Agatrix has been rockin' the plushie scene since 2012, and hundreds of pony fans have her work on display in their houses at this point. She's done just about every request under the sun, from simple small scale standing ponies to lifesize and beyond. She is pretty well known for taking just about any request when it comes to accessories and seems to have no problem t all making better and better Luna's over time.
Time for a spotlight! Head on down below to learn all about Agatrix and her awesome pony crafting skills!
Spotlight Interview
Q:) How did you stumble upon My Little Pony? What was your "origin" story if you will?
Oh my son was almost 3 at the time I started. It was 2012 He watched MLP Show and says "Mommy, sew me Rainbow Dash!" Yeah No problem. I am a teacher, I can not sew, but I do not have a problem. I'll do everything for you. And I did it. It went well (for a novice :) ). I thought - why not? In the beginning, my MLP plush ponies looked like deer, but I am learning urgently for a few years
Q:) What is the process you usually go through when crafting a new plushie? What tools and, if any, programs do you use?
The idea is the most important. You know, I get the image and I have to adapt to the customer, but many of these plushies are my invention. Customers often allow me to show my interpretation. Each artist has their own idea to the same image. I always draw a new project on paper. That's what I can do. I drew when I was a teenager.I then process it on fabric. Not always successfully the first time, but I work on the project until I like it. Unfortunately, I am very critical of my work. This may be an advantage, but also a disadvantage. I work on a computer embroidery program. Sometimes I get a ready image, but sometimes I get a drawing made with crayons and I have to draw a vector for eyes and cutie marks.
I like to sew them up for sale directly also. I'm doing this very rarely. However, thanks to this I can show that I can do different things. So I started sitting life-size ponies. Otherwise you would not see it. Doing this requires even more effort from me, sleepless nights, etc., because I'm doing commissions at the same time.
Q:) Do you do this professionally? Or is it a side thing to another career or job?
Its my one and only job over 6 years. It consumed me completely. I am a wife and a mother. I have this comfort that I work at home. However, it is fatal because I can not rest. I think “I have to rush, I have to work, people are waiting”. the Christmas time is the worst. Suddenly, I have to stop. This is probably called workaholism.
Q: ) Who is your favorite pony and favorite princess? And if it's different, which pony has been your favorite to make?
Started from the end. Luna, Luna and again Luna. She is the most wanted pony also.My favorite, but only because of my son is Rainbow Dash. She started everything. Besides, I like all the ponies. Why? I must like them to make a good plushie. I can not be prejudiced. I even did Spoiled Rich. This one hated by everyone. Plushie came out beautifully and the customer is satisfied. I am not looking for prestige, every single person should be happy, from what he will find in the package from me and what he paid for.
Q:) What kind of challenges do you usually run into when using a new body pattern or different mane, tail, and accessories? Has there ever been a concept that completely stumped you?
I am not afraid of challenges. I know my limits. I know what I can do and what I can not do. I specify my possibilities directly in contact with customers. I am not ashamed that I can not do something. I am only a human.
Q:) Lifesize seems to be the major plushie style people want these days. How has this affected your workload? Are these a lot more time consuming to craft compared to something small for you?
Yeah! If I'm not mistaken, I was one of the first (if not the first!) who started to make life-size plushies a few years ago. They are definitely more time consuming, although it happens that I accept an order for standard size OC, which takes me twice as much time for a twice lower price. Honestly, I really like to make life size plushies, because all the details are more visible.
Q:) You have done a lot of unique things with your plushies over the years, including a more recent one that doubled as a backpack. I’ve heard a few people say you will take on just about anything. Has there ever been a request that you had to reject for being way too bizaare or difficult?
Hahah would be great, but I will definitely not take everything because I can not do everything. I work all the time, but I'm learning all the time. I increase my skill constantly. I am waiting impatiently for lvl up :) It was definitely a backpack plushie. I was wondering what have I gotten myself into! It came out great, I suppose.
Q:) Socks, sweaters, silly hats, swimwear, full body armor, ponies have worn it all. What is your favorite accessory to create for ponies? And if it’s different, what do you think they look best in?
Hmmm Im not sure. Socks are standard. I like to sew armor (although it is very difficult), but I also like to sew dresses, even lingerie. I do not mind. This is not my plushie. if someone needs pony underwear, I can not interfere and judge. We are free people.
Q:) What do you like most about Friendship is Magic? What keeps you making so many awesome ponies?
I think that "love and happiness" is magic for me. I try to make my beloved and my customers happy with my work. I am glad that people can wait long for my pony. They then write "worth the wait". Sometimes it is difficult for me to reconcile my everyday life with a disabled child, a husband who works from morning to evening and mywork at the same time. I just need to take care of my child, cook dinner, clean up, etc. Sometimes customers are angry at me, unpatient, but I'm always doing my best for everyone.
Q:) Do you have any tips for newbie plushie makers looking to improve?
You have to be critical about your work. Only in this way you can improve something.
Q:) Why do you think My little Pony Generation 4 has been so successful? What keeps you here involved in the community?
I think that these are the values that pony shows. These values are timeless. Loyalty, courage, etc. are always valuable.
Thank you so much for that I could express myself in this interview. I apologize at the same time for my imperfect English, but almost 40 years old lady :) learned another language when was a child.
Art Gallery
Agatrix Gallery can be found over here if you want more!
