Everything I do is in honor of my dear brother, Reikin. I hope I will make you proud. I'll see you again someday.
#RememberingReikin
Legacy in Layers:
Memorializing Loved Ones with 3D Printing
In April 2025, I had the honor of finally unveiling my RIT Capstone project, "Legacy in Layers: Memorializing Loved Ones with 3D Printing." Using everything I had learned from my freshman year in RIT's SOFA program and my training at AnimSchool, I proudly showcased a 12" tall 3D resin-printed figure of my brother, Reikin, that was sculpted and painted entirely by me.
Reikin unfortunately passed away in a car accident in July 2024. Never in a million years did I ever think I would lose my younger brother (and only sibling) so soon, let alone at all. I just knew that I needed to do something to honor him, so I did just that.
In this model, Reikin is playing his sunburst Fender Stratocaster, dressed in the same attire he wore in the video of him performing "Maybe, Baby" by Buddy Holly at a local music night, which was shared amongst family and friends after his passing. On the base is an indent of his winged guitar logo that was made specifically for shirts we handed out to everyone who attended his celebration of life.
I knew from the beginning that this model would not be a final product. It was a prototype, so it was rather difficult to keep this in mind as I attempted to push back my perfectionist tendencies. The main goal was not just to prove to myself that I could make a heartfelt personal project like this, but to find my way through the world of 3D Printing while staying entirely in ZBrush. In the end, it all worked for the most part! The painting was the most daunting, but I feel better prepared and have some different techniques in mind that could make the process easier in the future.
Once things slow down, I will be restarting this project anew, taking with me everything I learned from my first attempt so that I can made a model that's even better. It will be nice to be free of a time deadline as well, allowing me to perfect every little detail.
Going forward, I want to explore the idea of starting a business where I create 3D printed memorial figures for families who have lost someone they love. I believe this kind of work has the potential to bring people comfort and healing in a unique, personal way. My hope is that, through art and technology, I can help others cherish their memories just as I’ve done with my brother.
Thank you, Reikin, for being the best person to ever exist. I am honored to have been able to be your sister. No one will ever love their sibling more than I love you, and this project is proof of that. I love you and I miss you, Reikin. I hope you're proud of me!
Christianna Reynolds
3D Lighting & Modeling Artist
Background
I graduated from RIT with an Individualized Degree (B.S.) in 3D Artistry for Film and Games. I'm also enrolled in AnimSchool's Character Program. I wish to become a Lighting Artist professionally, but I will continue to model as a hobby because I hold immense passion for it. I hope to delve further into the world of 3D Printing as well.
Interests
I love playing video games and always have. As a kid, I was always excited to play Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time on my dad's Nintendo 64 he had bought when he was a kid. Making acrylic pour canvases and watercolor pieces are my main artistic hobbies, but I also enjoy playing the piano and trombone as well. I have always loved animals, especially cats, which led to me volunteering at a local rescue every week for almost 5 years. I only stopped when I went away for college.
