Making an Art Toy #1

One of my YouTube channel's first videos was about this theme: How to Make an Art Toy. Back then, I was still a newbie and only had one toy, Eggie. It’s a toy that I am very proud of and that started this brand of mine. But 3 years have gone by since that and I have continued creating more toys trying new techniques and producing in different countries and factories than the first toy. I have learned a lot and I have a lot to add. This is the first of many random posts about the creation of Art Toys.

One word of caution before we begin: what I say here is my own opinion based on my experience producing multiple Art toys, Vinyl Toys, and Sofubi Toys in different factories in Japan, Spain, and China. I have also sold my toys in galleries and shops all around the world, so I think my 2 cents here can be valuable for someone who is beginning in this Art Toy Community.

Let’s Begin!

Eggie Vinyl Toy. The firs Art Toy created and the one that started Art Fabula.

Western Art Toy or Sofubi?

Well, that's what we need to define.

In the West, we refer to Art toys as limited vinyl creations by designers or artists, characterized by intentional limitations in design or color. Many of these designs draw inspiration from pop culture icons such as The Simpsons, Disney characters, or classical monsters. There are various interpretations and nuances to this term, depending on the defining authority, but the definition I've presented here should adequately give us an idea of what a classic Art Toy entails.

Similarly, Sofubi toys also fall under the category of vinyl toys. Their point of divergence lies in their manufacturing process, utilizing soft vinyl as the primary material. However, an equally significant factor in defining Sofubi Toys is their cultural origin. They emerged in the 1950s, based on a doll-making technique introduced to Japan by the USA during the post-war period. Through adaptation and refinement, this method facilitated the production of toys that continue to evoke memories and nostalgia in Japanese society today. Hence, these toys hold considerable cultural significance in Japan.

As mentioned earlier, while material plays a significant role, particularly in distinguishing between western Art Toys and Japanese Sofubi, PVC is commonly utilized in both types. Yet, due to differences in production methods, the final design of Sofubi toys tends to be more constrained compared to their Western counterparts. Consequently, one could argue that the design criteria for Sofubi toys are more stringent than those for Western Art Toys.

Lastly, in the contemporary landscape, the incorporation of 3D printing and resin is expanding the definition of Art Toys. However, this expansion doesn't encompass Sofubi, as this particular type of toy cannot be produced using these materials (at least not yet).

A vinyl version av Eggie surrounded by multiple resin Eggies.

Be aware of the production price beforehand

Once you've settled on the material for production, the next step involves rethinking your concept with the actual cost of creating each style of Art Toy and Sofubi in mind.

Let's start with the most economical option, especially recommended for those new to the art toy realm: 3D printing. This method allows for the creation of a significant number of toys with an initial investment in a 3D printer (I use an Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, which costs around 150 USD) and a bottle of resin (about 35 USD). Naturally, some proficiency in 3D modeling is required. If you lack this skill, factor in the cost of hiring a designer, which can vary depending on your design. However, there's an often-overlooked expense associated with 3D printing, and that's time.

With 3D printing, production is limited to a few pieces at a time, and the printing process is typically slow. To address this, you'll need to increase the price of each toy, acquire multiple printers that can work simultaneously, or consider outsourcing production (although this isn't recommended if you aim for lower production costs). Many individuals use 3D printing for their toys, but let's be realistic: unless you're dedicating full-time effort to designing, printing, refining, painting, packaging, and selling the toys, relying solely on 3D printing might not be sustainable for growing and establishing yourself as an artist with a viable business model. That's not to say it's impossible; there are a few instances of artists selling resin toys and making it work, but often these artists supplement their income with additional ventures like illustrations or designing for others.

For those seriously considering the Art Toys and Sofubi world, the logical next step is outsourcing production. This involves professionals manufacturing your toys on your behalf. We'll delve deeper into this later, but essentially, you'll send your 3D design to a factory that will produce your toy in larger quantities. Depending on your toy's design, this could result in a Sofubi toy (produced in factories in Japan and China) or a traditional Art Toy (usually manufactured in China). While this is the most costly route, it's commonly adopted by professionals and should be your ultimate goal if you're invested in this field. Upfront costs for creating prototypes, wax models, and molds can run into thousands of dollars, but each subsequent toy produced from these molds becomes progressively cheaper.

I'll cover the expenses associated with making Sofubi toys in another post. However, if you're interested, I have a video dedicated solely to this topic that might be helpful.

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Whats next?

We've got a lot to cover. Consider this post as a starting point to contemplate the type of toy you want to create and the business model you'd like to initiate based on your chosen materials.

In the next discussion, we'll dive into the process of actually designing your toy, specifically tailored to the material you've selected. I'll offer examples and provide guidance on this front.

I hope you find these posts helpful. And remember, don't miss out on joining our free VIP community to access the VIP-Shop for exclusive toy releases.

Catch you in the next update!