Design and Concept Development
Before any physical squishy toy is made, it all starts with a concept. The design phase is crucial, where artists and designers come up with creative and engaging characters, objects, or foods that resonate with people.
In order to create better designs, we sometimes use clay sculpting for replication. To spark more inspiration, we also go to the beach and build rough models out of sand, helping us to better visualize and refine our ideas.
Material Selection
The next step is selecting the right material. Most squishy toys are made from polyurethane (PU) foam, a versatile and flexible material that allows for the slow-rebound effect that people love. The foam's density is critical as it determines how soft and durable the toy will be.
Some squishies are infused with scents, like strawberry or vanilla, adding an extra sensory element to the product. The selection of scent depends on the toy’s theme—fruits, desserts, or even bread!
Moulding the squishy design
Once the design is finalized and the material chosen, it’s time to create a mold. Instead of silicone molds, we use aluminum molds for added precision and durability. The liquid polyurethane is injected into the mold, where it begins to expand and take shape as it reacts with air. As a result, the development costs are quite high due to the complexity and quality of the aluminium moulds, but they ensure that the final product meets the highest standards of detail and durability.
Painting and Detailing
Once the squishy has solidified, it is removed from the mould and goes through the painting process. This is where the magic happens! Skilled workers hand-paint the toys, adding fine details such as facial expressions, colours, and patterns that bring the design to life. In some cases, machines are used to spray on base colours, while intricate details are completed by hand to ensure accuracy.