Beeto
Beeto is a designer toy project lead by professor Ben Light at NYU-ITP. Designer toys is a movement started about two decades ago. Inspired by Japanese toy collectable culture, this movement is brought to the world by Paul Budnitz, founder of Kidrobot. Designer toys are collectibles created by artists or designers. Through this course, I designed a designer toy from scratch. For more information of the design and fabrication process, please visit the my Blogpost or instagram.
Sketch
I start exploring different directions with a series of sketches. I use the method of combining two to three key words as a theme or feature. After a few sketches, I like the idea of a cute, spherical insects. so I move onto sculpting
Process
I start with a foam sphere as the body, carve out the split lines. The legs and eyes are 3d printed, then sanded and finished. Finally the eyes are glued on the body, and the legs are pegged in so its removable.
Packaging
A paper box with holes on the top and shredded paper inside, the packaging is inspired by boxes that children use for catching and keep bugs as pets. I want to keep the mood light, and create the idea that this is a real pet that one can keep, not just a toy.
Finish
Appropriation
In designer toys, it’s common to see appropriation of different artist’s work. I combined the Beeto with some toy designers’ work that i like
