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Artist Transforms Plush Toys into Customized Fashion Statements

Jonathan Martin, a Miami artist, has found a unique side hustle in the world of plush toys. At the Magic City Flea Market in downtown Miami, Martin’s table attracts customers eager to customize their Labubu figures. These soft, plush toys have gained popularity for their unique design and have become a fashion statement among enthusiasts.

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Labubus, with their round faces and big eyes, have captured the attention of toy collectors and trend followers. Created by artist Kasing Lung as part of The Monsters series, these figures are produced by Pop Mart, a Chinese collectible toy company known for its mystery blind box model. The element of surprise in each purchase adds to the excitement of collecting these toys.

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For Martin, the journey into customizing Labubus began when he saw the trend gaining momentum in cities like Los Angeles and New York. With a background in various art forms, including sculpting and painting, Martin saw an opportunity to merge his skills with the toy customization trend. He started practicing on vinyl dolls before venturing into tattooing Labubus, a unique twist that set him apart in the market.

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Setting up shop at the Magic City Flea Market, Martin’s Labubu personalization services quickly became a hit. What started as a weekend experiment with his wife, who is a vintage clothing vendor, turned into a successful summer side hustle. Martin’s creativity shines as he tattoos, pierces, and adds rhinestones to these plush toys, turning them into one-of-a-kind pieces.

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At pop-up events across South Florida, customers line up to have their Labubus transformed by Martin’s artistic touch. From intricate designs to personalized touches like rhinestones and piercings, each customization reflects the owner’s unique style and preferences. The joy of owning a personalized Labubu has attracted collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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For Elizabeth Santiesteban and her daughter Nicole, collecting and customizing Labubus has become a shared hobby. The ability to add tattoos and accessories to these toys has enhanced their collecting experience. Similarly, Alyssa Roelans and her daughters were thrilled to see the Labubu trend make its way to Miami, allowing them to give their figures a personal touch.

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What began as a trend for Martin has evolved into a meaningful pursuit. Connecting with customers who appreciate his artistry has been a rewarding experience for him. Despite the challenges of the slow summer season in South Florida, Martin’s Labubu side hustle has provided a much-needed income boost during quieter months.

Looking ahead, Martin sees Labubu tattoos as a stepping stone to furthering his artistic career. By leveraging the popularity of these customized plush toys, he aims to expand his tattooing skills and explore new artistic avenues. As he continues to ride the wave of the Labubu trend, Martin remains committed to bringing joy to customers through his unique creations.

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