We recently had the chance to connect with Michael Karydas and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
They’re not buying fabric, they’re buying a memory. Commission notes are full of stories: a show watched with a loved one, a character that carried them through a hard year, a gift meant to be a hug on a rough day. That’s why I keep the work personal instead of chasing trends. When a client’s first reaction is to pull a plush into a hug, I know the value isn’t just in the stitches, it’s in the feeling that the character is alive and theirs. I ship worldwide so those memories can find their way home.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Michael K., a Houston-area independent plush artist and the one-person studio behind michaelkplush. I design creature plush from scratch: sketching concepts, drafting patterns, digitizing the embroidery files, and hand-finishing every seam. Each piece is fabric sculpture, expressive, huggable, and built to last.
I didn’t learn to sew directly from my grandmother. She passed when I was young, but she’s the reason I picked up a needle. As a kid, I would tug a patch off my quilt just so I could visit and watch her mend it. That little bit of magic, cloth becoming something loved, never left me.
Today I collaborate with indie game teams, animators, and collectors to bring characters to life: faithful recreations and original designs alike.
Alongside commissions, I’m developing BUGGY, an original webcomic about a small plushmaker balancing craft, care, and commerce. It is my love letter to handmade work and the community around it.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world was a repair I almost turned down. I don’t usually take plush repairs, but a family brought me a dog-chewed parrot plush that meant a lot to their child. I rebuilt the beak, matched fabric, and restored the seams until it looked like itself again. When they picked it up, I realized I wasn’t just fixing cloth; I was protecting a memory. It’s part of why I obsess over patternmaking, materials, and finish: careful craft can carry someone’s story and help make it whole again.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. When my main business page disappeared overnight, I lost my portfolio, my audience, and a steady stream of inquiries in one blow. It felt like my work vanished, and for awhile I considered walking away. Instead, I started over from my desk. I reached out to past clients, rebuilt a simple site and commission process, and focused on one finished piece at a time. I treated social platforms as borrowed space and my own site and email list as home.
That setback taught me to build systems: clear quotes, realistic lead times, backups of every photo, and a calm, repeatable workflow. It also reminded me why I do this. Craft and consistency outlast algorithms. The people who hold the finished plush in their hands are the ones I show up for.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe emotional connection gives art staying power. BUGGY is my long-term project. It grows alongside my studio and keeps me honest about balancing care and commerce. Even when I hit obstacles, I keep writing, refining characters, and building small pieces that feed back into the plushwork. It is slow by design, and that is the point. I want the stories to feel as durable as the pieces people hold in their hands.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I made plush characters you could hold and that I treated people well. I listened, asked the right questions, and turned sketches into fabric sculpture built for years of hugs. I priced transparently and sustainably, communicated clearly, set realistic timelines, and stood by my work. I shared what I learned so other makers could go further. I kept the studio small on purpose so the attention could be big and personal. If someone loved a character, I found the stitch that made it real. That is the story I want people to tell.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelkplush.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelktoymaker/
- Twitter: https://x.com/mdkarydas
- Other: Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/MichaelKToymaker/
