The “true people’s campaign” continues: remember the viral — and customizable — “Tumindig” artwork by artist Tarantadong Kalbo? Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts will get a kick out of these artisan “Tumindig” keycaps — with a pink version, to boot.
The Mini Workshop on Instagram posted photos of their pink angsty keycaps, sold at PHP1,000 (US$20) each piece, half of which will be donated by buyers to Vice President Leni Robredo’s campaign portal.
The Mini Workshop’s Louis Fojas, who owns a corporate events company, pivoted to making artisan keycaps on the side after the pandemic affected his main business.
“I was thinking of designs to feature for my new Instagram page for artisan keycaps,” Louis told Coconuts, adding that he suddenly thought of the “Tumindig” artwork by Tarantadong Kalbo (Kevin Raymundo in real life), a raised-fist character that was once a fixture on people’s Facebook profile photos after it sparked a dissent movement last year.
Louis got in touch with Raymundo, asking permission to feature the character as a keycap design. When Raymundo did not respond immediately, he took the liberty of creating a 3D prototype to show the artist. This got the artist’s attention.
“He finally said, ‘Ganda’ (Looks good),” Louis chuckled.
The artist allowed the use of his character and trusted Louis to donate 50 percent of the proceeds to Robredo’s campaign.
Louis said that he would ask the buyers to donate directly to the online portal and just send him a screenshot to ensure transparency.
After posting in keyboard enthusiast groups, the keycaps sold out quickly. Initially offered in white, customers began to clamor for a pink version.
“I just said I’ll think about it, as I just planned to release a white one so that people could customize it,” he said.
But after a classmate who works for the Office of the Vice President caught wind of the keycap, he decided to finally make one in pink.
After Robredo was pictured holding her own piece, this generated even more interest.
Many of his buyers donate more than just PHP500, Louis said. “One guy ordered 3 caps and donated PHP2,000 instead of PHP1,500.”
Louis said that the keycaps have sold out and now plans to make more to cater to the demand.
Interested buyers may pre-order the keycaps on The Mini Workshop’s Instagram page.
READ: ‘Sorbetes’ for Leni: This photo of an ice cream cart with all-pink cups is making the rounds
