<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/2011/05/crizl-commission/"><a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01-e1304228738994-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3369" /></a></a><p><a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/2011/05/crizl-commission/"><span class="important">17 pictures attached.</span> Read this post for the full-size pics and more »</a></p>
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<strong>Plushie by <a href="http://planetgoboom.com/">Crizl</a>.</strong>
For those that have no idea what this is, last year I commissioned Crizl of PlanetGoBoom.com to create a life-size plush rendition of <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/characters/brask/">Brask</a>. One rule stated there is that she would not create anything sexual in nature, so this is a "clean" version, which I'm OK with. Most of the plushies she created are rather small in size, so this may have come as a challenge for her. Nevertheless, she happily accepted the project, and for a low price.
The project originally planned to include creation of Brask's clothing, hence <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/2011/04/brask-dressed-plush-model-sheets/">the reference sheets I posted a few weeks ago</a>, but the clothing was scrapped for time and financial reasons.
The project that was supposed to take no more than 4 months is finally done after 8 months. Jab aside, I won't knock Crizl for using extra time. I'm a firm believer in taking time to do things right, though was this truly the case here? I'll let you know as I review this plushie using a standard grading scale over various aspects.
Note: The plush is actually a very dark black, but I've lightened many of these photos to enhance the detail.
The overall shape and proportions of the plush are pretty close to spot on. Technically, it's a bit big, at 34" (it should be 28.5"), with most of the extra length around the legs. However, this is negligible. A simple wire "skeleton" was created inside the plush for easier posing. It's a nice touch, and stays out of the way of the plushness.
Wire looped through each toe allows for individual positioning. Toes can be pushed together or spread apart. Very cool. Unfortunately, the wire can be prominently felt through the smaller two toes on each foot, but it's not a big deal. The style of the feet is a little odd, with toes slightly smaller than reference and more spread out, but they fit the overall shape and size rather well. The soles are particularly featureless, but I wasn't expecting much there anyway. The biggest downer is that the shape of the right foot doesn't quite match the shape of the left foot. It's a subtle difference, but I notice it.
The legs are simple, but have well done subtle shaping. It's hard to tell from the front or back, but the side view reveals the craftsmanship. The "knees" are normally fixed straight, but allow for a bit of bend to them with constant pressure applied. The thigh/waist intersection is rather inflexible, though I never made that a requirement. The rump is not "DAT ASS" size, unfortunately, but still can be seen as a rump. A bit more junk in the trunk would have earned this section a 10, but as it is, very solid work.
Nice curves on chest and belly. Perhaps more stuffing could have been used on the latter, but the portly look is still noticeable. The fact that he has no neck is a bit scary, but I'll go into that when I discuss the head. The nipples and navel are a nice touch, but firm felt material was used rather than something softer, which I had asked for.
The arms can be moved up and down, though the wire doesn't hold them in place. Elbows don't exist here, and thus what should be a joint is particularly rigid. There is a bit of shape to the shoulders and forearms though. Solid work, but nothing noteworthy.
The shape of the hands aren't perfect, but it's close enough for me. What's really great is that the fingers can be individually posed. Not only that, but the plush material is nicely wrapped around the wire, so the fingers remain nice and squishy. The palms are also pleasantly plush. It's hard to say the hands could be any better than this. Excellent work!
This one's difficult to break up into finer points as they relate so closely. In that case, the eyes, mouth, neck, and overall facial appearance are factored into this.
The head is, distressingly, the weakest part of the entire plush. Plush is certainly a tricky business to work with, but I've seen decent round-headed character likenesses out there. Furthermore, I know that, despite the anime-like style, <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/2008/04/a-foray-into-the-third-dimension/">(adult link:) the eyes and mouth can be rendered properly in 3D</a>. Here, the head is practically flat above the top of the eyes, and the plush material protrudes along the sides. The stitching was done really tight on top, and it looks like glue was used to seal the very summit, though I'm not sure why this was the case. At the very least, everything's symmetrical.
The eyes certainly look good their own. The shapes are perfect and the overlapping eyelids are nice. However, the eyes are made of some hard felt shit. Admittedly, I did want them stitched in, rather than the standard silkscreen treatment Crizl does. However, I intended softer and flatter material to be used. The eyes were done near the very end, so some corners were likely cut in the interest of time.
The mouth is problem-central. I realize this was probably difficult to create, and perhaps I let it slide by for too long in production without realizing what a mess it was (the WIP photos she sent aren't always perfectly clear), or maybe it only really became that way near the end. The open mouth really takes up too much of the space on the face. Furthermore, there is <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_12.jpg">a noticeable stitching error</a> inside. On the plus side, the tongue is a very cute touch, and the soft material feels great. The material inside the mouth, which is more smooth, is also pleasant to the touch.
The neck is... missing. I'm going to go ahead and take some blame on this, because it should have been apparent early on, and yet I didn't speak up about it. Still, the bottom line is that Brask clearly has a neck in the reference picture, so there should have been a neck on the plush.
<h3>Materials & Stitching: 9/10</h3>
The black microsuede used on the majority of the body isn't as soft and luxurious as I was hoping for, but it still feels nice. A lot of the pieces are pulled very taught, and I think this noticeably reduces the softness. In any case, this material was my choice, so I'll take responsibility for it.
The stitching looks boss. It may be too soon to tell, but I think this will hold up for quite some time, and I'm thankful for that.
The plush filling is dense, but soft. This makes me think it'll hold form better than most plushies, so that's a good thing.
The only problem is the hard felt material used on the eyes and elsewhere. It seems like a last minute choice, and a poor one.
<h3>Comfort: 7/10</h3>
There are a few issues inherent to the requested design that may largely be affecting this. For one thing, Brask is massive. He's still a little guy, but compared to other stuffed critters, he's like Godzilla. Cuddling with Brask is like cuddling with a person, not a small toy. He has firm parts. Smooth and squishy at the touch, but still firm overall. The big negative is the rough feel of the eye material, which I constantly find brushing against my face.
<h3>Price: 10/10</h3>
About $400 (including $50 for materials, and a $50 "tip" [read: bribe] for getting the finished plushie to me by today). Much cheaper than any other manufacturer I looked into.
<h3>Courtesy: 10/10</h3>
Crizl was always polite the entire way through. She never complained about my feedback, and was always open to suggestions. She did apologize for late updates and whatnot. Very pleasant to talk to.
<h3>Sincerity: 7/10</h3>
Despite the courtesy, Crizl didn't always live up to what she claimed she would do. She frequently promised updates that she did not uphold. She did deliver the plush by the recent due date I set, and I'll give points for that, but I think some aspects of quality were quietly sacrificed in balance.
<h3>Overall: 7/10</h3>
I think this is a good plush, but far from perfect. Naturally, some aspects may need to grow on me. Additionally, I will look into getting some elements of the plush fixed or enhanced by a good friend of mine who deals in this sort of thing.
I have to thank Crizl for finally getting the project finished! =}
<h3>XXXtra:</h3>
I mentioned that I'd find a way to give Brask some "equipment". If you're comfortable with seeing adult toys, look <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_x1.jpg">here</a> and <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_x2.jpg">here</a>.
It looks good as a whole, Ket. A shame about the head though. \:
The kinda reminds me of Kermit the frog now, which I'm not sure
is as good or a bad thing. xD
I've been meaning to ask you Ket, and I hope this curiosity isn't of
a bother, but, would you say that you in some way find the characters
you created attractive, sexually appealing?
The last two images made me think in more adult streaks. b:
I find the characters I create to be <em>incredibly</em> attractive and sexually appealing. Their creation was essentially spawned by combining various features I most adore. Well, some more than others, but they're all tailored to suit my needs.
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<strong>Plushie by <a href="http://planetgoboom.com/">Crizl</a>.</strong>
For those that have no idea what this is, last year I commissioned Crizl of PlanetGoBoom.com to create a life-size plush rendition of <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/characters/brask/">Brask</a>. One rule stated there is that she would not create anything sexual in nature, so this is a "clean" version, which I'm OK with. Most of the plushies she created are rather small in size, so this may have come as a challenge for her. Nevertheless, she happily accepted the project, and for a low price.
The project originally planned to include creation of Brask's clothing, hence <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/2011/04/brask-dressed-plush-model-sheets/">the reference sheets I posted a few weeks ago</a>, but the clothing was scrapped for time and financial reasons.
The project that was supposed to take no more than 4 months is finally done after 8 months. Jab aside, I won't knock Crizl for using extra time. I'm a firm believer in taking time to do things right, though was this truly the case here? I'll let you know as I review this plushie using a standard grading scale over various aspects.
Note: The plush is actually a very dark black, but I've lightened many of these photos to enhance the detail.
<h3>Form: 9/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01-e1304228738994-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3369" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_02.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_02-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_02" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3370" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_03.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_03-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_03" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3371" /></a>
The overall shape and proportions of the plush are pretty close to spot on. Technically, it's a bit big, at 34" (it should be 28.5"), with most of the extra length around the legs. However, this is negligible. A simple wire "skeleton" was created inside the plush for easier posing. It's a nice touch, and stays out of the way of the plushness.
<h3>Feet: 8/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_04.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_04-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_04" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3372" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_05.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_05-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_05" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3373" /></a>
Wire looped through each toe allows for individual positioning. Toes can be pushed together or spread apart. Very cool. Unfortunately, the wire can be prominently felt through the smaller two toes on each foot, but it's not a big deal. The style of the feet is a little odd, with toes slightly smaller than reference and more spread out, but they fit the overall shape and size rather well. The soles are particularly featureless, but I wasn't expecting much there anyway. The biggest downer is that the shape of the right foot doesn't quite match the shape of the left foot. It's a subtle difference, but I notice it.
<h3>Legs: 9/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_06.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_06-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_06" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3374" /></a>
The legs are simple, but have well done subtle shaping. It's hard to tell from the front or back, but the side view reveals the craftsmanship. The "knees" are normally fixed straight, but allow for a bit of bend to them with constant pressure applied. The thigh/waist intersection is rather inflexible, though I never made that a requirement. The rump is not "DAT ASS" size, unfortunately, but still can be seen as a rump. A bit more junk in the trunk would have earned this section a 10, but as it is, very solid work.
<h3>Torso: 8/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_07.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_07-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_07" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3375" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_08.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_08-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_08" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3376" /></a>
Nice curves on chest and belly. Perhaps more stuffing could have been used on the latter, but the portly look is still noticeable. The fact that he has no neck is a bit scary, but I'll go into that when I discuss the head. The nipples and navel are a nice touch, but firm felt material was used rather than something softer, which I had asked for.
<h3>Arms: 8/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_09.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_09-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_09" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3377" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_10.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_10-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_10" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3378" /></a>
The arms can be moved up and down, though the wire doesn't hold them in place. Elbows don't exist here, and thus what should be a joint is particularly rigid. There is a bit of shape to the shoulders and forearms though. Solid work, but nothing noteworthy.
<h3>Hands: 10/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_11.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_11-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_11" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3379" /></a>
The shape of the hands aren't perfect, but it's close enough for me. What's really great is that the fingers can be individually posed. Not only that, but the plush material is nicely wrapped around the wire, so the fingers remain nice and squishy. The palms are also pleasantly plush. It's hard to say the hands could be any better than this. Excellent work!
<h3>Head: 5/10</h3>
<a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_13.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_13-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_13" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3381" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_14.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_14-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_14" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3382" /></a><a class="additional-thumbnail" href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_15.jpg"><img src="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_15-150x150.jpg" alt="" title="crizl_2011_brask_plushie_15" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-3383" /></a>
This one's difficult to break up into finer points as they relate so closely. In that case, the eyes, mouth, neck, and overall facial appearance are factored into this.
The head is, distressingly, the weakest part of the entire plush. Plush is certainly a tricky business to work with, but I've seen decent round-headed character likenesses out there. Furthermore, I know that, despite the anime-like style, <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/2008/04/a-foray-into-the-third-dimension/">(adult link:) the eyes and mouth can be rendered properly in 3D</a>. Here, the head is practically flat above the top of the eyes, and the plush material protrudes along the sides. The stitching was done really tight on top, and it looks like glue was used to seal the very summit, though I'm not sure why this was the case. At the very least, everything's symmetrical.
The eyes certainly look good their own. The shapes are perfect and the overlapping eyelids are nice. However, the eyes are made of some hard felt shit. Admittedly, I did want them stitched in, rather than the standard silkscreen treatment Crizl does. However, I intended softer and flatter material to be used. The eyes were done near the very end, so some corners were likely cut in the interest of time.
The mouth is problem-central. I realize this was probably difficult to create, and perhaps I let it slide by for too long in production without realizing what a mess it was (the WIP photos she sent aren't always perfectly clear), or maybe it only really became that way near the end. The open mouth really takes up too much of the space on the face. Furthermore, there is <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_12.jpg">a noticeable stitching error</a> inside. On the plus side, the tongue is a very cute touch, and the soft material feels great. The material inside the mouth, which is more smooth, is also pleasant to the touch.
The neck is... missing. I'm going to go ahead and take some blame on this, because it should have been apparent early on, and yet I didn't speak up about it. Still, the bottom line is that Brask clearly has a neck in the reference picture, so there should have been a neck on the plush.
<h3>Materials & Stitching: 9/10</h3>
The black microsuede used on the majority of the body isn't as soft and luxurious as I was hoping for, but it still feels nice. A lot of the pieces are pulled very taught, and I think this noticeably reduces the softness. In any case, this material was my choice, so I'll take responsibility for it.
The stitching looks boss. It may be too soon to tell, but I think this will hold up for quite some time, and I'm thankful for that.
The plush filling is dense, but soft. This makes me think it'll hold form better than most plushies, so that's a good thing.
The only problem is the hard felt material used on the eyes and elsewhere. It seems like a last minute choice, and a poor one.
<h3>Comfort: 7/10</h3>
There are a few issues inherent to the requested design that may largely be affecting this. For one thing, Brask is massive. He's still a little guy, but compared to other stuffed critters, he's like Godzilla. Cuddling with Brask is like cuddling with a person, not a small toy. He has firm parts. Smooth and squishy at the touch, but still firm overall. The big negative is the rough feel of the eye material, which I constantly find brushing against my face.
<h3>Price: 10/10</h3>
About $400 (including $50 for materials, and a $50 "tip" [read: bribe] for getting the finished plushie to me by today). Much cheaper than any other manufacturer I looked into.
<h3>Courtesy: 10/10</h3>
Crizl was always polite the entire way through. She never complained about my feedback, and was always open to suggestions. She did apologize for late updates and whatnot. Very pleasant to talk to.
<h3>Sincerity: 7/10</h3>
Despite the courtesy, Crizl didn't always live up to what she claimed she would do. She frequently promised updates that she did not uphold. She did deliver the plush by the recent due date I set, and I'll give points for that, but I think some aspects of quality were quietly sacrificed in balance.
<h3>Overall: 7/10</h3>
I think this is a good plush, but far from perfect. Naturally, some aspects may need to grow on me. Additionally, I will look into getting some elements of the plush fixed or enhanced by a good friend of mine who deals in this sort of thing.
I have to thank Crizl for finally getting the project finished! =}
<h3>XXXtra:</h3>
I mentioned that I'd find a way to give Brask some "equipment". If you're comfortable with seeing adult toys, look <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_x1.jpg">here</a> and <a href="http://ket-ralus.com/journal/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_x2.jpg">here</a>.
Post Date (GMT): 2011-05-01 08:46:03
Image Post Date (GMT): 2011-05-01 05:43:14
Image GUID: 2011/04/crizl_2011_brask_plushie_01.jpg
Photo archive: http://ket-ralus.com/art_ex/10476.zip
The kinda reminds me of Kermit the frog now, which I'm not sure
is as good or a bad thing. xD
It seems the quest to obtain the perfect Brask plushie is far from over...
I've been meaning to ask you Ket, and I hope this curiosity isn't of
a bother, but, would you say that you in some way find the characters
you created attractive, sexually appealing?
The last two images made me think in more adult streaks. b: