That 3D printed versions of children’s sketches were going to be a significant trend in the consumer adoption of additive technology was clear from the very beginning of the new 3D printing growth cycle. Now, a Spanish startup wants to take this trend to the next level by launching Moyupi, a Kickstarter project that 3D prints children’s drawings of their imaginary pals, making them look like real children’s toys.
The very first projects that sought to make physical version out of kids drawings focused on binder jetting color technology, which meant that the toys were delicate and not exactly ideal for a child to play with. The Moyupis on the other hand, will be 3D printed in PLA and then colored to make them fully personalized.
Moyupi, which is also the name of the company behind the project, plans on making a real brand out of it, with key-chains, adhesives, and more merchandising. In case you are still wondering, a Moyupi is defined as “a toy coming straight out of a child’s imagination. It is the only one in the world they can fully design, with absolutely no creative limitations.”
The drawing is transformed into a 3D models through an unspecified digital sculpting software. It is then sent to a 3D printer before it goes back to the humans on the team for hand painting and varnishing with child safe products.
Right now, you can get an Early Bird special on your own Moyupi size S for just €30. Other sizes are also available to help the team reach its €10,000 minimum funding goal. Stretch goals include the development of a Drawing App at €12,000 and – upon reaching significantly higher budgets of €30,000 and €50,000 – even a video game or YouTube miniseries.
If Moyupi is able to stand out in the multi-billion dollar toy industry, TV series and games might come along either way: just about every child has had an imaginary friend at one time or another and that makes for a virtually limitless creative bucket. Now, every child can have his or her own Moyupi to play with. When they grow up, they will probably also want their own Moyupi car.
