New Media Exploration: Paper Critters

Paper Critters (www.papercritters.com) is an online application that allows users to design, customize, and create their own custom paper character toys through an online interface. It incorporates Flash CS3, ActionScript 3.0, 3DS Max, and uses the open source Papervision3D engine. Users can also share this experience by using the application to save and collect creations or by e-mailing Paper Critter movies (see the video “dance jose luis” upon launching the site). It functions equally well as arts and craft project for children and as a tool for artists to design some pretty awesome toys.

Choose the “Toy Creator” button if you want to start making a toy. A collection of tools, such as a freehand marker, a shape creator, a library of stencils classified by style, and the ability to upload an image, creates as much potential for customization as possible.

Or you can choose “The Colony” button to view an interactive gallery of all the toys. The site contains more than 15,000 publicly viewable submissions.

It was designed and developed by JR Fabito as his final project at the Academy of Art University MFA Computer Arts New Media program. He currently is one of the speakers at the 2008 Flashbelt Conference and is stoked that he gets to make cool stuff and play with Flash all day at RED Interactive Agency and get paid for it.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project for him was designing the set paper toy for the application because it had to translate well in both digital and analog forms. Digitally, it had to work well with the 2D nature of the site’s “Toy Creator” and also within the technical limitations of Flash. Additionally, the final paper model had to accurately replicate the digital version without being too complex to fold and put together in the analog world. The final solution became a box-like figure where users can design on each of the five different sides in a flat view and preview the final product in 3D. The simplicity of the model allows effortless folding and a 3D gallery where users can see and interact with up to twenty user-created toys at a time.