Moved this to the appropriate forum.

I've been making toys for 9 years now. I have a picture of the scene and industry I just can't translate to you green guys. You come in here and you're like 16 year olds in love.

I'm beyond puppy love bro, I've got the white picket fence around the yard and 2 kids in college draining my life savings.

I'm really happy you guys are so excited. I do hope you realize your dreams. But come on, you come on this board posting your ambitions, declaring your imminent success, taking over others threads. Telling everyone here they are just salty and jaded. You've had a few months exposure, I shouldn't even spend my time getting involved in this discussion. I should just let all you guys figure everything out on your own like I had to.

If there's ANYONE people SHOULD be taking advice from here, it's Joe. Sure, "American sofubi" isn't everyone's thing, but he has worked his ass off to get where he is today. I don't think there's a single person on this board who doesn't recognize the "Splurrt" name.

That being said, does every "newcomer" really think everyone here is competition? Most collectors collect sofubi because they have the money to do so. I don't think people here are trying to sabotage each other, they're just being realists. Art is such a strange, subjective game no matter what you are making. Making a sofubi toy is such an expensive venture and if you're just looking for a cash cow, you're barking up the wrong tree. You don't just create a hit and become a beloved maker... You work your way up with your supporters elevating you AND your art to a higher level.

I am a "new" maker. I have the savings to make a sofubi toy if I wanted to. Am I? Fuck no.
My sculpting skills are still not where I want them to be. I don't have an idea that I love enough to commit to sofubi. I don't have the audience, the reputation, or anything I'd like to have beforehand.
That's why I'm constantly learning, working in resin, polishing my skills, working my way up, absorbing everyone's input.
I might NEVER make a sofubi toy if I don't think I'm good enough.

So please, understand why people get a little testy when someone waltzes in here with an idea and goes "HEY WOULD YOU BUY THIS? WOULD THIS MAKE A GOOD TOY?"
Some people toiled for years to get where they are today, and then when they give you advice, you take it as a joke.

It's kind of ridiculous, really. You want to make a first good impression? That's an easy way to ruin all chances of one.

/endrant

Think im gonna stick around, guys...

I've found this section very useful in asking questions about the actual processes of toy making.. mostly resin in my case. The "how to's" that other artists have discovered through trial and error, and were kind enough to post their experiences.

I couldn't tell you how many hours I've spent "learning". I've poured over these pages for years just out of shear interest in the hobby, not intending to learn for any other reason than learning's sake.

I'm not sure about this thread though. It's like an introduction to your brand, and an inquiry of design preferences in regards to YOUR figure. If you are creating out of passion for making your own toys, then you don't necessarily need to make something that would appeal to us. Do it however you wanna do it. If people dig it, cool. But coming out of the woodwork to ensure the appeal of a potential sofubi toy within a small demographic like Skullbrain just seems a little sale-sy.

If you can impress yourself by designing a toy that you love, chances are other people out there will like it too, here or otherwise.

I think what bugs me and others about newcomers immediately hawking your wares, be they designs, sculpts, whatever, is that you are immediately making your board participation all about you. It's a very millenial thing to do.

If you look at toy makers like Rich, Paul, Joe, etc....they were hardcore collectors first and their board participation reflected that.

And you also have numerous long time board members like Grizli Atom and others making rad toys while seeking no attention or respect from the board even though it is more than well deserved.

Note to new members- this board is not all about you. It is a community. It is a fucked up, nerded out community, but a community nonetheless. So kick back, share some knowledge, gain some knowledge, and make some friends. Then hit us with your designs. It's not rocket surgery.

Haha, Eric, I remember having a convo at the SB Clutter show where you said something like "I wished I had a toy of creepy swamp guy with a knife growing up! So I made it!"

That's the way it should be, make what you want and if people like it... they like it. If not, oh well, you made something cool. And the Bog Dweller is DEFINITELY cool. (I still have to get myself one, I keep kicking myself for missing the drops.)



You're absolutely right. There are so many humble toy makers on here that are collectors and active in discussions, and that's the thing... They know this whole community isn't about them. They're not running around like used car salesmen hawking wares all over the place. :/

Also... How passionate about making toys can you be if you need to get the approval of others first? It just screams "I want to tailor a toy for YOU so I can make my money back." Just my thoughts on the matter.