My name is Andrei, one half of a creative duo with my partner, Claudia. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by folk stories- myths and legends passed down through generations. Japanese folklore has always held a special place in my heart. I have explored stories and legends extensively to give my work an authentic foundation. I believe the strength of a project lies in the cultural roots it draws from.
Designing our custom minifigs is a creative partnership that grew from a shared background in graphic design and advertising, along with a passion for art. Claudia and her family introduced me to the world of Lego. I realized that Lego and folklore made a perfect combination.
Our inspiration comes from the Land of the Rising Sun and its vast mythology. We carefully study each legend. We extract the key elements and most meaningful symbols and condense them onto the surface of a minifig. That’s how we give each piece its own “soul”. Each minifig becomes a bridge between a modern toy and Japanese tradition. Our first four minifigures were inspired by the four seasons and each follows a similar concept. That includes a symbolic tree and its flower, combined with a traditional seasonal legend. The kanji printed on the back of the torso gives it even deeper meaning. This combination is designed to convey the emotions and symbolism of a specific time of year.
All our illustrations and graphics start from hand-drawn sketches. I focus on developing ideas and creating the designs. Claudia’s work focuses on printing and enhancing the graphics. From the first rough idea on paper to the final print file and selection of pieces, everything is created by the two of us. It is truly rewarding when someone buys one of our pieces and looks at us with genuine amazement after hearing the story behind it. We love what we do. These small characters have become a part of who we are.
Claudia and I are both also photographers but we were looking to collaborate with different creators. We were drawn to Anne’s work, @toypoetry, because of her unique and distinctive style. We love her work. It has been a source of inspiration for us from the start. Her photos are fantastic and eye-catching. Her posing and storytelling make her photos stand out. Her ability to use light to add emotion to her photos brings them to yet another level. Her photos speak for themselves.
A big thank you to custom creators Andrei and Claudia for sharing their story and images by @toypoetry with us. If you would like more information about their customs, or working with them, you can reach them on Instagram or through their website.
Thank you to @beloved.stories.in.minatures for the editing assistance.
Who is your favorite toy customizer? What figures have they created that have inspired your photographs?
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