Before finding out about the 3D printing course, I already had heard of 3D printing. I also had already purchased and collected a few vinyl figures of my own for about a year. I had some unanswered questions as to what exactly I wanted to create, and how I was going to create it. Also, who would actually want to buy my art, and for how much could it be worth. I wondered if it was easy to get designer toys made. I remember researching to sending sketches to China to have them made in bulk, but it was very pricey.

Now having created milestones for myself and focused my attention and time to one specific area, I have been able to get a better idea of where I stand. I know I want to create small designer toys, I know I want start with the iModela 3D printer, I know by when I will be able to have it and what price range I can sell them for given there is a market for it. I feel like I have been able to take notes from my mind and put them into existence for me to reflect upon through this blog.

I still have milestone 7 to work on, which will take a little longer, especially since I need to do more research. It was pretty difficult finding information on the designer toy industry. As the industry grows this upcoming year, I know I will be able to learn much more as I still have unanswered questions about the market, including customers, competitors, buyers and suppliers. I’d like to get more specific insight.

Next, I would like to continue saving up for the iModela and start creating some sketches for my art design collection. I have a full year until next december to build on my sketches when I can start using iModela’s design software to make them reality.

For anyone looking to get into the vinyl toy field, I suggest going out there and first purchasing a few of them, sketching/painting a munny or dunny doll, and taking a walk through some of New York City’s designer toy stores. It’s a great starting place and it is what pushed me to become interested in joining the modern fun field.