2021

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20cm Plush Dolls

Sector

Entertainment and fan culture

Role

Project management

Art direction

Branding

Platform

Capturing the mesmerising charm of idols into a 20cm doll

In the early stages of my UJUNG journey, I had a really strong desire to possess more merchandise for my cherished WJSN group that fueled my creative spirit. A popular trend of 20cm dolls inspired by K-pop idols dominated the scene, yet this phenomenon predominantly favoured boy groups. The realm of girl groups with 20cm dolls seemed reserved for the giants like BLACKPINK, leaving my less popular group yearning for representation.

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*UJUNG is wjsn fanclub!

The process

In the face of this apparent void, a bold idea blossomed. "What if I could redefine the UJUNG landscape and become the catalyst for change?"

Determined to bridge the gap and fill the niche that official channels overlooked, I took the plunge into entrepreneurial creativity. Designing and producing prototypes became my mission, intending not just to own but to share these unique creations with fellow fans.

Making of Bona plushie

Step 1: Moodboard

For my first moodboard I did pink hair Bona as it was a look for the books! It is a fan favourite. I am particularly attached to this stage as it was the stage that made me into a fan.

Step 2: Ideation

Tried to simply the outfit into generic shapes but keeping in line to ensure the key details such as belt, the cloth tucked between the collar and vest are inside! Explored various mouth features as well

I had a lot of fun during this stage. How should I translate this outfit into a 20cm doll where its head will definitely be bigger than its body?

This was final design! Had to include the pantone colours so that the supplier would be able to select the fabric needed for my plyshie.

Step 3: Feedback

It was exciting waiting for my supplier to come back with the first sample of the design! I felt that this supplier really translated my design well. However I didn’t really liked how the hair piece was just a fabric. So I suggested to include padding to the hair to make it appear to have more depth.

Step 4: Final Sample

There is nothing more satisfying that having what you envision in your mind becoming a tangible item. I was so satisfied with the out come that I grew an interest in wanting to create more dolls for the other members!

Making of Seola plushie

Step 1: Moodboard

For my second doll, I went with my bias seola! I chose “Easy” music video as it was one of my favourite seola look during this era. Full of charisma....

Step 2: Ideation

One of the few challenges I had while translating this doll was how do I translate the accessories involved in this outfit? The harness used was simple but if the details aren’t done right it will look like a band instead of a harness.

Step 3: Feedback

This time I engaged a different supplier than the one I used for Bona! I wanted to experiment on which supplier could execute my design as close as possible. I must say I did like the overall look produced for this doll. However I did not like the material used for the doll’s hair. I had feed back to change the material and send reference on how we could further improve on the hair.

Step 4: Final Sample

I sent reference of saiki k dolls as it was the closest to what I wanted in terms of fabric material and how it was sewn in

For the last adjustment, I asked the supplier to keep the “eyeliner” black to create more contrast against the pupils. I personally found the eyeliner in the first sample a bit distracting, and I thought it would be better to make it black to anchor the colors. Sewing in the bangs also made the overall look more seamless and not out of place. I really liked this look, and it taught me to be patient when requesting modifications. Initially, I was afraid to ask the supplier for changes, thinking I might be taking up too much of their time. However, good communication is essential for a better quality product.

Challenges

To understand whether my idea had real potential, I carried out a survey to gauge interest within the community. The response was incredible, confirming that there was a real demand for something more... something designed specifically for our group. But despite all the encouragement, I hesitated when it came to setting the initial price.

I worried about getting it wrong and making it less accessible, which held me back. It was a defining moment where fear and ambition clashed, and I found myself at the crossroads of creativity and courage, ready to take the next step in turning my passion into reality.

More works

(c.) 2021—2024

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