Michale Warren | Plush Designs

the problem

Rather than a problem, I saw an opportunity. An opportunity in the Stitch plush category, where most products depict the character in a single, static form, and very few explore an interactive transformable quality. I noticed a gap in the market for designs that explore Stitch’s dual identity as both Experiment 626 and his more familiar, lovable persona.

my role

I led this personal spec project from initial concept through production-ready design. My process included market research, character analysis, concept development, sketching, and final orthographic and detail drawings suitable for factory production. Each stage informed the next, refining both the transformation mechanism and overall construction while staying focused on a single goal: creating a model-accurate, transformable Stitch plush that delivers a unique play experience.

the result

The final result is an interactive Stitch plush that captures both sides of the character through a simple, intuitive transformation. Hidden pockets allow his lower arms and antennae to tuck away, letting him shift from Experiment 626 to the familiar Stitch fans know and love. The concept pairs clean, appealing forms with an engaging play feature, creating a plush that's both highly recognizable and fun to interact with.

Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate

next project

Clif Kid ZBar

Director | Designer | Animator

Early Design

The NEIGHBOR team developed this spec spot for Clif Kid Zbar to explore a bold, character-driven direction for the brand. We created a 30-secondfully 3D animated spot. I helped shape the concept, developed the animatic, and contributed to character/prop design, animation, art direction, and final compositing. The result is a high-energy, mixed-media spot designed to capture the adventurous spirit of the product while showcasing our studio’s storytelling and animation capabilities.

Final Plush Design

Market Research

Character Study

The NEIGHBOR team developed this spec spot for Clif Kid Zbar to explore a bold, character-driven direction for the brand. We created a 30-secondfully 3D animated spot. I helped shape the concept, developed the animatic, and contributed to character/prop design, animation, art direction, and final compositing. The result is a high-energy, mixed-media spot designed to capture the adventurous spirit of the product while showcasing our studio’s storytelling and animation capabilities.

3D Model

Modeled in Maya, Rendered in VRay

The NEIGHBOR team developed this spec spot for Clif Kid Zbar to explore a bold, character-driven direction for the brand. We created a 30-secondfully 3D animated spot. I helped shape the concept, developed the animatic, and contributed to character/prop design, animation, art direction, and final compositing. The result is a high-energy, mixed-media spot designed to capture the adventurous spirit of the product while showcasing our studio’s storytelling and animation capabilities.