The Ugly Truth About Being an Art Toy Artist: My Experience

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  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 109

  • @l.r.designstudioslauriesul8993
    @l.r.designstudioslauriesul8993 10 місяців тому +62

    I have been sculpting and making art dolls for 20 years - I now have my own shop and my husband has left his job and works with me now - and I have hired an assistant - it can happen :) ❤

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  10 місяців тому +6

      That's a very inspiring comment! I hope that this also happens to me soon!

    • @nim_ytyt
      @nim_ytyt 13 днів тому +1

      Gratz! Literally my dream

  • @moonsolpurpose8221
    @moonsolpurpose8221 Рік тому +34

    I think more people are actually into art toys they just don't know it because they forget how much they loved toys as a child and get caught up in "adulting"

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +5

      That’s why I love Art Toys so much. I can buy toys in my 40’s and still feel the same as when I was a child! Thanks for watching the video!

  • @propsandpop
    @propsandpop Місяць тому +3

    Great advices for those who are starting out or are interested in the field. I got lucky to have started a company after making the Dumpster Fire art toy for a client back in 2018. From then on I just kept getting more and more work, hard work but it's fun though. I think the key is to start small and test out your designs to see how its received by the general audience. Based on how well it does, you can either go big or design a new one and keep testing it out. Good luck to all who are starting out!

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Місяць тому

      Yes, that’s the message. It’s all about starting small and getting bigger and bigger it there is a possibility, not the other way around. Thanks for watching the video and commenting!

  • @tokyo-tommy
    @tokyo-tommy 11 місяців тому +10

    I see all your passion behind these words which may seem pessimistic, but I think they instead help to raise awareness of what reality can be like, so that if a person decides to face this path they know what they can face.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  11 місяців тому +1

      I agree with you. My intention is that people should take the necessary steps to ensure that the production of toys is done correctly. While it is fine to romanticize the process, when real-life situations and money are involved, it becomes essential to exercise utmost caution.

  • @RichardThompsonCA
    @RichardThompsonCA Рік тому +32

    I agree, it's better to have a small following of people who really like your work than thousands of casual followers. It's tricky with handmade goods, you have to build slowly, after all you can only make/paint so many items. If you get too popular you'll have to outsource the manufacturing, but then they are not handmade anymore.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +3

      That's the problem. I have so many time to make so many pieces. I can't be too big without sacrifice something. Grow att a steady and not too fast pace is what Im trying to do here. I hope it works!

    • @malwarewoman
      @malwarewoman 2 місяці тому

      И чем это плохо? Игрушки сделанные на заводе выглядят хорошо, и их можно продавать в разных странах в большом количестве. Например Pop mart. Что вам не нравится?

  • @whatchuptu
    @whatchuptu 10 місяців тому +5

    Real, true and honest insight. I'm now 5 years into my marathon, and just now, I'm starting to see sales that validate my time/money/energy investment.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  10 місяців тому +1

      Glad to hear that. It takes time and hard work, but it comes. Thanks for watching!

  • @yankis.
    @yankis. Рік тому +15

    Art toy industry is ruthless. You can spend thousands on designing, manufacturing and sell like 3 toys.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      My life 🤣🤣

    • @CEO_FADeD
      @CEO_FADeD 2 місяці тому

      I have done about 2 toys so far just for fun. I print them with my 3D printer, but... It's really not professional to me. You wait a day or 3+ (to print as "clean" as possible) for ONE full toy, pieces or whole, sand carefully for hours with gradual grits, primer, then paint, laquer, buff.... Maybe you'll sell ONE for $100, MAYBE. I know there's way better 3D printers than mine, but I rather somehow finding a manufacturer that's cheap and pay a couple hundred for a line of 10-12 and just physically sign and number each. I enjoy designing and sculpting, not sanding, painting and such. I paint on canvas and digital so... ya. That's my personal experience.

  • @isabellarammcreative
    @isabellarammcreative Рік тому +5

    Love this video, your intense passion, and drive! I'm a recent industrial design grad looking to branch into the toy industry. Thanks for your honest take and sharing of process. Definitely going to be diving further into your work!

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      Oh, wow! Thank you for your kind words! I hope you find something useful here.

  • @MaxMut.
    @MaxMut. 8 місяців тому +2

    Absolutely Best Recommendation
    Not for the ones that want to believe they can
    But for the Wise Artist
    We think we can go out
    Probably travel to the main city and make our dream become reality
    Nothing far from the true
    You know what your saying
    And l lived to understand it
    Sad but real
    GREAT VIDEO ADVICE
    can save a lot of sadness “
    🤜⚡️🤛

    • @MaxMut.
      @MaxMut. 8 місяців тому +1

      And on every type of Art
      I just hear last night..
      On every field”

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  8 місяців тому +1

      Thanks! Yes, I want people to make toys, but I want them to be responsible and understand the risks too.

    • @MaxMut.
      @MaxMut. 8 місяців тому

      @@artfabula and I deeply appreciate your words “

  • @MrRomankidds
    @MrRomankidds Рік тому +20

    $. Imo, if an artist wants success and longevity in the Art Toy industry your toys needs to invoke an emotional connection with anyone who views it. Not after they learn about your art but as soon as they see it they should feel a connection...or extension of themselves. I feel like this is the main thing that has made someone like KAWS's art so popular. If you focus on that first, decide on what human connection you want to make between your art and your audience then it becomes less of a toy and more of an art piece. Less about paying for a novelty and more about self expression or saying something with your art that the collector couldn't have said better with words. The value of these things often aren't found in the materials themselves. I think of it as being as much as a personal statement as fashion. If someone has your art displayed in their home...what does this say about them?

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      Thank you for your point of view.

    • @takenzobot
      @takenzobot Рік тому +2

      You nailed it. KAWS brought me into this world for exactly this reason.

  • @amenbrother8785
    @amenbrother8785 9 місяців тому +3

    You are doing sales wrong, you should sell on a 'pre order' system, so that you never have to suffer through the "i payed for x amount of figures, but I didnt see the money back until after 3 years"

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  9 місяців тому

      And how do you know I’m not doing preorders? It’s the way I’ve been doing it since the beginning…

    • @amenbrother8785
      @amenbrother8785 9 місяців тому +1

      ok my bad then, but you said on the video that you have not been able to get the money back after producing the figures, which, if you have been doing pre orders only, it doesnt make sense. @@artfabula

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  9 місяців тому

      These toys are not resin and are not made after order. You need to produce them in Japan in big quantities. You can't release these toys as a preorder without producing them first. This is not how this Sofubi world works.

    • @amenbrother8785
      @amenbrother8785 9 місяців тому

      I see, Im learning a lot then. : )
      Question, why does it need to be sofubi? Why not just release them in high quality resin instead? @@artfabula

  • @nim_ytyt
    @nim_ytyt 13 днів тому +1

    Thanks for being so transparent! wonderful video

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  13 днів тому

      Thank you very much for watching the videos.

  • @maxviewtoday
    @maxviewtoday Місяць тому +1

    I hope the situation is changing and more people know about soft vinyl toys. I learned it recently because one company made soft vinyl ninja turtles.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Місяць тому

      I want more people making toys, but responsibly.

  • @edmundsgn111
    @edmundsgn111 10 місяців тому +2

    I'm glad that more youtubers are dishing out the cold-hard truth these days.. keep it up!

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  10 місяців тому +1

      I hope more people show the reality instead of the fantasy world that many UA-camrs show in their channels. People need to see the cruel reality and make a choice by themselves.

    • @edmundsgn111
      @edmundsgn111 10 місяців тому +2

      @@artfabula Exactly. There are way too many grifters who only do it to get monatized, instead of actually helping others..
      I'm planning on giving realistic points/reviews aswell, but im scared of coming across as a negative Nancy lol
      i'm quite skeptical by default and noticed that viewers have the tendancy to nitpick on everything your saying.. Even when your points are valid :)

    • @JMPerona
      @JMPerona 10 місяців тому +1

      @@edmundsgn111 Do it! And don´t be afraid to express your opinion if you know what you are talking about. I also get a few negative comments here and there, but I wonder how many people are in my exact situation or have experienced what I have experienced. Show me what you have done and I will listen to you. I have no problem admitting it if an experienced person tells me I am wrong, not a random person from his/her sofa.

  • @KRGE41
    @KRGE41 5 місяців тому +2

    It depends on where you are on the globe. If you are in the right place, you can definitely make a fortune. I love these niches. 😁

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  5 місяців тому

      Not really, trust me. Is just a minory that can survive just making toys.

  • @a.ozzie.o
    @a.ozzie.o 5 місяців тому

    Thank you for this video. It’s enlightening to see the honest truth that will kick me in the head. Like yourself, I have a day job as well, and kickstart a small designer art toy. Knowingly that this small journey will need a heavy funding..from time in conceptualising your idea to the production phase.
    I’m happy that I can share the same experience such as yourself, to understand the industry is not an easy path.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  5 місяців тому

      Thank you for watching the video and for understanding the message. I don’t want to discourage people to produce toys, but I want them to be conscious about the cost and dangers of not thinking about everything on advance. A real Sofubi production can cost a few million yen and can risk all the economy if done wrong.

  • @chuckoslaboratory3451
    @chuckoslaboratory3451 2 місяці тому +1

    It's an accomplishment to get one completely done! I'm not discouraged.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  2 місяці тому

      Then you have found the way! Congratulations! Keep the hard work coming!

  • @paub1111
    @paub1111 10 місяців тому +2

    Su idea y experiencia de vivir del arte es 1 cosa ...no hagas caso si ves este video es todo lo que los mediocres te van decir...si ya eres artista seguro t debes haber topado con este tipo de mensajes. Cuando empiezas un proyecto debes tener otra ocupacion en paralelo...pero en todo ambito, no solo el del arte...no hagas caso a estos mensajes deprimentes

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  10 місяців тому

      No te preocupes. Si este mensaje llega a la persona adecuada y le ayuda me doy por satisfecho. El resto puede gastar su dinero cómo y donde quiera, pero que luego digan que no avisé.

  • @roronoamakuro1301
    @roronoamakuro1301 3 місяці тому +1

    Relativity to your target audience is also very important. I also make art figures but not just to my own taste I learnt I had to branch out my style still make it my own but be relative to todays culture aswell..I’ve noticed this with a lot of art toy designers they. Make a lot of the same thing like random monsters with random colours all over..sometimes you can’t even make out what it is..I get it’s art but the goal is to also make money and people gotta sacrifice some details or personal preferences to do so…but great work dude for sure 😊 keep creating

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  3 місяці тому

      Thanks. 🙏 That’s true, you will always need to find a balance.

  • @Metal-Spark
    @Metal-Spark Рік тому +2

    I love your passion for your craft and respect you taking a realistic outlook on the finances too. I've honestly never heard of 'art toys' before but I was recommended this video because I've been watching a lot of other videos about sculpting with clay. I'm thinking of learning sculpting to make small figures and decorative items like cute ornaments and keychains etc. Is this at all similar to making art toys or the target market for art toys?

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      No, if you can get the production to a smaller scale. With Art Toys you will need to our a lot of money on the front. With small figurines and keychains, you can sculpt it yourself and maybe use silicone modes to make the production at home. Or maybe use a 3D printer? The market and customers are different, I think.

    • @Metal-Spark
      @Metal-Spark Рік тому +1

      @@artfabula Thanks for the reply : ) it seems like what I want to do may be a bit easier than art toys, they definitely seem more complex and demanding. It's a very interesting topic though so even though I don't plan to make any, I'm really enjoying your videos!

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      It seems a little bit easier, if we talk in production-terms. But I'm completely sure that is a fun as Art Toys! Put your passion on it!

  • @joshuaroberts4501
    @joshuaroberts4501 Рік тому +2

    Your videos are super helpful and packed with info, thank you so much!

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      Thank you! I hope it helps you.

  • @tickingcroissant
    @tickingcroissant Рік тому +1

    Great video once again. As you rightfully said, this is not a sprint, this is a marathon. Keep up the great work. Can't wait to get my hands on Geckogon 🙌

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      Thank you! Today is very easy to do Art Toys and to create great things, but it takes more than just great ideas to survive in the Art Toy world. Hard Work and a bit of luck is what we need! Can't wit to see the Geckogon in your collection! Soon!

    • @tickingcroissant
      @tickingcroissant Рік тому +1

      @@artfabula Hard work, a little bit of luck, a lot of talent... But also perseverance and passion. Key elements to last in such an activity. I wish you all the success you deserve!

  • @Polygonlin
    @Polygonlin 11 місяців тому +5

    I Don't think its hard to sell your Art as an Artist, you just need to know how to think and plan as a Business man as WELL as being an Artist. you need to know how and where to market yourself. what sells, what doesn't sell. ect.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  11 місяців тому +1

      I want to hear more…

    • @goilo888
      @goilo888 10 місяців тому +2

      Well, you just outlined the VERY thing that makes it difficult to market your art.

  • @roronoamakuro1301
    @roronoamakuro1301 Рік тому +6

    Gotta know how to advertise and how to relate to your target audience bro..its only a struggle if you let it become one...shouldn't recommend to others they shouldn't do it..everyone experiences different things at different points...its up to the individual 😉

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      Haha, and then here you are, commenting in one of my most visited and commented videos on my channel… and one of the videos that gives better value to the audience.

    • @ostyslav
      @ostyslav 10 місяців тому

      @@artfabulawtf

  • @wooly_workshop
    @wooly_workshop 3 місяці тому +1

    Can an art toy be made of fiber? I needle felt little toys and I love the art toy community but I'm not sure mine can be considered an art toy...

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  3 місяці тому +1

      Of course it can. A lot of the big art toys showed in galleries are done in fiber. But the question is, is the “toy” part there? Is the “art” part also represented?

    • @wooly_workshop
      @wooly_workshop 3 місяці тому

      @@artfabula wow I didn’t know that, thanks this helps!

  • @busky7658
    @busky7658 Рік тому +7

    This is an extremely pessimistic video, just because you were unable to succeed in the toy industry doesn't mean you should stray other artists and designers away from starting. There's literally a ~$300 resin printer behind you, and you're talking about spending thousands to get started, completely bizarre. I had one look at your socials, and there is no brand behind your work, subpar photography and (subjectively) strange looking toys, you need to understand your target audience and brand building, only then will you succeed on social media.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for your comment. And thanks for knowing so much about me and my business. Now, please, rewatch my video.

    • @ScienceofIoS
      @ScienceofIoS Рік тому +3

      For someone that has done nothing but gaming videos and zero experience in this field. You should not criticize.

  • @machineman6498
    @machineman6498 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for making this

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  9 місяців тому

      Thank you for watching this! :)

  • @minajung2491
    @minajung2491 Рік тому +1

    I really love your video and your explaination ❤ Thank you very much

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      Thanks for your kind words!

  • @Aaron11411
    @Aaron11411 9 місяців тому +1

    But isn't Mighty Jaxx art toys? I thought they were extremely popular?

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  9 місяців тому +1

      They are! I love them! But if you want to succeed like them then you have to create a real business with incredible financial stability and a big team with multiple partners internationally. It’s not impossible but… how many Mighty Jaxx are out there?

  • @ersanaskn8659
    @ersanaskn8659 11 місяців тому +3

    Actually your pessimism is usefull if you know how to use it. It seems that you are not on sales channels. What about Etsy, Amazon and other marketplaces?

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  11 місяців тому

      I'm not on these channels. This is one of the things I have prepared for 2024. And my pessimism is just a way to level the enthusiasm of the new artists, so the do the things so they don't need to sell their houses in the first months.

    • @ersanaskn8659
      @ersanaskn8659 11 місяців тому +2

      Indeed, after watching the video, I had 2 emotions at the same time. First, I questioned why you were discouraging people. But soon, when I switch to the realistic side, even if they are truly the best figures in the world for us, the rest of the world will not know about them, and even a very large part of them will not want to buy them. This is a situation that needs to be addressed in all its aspects, and they call it "business" anyway. Design, production, marketing, sales, logistics. Sorry for the long response, but your video had a very positive impact on me.@@artfabula

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  11 місяців тому +1

      I'm happy to hear that this video resonates with you. I could make a video selling this Art Toy world as the best thing in the world and that you could make millions with it (that's how social media and UA-cam work) but I would be lying. This Art Toy thing, as with all in this world, takes effort and time. As I usually say, this is not a spring but a marathon.

    • @ersanaskn8659
      @ersanaskn8659 11 місяців тому +2

      @@artfabula You may consider finding some partner/s to sell your products I think. You might not be the business person as I am :)

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  11 місяців тому +2

      Yeah, that could be the next step.

  • @charlesrodriguez8229
    @charlesrodriguez8229 Рік тому

    Lamentablemente este video llega a mis ojos 10 años y 5 meses tarde hehehehe.
    Muy buenos videos los que haz creado 👍

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      Por lo menos le ahorro penas a los nuevos durante los próximos 10 años! Gracias!

  • @mrkirkaldy6633
    @mrkirkaldy6633 Рік тому

    Great video. I'm been collecting Marusan 350 and that figure you are holding looks like it will fit with my collection .Where can I purchase it?

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      Do you mean the one I'm holding in my hands in the miniature picture? That's my own creation Geckogon. It sells here and there on my own website or on my Instagram account ( @artfabulastudio) with a few color variations.

    • @mrkirkaldy6633
      @mrkirkaldy6633 Рік тому

      Damn I don't have Instagram or Facebook I stay away from must social media

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      Go to the website and join the newsletter (VIP-Community). You will get an email each time Input something out there!

  • @danielsilva6663
    @danielsilva6663 20 днів тому +1

    Dont forget that people now are saving money for essencials, instead of buying superfluous things. We are not out of the pandemic crisis, war crisis etc.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  20 днів тому

      That’s so true, but I’m not sure I understand your comment. To what part of the video it is this referencing?

  • @TheStickyBusiness
    @TheStickyBusiness Рік тому +2

    I am loving 3D printing and now with Nomad Sculpt I am finally starting to create my own models. I just discovered this Art Toy thing and thought : Hey maybe this is the thing that will finally make me richer than Elon Musk but I saw your video and you completely destroyed my expectations LOL Good to have the feet back on the ground and lower my expectations to underground level. LOL

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому +1

      Oh. Thanks? Not sure what to say more than I hope you do this because you like it. Elon Musk's level of richness can wait...

  • @jeanclod8810
    @jeanclod8810 9 місяців тому +1

    The other perspective is art toys is a “young” industry with a wealth of potential growth.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  9 місяців тому

      Well… it has more than 25 years of industry. I would say that it's evolving.

  • @VictorGomez-ls3de
    @VictorGomez-ls3de 8 місяців тому +1

    No me importa. Lo único que deseo es el poder de hacer algo hermoso y bello; la aprobación del mundo fuera de mi craneo es irrelevante.

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  8 місяців тому

      Ya conoces los riesgos. Ahora está en tu mano. Adelante pues, si es lo que quieres.

  • @fernandomartinezzendejas7089
    @fernandomartinezzendejas7089 Рік тому +1

    I left a lot of things to do this project, I would like to watch this video before. Anyway I did it, and I hope get better :v, if that happens I should notice you to colaborate uwu

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      Espero que no haya sido una situación desagradable y que todo haya salido bien. Siempre se pueden corregir los pasos que se dan, así que no todo está perdido. Suerte y a tirar adelante!

  • @goilo888
    @goilo888 10 місяців тому +1

    Excellent advice.

  • @alex_oiman
    @alex_oiman 11 днів тому +1

    $8-10k for that? i call bullshit

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  11 днів тому

      For a Japanese made Sofubi toy! That’s a good price! There is no bullshit here, I can assure you. It all depends on the amount of job you make yourself, but for a job like the one I make and the quantity etc, it is a normal price.

  • @animativespace
    @animativespace Рік тому +1

    This video is true like most art if u not in it for the long haul and can't support yourself dont do it. We all dream of living off our work but it takes time. Trust me i know lol

    • @artfabula
      @artfabula  Рік тому

      That is the right way to do it.

  • @dislikebutton1718
    @dislikebutton1718 Рік тому +4

    Debby downer