Plush Artist / Pattern Designer

Hiring Plush Artist / Pattern Designer

Budget: $2,500 USD

Source: reddit-r-forhire

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced plush artist or pattern designer to bring an original character to life as a plush toy. This is a paid commission focused on creating manufacturing-friendly, repeatable designs, not just a one-off plush.

Project Overview

• One original character (reference art will be provided)
• Two plush sizes:
  • 12” standard plush (manufacturing-oriented)
  • 20” premium plush (enhanced detail + lighting)
• Goal: High-quality prototypes plus finalized, reusable production assets

Scope & Phases (Total = $2,500)

Phase 1 – Vectorized Pattern & Design Assets ($700)

Deliverables:

• Digitized plush patterns for all body parts (head, body, limbs, accessories)
• Clean vector files (AI, PDF, or DXF)
• Defined seam lines, stitch allowances, and alignment notches
• Panel breakdown optimized for sewing, scaling, and repeatability
• Initial color and material callouts

Phase 2 – 12” Prototype Plush (Manufacturing-Oriented) ($450)

Deliverables:

• One physical 12” plush designed for consistent reproduction
• Clean construction with attention to seam placement and panel count
• Materials and techniques chosen with manufacturability in mind
• Pattern refinements documented based on build feedback

Phase 3 – 20” Premium Prototype Plush (EL Wire Integrated) ($450)

Deliverables:

• One physical 20” premium plush
• Increased paneling and detailing compared to the 12” version
• EL wire incorporated into the design (routing, placement, and concealment considered during patterning)
• Higher-end materials and finishes
• Notes on construction differences between standard and premium builds

Phase 4 – Finalized Production-Ready Files & Documentation ($900)

This is the highest-priority phase.

Deliverables:

• Fully cleaned and finalized vector pattern files reflecting both prototypes
• Standardized seam allowances and scale references
• Assembly diagrams and build-order notes
• Material, color, stitch, and lighting specifications
• Files suitable for repeat builds or factory handoff

Payment Structure

• 50% of each phase is paid at the start of that phase
• Remaining 50% is paid upon delivery of that phase’s agreed deliverables
• Work on each phase begins once the initial payment for that phase is received

Rights & Ownership

• This is a work-for-hire project
• All rights, designs, patterns, files, and prototypes will be owned by the business
• Designs may not be reused, resold, or shared without written permission

Requirements

• Experience designing and building plush toys
• Comfortable with pattern drafting and digital/vector files
• Familiar with manufacturability and repeatable construction
• Clear communication and willingness to document decisions
• Able to share prior plush work

How to Apply

If you’re interested, please DM with:

• Examples of plush projects you’ve worked on
• How you typically draft and digitize patterns
• Any questions about scope, materials, or timelines

Thanks!