Making a Paper Toy

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dr.Shazam on August 20, 2008 at 3:30pm

I tend to start with a thought in mind, doodle the overall finished product, and start building it in a vector program. My designs aren't terribly complex to start with--a 3D modeling program like Sketchup might be a better starting place for some.

Like most great things in life, alot of it is about the journey TO the finished product and not necessarily the finished product itself. Sometimes. For some people. So if pencil and protractor do it for you, so be it. It'll get done that way also.

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Permalink Reply by Mario on August 21, 2008 at 5:39am

I guess it isn’t necessary to use any of those 3D programs to create a toy. I’ve came up with some interesting forms by “sculpturing” with paper before using PC. It also helps you understanding ways the paper curves or bend and so. These shapes often make there own way to completed toy.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Wirjanata on September 9, 2008 at 1:09am

the hardest part after doodling a character is : how to make it stand, and to measure the pattern.
:D

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Permalink Reply by JustUs on December 23, 2008 at 1:34pm

I only use MSpaint to design my papertoys.

It all starts from doodle.

After doodle, try to visualise on how you intend to make the paper toy ( folds and glue ). Then you can come out with the template.

Thats what I did.

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Permalink Reply by Saltnpaper on December 23, 2008 at 8:05pm

Don't let 3D modeling program restrict you! That is very important... Use PC as an executor to finalize your design, not as a starting point. I've tried numerous time and it always takes me to a boring design... Encourage brain to think out of the box (literally), it's not a sin to make template without computer's help... It will make your design unpredictable, even to you...

Like most of the people here, I strongly recommend you to start doodling. Internet is my biggest and CHEAPEST resource, browse through vinyl/resin toys site, watch interesting movies, flip some magazines and comics, hang out with your friends, listen to music...

Last but not least is, give yourself plenty of time to learn... As for me, I took 6 months to design Fatboy during my free time and that's without 3D program interference... Have fun and Happy Holiday!

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Permalink Reply by Crafty Little Sod on January 25, 2011 at 6:07am

I've no idea how to use a 3D paper craft programme. Are they really useful?

 

I've only made four paper toys up to press and I've used the same process every time. I'm a magazine designer by day, so I'm most comfortable working with Quark. That's what I used to create my toys – using an increasingly complex range of custom-made picture boxes. I started out with an idea of what I wanted to create, figured out what shapes would create the finished 3-dimensional effect and went ahead and made it. I draft my toys a lot, though; the first draft of a toy is invariably terrible!! The head will be too big, the ears might be sitting at the wrong angle, it won't balance and so on. Then I just keep tweaking the template until the finished toy looks like the idea I had in my head.

 

Meanwhile, I definitely think starting simple is the best idea. I've forged ahead trying to make all these complex shapes that I had in my head and then I can't figure out how the hell I would fit all these bits and pieces together. Then I'll realise that I need to vastly simplify what I'm doing – only to find that the simplified toy is about a million times more successful! I suppose the magic trick is to produce a toy that looks really intricate – when in truth, its relatively simple to construct.

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Permalink Reply by The World of Imaginary Friends on January 27, 2011 at 4:00pm

Start with one of your sketches, if you have one. Recognize and evaluate your skill level right now (building/construction/computer skills). This way you won't become discouraged, and give up if your idea is too complex. Pick up some of the recommended paper toy construction books. This will give you a better understanding of 2D mapping to 3D construction. It caused a "lightbulb" to turn on for me, and made me realize I was thinking too hard with many of my ideas. This will also help you to know where to place your tabs and orientation of designs so seams and such won't be where they will be seen first.

Hope this is helpful. Message me if you have questions, and I will do my best to assist. GOOD LUCK! 

 

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Permalink Reply by Dan Watson on January 30, 2011 at 4:07pm

The only 2 bits of advice I can give is don't go 2 complex to quick, Im in the process of making my second, and have picked a tricky shape for me!

Which leads me to my 2nd...

If you don't know how to use 3d render programs, put some time in to learn them, or avoid them!

I took about 2 weeks in blender to finally get the shape looking as I wanted only to unfold it in pepakura to find out that the shape I created in 2 weeks would be far to complex to put on paper =(

 

So I went back to the roots and started rolling and folding, got the shape down to 3 parts now which is a lot easier!

Good Luck =)

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