Case Study: The Making of Bartholomew Punchyface
Toy prototyping and production is my specialty as a freelancer, but due to the heavily protected IPs (intellectual properties) I work on, it’s not often that i can share images of what i do online. I thought Bartholomew Punchyface was the perfect opportunity to show you the process of creating a plush from sketches and ideas on paper, through patterning to a finished product.
Scott and Luke approached me as the factory was having problems getting the characters form right as their design had some complicated elements and a huge range of textures and finishes.
Working closely with Scott and Luke’s sketches I brought their Bart Bear character to plushy life!
May I present to you Bartholomew Bear. Designed by Luke Chueh and Scott Tolleson, prototyped by Holly at A Little Stranger and produced by 3dRetro.
Case Study: The Making of Bart Bear
Luke and Scott’s Sketches: Face details
Luke and Scott’s Sketches: Ear details
Luke and Scott’s Sketches: Back and wedgie specifics
First Draft: I test all my patterns in scrap fleece or felt before beginning work with the real fabrics, to make sure everything fits together correctly. Eyes/sweater details etc are all paper print outs tacked on with pins to check the scale.
Second Draft: We revised the shape of his head to make it rounder, and added more puffy arms.
Patterning the hairline: It was important that the hairline sat correctly all the way around his head to stop it looking hat-like.
Making all the felt applique details that make up the face
First version of Bart’s head that we deemed to be too complicated in the end – wee simplified by removing the graze on his cheek.
The finished prototype plush, ready to go to the factory for manufacture.
A manufactured Bartholomew Punchyface, fresh from the factory!