Progression of starting my own small business!

So, I really wanted a case for my 3DS. I couldn't find exactly what I wanted - it either had too many bells and whistles making it too large for my backpack, or it was too simple and wouldn't hold any game cards or was made of poor materials. After looking at a ton of cases online, listing out what features I wanted, and dropping my 3DS on the ground, I finally drew up exactly what I wanted.

I found some super old pikachu fabric from when I went to Japan and used a high grade synthetic leather material for the back and inside panels to be sure my console was protected. I went a little overboard on the whole 'protection' thing and used this iron on vinyl on the pikachu fabric to make it water resistant. Unfortunately, it really just made the case feel crinkly and plasticky, not to mention very difficult to sew, hence the crappy edge around the corners. Oh well, this is what prototypes are for, right?

If you're interested in purchasing one or talking about customizations, please visit http://beandoglabs.etsy.com and we can chat! I'm all about customizing these to your specifications!

The pouch closes with hidden magnets in the corners and there are slots for three game cards. The inside is lined with super soft microsuede cloth to keep the console free from scratches.

Another interior picture with my 3DS showing!

While I was making my case, I got a request to make a pouch based off of the Nintendo one for Animal Crossing. I hand painted the logos onto a pink drawstring bag with a fleece lining.

These are prototypes of the 3DS, 3DS XL, and PS Vita cases. The Vita I had miscalculated and made way too long, but again, that's why we make prototypes!

After seeing my first case, a Reddit user requested a black and white case with Absol on it. I drew the character in Illustrator and cut it out in different colored vinyls before adhering it to the front of the case. By this stage, there have been a handful of design and fabrication changes leading to better consistency and functionality of the cases.

After testing out the prototypes, the biggest complaint I was getting was that the game card pockets were too tall and made you want to dig your fingers into the slot to get the card out instead of just simply pulling it up or using the finger slot. I lowered the top of the pockets and it's now substantially more comfortable to use. I'm also looking at just removing the finger push up slot because it doesn't add much to pulling the card up now that the pocket is lower in the first place.

This isn't that exciting. It's the back of the case. Hooray.

This is a case I made for a 3DS XL and it is available on my Etsy store now. It's solid black synthetic leather, black microsuede interior, and it's got a fancy gold triforce on the front!

Again, it's the same as before. This is the standard interior now for the cases.

I've started playing around with various fabrics. This is an abstract pattern on a silky material with an all black case for a 3DS.

Argyle corduroy! This case also has a full black interior and is also for a 3DS.

Solid black with black interior for a 3DS.

I wanted a case for my Vita. It's gorgeous and I'm terrified of scratching it. This was the first case I made for a Vita.

The outside is a very durable yet soft synthetic leather while the inside is a super soft microsuede to keep the device scratch free. All the inside seams are hidden from the device too. It closes on the top with small hidden magnets to keep from damaging the unit.

The Vita's game cards are much smaller than the ones for Nintendo devices, so it holds more. The little slots to push games up really don't serve much purpose and just collect dirt and oils, so I stopped adding them.

This was a sample I made with hot pink and white vinyl. I am really disappointed that the materials don't hold up well enough for me to feel comfortable buying more of the fabric. Plus, the adhesive I used to adhere the magnets in place started to warp the vinyl.

Started branding! Check out my little tiny beandog!

A drawstring pouch with a fleece lining.

Another drawstring pouch with fleece lining.

And another drawstring pouch with a fleece lining

I designed and printed custom fabric inspired by Animal Crossing New Leaf. I'd love to make some custom cases with this if anyone is interested! I also draw characters and have a few I'd love to put on the cases.

This is a custom case I made and drew Cube, a penguin from Animal Crossing, for a customer.

Inside of the case with details per the custom request. I use a permanent heat transfer vinyl for the name and adhesive vinyl for the decals.

Back of the case with adhesive vinyl logo.

Another Vita case - this one is white with multicolored front

Inside, ready for a custom name to go on the panel in any font desired. You can see the card pockets without the unnecessary finger slots too.

The back is so exciting...