Kickstarter

Hi, my name is Spektor and I am the founder of B|Sides Toys from Brooklyn, NY. I've created and prototyped a designer toy set called Finger Mafia. These are 5" characters made of vinyl with custom paint work and accessories. This set has four original figures with four more figures to join the 'family' later on in a year. The set is unique in the way that it could be expanded, customized and be a part of a do-it-yourself toy community. All the artwork is completed, technical drawings and working clay prototypes are ready, a toy production company is ready to roll. I will use the money to manufacture the first batch of these unique, kick-ass 5" vinyl characters. All I need is your support to help me produce these lovely little criminals.

5" Finger Mafia Set

I wanted to combine my passion for designer toys, my fascination with the city of New York and it's diversity and my love for gangster movies and TV shows.
The idea for Finger Mafia came from an article I read about Japanese gangs, or Yakuza. It described an act of contrition called yubitsume, which is when a gang member ritually cuts off a finger as a way of apologizing to a Yakuza boss for some act of disrespect. 
So I started with a Japanese figure and then migrated, so to speak, to other countries: Russia, Mexico, Italy, the good ol' US of A. The ethnic choices are international — each toy represents a stereotype or a stereotypical member of their national crime organization. To find out more about Finger Mafia and see more images of our 3D and clay models feel free to visit bsides.com/fingermafia

Production

I am currently working with a manufacturer in Hong Kong, who's been producing design-forward toys for many years. The production of 300 sets of 5" Finger Mafia characters, accessories and packaging as well as international shipping comes to $20,705 US and will take approximately 4-5 months from start to finish. I am not looking for a donation - rather an investment into a different kind of designer toy. In return, every backer will get something based on their contribution. Please check out the contribution options and get involved!

Above is a sneak peak at the work in progress - 3D renderings and clay models, packaging and goodies! I am now in a process of getting the wax model produced so that I can move into the molding/tooling stage.

About Spektor

I was born in Russia, grew up in Coney Island and live in Brooklyn. I am graphic designer by trade and have been designing toys for years, though this is the first time I am actually developing a product set.
My inspirations come from everywhere and everything around me: the streets where I live, the people I meet, the books I read, the movies I see. Mostly, though, I'm influenced by current events and the news of the day. So a lot of my toys reflect the seedier side of social and political issues, like corrupt politicians, school violence, financial greed…
I'm not trying to make political statements with my work; I don't take sides. I'm just expressing the world as I see it, warts and all. To see more toys and ideas please visit bsides.com/vinyl

BSides needs your help to make all these great things see the light of day. As it is, we are pretty good at designing and sharing but need your help and support to grow and to promote the idea of socio-conscious, community-involving and innovative toys and products.

Thank you for your time and support!

Jenya Spektor