Whenever you go to a Con you always come across small but interesting companies. The NYCC was no different. So, here are 3 companies I saw. The first was called the Mighty Wallet. This company had a booth full of cool, “Green” thin and very durable wallets. They had many designs. $15.00 for a cool wallet!
The second company was Shawn Animals. Shawnimals is the Chicago-based design studio founded by Shawn “Shawnimal” Smith and his wife and business partner Jen Brody in 2002. In the near decade since Shawnimals’ inception they have received international recognition for their unique designs and the original line of character-branded products they’ve spawned. Beginning with a handful of simple yet endearing handmade plush toys, based on designs from Smith’s own sketchbooks, Shawnimals has blossomed into a full-fledged company making significant contributions to the world of designer toys and beyond.
Over 400 characters have emerged from the Shawnimals studio, all uniquely inspired by Smith’s lifelong love of pop-culture. The colorful assortment of characters – some which resemble food or others that are inspired by commonplace items, and still others that are based solely on imagination – have been conceptualized as a variety of multimedia products from comic books to apparel, video games, lifestyle accessories, and much more. Shawnimals has captured the imaginations of both young and old with their whimsical products that demonstrate a simplicity in design and a sense of humor enjoyable at any age.
“Bringing people together by way of strange yet cute stuffed creatures and other play things is the idea,” Smith says, “Or if nothing else, just make people smile.”
The last company is Stuffed Animal. “Through the magic of Leprechauns, Papa Smurf, Michael J. Fox, and all other things small, we make wee-sized, delightful stuffed animal versions of you.” In short, you give them a picture of yourself and poof…you are turned into a stuffed animal.
Take a look at the gallery. Interesting stuff.
I still have more NYCC coverage to post so keep on looking!
TG
