The main things I consider are:
- Body Shape and Size
- Mane and Tail Shape
- Colors Needed
- Number of Markings
- Extra Accessories or Costumes
What I need from the Client
The minimal requirement is a reference image of the pony from the side.
This gives a good view of the markings and general shape of the pony. For the pony above I would want both sides of the head to understand better how the mane works and see if the beauty mark is on one side only.
Obviously, the more references I have the better.
Body Shape
The MLP universe is full of diversity in its characters and this makes referencing the show a bit tricky to keep up with in terms of patterns. I do have some flexibility when it comes to adjusting my current patterns, but not much. This is usually the deciding factor on whether I take on a project or not.
I have the following patterns:
- Standard Mare Pony
- Standard Stallion Pony (2 Head variations)
- Princess Ponies (Luna/Celestia Style)
- Kirin Ponies
- Filly/Colt (Cutime Mark Crusader size)
- Lay down Pony Pose ("Life-Sized" pony)
- Merpony (Fish Tail)
- Sea Pony (Seahorse Gen1)
- Bat Pony Ears and Wings
- Pegasus Wings - Open and Closed
- Alicorn Wings (Luna/Celestia) - Open and closed
- Unicorn Horn
- Alicorn Horn (Luna/Celestia)
- Kirin Horn
- Fairy wings/Butterfly Wings
I can pattern out different horn variations including goat, bull, broken horns, simple antlers, bladed, or curve horns. Adding more than one horn is also not an issue.
One of my few limitations is holes through the legs like Changlings have and I do not know a technique to make crystal ponies (at this time at least. I'm always looking to learn.)
While there are many creatures now included in the franchise, I am limited to things that are pony-like. This will leave out griffins, dragons, hippogriffs, Draconequus, Changlings, and Yaks. (It is not impossible to make these out of plush, there are many talented artists making these. I'm just not one of 'em!)
One of my few limitations is holes through the legs like Changlings have and I do not know a technique to make crystal ponies (at this time at least. I'm always looking to learn.)
While there are many creatures now included in the franchise, I am limited to things that are pony-like. This will leave out griffins, dragons, hippogriffs, Draconequus, Changlings, and Yaks. (It is not impossible to make these out of plush, there are many talented artists making these. I'm just not one of 'em!)
Colors
How many colors does it take to make this pony? The more colors it needs the more expensive it can get. Minky comes in many shades, but most have to be ordered online by the yard. Solid colored Flannel or Cotton I can shop for locally and can get them cut to more precise measurements. Materials add to my cost, so it will add to yours.
Body Markings
Anything outside of a solid coat color will add some complexity to the pattern. Examples of Body Markings include:
- Freckles
- Blaze/Star
- Socks/Stockings (referring to the actual name of the markings, not the clothing.)
- Scars
- Pinto Spots
- Appaloosa Spots
- Zebra Stripes
- Tattoos (or extra cutie marks)
- 5 o'clock Shadow
- Lipstick/Heavy Makeup
Creating these markings out of fabric adds another color so will likely add more to the cost. If these things can be done with embroidery or airbrushing, it's a little more economical, but will still cost a little bit.
Cutie Mark/Expressions
A cutie mark is part of the package, by default I prefer to machine embroider them. There are designs that translate to embroidery easier than others. There's not a whole lot of room to work with on these patterns. I only have about 2 x 2 inches (5x5 cm) for standard size ponies. That means I look for a design with limited color palette and simple shapes. Outlines, gradients, and small details get lost. Having a shape that scales well is necessary.
See the examples below:
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| Nice Simple Design |
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| Would need to be simplified |
Alternatively, Eyes and Cutie Marks can be added via appliqué (this is a technique cutting out overlapping shapes in cotton and sewing the edges with similar color using a satin stitch or blanket stitch) or printed with infusible ink onto a patch that is added to the pony.
By default, I expect to use black, white, three shades for the iris. Adding eye shadow, multiple eye colors, major eyebrows (like Tree Hugger) or Heterochromia eyes will incur extra charges.
Mouths are either embroidered, needle sculpted, or can be left off entirely. Smiles, frowns, smirks, grins and silly tongues are plausible. I cannot do true open mouth expressions.
By default, I expect to use black, white, three shades for the iris. Adding eye shadow, multiple eye colors, major eyebrows (like Tree Hugger) or Heterochromia eyes will incur extra charges.
Mouths are either embroidered, needle sculpted, or can be left off entirely. Smiles, frowns, smirks, grins and silly tongues are plausible. I cannot do true open mouth expressions.
Poses
By default, most patterns have a simple standing pose or a laying down pose. This allows for easy display and balance. I can add an armature inside the pony to help make it hold poses if you desire. By default, I will not add this.
You must note if you want the head to be turning head that you can move. By default, the head is attached in a posed way and it stays that way.
Manes and Tails
Most manes and tails need new patterning for OC characters. What makes this part more expensive will be based on the number of colors needed, length, complexity, and if there is accompanying facial hair.
*Note: If your OC pony's mane is asymmetrical, like Rarity or Fluttershy, where part of the mane falls on one side and the rest on the other side. I would like references for both sides.
As far as tails go, it is possible to do "odd" or non-pony type tails such as lion tails, dragon tails, deer/bunny tails, cat tails etc.
As far as tails go, it is possible to do "odd" or non-pony type tails such as lion tails, dragon tails, deer/bunny tails, cat tails etc.
Facial hair outside of a 5 o'clock shadow/stubble I generally consider part of the mane and tail. A small mustache, side burns or soul patch, generally won't cost extra. However, longer beards or mustaches like Starswirl the Bearded or Sunburst require more fabric.
Extra Doo-dads
Things like fangs, tongues, piercings, and sparkles that add complexity to the finished product can lead to extra charges.
Some examples of extras include:
On average, most of the "standard" size ponies will range between at least 120USD to 400USD depending on materials.
My large plushies which are usually about 3ft long, these start at about 250USD.
On the lower end of things, such as bean bag size smaller ponies, it may start out at about 50USD.
Please keep in mind these are estimated averages and each project will vary. If you're on a budget, I am happy to make things out of cheaper material or split the payment into two. A down payment and a finished product payment. I can offer discounts if you order more than one plushie at a time.
Some examples of extras include:
- Fangs
- Detachable body parts (tongue, wings, fangs)
- Detachable props (stuffed taco)
- Piercings
- Jewelry
- Hats/Crowns
- Outfits
- LED Lights
- Glitter
- Gems
Final Price Estimates
Not to scare anyone, but sometimes there is some sticker shock when it comes to prices for custom plush ponies. Because these are one of a kind (OOAK) personalized plushies with high customization, the price is much higher than what you'd buy at a department store for an "official plushie".On average, most of the "standard" size ponies will range between at least 120USD to 400USD depending on materials.
My large plushies which are usually about 3ft long, these start at about 250USD.
On the lower end of things, such as bean bag size smaller ponies, it may start out at about 50USD.
Please keep in mind these are estimated averages and each project will vary. If you're on a budget, I am happy to make things out of cheaper material or split the payment into two. A down payment and a finished product payment. I can offer discounts if you order more than one plushie at a time.
Example Ponies:
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| Lotor Pony, fitted with armature for posing, machine embroidered eyes and cutie mark, hand stitched mouth and nose. |
Willow Wisp, hand embroidered eyes and cutie marks, no mouth or nose, detachable wings, no armature. (I made this pony's eyes before I got my embroidery machine.)
