This time, we received a commission from FRS, who wanted to develop a series of products for their in-house mascot characters and asked what kinds of products we could manufacture.
We invited the client to Yeye Company for a face-to-face discussion. In our sample showroom, we displayed a wide range of products we have produced over the years, including keychains, fully 3D figurines, phone charms, and fridge magnets. After fully understanding the client’s needs, allowing the client to gain a clear understanding of our manufacturing capabilities, and going through several rounds of discussion, the client decided to produce three refrigerator magnets:
1) FRS – Baseball Chicken
2) FRS – Superman Chicken
3) FRS – Gift Chicken
Without further delay, we began the sampling process immediately after receiving the design files.
1) FRS – Baseball Chicken
The artwork provided by the client was very clear, including both front and side views, which allowed us to easily capture the proportions and 3D appearance during clay sculpting.
Compared with the other two designs, this one is thicker. The client hoped it could stand steadily without wobbling, and that the stitching details on the baseball would be clearly defined. In general, the clearer the client’s requirements are, the smoother and faster the production process becomes—after all, only the client truly knows which details are the key focus of the product.
After several days of clay sculpting, we provided photos of the clay model from multiple angles for the client’s confirmation:
In most cases, photos are sufficient; if needed, we also record videos for client confirmation.
Once the clay model is confirmed as OK, it is used to create the production mold, and the clay model itself will be destroyed at this stage. If any design changes are requested after this point, an additional sampling fee will be required, as both the clay model and the mold must be remade.
After reviewing the clay model, the client quickly confirmed that no further modifications were needed, allowing us to proceed to the hand-painted sample stage:
For our refrigerator magnets, the magnet is buried inside the back of the product. This method does not affect magnetic strength and, more importantly, prevents the magnet from falling off over time. Externally attached magnets may loosen due to long-term use or temperature changes. From both the client’s and end users’ perspectives, we believe buried magnets provide superior product quality compared to surface-attached magnets.
As for packaging, the client requested transparent PET boxes, which are not only visually appealing but also provide protection against impact and breakage.
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2) FRS – Superman Chicken
The Superman Chicken design is relatively thinner. By clearly sculpting the coin-shaped background, the overall piece gains a stronger 3D effect.
Once the design artwork was confirmed, we immediately arranged the clay sculpting process:
Depending on the situation, we usually present the clay model to the client in 2–3 stages. Initially, a rough prototype is created to show the overall direction and proportions. After client confirmation, we gradually refine the details. This approach allows the client to track progress while ensuring our production direction is correct.
After several revisions and once the client confirmed that the clay model shape was satisfactory, we proceeded with mold-making and produced the hand-painted sample:
The finished cartoon-style magnet features bright colors and an attractive design. The client again requested PET box packaging for both protection and visual appeal.
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3) FRS – Gift Chicken
The final design, Gift Chicken, is similar to the Superman Chicken in that it has a relatively flat profile.
During production, it was essential to sculpt all the ribbon lines on the gift box. Although the ribbon and box appear flat in the design artwork, clear boundary lines are necessary to serve as guides during painting. Without these lines, painted details may vary in thickness and lose consistency.
Following our usual process, we photographed the clay model from multiple angles for client confirmation, and did the same for the painted samples.
After the client confirmed that the shape was OK with no further revisions required, we created the mold and produced the hand-painted sample:
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At this stage, all three hand-painted samples were completed. We provided two pieces of each sample to the client to keep as reference standards for mass production.
Once the client receives the mass-produced items, these samples can be used to compare colors and shapes against the original approved versions.
**Paints used in mass production are freshly mixed by hand in large batches after the order is placed, so slight color variations compared to the samples are unavoidable. We appreciate the client’s understanding in this regard.**