About Karmieh: Character Design and Sculpting Studio

You have a character that works on the page. Turning it into a physical object that still looks and feels like itself, and that a factory can actually make, is a different job. That is the job Karmieh does.

Karmieh Designer Toys is an independent character design and sculpting studio in Brasov, Romania, in the European Union. It is run by Oasim Karmieh, a designer and toy sculptor working in design and 3D since 1999. The studio works with brands, publishers and independent artists across Europe, the UK, the US and beyond.

What the studio does

• Character design. Developing a character from a brief or reference into a design that works as an object and as a brand property, including style guides with turnarounds, expressions and poses.
• Digital sculpting. Sculpting in ZBrush from your artwork, keeping the likeness and personality of the original.
• Prototype development. 3D printed, hand-painted master prototypes you can approve, photograph and show to a factory.  Prototype Development for Toys and Collectibles
• Production-ready files. Files prepared so a manufacturer can tool and produce from them, yours on final payment.
• Manufacturing consulting. Help with the decisions between a finished design and a factory order, from a written production review to support through sampling. Manufacturing Consulting for Designer Toys and Collectibles

The studio also releases limited edition art toys through the shop, and runs courses on digital sculpting and 3D print finishing.

Who the studio works with

• Brands turning a mascot or character into a collectible or branded product.
• Publishers, authors and illustrators bringing a book or comic character into the physical world.
• Independent artists launching their first designer toy or collectible.

How a project works

1. Brief and artwork. You send your character artwork or brief, the size you have in mind, and whether a manufacturer is already chosen.
2. Design for production. The character is adapted so it works in three dimensions and holds up in manufacture.
3. Digital sculpt. The character is sculpted in ZBrush and reviewed with you in rounds.
4. Colour renders. You approve material, colour and finish on screen before anything is printed or painted.
5. Prototype. A 3D printed, hand-painted master prototype is made and shipped to you.
6. Files and handover. You receive production-ready files and guidance as you move into manufacturing.

Every project starts with a written Agreement, so scope, revision rounds and ownership are clear from day one.

Selected work

• Sneak Energy. A brand mascot taken from character design to a collectible that sold out in 11 minutes and went on to sell over 2,000 units. Sneak Case Study
• Louie. A dog character from an independent horror comic, sculpted from the artist's character sheet into a 28 inch display figure. (Case study coming soon)
• Other clients and collaborators include Wells Fargo, the Chicago Bulls, Blink-182, Mr. Cartoon, Tara McPherson and Quiccs.

What the studio does not do

• 3D printing of other people's files
• Mould making and tooling, which belong to the factory
• Small batch production runs
• Editing someone else's existing sculpt

Studio facts

• Studio: Karmieh Designer Toys (Karmieh Design SRL)
• Location: Brasov, Romania, European Union
• Founder: Oasim Karmieh, designer and toy sculptor
• Working in design and 3D since: 1999
• Tools: ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, 3D printing, hand painting
• Clients: worldwide, by email, in English

Questions clients ask

Can you work from AI-generated concept art?
Yes. Many projects start from AI concepts. The concept stays yours, and part of the work is turning it into one consistent design that holds up from every angle and in production.

Do I need a manufacturer before we start?
No. The sculpt and prototype can be made first, and the files are prepared so the manufacturer you choose can work from them.

Who owns the files?
You do. The production-ready files and the rights to the design transfer to you on final payment.

Do you work with clients outside Europe?
Yes. Clients are in Europe, the UK and the US, and every project runs by email.

How do I get a price?
Every project is quoted individually, once the artwork has been reviewed. Send your artwork, the size you want, and whether you plan to manufacture.

Start a project

Send your character artwork, the size you have in mind, and whether a manufacturer is chosen to oasim@karmieh.com, or use the contact page.