8mm module of the thread structure and baked out image maps to control surface normals, translucency and displacement. We later added additional thread tension and fibre imperfections.
Behind every photorealistic render is a meticulously crafted 3D model. By building products from the ground up, we ensure every seam, stitch, and fold is optimised.
The final imagery delivered a cohesive, optimised asset library for Wallaby’s listings and marketing campaigns. New colour variants, product updates, or packaging changes can now be generated quickly – without shipping products or repeating costly physical shoots.
To bring your next product or project to life, please get in touch.
