Designer Toys You'll Want to Play With! AKSOULMUCH Takes You Back to Childhood Fun

Remember that pure joy of childhood? AK SOULMUCH is more than just a toy brand; they want to bring you back to those carefree days with warm and humorous designs, helping you rediscover the simple pleasures of life!

Founded by artist Aalis Shen and designer Kenneth Yu, AK SOULMUCH infuses their brand with "rich, sincere emotions."

Aalis excels at capturing life's happy moments, incorporating those feelings into her work. Kenneth is responsible for turning those whimsical ideas into reality, injecting the brand with humor and vitality.

AK SOULMUCH hopes to awaken the innocence within everyone, reminding us that even as we grow up, we should always keep a childlike heart and appreciate the beauty of life.

World-Weary Nose-Picking Bambino by PUTTO Bambino × PoyunWang: A Creative Collision from a Parent's Perspective

'I created the Bambino character because of my child,' I shared. To my surprise, artist Poyun Wang echoed my sentiments, saying, 'I started creating art because of my children too!'

As a father of two, PoyunWang deeply understands the endearing yet mischievous nature of children. This shared understanding led us to collaborate on a fun, joint creative project. We decided to playfully reinterpret a classic and pay homage to the Renaissance master, Raphael, by reimagining the two adorable cherubs from his 'Sistine Madonna'.

In art history, the cherubs in paintings are referred to as Putti (plural for Putto). Putti are common artistic figures in Renaissance and Baroque art, depicted as chubby, innocent-looking children, often with small wings, symbolizing innocence, purity, and love. In religious paintings, Putti are used to convey a sacred atmosphere, while in secular art, they are sometimes associated with Cupid, representing love and affection.

It is said that while painting the 'Sistine Madonna', Raphael often had the neighbor's children watching him. He captured their innocent expressions in the painting. Our BAMBINO, however, reimagines the true nature of children from a modern parent's perspective: playful, adorable, and with a hint of mischief.

Order Putto BAMBINO Here

Original artwork: Bambino by AK SOULMUCH

Image: The Sistine Madonna

Image: The little angels below the Sistine Madonna

We collaborated on this project with laughter and shared understanding. We agreed that the most captivating aspect of Bambino is his chubby cheeks, plump figure, and chubby hands. As experienced parents, we know how important these details are—they represent more than just appearance; they capture the essence of a child's adorable nature. We spent considerable time refining every detail to perfectly capture a baby's "baby fat." Bambino's eyes sparkle with hope, and his blue eyes, with a hint of mischief, are simply irresistible.

Our three-year-old PUTTO Bambino, a rebellious angel without wings, is inked with the stories of his childhood. His tiny body is a canvas adorned with American-style tattoos, each design a testament to the simple joys of growing up. From the family cat to broken glasses, these tattoos are not symbols of rebellion but rather a personal ode to the treasures of youth. It begs the question: if given the choice, wouldn't all children adorn their bodies with the whimsical and heartwarming memories that make up their unique universe?

With his finger up his nose and a mischievous grin, the provocative PUTTO Bambino, a signature creation of PoyunWang, is a timeless image of childhood.

In his collaboration with PoyunWang was a deeply personal journey, exploring the complexities of parenthood through art. We wanted to capture the raw, unfiltered truth of childhood, and PUTTO Bambino embodies that perfectly. He is both angelic and devilish, a reminder of the pure joy and frustration that comes with raising a child. PUTTO Bambino is more than just a character; he is a symbol of the precious moments that shape us as parents.

PoyunWang, a California-based illustrator, is known for his dark, humorous take on everyday life. Born in Taiwan and raised in Canada, his work often satirizes the mundane aspects of existence. Check out his website at https://poyunwang.cyberbiz.co/ to see more of his illustrations.

Order Putto BAMBINO Here