Tiny Cuppa Tea R&D by Lunartik / Q&A with Matt JOnes

Waitaminute! That Lunartik in A Cuppa in the image above looks kinda small, doesn't it? Hardly the 6.5 inch tall figure that has been touring around UK for the past few months, innit? Has creator Matt JOnes' hands and fingers grown exponentially all these while? Or is it a new re-sized Tiny Cuppa figure? CLICKING THRU to find out in a wee Q&A with Matt! ... Gawds but I feel like I need an expresso right about now ...


TOYSREVIL: First up, why the resize to a smaller Cuppa?

MATT JONES: More fun, cuter and lots of flavours, also and i can have some cool special pieces. When these are finally tooled up i will supply you with more images of them.

TOYSREVIL: Yumz! Looking forward to them! As yummy as they look, I couldn't help but wonder about what problems would have presented themselves in design/production? Especially when compared to it's larger version?

MATT JONES: Its my first go at project managing a smaller toy.
The design process so far has been to model up the tiny tea as a prototype.
I have sent it away to be produced, we still have to get a price for this.


(Putting together a miniature Cuppa Tea)
MATT JONES: In production we will be using an injection moulding method, this comes with its own problems but we will wait till i see s sample before these will emerge. To make sure it all runs smoothly i will hopefully over-see production myself and get a detailed account from china.

I think the paint jobs will be my main concern, but i think we can iron this out quite quickly.


(Casting Lunaartik's eyes, sculpting and spraying a tiny cuppa body)
TOYSREVIL: Crossing me fingers+toes for you, sir! Any scheduled release-dates so far?

MATT JONES: Good question... i have a job list of things to do before i will release these little brews.

First stage prototyping, which you can see in the image supplied. Then off to the factory to get a mould prototype from china.
Then i will have to amend anything i don't like and re-prototype and approve this production. While all this is going on in the far east, back in the UK i have to think about the packaging and marketing. If i tell you i hope to be ready by August 2010 i will be happy about this as it was the same launch time for the larger tea's back in 2009.


(Assembling a tiny cuppa to send to China)
TOYSREVIL: Perfect for a year's anniversary, methinks! As adorably miniature as they look, would there be multiple colorways? Blind-boxed?

MATT JONES: Hell yeah, Lovely flavours of world tea! I cant tell you which ones yet, but i promise to have a few great specials in the mix.

Blind boxed... yep, i'm just working on the packaging for this.


TOYSREVIL: Between designing, creating and customizing, tis a wonder you'd be able to catch a breath! And when you so, what's your favorite tea?

MATT JONES: Well this week i bought a packet of Yorkshire Tea, not saying i'm not a fan of other brands out there only the other week i bought some PG tips. If any one out there wants to send me some tea for me to try i would be happy to give it a try.

I hope everyone will enjoy a lovely cuppa tea with me this year!
Cheers,
JOnes

[Original images can be found on Matt's flickr]