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What is it that Draws People to Inflatables?
10 years ago
Again, another really good question from FancyRat:
So I've had a go at answering below, and again, feel free to add your own comments in too - let's see if I hit the nail on the head or if there are other reasons too :0)
"what is it about the inflatables that draw people to them? I mean obviously they are adorable."
I think you've hit the nail on the head there, it's that age old translation of human emotion onto things like these characters coupled with a great imagination. For me, the most exciting thing I've done is create my own dragon and see it made into a real life inflatable (I don't currently have photos online as I don't want companies like Hongyi stealing my design as Sypheria is my dragon!) - My imagination often kicks in and I wonder what it would be like to live in a world that has dragons, what would it be like to be a dragon (to be able to fly for example). I think I'm not too far wrong in saying other folk here like specific animals or mythical creatures, this influences their fursonas which is why they save all their pennies to have fantastic fursuits made. I've not taken that step yet, but if I was too, my Fursuit would definitely be a Dragon
I'd also admit that I'm a little addicted to inflatables - I'm currently chatting with IW.DE about getting my next dragon made - which would mean it would be available to everyone (not likely to happen before next year though as they are busy with a big run at present which should be complete in October) - they produce 0.28mm inflatables with butted seams, but because their vinyl is very soft, this doesn't lead to uncomfortable seams. Also, you'll remember, it is a bit cheaper to produce than say Jets methods, so hopefully somewhere around $100-150 will get you what is planned to be a 3.5m long Dragon
The one thing that really brings a smile to my face is seeing others enjoying these inflatable characters too, so being able to share them is also a huge part of the experience too.
The other part is definitely the tactile contact: Hugs and cuddles. Make an inflatable that you can ride and hug and I think you're onto a winner ;0)
Influencing the feel of the tactile contact is the finish of the inflatable, typically the material can be gloss or matt. Gloss is very shiney and has a bit of a tacky feel when dry (which makes it Squeak - which I love!), Matt on the other hand doesn't have a shine, but it feels smoother when you run your hand along it (typically reduced or no squeaking). But, excusing the old line in advance, both are "Slippery when wet" - which makes it much more entertaining when you're trying to get back on them in the swimming pool or at the sea side (Especially on the 5m Inflatable whale I have in my collection - hehe).
Another part which is an advantage to people who don't have loads of space at home, they deflate into very small folded packages. Using again the 5m whale as a reference - you'll see how it just about fits in my living room while inflated, but it will fold away to a package about 40cm x 40cm x 10cm, Puffypaws inflatables made by Jet typically take up a bit more room because of the thicker material, but still a significantly smaller space than they occupy when inflated. While I was on holiday in Skye last week, we rented a property with a big garden, so it was a perfect excuse to get some of the big inflatables out as you'll see on my gallery!)
And finally, as you'd expect with a standard inflatable, if it's comfortable to ride or lay on, then it's the perfect way to float around on the pool during your holidays (or maybe you're really lucky and you have your own pool - which is not common here in the UK)
So I've had a go at answering below, and again, feel free to add your own comments in too - let's see if I hit the nail on the head or if there are other reasons too :0)
"what is it about the inflatables that draw people to them? I mean obviously they are adorable."
I think you've hit the nail on the head there, it's that age old translation of human emotion onto things like these characters coupled with a great imagination. For me, the most exciting thing I've done is create my own dragon and see it made into a real life inflatable (I don't currently have photos online as I don't want companies like Hongyi stealing my design as Sypheria is my dragon!) - My imagination often kicks in and I wonder what it would be like to live in a world that has dragons, what would it be like to be a dragon (to be able to fly for example). I think I'm not too far wrong in saying other folk here like specific animals or mythical creatures, this influences their fursonas which is why they save all their pennies to have fantastic fursuits made. I've not taken that step yet, but if I was too, my Fursuit would definitely be a Dragon
I'd also admit that I'm a little addicted to inflatables - I'm currently chatting with IW.DE about getting my next dragon made - which would mean it would be available to everyone (not likely to happen before next year though as they are busy with a big run at present which should be complete in October) - they produce 0.28mm inflatables with butted seams, but because their vinyl is very soft, this doesn't lead to uncomfortable seams. Also, you'll remember, it is a bit cheaper to produce than say Jets methods, so hopefully somewhere around $100-150 will get you what is planned to be a 3.5m long Dragon
The one thing that really brings a smile to my face is seeing others enjoying these inflatable characters too, so being able to share them is also a huge part of the experience too.
The other part is definitely the tactile contact: Hugs and cuddles. Make an inflatable that you can ride and hug and I think you're onto a winner ;0)
Influencing the feel of the tactile contact is the finish of the inflatable, typically the material can be gloss or matt. Gloss is very shiney and has a bit of a tacky feel when dry (which makes it Squeak - which I love!), Matt on the other hand doesn't have a shine, but it feels smoother when you run your hand along it (typically reduced or no squeaking). But, excusing the old line in advance, both are "Slippery when wet" - which makes it much more entertaining when you're trying to get back on them in the swimming pool or at the sea side (Especially on the 5m Inflatable whale I have in my collection - hehe).
Another part which is an advantage to people who don't have loads of space at home, they deflate into very small folded packages. Using again the 5m whale as a reference - you'll see how it just about fits in my living room while inflated, but it will fold away to a package about 40cm x 40cm x 10cm, Puffypaws inflatables made by Jet typically take up a bit more room because of the thicker material, but still a significantly smaller space than they occupy when inflated. While I was on holiday in Skye last week, we rented a property with a big garden, so it was a perfect excuse to get some of the big inflatables out as you'll see on my gallery!)
And finally, as you'd expect with a standard inflatable, if it's comfortable to ride or lay on, then it's the perfect way to float around on the pool during your holidays (or maybe you're really lucky and you have your own pool - which is not common here in the UK)
Being a bit of a Star Trek fan, I always had that thought in the back of my mind that the Holodeck would be a good place to "experiment" without any negative consequences, but then again, Jim Kirk never needed a holodeck right (he seemed to always get the alien girls!). Overall, holodeck or inflatable, it's all harmless fun and enjoyment. My philosophy on life is "so long as it doesn't hurt anyone else, I don't have any problems with the idea of it"