
From concept to cult figure: How an idea became the two-meter tall “agricultural hero” — a trade fair highlight that combines technology, creativity and lots of passion.
The idea of presenting a real hero at a trade fair may sound like a playful idea at first — but it is precisely these thoughts that often have the greatest effect. Because anyone who not only makes a brand visible, but also tangible, leaves an impression that lasts.
In the case of the agrarian hero, a desire for attention became an impressive symbol of strength, down-to-earth attitude and modern agriculture. Two meters tall, strikingly designed and full of character — this figure became the heart of a trade fair appearance that was more than just a presentation: a statement.
Mission trade fair highlight — How the agricultural hero was created!
The origin story of the “agrarian hero,” as we affectionately christened him, began with a simple idea: “Wouldn't it be great if we could have a real hero at our stand at this year's DELUTA trade fair? ”
This is how the market leader Betriko — the company behind AGRARMONITOR, software that is extremely popular among farmers and contractors for managing everyday working life on farms — with the wish to design a two-meter tall hero. Since every second contractor in Germany AGRARMONITOR and the software makes their hard work easier for thousands of people every day, the obvious idea was to honor these “everyday heroes” with a suitable figure.
In order to effectively convey this image to the outside world and present it with pride, the people in charge of Betriko asked us whether we could create an “agricultural hero” for them who lived up to his name.
Size:
approx. 2,30 m
weight:
approx. 50 kg
Print time:
600 hours of printing
In this case, 3D printing offers numerous advantages over other manufacturing processes: In virtual space, you can work on the final design step by step, carry out design iterations or even pursue completely new approaches — and this is relatively inexpensive. Sometimes it is only during the design process that it becomes clear that the initial idea requires a complete revision. The same happened to us with the agrarian hero.
Originally, it was supposed to be strongly reminiscent of a hero from the Marvel universe, until then the justified objection came that no farmer would probably identify with fancy Marvel costumes. He should not wear a skin-tight superhero suit, but dirty work clothes. And he shouldn't be holding a scepter, but corn on the cob and wrench. The agricultural hero should appear strong and proud, represent the hard work in the field and radiate confidence for the future. After all, he does hard work and should look that way.
At the next meeting, we then presented a new concept that we were able to loosely orient ourselves on. Some details were adjusted live in ZBrush, the go-to 3D modeling software for organic designs, directly during the meeting — a highlight for our customers, as it allowed them to experience the development process up close and actively participate in shaping it. That was the enthusiasm and the “That-is-it! “feeling very great when the agricultural hero has achieved his final design iteration.
We knew that the agricultural hero would be an impressive eye-catcher with his planned height of two meters, but when the first segments came out of our large-format 3D printers, we were amazed every time:
“Man, is it getting big! ”
Who doesn't know it from vacation photos? — Nothing looks as overwhelming on screen and on paper as in reality.
In this way, the agricultural hero is not only easier to transport, but can also be adjusted as required depending on where it is used. Whether he should stand with or without a cape and whether he should hold a wrench or a shovel, anything is possible.
What would a life-size 3D print be without a decent paint job? Everyone is always eagerly awaiting this moment, because this final step breathes life into the character and gives it the unmistakable look that everyone is working towards.
We are prepared for many wishes: Whether it's about exactly matching a specific shade or whether we can let off steam creatively in the color scheme — we always have real paint magicians on board who will sort it out. From a metallic or chrome-like surface to matt or rough — we find the desired effect.
With Agrarhelden, we were able to agree on specific colors in advance and use a digital pipette and a precise sense of proportion to ensure that the sounds were exactly right. A little more targeted “dirt” from the hard work et voilá: The result is really impressive!
Our airbrush experts finished the agricultural hero with a high-quality paint finish. This last act of art breathed a lively, professional finish into the figure and finally made it suitable for exhibition and camera use.
But wait a minute, there's more. The agricultural hero should not only make an impression at trade fairs, but also on the streets. During its production, Betriko therefore had an additional idea:
“Wouldn't it be great to also place the agricultural hero on our vans? ”
So Betriko asked us for a high-resolution rendering of the freshly created agricultural hero to foil the company's own vehicles. Its impressive appearance should cause a stir not only at trade fairs, but also outside in everyday life.
Although detailed 3D data already existed, high-quality renderings usually require expertise outside the actual 3D printing process. Fortunately, our 3D design team brings a wealth of experience from the video game and 3D visualization industry, so we were able to master this task with ease.
Whether it's large-format prints or photo and print design — we always find it exciting when our characters get a new life beyond the print bed. In this case, the agricultural hero is now even a street star!
And then he was finally done: A monumental agricultural hero who was enthroned on the DeLuTa 2024 with attitude, pride and a corn cob in his hand. Betriko — like us at Creative Polymer — was impressed how well the message was received by trade fair visitors.
With this project, we have once again shown what is possible when passionate ideas, cutting-edge technology and creative craftsmanship come together. Whether it's a superhero in workwear or the latest mascot for a large company — large-format 3D printing opens up endless ways of bringing stories to the world.
Do you also have a hero who urgently needs to be brought to life? Dann contact us gladly — we look forward to opening up new dimensions with you.