Squibbles INK + rotofugi

Squibbles INK, Inc. is a Chicago-based product design, development and sourcing company established in the late 90's. Simply put, we are in the business of making stuff. Owner Joseph Somers is driven to push the balance of creativity with the rigorous demands of product manufacturing. The real challenge in development and sourcing is figuring out a way to efficiently make a product so that it is both desirable and affordable. This basic principle is observed whether making Halloween costumes and components for one of the scare industry's top end producers, or developing an everyday widget sold in hardware stores. Squibbles's past is tied directly to vintage collectible toys, candy and pop culture novelties including developing the Giant PEZ™ and other licensed properties. Past licenses include PEZ, Peanuts, Disney, The Simpsons, MLB and more.

So, what is a Rotofugi? Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery, established in July 2004, is located in Chicago's eclectic East Village neighborhood. Since opening, Rotofugi has grown to become one of the world's premier sellers of designer toys from artists all over the world. Rotofugi Toy Store features a diverse selection of vinyl figures, capsule toys, plush and more from both eastern and western designers. The adjoining Rotofugi Gallery features monthly art exhibits by a range of both local and nationally known artists.

I bet you can guess where this is going... In 2007 Squibbles INK and Rotofugi formed an agreement to begin producing and distributing artist-designed toys. Our goal is to showcase the many talented artist and designers located in Chicago and throughout the Midwest.

In Winter of 2007, Squibbles INK + rotofugi celebrated this effort with the release of their first joint product; Ninjatown Micro Plush. A blind box series of twelve different small plush toys based on characters created by Chicago artist, Shawnimals.