What is your current level of experience in freelance work?
We are a startup toy brand launching a line of kawaii-style plush toys with muscular, bodybuilder-inspired bodies. Think Squishmallows meets gym humor. We’re looking for a skilled plush toy designer to help us bring our characters to life, starting with one animal (a gray cat). If the first project goes well, this will expand into a full 3- to 4-character initial lineup. *We have mockups prepared for reference/discussion purposes. Scope: - Create a kawaii-style character illustration of a plush gray cat with a simplified muscular physique. - Design must be appropriate for plush manufacturing — soft contours, no small detached parts. - Deliver 3-view turnaround (front, side, back) - Develop a production-ready tech pack with: --Dimensions --Fabric callouts --Color references (Pantone or Hex) --Notes for stuffing zones and plush proportions Style: - Plush, kawaii-style proportions (larger head, smaller body) - Similar aesthetic to Squishmallows, San-X, or Amuse plushes - Facial features: Embroidered black whiskers (2 per cheek), pink blush cheeks, soft smile - Minimal anatomical detailing (no nipples, no harsh lines — more “puffy flexing”) Deliverables: - 3-view illustration (AI/PSD preferred) - Tech pack (PDF or Illustrator) - All working files (PSD, AI, or Procreate files) - Color guides Qualifications: - Experience designing plush toys or cut-and-sew stuffed animals - Familiarity with toy manufacturing processes and limitations - Portfolio showcasing kawaii, chibi, or soft character design - Ability to deliver clean, manufacturer-friendly files - Good communication and responsiveness Budget: - Please submit your fixed price quote for one character. Timeline: - We’d like to begin this project ASAP and finalize the first design within a couple weeks. However emphasis is on quality.