Year

2005

Client

Art. Lebedev Studio

Ridibundus

My most well-known project in the Studio

Long before there were emojis and reactions in social networks and messengers, there were the Ridibundus. These are a unique series of six plush emoticons. This project became one of the most memorable and long-lasting in the portfolio of Art. Lebedev Studio - as well as one of the most purchased products in its online store.

Project on the Studio website

They were born quite creatively. When we were choosing the material to bring the idea to life, the factory suppliers sent the studio samples in the form of toys. As a result, my desk was drowning in teddy bears and other stuffed animals. The Ridibundus had several designs. Some of these options had eyes and noses like any other toy. But in the end, we chose the simplest design - a font - to make them as close to regular smiley faces as possible :-)

The Ridibundus were also exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, USA, as an example of Russian industrial design. I think this is an incredible achievement – and an incredible project in general. I’m proud to have brought it to life.

The Ridibundus traveled all over the world. People liked them so much that they started taking them on trips, photographing them against the backdrop of landmarks, and sending them to the studio.