Graduation Cartoon Characters Bring Lasting Memories

Recent graduate of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Sureephon Nakjaroong, finds herself a successful entrepreneur with a thriving business. On the occasion of this year’s commencement, she shares her success story with her fellow graduates.

Hers is a story of determination and unrelenting effort to overcome obstacles. As a ceramics major, she spent the last four to five years weathering through the ups and downs of the initial phase of business start-up. Today, her ceramic cartoon character business, which features graduation cartoon characters, is thriving.

“My business is based on the idea of gift giving and how it reminds us of good feelings, friendships, and memories shared between the giver and receiver. Graduation is one of the proudest and memorable moments, not only for the graduates, but also for their family members. These cartoon characters help to remind them of these happy moments,” she said.

The process of making a ceramic cartoon character involves four steps. First, the production involves drawing a character from imagination or a caricature of the graduate on paper. Second, create a clay model by following the size and shape of the drawing. Then, build a silicone mold using this clay model. Third, divide the mold into various removable parts, and seal the mold with a potter’s soap. Then, begin the casting process by using plasticine and future board to compartmentalize the mold. When this is done, mix and pour plaster into each section. Pierce a hole to facilitate removal.

Fourth, create the character. Begin by cleaning each piece of the mold with a water-vinegar solution (1:1). Prepare liquid clay using a mixture of clay and water, then pour liquid clay into the mold until it reaches the desired thickness. Pour excess liquid out, before leaving each mold piece face down and removing each clay piece from the mold. Put the finishing touches on the pieces and leave them to air dry. Clean the pieces and prepare for firing. Fire the pieces at 800° Celsius. When done, paint each piece with underglazes, before spraying the gloss glaze and firing again at 1,200° Celsius.

The ceramic graduation cartoon characters are on sale at 250 to 300 baht each, depending on its size. Sureephon takes pre-orders and will customize the cartoon characters to specifications, including the graduate’s alma mater. For more information, contact Sureephon at 081 042 2065.