Dream Pets (updated w/sketches)

Here's a couple of Dream pet inspired sketches from yours truly...

If you want to see more funny animal type drawings like these check out my other blog.


I was first introduced to the world of Dream Pets thanks to the always awesome Sue Katowich who had recently purchased a Japanese book devoted entirely to the ever-popular stuffed animal line and it's history. After flipping through this delightful little book I knew I was hooked, and immediately searched out a copy for myself on E-bay. Such charming, colorful and appealing creatures of all shapes and sizes filled the pages. These were not your typical stuffed animals by any means though. Dream Pets range from disgustingly cute and cuddly to oddly beautiful creatures that almost defy recognition. These are the sort of toys that appeared cheap, and most likely ended up in the trash after a few years or so when a parent had decided that it was time for the tykes to clean house. Luckily this book is out there (though not easy to find), for people like myself who aren't necessarily interested in collecting the actual pieces and hunting them down on E-bay, but still finds them to be fascinating and inspirational. Dream pets are the perfect source for me to go to when I feel like I am being way too formulaic or generic in designing a funny animal character. The range of colors, shapes, and amazingly enough... the expressions, always seem to make me think in ways that wouldn't immediately occur to me. There's so many weird little creatures in the images below, and I haven't even posted half of what apepars in the book. I decided to go with just the ones that I especially adore. If I had to pick favorites... I just can't resist that super-weird seal, and that big-headed bug-eyed bunny in the first image who always reminds me of Ren. Now these are two Dream Pets that I would actually consider buying. I know John K. is a Dream Pets collector, so I just have to wonder if this wee fella might be at least partially responsible for inspiring his design.

Well I have a few Dream Pets inspired sketches and such lying around that I plan on posting later in the week, so check back to see what wacky-ness I have cooked up. And don't be shy... post links in the comments to some of your own Dream Pet inspired doodles. After all, how can you resist.

I have also been thinking a lot lately that it would be nothing short of amazing to create a Dream Pets animated series... But I haven't come up with a solid concept yet for what they would do and all that important stuff. But hell it sure would be purty to lookat!