When you hold a Labubu figure in your hands, it feels like more than just a collectible. It’s a piece of art, infused with personality, charm, and meticulous craftsmanship. But have you ever wondered what goes into creating these beloved figures? From the initial sketch to the final painted details, the journey of crafting a Labubu figure is as enchanting as the character itself. Let’s take a step behind the scenes and explore how Labubu comes to life.
From Concept to Sketch
Every Labubu begins as an idea—an imaginative spark from the designers at Pop Mart and artist Kasing Lung. The process often starts with brainstorming themes, emotions, and stories that will be embodied in the figure.
Once a concept is chosen, the design team sketches multiple drafts. These drawings explore different poses, expressions, and accessories that might accompany the figure. Artists refine the character’s proportions and facial features to ensure it conveys Labubu’s mischievous yet endearing personality.
These sketches go through rounds of feedback and adjustments, sometimes even being tested with focus groups of collectors to gauge their reaction. Only when the design feels perfect does it move to the next phase.
Sculpting the Prototype
After the final sketch is approved, it’s time to sculpt the prototype. Skilled sculptors use clay or 3D modeling software to create a detailed version of Labubu. This stage is crucial for defining textures—whether it’s the fluffy look of a bunny suit, the smoothness of accessories, or the intricate details of themed editions like Sakura Bloom or Neon Dreams.
In digital sculpting, artists can zoom in to perfect the tiniest features, ensuring that even when reduced to a 10 cm figure, every element retains its charm. Physical clay models, meanwhile, are carefully hand-carved and adjusted until they match the approved design exactly.
Creating the Mold
Once the prototype is finalized, a mold is created. The mold-making process requires precision: even a small flaw could impact thousands of figures later on. Molds are crafted in multiple parts to capture the figure’s complex shapes and allow for easy assembly after casting.
High-quality vinyl or resin is selected based on the figure’s design and intended texture. Labubu’s signature soft matte finish, for example, requires specific materials and molding techniques to achieve.
Painting and Detailing
The next step is painting—and this is where Labubu truly comes to life. Expert painters use airbrushing and hand-painting techniques to add colors, gradients, and facial expressions.
Special editions demand even more skill. Metallic paints for Gold Labubu, pastel fades for Sakura Bloom, and glow-in-the-dark effects for Midnight Mischief are all applied in layers, with quality checks at every stage.
Tiny details like the twinkle in Labubu’s eyes or the blush on its cheeks are often painted by hand using fine brushes under magnifying lenses. This ensures every figure feels alive and unique, even within a mass-produced series.
Quality Control and Packaging
Before a Labubu figure is approved for release, it undergoes rigorous quality control. Each piece is inspected for color consistency, structural integrity, and smooth assembly. Any figure with even a slight defect is removed from the production line.
Packaging design also gets special attention. Boxes are crafted to reflect the theme of the series and protect the figure during shipping. Blind box designs add an element of surprise, making unboxing an exciting experience for collectors.
The Collector’s Treasure
When the figure finally reaches fans, it carries with it the artistry and dedication of dozens of people who worked behind the scenes. From concept artists to mold makers and painters, each contributed to creating a tiny masterpiece.
It’s no wonder collectors around the world cherish Labubu figures not only as toys but as works of art that capture imagination and bring joy.