In the Panda Factory, where dreams are stitched together with love and dedication, a special creation was about to take form. Fu Bao, a 6 months lifelike panda plush, was not just another toy; she was a symbol of happiness and love, waiting to be shared with the world.
After a long period of research and design, at noon on May 10th, the Panda Factory's new member, the 6-month-old Fu Bao panda plush, finally met with everyone.
Our original intention has never changed: We hope everyone has a panda in their heart, and now we also hope everyone can have "Fu" in their heart.
Due to everyone's love for Fu Bao, we began preparing for the research and development of Fu Bao from mid-2023. Because Fu Bao was born in South Korea, none of us at the Panda Factory have seen Fu Bao in her infancy. We have also consulted a large amount of video and image materials, trying to restore all the features of Fu Bao's infancy as much as possible.
Our First Attempt: The Three-month-old Fu Bao
After introducing the three-month-old Fu Bao to everyone, many people hoped to add more distinctive features. However, because many of these features only appear as Fu Bao grows older, we tried to incorporate them into the three-month-old version. Unfortunately, the effect was not particularly good.
In order to truly capture everyone's image of Fu Bao, we decided to start over and create a six-month-old version.
The Birth of Fu Bao 1.0
Building on our experience with the three-month-old version, we created Fu Bao 1.0, the version gifted to Grandpa Jiang. We attempted to blend the juvenile features of the six-month-old Fu Bao with those of the adult Fu Bao. After several iterations to adjust the proportions, we produced a version that was relatively well-received within our Panda Factory. We then shared it with fans to gather feedback.
Feedback from Fans
The feedback from fans was generally unsatisfactory, so we immediately collected everyone's opinions and gave them to the design and handmade department for further adjustments.
During this period, we also collected various suggestions for Fu Bao 1.0.
Coincidentally, when Grandpa Jiang sent Fu Bao back to China, we gave him the 1.0 version to accompany him, and he provided us with valuable suggestions on the appearance and posture of Fu Bao as he grew up.
Material Selection
In November 2023, we created the first version of the three-month-old Fu Bao prototype. We filmed a video to show to fans, and the most common feedback we received was about Fu Bao's tan-colored fur. At that time, it was challenging for us to define exactly what shade of tan it should be.
We then had several discussions and negotiations with our suppliers of sheepskin fur. Eventually, in the Fu Bao 2.0 version, we used a newly developed sheepskin material.
After numerous attempts, we ultimately aimed to recreate Fu Bao's appearance in infancy as closely as possible. Therefore, we decided to base the production entirely on the morphology of the six-month-old Fu Bao.
New Challenge
After solving the issue with Fu Bao's tan fur, we encountered a new challenge. The real Fu Bao's face has a gradual transition from white around the mouth to tan around the neck. However, our sheepskin material is dyed as a whole piece and cannot achieve this subtle and natural gradient.
In order to achieve this visual effect, we tried many methods, such as using colored powder for a natural transition, but the results were not ideal. Due to safety and technical limitations, we ultimately decided to use multiple pieces of sheepskin to achieve the gradient effect. Therefore, the final version of Fu Bao that you see now is made from a blend of three types of sheepskin, achieving the gradual transition from light to dark on the face.
Posture & Weight Distribution
Regarding Fu Bao 2.0's sitting posture and neck issues, we have always been very attentive and committed to resolving them. This has been one of the more challenging aspects of the entire design process.
Due to the weight of the panda plush's skull, it naturally tends to tilt downward, despite our efforts to counterbalance it with additional weight.
As for the forward-leaning neck and body posture, we ultimately decided to adjust by reducing the weight and modifying the body's shape. This was a particularly challenging aspect of our work.
The Birth of Fu Bao 2.0
We made approximately twenty to thirty adjustments to the weight distribution and even more to the body shape, with many attempts resulting in failure. After around forty to fifty adjustments, we aimed to find a balance that would present Fu Bao in her most authentic, natural, and relaxed state.
In terms of the body, we adjusted the proportions of the limbs and the filling ratio to replicate Fu Bao's real physique and sitting posture as closely as possible.
Regarding the facial features, we strived to recreate all the characteristics of Fu Bao at six months old. We achieved the gradient effect at the end of the bird's-eye through careful cutting and shaping.
Regarding Fu Bao's iconic little tuft of fur, in both the 1.0 and 2.0 versions, we reserved a tuft of fur during the trimming process. However, to achieve a closer resemblance to the real Fu Bao, we added a small piece of silicone to the Fu Bao Plush's head to replicate the structure of her skull, making the tuft of fur feel more lifelike.
The gradual transition of tan fur around the mouth and nose was another significant innovation, enhancing the natural appearance of her face and bringing her closer to the real Fu Bao.
To improve the interactive experience with the Fu Bao panda plush, we redesigned the head mold. The front half of the head is made of silicone, giving it a more lifelike feel.
For the nails, we replaced the original hard plastic nails with soft silicone material, enhancing the safety of interaction.
This version of Fu Bao panda plush, representing her appearance at six months old, underwent lightweight design modifications while ensuring her authenticity. This makes her more portable and convenient for playtime outdoors.
Fu Bao is a forever happy and loving baby panda, and we hope to spread Fu Bao's joy and love to everyone.
And so, the Panda Factory's journey with Fu Bao continues, as we strive to spread her message of happiness and love to all corners of the world.
Happiness and love never ends.