In the world of designer tech, there’s no collaboration quite as irreverent as the South Park X MIMOBOT collection. Looking back on the Wave 1 debut in August 2013, it remains one of the most high-energy projects I’ve had the pleasure of steering from concept to shelf.
This release featured two of Comedy Central’s most legendary (and polarizing) faces: Cartman and, of course, the ill-fated Dead Kenny.
From the Screen to the Silhouette
Transforming 2D animated icons into the signature MIMOBOT form factor is a delicate balancing act. My role on this project spanned the entire creative lifecycle, ensuring that the “soul” of South Park translated perfectly into a functional designer tool.
- Character Design: I focused on adapting the show’s distinct, paper-cut aesthetic onto the rounded MIMOBOT canvas without losing the characters’ expressive personalities.
- Licensing & Approvals: Navigating the standards of a powerhouse like Comedy Central meant every eyebrow arch and color hex code had to be frame-accurate.
- Packaging & Marketing: I designed the visual identity for the retail launch, creating packaging that felt like an extension of the show’s universe—loud, bold, and instantly recognizable.
A Legacy of “Respect My Authorit-ah!”
Seeing these hit the market was a milestone for anyone who grew up on the antics of the kids from Colorado. It wasn’t just about making a USB flash drive; it was about creating a piece of collectible art that fans could carry in their pockets.
Whether you were a fan of Cartman’s schemes or just wanted to see how many times you could “kill” your Dead Kenny drive, this wave set the bar for our licensed collaborations.