How are they made?
The process to make a Thoodle is both super easy and complex. As far as their creation goes, a Thoodle can be made in any possible way you can imagine, whether that is doodled on a scrap piece of paper, or made out of the art supplies you’ve got lying around. It doesn’t matter what it's made out of, just that you’ve been creative and made it! So that's the simple easy answer, and at first that was how I created them. But now there is a slightly more complex process to it.
This is Arfa, he’s my latest Thoodle creation and probably the best way to show you the creative process.
Doodle
First off I have an idea it doesn't matter if it's come naturally or you’ve had to coax it out with prompts and help. This is when I get the bare bones down, a quick image to represent the character
Refining sketch
This is where I ‘draw up’ the first doodle, it's about making it smoother, working out the exact details about their face, hands and everything else. Basically you are taking the initial idea and turning it into an actual character. This step of the process can take a while, as you can revise and keep altering bits until you’re happy.
Sculpting
Now here is where it can get a bit complex. Because I use a 3D printer for my models, I have to sculpt them in 3D on my laptop. For this I use a piece of software called Blender, it’s free to use and fairly user friendly once you’ve learnt the basics. Essentially you have to take the flat 2D image that you’ve drawn and visualise it in 3 dimensions. Then, depending on how it's going to look, use basic shapes to create the basic shape of the Thoodle. Once the base body is down, you can then go in and add detail. For Arfa that would be his fur, his face and his horns.
When you are sculpting a model in 3D you have to think about how it will print and stand. For example when I had initially designed Arfa I hadn't thought about how his horns would work practically on the model. So when sculpting I had to make changes to them so that he wouldn’t tip over and the horns would print properly. These changes had to be made in order to turn the original doodle into a 3D figure.
Testing
This is the exciting bit! Once all the designing and sculpting are done then you finally get to print a small version of him out to check that everything works as it should. Should the test print go well then the model is already to be printed up on a bigger scale!
Paint
This step is often not needed as I have coloured filaments that I use so they are printed in the colour they should be instead of printing and painting each one.
But for me, I like to spend the time with the figure, painting, detailing and getting to know them. It might sound strange but it’s during this time the Thoodles often name themselves, show me their personality and develop as fully rounded characters.
Final changes
Here is where if there were any changes made to the design during the sculpting process, I go back to the original artwork and alter it so that it best aligns with what the 3D version looks like. This is just so that they are both easily recognizable as the same Thoodle.
Now you have seen the creation of a Thoodle, and the steps it takes for each one to be brought to life in a 3D figure. It can be difficult at times, especially if they don’t want to help (Looking at you Tipley) but the longer it takes the more time I get to spend with them.
The important thing to remember if you want to create your own Thoodle, is that the process can be as short and easy, or as long and complex as you like! They’re your Thoodle which means their creation can be however you want, as long as you have fun and enjoy yourself they will turn out great!
If you do make any of your own Thoodles I would love to see them! Send them to me @worldofthoodles on instagram or facebook.
Matt and the Gang
