Parodiakis was a brand of collectible vinyl toys featuring eight parody characters inspired by international pop culture icons, with a special focus on Latin American legends. Under creative direction from Clemente Barraza, I served as Art Director and Illustrator, working alongside graphic designer Paul Mitsuhashi to develop a unique and playful product line that resonated with collectors across Mexico.
Parodiakis
Designer Toys
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Clemente Barraza
ART DIRECTION/ILLUSTRATION
Arturo Torres
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Paul Mitsuhashi
The Concept
The concept behind Parodiakis centered on creating characters that captured the essence of their pop culture inspirations while infusing them with humor and a playful twist. Drawing on the aesthetic of Japanese vinyl toys, we aimed for designs that felt vibrant and engaging, balancing nostalgia with originality to appeal to both casual buyers and dedicated collectors.
The Prototypes
I worked closely with the toy factory throughout the prototyping process to ensure that each design was faithfully translated from 2D concepts to 3D models. This involved detailed communication at every stage, from refining proportions to capturing intricate character details. Each prototype was reviewed and revised multiple times to achieve the perfect balance of accuracy and playfulness. I provided feedback on texture, color application, and production techniques, ensuring the final figures retained the charm and quality of the original designs.
The Packaging
Paul Mitsuhashi designed the logo and packaging, while I focused on creating the character illustrations featured on the blind box design. The packaging relied on mystery and excitement, with no clear windows to display the toys inside. Each blind box featured bold, vibrant artwork that teased the characters while maintaining an element of surprise. This approach enhanced the collectible nature of the line, encouraging customers to seek out the full set.
