I have been selling my artwork since I was 12 back in the mid 90's, but have been doing "art toys" since 2013. I did hand sculpted, hand cast resin for years and I just started my sofubi journey (I still do resin, as I'm in transition). I think all of the reasons you mentioned are very valid and healthy! For me the goal is all of that, but also for the money, but ONLY because I want it to be self sustaining so I can afford to create more. I think there can be right reasons for doing it for the money, but very few. For me the goal is joy for myself and others first, and second is the money because the more success I achieve, the more joy I am enabled to produce :). Money definitely should not be the primary goal, that's for sure. Something I was talking to a friend about this week too, is one of the beautiful things about sofubi is that there's no "dog eat dog" spirit to this line of work/art. Someone can have the skill of Stan Winston and make a very sophisticated figure, or have less skill, but just as much heart, and sculpt a character that looks a lot more unrefined ...yet both figures will find love and appreciation from collectors, often on the same shelf together. Look at how many movie critics, game critics, etc. that there is...but with sofubi it cuts through that garbage and just embraces the creative spirit. I LOVE that about sofubi, it is so much just about the joy, not the competition. Not the cynicism that plagues so many creative ventures. The joy it brings people is absolutely awesome and so fulfilling. Life can be so hard, and being able to bring any kind of joy to someone's life, is amazing. I have had so many customers show me photos of a bunch of my characters on their shelves, or I'll see posts with toy collections and see one or more of my figures in the mix. I get the best messages from customers too, so happy about the figures I make. It's really an amazing blessing having that interaction and impact on others, that's what it's all about. I also agree 100% with having the need to create, it's a drive for me too, an artist's heart and soul needs to create.
Wow! Thanks for this incredible comment and for the time you took to write it and watch the video! I'm also for the money, of course. I want this to be my main source of income so it needs to be profitable. But the money is not why I do this. Not the primary force. Keep up your hard work too, and share your work! I want to see what you do!
Thank you for sharing all of your videos! Listening to your story sounded like hearing my own. A creative designer, now teaching and seeking a creative out let and being energized by all the things you mentioned. ❤
Thank you for watching the video and commenting. I hope you have found your way. I'm still in the process after more than 3 years doing this. The never-ending story!
@@artfabula I’m just getting started on my sofubi journey. Learning how to paint my first production of Japanese vinyl and learning how to get my toys into loving hands. Let’s do our best!
Sorry if I speak in English. Yes, I have tried to use Hikari directly on a 3D print toy. The result it's ok, but I will use acrylics instead of enamel paints for resin.
