CHUKUKOBOA new soft vinyl art piece will be released fromMY BEAR"Illustrator umao and CHUKUKOBO This is the second time they've teamed up, following the release of the soft vinyl figure "my ghost bear" in 2021. This time, they've collaborated with umao. CHUKUKOBO Thank you for coming all the way here, and together with Mr. Ima, the representative of the workshop, we will be showcasing the new workMY BEARWe interviewed them about the production of "[Title of the work]".
profile
Illustrator. Based in Tokyo, graduated from Kyoto Seika University, Faculty of Design. Since 2016, has worked as an illustrator for books, advertisements, and websites. Likes animals and the color blue.
Ima Seiwa
:
CHUKUKOBO Representative. Likes math and french fries.
-- CHUKUKOBO This is your second time creating a soft vinyl figure, umao-san. How did you feel when you received the offer?
: I was like, "Please let me do it!" It's the same with "MY GHOST BEAR," but right now I feel like I can create better things when I'm approached about a project rather than when I try to sell it myself. I'm grateful that the soft vinyl figures didn't end with the first release, and that I was offered a second release.
Initially, I was inspired by a picture of a mouse lying face down on a bear's belly. It was such a cute picture, and I thought I'd like to do something similar with soft vinyl figures. I've never made a set of two before either. I wanted to create a soft vinyl figure with a different approach than "MY GHOST BEAR."
↑This is the artwork that inspired "MY BEAR." It's an incredibly cute illustration of a mouse sleeping on the belly of a stuffed animal.
"MY BEAR" is packed with things you can't do in Japan.
-- CHUKUKOBO It was last year that we started producing soft vinyl figures in China. We were able to begin production in China after visiting the local factories and working closely with the local staff to ensure that we could guarantee the quality.
The rule we decided on when producing in China was "to make things that cannot be made in Japan." It wasn't just about simply reducing costs; by producing in China, we were able to realize things that couldn't be done domestically due to various conditions.
MY BEAR"is.
1. Fabric tag attached to the earThe ear tags were something that both Umao and Ima absolutely wanted to do. Just adding the tags really enhances the plush toy feel. As a company that produces soft vinyl toys...
CHUKUKOBO That's why we were able to achieve processing that combines both quantity and quality.
I was really happy that we were able to make this tag a reality.
I think that paying attention to these kinds of details is crucial in terms of how a company can gain recognition from a wide audience and provide new value.
2. Fluffy flocking finishFlocking, which was difficult to implement domestically due to lot size (minimum production quantity) issues, has now been successfully created in three color variations after much trial and error.
3. Separating into small partsThe main body, which has a flocked finish, and the unprocessed black parts of the eyes, nose, and ears were all made as separate pieces. This allowed for a clean finish to each individual part. The parts are then glued to the main body.
4. Mouse's TailDue to the nature of soft vinyl, which is produced by removing the material from a mold, it's impossible to create shapes with a hollow center like a donut. Therefore, this curled tail was created by pouring PVC (a material similar to soft vinyl) into a silicone mold.
: I think it's an unconventional way to make soft vinyl figures (laughs). But our philosophy is to be faithful to the original artwork and create a three-dimensional object using our own resources. There's a metal core inside the tail to prevent it from breaking.
5. Carefully crafted packagingMY BEARThe packaging is full of meticulous details, such as the raised varnish application on the lettering, eyes, and mouth, the use of matte-textured paper, and the color changes made to match the soft vinyl figure, even for small production runs. The ear-like shape of the inner flap is a playful touch from the designer.
Details refined through trial and error
: The color scheme was chosen by umao-san, right?
Yes, that's right. I was surprised at how beautifully the colors came out. They're such lovely colors.
—Is this flocking with added color? : No, actually the flocking is transparent. Essentially, it's just the flocking on a blue base. The flocking makes it look a little whitish, so we choose the base color with that in mind.
↑A sample showing the results of trial and error. The left is blue with blue flocking, and the right is blue with white flocking.
I like how the different texture makes it feel special. And it's cute.
—With this "MY BEAR" project, you experimented with different materials and specifications compared to the previous one. Were there any new things you noticed? : At Kenele, we've been given the opportunity to work on various things besides soft vinyl figures, such as plush toys and capsule toys, and I believe they can create something 100% good no matter what material it is. Moreover, they offer so many suggestions, which is incredibly helpful for someone like me who finds it difficult to express what I want to do.
As I pursue my dream of becoming an illustrator, a dream I've had since elementary school, I'm truly happy that I've been able to fulfill my childhood dream of commercializing figures and plush toys, which I've also loved since I was little. And this time, they even paid attention to the packaging.
: We couldn't do it last time, you see.
I'm really looking forward to the third release, the seal, and the fourth release, the hedgehog.
The interview is
[Part 2]followed by
Currently at Kenelestore,
MY BEARPre-orders are now being accepted.
Herefrom.
