SOMA PAWS for 10 Things That Make You Tick (on TOYSREVIL)
TOYSREVIL: Who are you? What do you do?
SOMA PAWS: Hi Everyone. My name is Soma Paws. I’m a toy designer, illustrator and a cat in my own small studio called Soma Paws Studio. My previous work in the commercial industries has allow me to gather experiences from all of creators and I enjoy my time through out those years. But for me to take the leap of faith to become a full-time toy creator is about 2-3 years back.
TOYSREVIL: How did you start? What made you continue?
SOMA PAWS: I was diagnosed with Depression after finishing a major film project with a rather big company but it has totally sucked all the life out of me. I decided to take sometime back to reflect if I should just leave it all behind. After having a heart-to-heart talk with myself. I have decided it is time for me to leave that circle and focus on using my skills on another pet project passion that I have and that is making quirky and unique toys. If you are asking me what makes me wanna continue to do what I’m doing now it would have to be the peace and tranquillity making toys and sculptures brings to me.
TOYSREVIL: How long has it been? How far and for how long do you want to go?
SOMA PAWS: Toy creator wise is about 2 to 3 years. If you ask me to put a date to it. I would put it at 10000 years.
TOYSREVIL: Who has inspired you? Who inspires you? What inspires you?
SOMA PAWS: If you have been following me and my creations you would have easily guess that the person who inspired me the most would be the awesome Takayuki Takeya. Followed closely by Oyama Ryu. I have always been awed by sculptures which has a certain flesh and sinew feel to things.
Another thing is my unhealthy fascinations with Chinese Jumping Vampies. Or Jiang Shi as most of the folks know them about. But I think my obsession with researching them is abit too much.
Do you know there is at least 11 different types of categories of Jiang Shi and also there is up to 4 Jiang Shi Lords that stem and sprinkle throughout Chinese old "History" Books that is written by order from the Emperors. Yeah. This is me when I’m obsess with things. But of course, I also like to make cute toys. Come on… Cat… But sometime I also cannot help to add in a few of my favourite sculptor’s signature’s stuffs into my own toys. Hint Hint: prepare to find me at the next WF soon.
TOYSREVIL: Movies? Anime? Comicbook? Name your poison!
SOMA PAWS: Actually, Movies are my main choice of poison. Different movies genres and directors all have their own unique takes on things, how they set the scene and the way they tell story through the lens. I akin that to my philosophy of making toys and illustrations too. I would like collectors to think why this character is like this and why is it like that. There is nothing wrong with plotting out a story or universe for your creations as they are your own creations.
For me wise. I would like to take the "You can kinda piece them together"-type of deal. No one would mistake my Ghoulies and Slimey to be in the same universe as my Death Heads and Twisted Fairy tales’ toys. I’m more toward catering the toy collecting experiences to different collectors by giving them choices. You like something cute and sweet. I have them, you wanted something cool and wicked? I have them too. So thus, Welcome to wonderland.
TOYSREVIL: What do you collect? "TOYS" or others? Do they inform you of your ART?
SOMA PAWS: I do collect some, but mainly is for research purposes. But if you were to really drill in on what I like. It would have to be the Kamen Rider IP from Japan. I love those guys. I drew a lot of influences from the years of Kamen Rider’s rich history.
TOYSREVIL: Choose 1 piece of toy art/work that you think people would recognise and remember you for? And why you think it does?
SOMA PAWS: Frankly… I’m not that famous to have my own signature piece to share. But my current new toys the Ghoulies and Slimey I hope they would be one of the few pieces collectors would recognize me for.
TOYSREVIL: What is the favouritest work you have done to date? And why? Show and Share!
SOMA PAWS: I think it would have to be my own "LimBei" Jiang Shi. I’m actually making the sculpt for it now. But this would have been my favourite piece of work I have created as a proof of concept.
TOYSREVIL: What do you do best? What is your greatest strength?
SOMA PAWS: I think it would have to be my ability to strip things down to it basic core when I’m looking at anything of interest. I figure that out a long time ago when I was doing story boards for motion pictures project. It has somehow taught me to break things down inside my mind just based off the fat scripts. And how to take away all the distractions off a single scene or image and having them reconstructed into a easy to understand format. As it helps the director to be able to see it before any pre-vis is even done. And I get to be the master of the angles I felt it would have the most impact. And I got away with my own inputs most of the time ha ha. And in the end walking to the bank with the cheque lolz.
TOYSREVIL: What would you hope to be doing better in? What is your kryptonite?
SOMA PAWS: I’m working super hard now to build up my toy line. And having the chance to work with an overseas hypebeast brand and also a local retail brand has given me the chance to really delve into my deepest part of my soul to bring out all sorts of fun stuffs for collectors. But like I mention earlier, my issue has always been my obsession with things that I’m interested in. It will take a huge chunk of my time so I would need to find a way to curb it asap. Trust me. I’m trying.
TOYSREVIL: What is your process of creation? Walk us through your art! Is there a time limit?
SOMA PAWS: My thoughts and creation process is very old fashion ones. It always start with a theme. What I wanted to make, Follow by putting ideas down to ink and paper. Following there after would just be sculpting and making the initial prototype to check if it fit the bill in my mind. I try not to waste resources as being an indie creator. I don’t really have a large amount of income (Wanna sponsor me and be my godfather? Please email me at somapawsstudio@gmail.com).
So what I would always do is to streamline the process. And continued to change the sculpt till it literally screams at me to stop before I sent it to my printers to print out the prototype to check if they are good enough to be casted into toys that can be sold to collectors.
TOYSREVIL: What songs do you listen to, to juice up your creativity? What is the "Soundtrack To Your Art"? Or do you prefer to work in "silence"?
SOMA PAWS: It would have to songs from Jay Chou. His old songs to the current latest hits. And I cannot work in silence. I need to have my youtube turn on when I sleep. I cannot stand Silences.
TOYSREVIL: What would you now say to the YOU that started all these years ago?
SOMA PAWS: I would look myself deep into the eyes and say this. There is no flying cars or time machine in the next few years. And no… You didn’t win any Toto…
TOYSREVIL: Where can people find you? Online and Offline.
SOMA PAWS: Well, that is rather easy. I can be found easily online on IG @somapaws. Or if you were looking to find me offline. It would be my studio. Located at 183 Jalan Pelikat The Promenade #B1-89 (S) 537643. But it would have to be by appointment only. And only for official business too. I do not attend to walk in.
SOMA PAWS: Even though I make a cup of kick ass coffee if my mood is up to it. As of now my studio is still considered a commercial entity.
If you are looking to support local artist who work fast and you like the work you see. You can get me to create Mascot, Logo, banner and such for you. And let me tell you. My design is not those you find in the advertising shops litter throughout SG? Who do you trust more? An artist who knows their stuffs, spent years in this industry as a professional or? You can figure them out :D .
SOMA PAWS: I cannot beat them in their "pricing" but what you be getting will always be the most eye popping there will ever be. You can just easily get in contact with me via my email somapawsstudio@gmail.com or just DM me on my Instagram @somapaws.
If you would like to pre-order my toys. You can visit @hueplaysg at Orchard Central #04-07 right now.
