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  Q1: So far I've been challenged to maintain integrity of self & craft in a world that is increasingly more interested in smash & grab endeavors. Once the trogs are made I'll have similar problems just on a larger scale. I am counting on a growing number of consciously aware consumers to embrace them. (3 pieces of advice)

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  by WhateverHeather 

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  06.17.08 | 07:19 PM

  One issue we may have is combatting our own desire to see a million people loving our art. Although it is possible for that amount of people to make us a success, we should keep in mind that sometimes local traditions are valuable while remaining local, but contrarily we are in a culture that tells us that our opinions/ideas/presence *should* be felt in every home across the globe. Even if you were the most organic eco-friendly sustainable producer of 1,000,000 toys, you are flooding the world with 1,000,000 toys that people are supposed to feel ownership of. If 500,000 of those toys sell, and the others don't, you just created 250 tons of organic eco-friendly sustainable ..... waste.
  
  Although it is not well accepted in a capitalist marketplace that tells us Supply and Demand are a natural hand-in-hand indicator of "the way things ought to be," it might be that people can feel appreciation for your art without feeling the need to actually own a piece of it.
  
  Having said that, if you ARE a huge seller, you can be happy that the whole thing was meant …moreto be :)

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  by MaurinQuina22 

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  06.23.08 | 09:03 PM

  I own a Snipette Troglodyte and I really love him! I used to collect German Teddy Bears so I have a lot of respect for Kathe Kruse and their work (although it actually isn't the oldest toy company in Germany. Kathe Kruse was established in 1905, while Steiff has been around since 1880). Given their fame for their dolls looking more like soft sculpture than simple toys, I can definitely see why you'd be interested in working with them. I also really respect the fact that you'd like to create your dolls with organic fabric. I have a few questions for you:
  
  1. Kathe Kruse merchandise is typically found in upscale children's boutiques, while your Troglodyte dolls are really popular with teenage and adult urban toy collectors. Do you think that you might alienate the current demographic that your Troglodytes appeal to by opting to have them produced by a company that doesn't really cater to, or appeal to, urban toy collectors? Have your dolls proven to be appealing to the types of people who would buy Kathe Kruse and other children's products rather than urban toys?
  
  …more2. While Kathe Kruse's products offer outstanding detail and fine craftsmanship, they are pricey and mass-produced. While Troglodytes also aren't cheap compared to, say, an Uglydoll, the painstaking detail that you put into each one and the fact that you make them all with your own hands makes them well worth the price. Do you think that your customers will feel that they're getting their money's worth if Troglodytes remain pricey due to the fact that they carry the Kathe Kruse brand name, but they aren't made specifically by you, making each one unique?
  
  3. Your Troglodytes are currently made from polyester polar fleece, and I'm guessing they're stuffed with poly-fil. What type of fabric would you use to make them and stuff them if you wanted them to be made of organic materials?
  
  Now, don't take any of this as me discouraging you, you've just piqued my curiosity. Keep up the great work! I adore my Snipette! :-)

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  by MaurinQuina22 

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  06.23.08 | 09:03 PM

  I own a Snipette Troglodyte and I really love him! I used to collect German Teddy Bears so I have a lot of respect for Kathe Kruse and their work (although it actually isn't the oldest toy company in Germany. Kathe Kruse was established in 1905, while Steiff has been around since 1880). Given their fame for their dolls looking more like soft sculpture than simple toys, I can definitely see why you'd be interested in working with them. I also really respect the fact that you'd like to create your dolls with organic fabric. I have a few questions for you:
  
  1. Kathe Kruse merchandise is typically found in upscale children's boutiques, while your Troglodyte dolls are really popular with teenage and adult urban toy collectors. Do you think that you might alienate the current demographic that your Troglodytes appeal to by opting to have them produced by a company that doesn't really cater to, or appeal to, urban toy collectors? Have your dolls proven to be appealing to the types of people who would buy Kathe Kruse and other children's products rather than urban toys?
  
  …more2. While Kathe Kruse's products offer outstanding detail and fine craftsmanship, they are pricey and mass-produced. While Troglodytes also aren't cheap compared to, say, an Uglydoll, the painstaking detail that you put into each one and the fact that you make them all with your own hands makes them well worth the price. Do you think that your customers will feel that they're getting their money's worth if Troglodytes remain pricey due to the fact that they carry the Kathe Kruse brand name, but they aren't made specifically by you, making each one unique?
  
  3. Your Troglodytes are currently made from polyester polar fleece, and I'm guessing they're stuffed with poly-fil. What type of fabric would you use to make them and stuff them if you wanted them to be made of organic materials?
  
  Now, don't take any of this as me discouraging you, you've just piqued my curiosity. Keep up the great work! I adore my Snipette! :-)

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• Advise

  What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
       (2 pieces of advice)

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  by gdpenney 

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  06.27.08 | 10:56 AM

  Remember the factory in Douglas, Az. We talked about this some time ago. They have the space, equipment, and available manpower. If it get's really big, they have access to a factory across the border in Agua Prieta, Mexico.
  
  Love ya, Grandpa.

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  by kathleenfasanella 

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  06.23.08 | 03:42 PM

  I don't agree you need to go to Germany to get this done, not with the dollar in the cesspool as it is. My idea of how you should spend the money is different.
  
  1. have production ready patterns made by someone who makes patterns for dies.
  2. You must have dies. Really.
  
  With those two things above, you'll have higher QC. You'd better believe the german company would be doing both those things before putting these into production and upon this, your costs are based. May as well do it yourself and reap the discount and on better terms of trade.
  
  3. You'll need to either find or develop a network of stitchers who like handwork. Hopefully one or two can be trained to help you paint. I don't know a contractor off hand who'd take this, it'd depend on items 1&2 above.
  
  4. You'll need equipment and workspace.
  
  5. You need a better website. I had to google your product to find photos of it.
  
  6. I'm guessing at this stage your customers are looking for you but that may change. If you're too hard to scare out of the woodwork…more, somebody is going to decide they can give your product a "makeover" -at a lower price point. You should read this article:
  http://www.fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/are_you_a_target.html

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