UPDATE: unfortunetly, this crowdfund project was not successful but my sofubi dream is not over!
please continue to support me when I try again. 0 THANK YOU!

CHARLIE✰MAKIN TOYS
SOFUBI ART TOY
CROWDFUNDING PROJECT
(FEBRUARY 1st to March 31st JST 2023)
CLOSED

☆IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF JAPAN, YOU CAN SUPPORT ME THROUGH 'KO-FI'☆☆IF YOU ARE IN JAPAN, YOU CAN SUPPORT ME THROUGH 'CAMPFIRE' OR 'KO-FI'☆

LINK TO THE JAPANESE CROWDFUND PROJECT PAGELINK TO THE INTERNATIONAL CROWDFUND PROJECT PAGE

ENGLISH TRANSLATED VERSION OF JAPANESE PROJECT PAGE BELOW

Please note that this is NOT the actual crowdfund project page. This is just the English translated version of the Japanese site.

CROWDFUNDING
"EYEBALL YOKAI" SOFUBI PROJECT

INTRO
☆ Thank you for visiting! ♡ My name is Charlie Makin. I am an American artist living in Japan under the brand name "Charlie★Makin Toys". I am creating my first soft vinyl art toys.
With your help, I aim to make two of my original "EYEBALL YOKAI" characters into soft vinyl art toys in Japan! ☆

Sofubi Crowdfund Project Promo Video (with English CC)
please share this project page and not the just the video

WHAT IS SOFUBI?
Sofubi is an abbreviation for soft vinyl. It is a type of figure that is hollow inside and is commonly referred to as a soft vinyl doll. Soft vinyl dolls are usually monsters, mascots, or original characters. Recently, soft vinyl dolls or art toys are being collected as art rather than as toys.
full explanation on my YOUTUBE channel
Design → prototype creation → wax mold → mold creation → paint mask creation → soft vinyl molding → painting/assembly - all done by hand and made in Japan.

EYEBALL YOKAI CONCEPT
I have loved Japanese yokai folktales since I was little. I also like the mix of cuteness and strangeness. I combined them to create original characters called "Eyeball Yokai".
These are cute and mysterious "Eyeball Yokai". They're mischievous but very friendly yokai.
This is "Medama Zukin-chan" who is always energetic and loves adventures. She knows that her three-eyed face is a bit strange, so she drew a big, cute smile on her hoodie. She loves to explore new places with her friends.
Next is "Medama Paakaa-kun" who is sometimes a little grumpy but deep down inside he is always ready to play. He pretends to be a scary monster, but he is actually really very kind.
Each yokai have 5 eyes each. Zukin-chan has 3 + 2. And Paakaa-kun has 4 + 1. It may be a little hard to see, but Paakaa-kun has a secret eye on the back of his hoodie!
If you are ever nervous or scared of new places, Zukin-chan and Paakaa-kun are great friends to have by your side. Enjoy discovering new places. And let's have fun and make friends together in this mysterious world. ♡♡♡

ABOUT EYEBALL YOKAI SOFUBI
The designs of the "Eyeball Yokai" were meticulously designed. Because of their similar shapes and colors, they appear to come from the same magical world. However, each one has its own personality and can be unique.
*Please note that this is not a final prototype. Details still need to be discussed with a professional.
We put a lot of heart and thought into their designs. I have lots of fun ideas about these characters in the future.
Medama Zukin-chan will have 4 pieces (head, torso, and 2 arms), and Medama Paakaa-kun will have 2 pieces (head and torso). Please note that the collar on Medama Zukin-chan's headwear will be attached to either the head or the torso. I would like it to be attached on the head if possible. Professional consultation is still required.
Also, if we raise enough funds, we will have a third piece (a removable hoodie) for Paakaa-kun. However, this will only happen if extra funds are raised (e.g., 125% or more of the final goal), otherwise, he will only have the two parts.
I specifically designed their hoodies so that in the future they can be easily decorated with customizations like different colors, themes, etc.

SPECIFICATIONS
The prototypes were handmade by me in clay.
*This is an image of the prototypes. Final product may be slightly changed during production.
The mold is not yet completed, so I do not know the exact size, but at the time of prototyping, the figures were around 14-15 cm. After the soft vinyl molding, it will shrink a few percent, so the final size will be within 12-13 cm in height. It is the perfect size for carrying around and taking pictures.
There are two types of soft vinyl figures available. Each figure will be assembled and hand painted by me, the artist.
*The sofubi in the Return Plans will be fully painted in their original colors.
*The design and specifications to be delivered are subject to change.
*Please note that the return may be delayed due to the progress of soft vinyl production.
*About the delivery: In case of delay or late delivery due to various reasons, will keep you informed.

INTRODUCTION OF THE RETURN GOODS
There are a total of 10 types of return plans. In addition to soft vinyl toys, there will also be items exclusive to this crowdfunding campaign! The images shown are pre-production images. The actual design of the items to be delivered may differ. You can also choose from many return plan options. Simple support, one character or a pair of characters, etc.
*The product photos are just samples.
➊ Thank you letter
(e.g. final design may be subject to change)
➋ Keyholder "size 76.2mm high x 76.2mm wide"
The acrylic keyholder is designed to match the theme of "CAMPFIRE"'s brand.
This design is only available through this crowdfunding campaign.
(e.g. final design may be subject to change)
➌ Illustration card set "3 cards, size A6, 100x148mm"
This design is only available through this crowdfunding campaign.
(e.g. final design may be subject to change)
➍ Sticker Sheet "A6 Size"
This design is only available through this crowdfunding campaign.
(e.g. final design may be subject to change)
➎ Sofubi figure of Medama Zukin-chan (soft vinyl material)
1 soft vinyl figure (Standard Color Ver.)
➏ Sofubi figure of Medama Paakaa-kun (soft vinyl material)
1 soft vinyl figure (Standard Color Ver.)
➐ Hand-drawn mini illustration card "13.5 cm (H) x 12 cm (W)"
*NOTE: This last item is only available through the Japan Crowdfund site. Sorry, not available on Ko-fi Shop.
The content of the illustration on the autograph card cannot be specified. *You will receive a hand-drawn illustration similar to the example images. Limited to 40 people.
(e.g. the final design may be subject to change)
There are three types of designs:
Super Special "Paakaa-kun" plan is a design of Medama Paakaa-kun (limited to 10).
Super Special "Zukin-chan" plan is a design of Medama Zukin-chan (limited to 10).
Super Special "Eyeball Yokai" plan has designs of both Medama Zukin-chan and Medama Paakaa-kun (limited to 20).
Charlie will draw an illustration for each piece with all her heart and soul. Please support us as soon as possible, as quantities are limited!
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Please note that the scheduled return date may pass depending on the progress of production. Please be aware of this before purchasing.
Please note that the design and specifications may be subject to change.
Please note that there is a possibility that the return date will be delayed due to the progress of soft vinyl production.
About the delivery: In case of delay or late delivery due to various reasons, we will keep you informed.
The production status of the sofubi will be posted on the CAMPFIRE/KO-fi project pages and Charlie's SNS as needed.
*Hashtags to follow on SNS :
#EyeballYokai #MedamaZukinChan #MedamaPaakaaKun
#アイボール妖怪 #目玉ズキンちゃん #目玉パーカーくん *

HOW TO USE FUNDS
▶ Prototypes (2 figures) ➤ 0 yen because I made them myself
▶ Wax Molds (2 figures) ➤ 230,000-250,000 yen or more
▶ Metal Molds (2 figures) ➤ 150,000-170,000 yen or more
▶ Soft vinyl material and production cost (2 figures) ➤ Depends on the number of pieces produced
▶ Misc expenses, printing and packaging materials, etc. ➤ 70,000-80,000 yen or more
▶ Paint masks (about 11 masks) ➤ 20,000 yen each
▶ Hand painting and assembly ➤ 0 yen because I made it myself
▶ CAMPFIRE commission ➤ 17% plus 10% consumption tax
▶ Ko-fi commission ➤ zeroOverall, the estimated cost is very high for an individual to produce.
This is the absolute lowest cost estimate. More will be needed in the end.
All return items will be produced by my own funds and the crowdfunding support.
It will also be used for the CAMPFIRE fees.
Even if you consider the minimum cost of sculpting, assembly, painting and other things I can do by myself, the cost is beyond the estimated amount... It will cost more than the above.
There is a possibility that returns will be delayed due to the progress of the soft vinyl production.
The final selling price of the sofubi products have yet to be determined.

SCHEDULE
♦ 2023 ♦
♦ February 1st CROWDFUND project starts (7pm/19:00JST)
♦ March 31st: CROWDFUND project completes (11:59pm/23:59JST)
♦ Late summer to early fall: Return items will be delivered (we will update this page if there is any progress)The above schedule is subject to change depending on the situation at the mass-production plant.
Returns may be delayed due to sofubi production progress.
At the moment, delivery is scheduled for around November, but I'd like it to be sooner.
I will report on the progress of the project as needed. Thank you for your understanding.

ABOUT ME
I am from Arizona, USA. I have been an exchange student in Japan twice, once in high school and once in Uni. After university I worked hard to return to Japan, including working at Disneyland in the U.S. In 2016 I finally achieved my goal and now live in Osaka with my husband and adorable doggy.
Full video of my self introduction on my Youtube channel
I have loved drawing and making things since I was a child. I also love collecting figures, models, and toys. And of course, I love Japan and everything about it. So I decided to combine my passions and create my dream project.
Art, Toys and Japan: .... Ta-da! Of course it's sofubi!
I have always loved being creative. Arts and crafts are my passion. Collecting toys is my joy. My dreams came together and became Art Toys. I have always been interested in Japanese soft vinyl art toys. I know it is a big challenge and a difficult dream, but I would love to make it come true.
♡ I hope you will enjoy my "Eyeball Yokai" sofubi art toys! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

IN THE END
Thank you for reading this far❣
I would like to challenge crowdfunding so that everyone can have a chance to own one of my sofubi toys. I thought becoming an art toy creator in Japan was just a dream. But if I reach my goal, I will be able to deliver the sofubi to you. So I hope you will support me. I hope that many people will be able to welcome my "Eyeball Yokai" into your homes.
I will be very happy if I can achieve this goal with everyone's help.
Thank you very much❣ ♡♡♡♡

REMEMBER.. if you're outside of Japan
YOU CAN SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!
ko-fi.com/charliemakin
no account needed! any amount will help! THANK YOU! ♡

For now, you can only receive the limited illustration cards through the Japanese Crowdfund Page.
But everything else will be available on both 'CAMPFIRE' and 'KO-FI'.
Sorry and Thank You. ♡

FAQ FOR CAMPFIRE CROWDFUNDING WEBSITE:
▼Q1: What are the payment methods for supporting the project?
▲A1: They accept credit card and Paypal payment or (Japan only) payment at convenience stores (major convenience stores nationwide), bank transfer, au Kantan Settlement, Softbank Collective Payment/Y-Mobile Collective Payment, Famipay, PayPal, and PayPay.▼Q2: What happens if I wrongly support?
▲A2: We are sorry, but we do not accept any changes, cancellations, or refunds for selected returns.▼Q3: How many return plans can one person purchase?
▲A3: There is no particular purchase limit. Multiple return plans can be supported. If you wish to make a payment at the same time, please select "Continue to select another return" when selecting a return. If you wish to support more than one return plan, please select the quantity at the time of support. (If you wish to support more than one return plan, please select the quantity at the time of support.) Please note that even if you support more than one course, you will be charged a CAMPFIRE system fee for each support.▼Q4: How can I ask questions about the project?
▲A4: If you have any questions or comments about the project, please contact the project owner (CharlieMakinToys) via the message function on CAMPFIRE or email [email protected].▼Q5: Will there be a separate cost for supporting the project?
▲A5: Yes, there will be a separate CAMPFIRE system usage fee for each support.
Support amount less than 10,000 yen→250 yen (tax included)
More than 10,000 yen → 2.5% of the support amount (tax included)▼Q6: Is it possible to support from outside Japan?
▲A6: Returns for this project will be sent only to those who live in Japan.
If you live outside Japan, you can get a proxy Japanese address from the following service.
https://www.tenso.com/en

BUT IT IS HIGHLY RECOMENDED TO SUPPORT ME THROUGH KO-FI INSTEAD IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE OF JAPAN

Contact

EMAIL: [email protected]

CROWDFUND PROJECT OFFICIALLY STARTS FEB.1st TO MARCH 31st!
SUPPORT ME ON CAMPFIRE JAPAN!
account needed and "Japan address" required
OR.... SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!
no account needed! any amount will help!
♡ THANK YOU! ♡

CHARLIEMAKIN.COM

©2023 Charlie☆Makin