Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Ryan Marella

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

To have your custom work spotlighted, please send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com
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Destination Vinylmation: This time around we are featuring you Barnabas Collins figure (Johnny Depp’s character in the new movie Dark Shadows) and also Michone from The Walking Dead.
Ryan Marella: Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins from DARK SHADOWS  was fun to create, I’ve worked on some other customs of  Johnny Depp movie characters before, I’ve had some practice on his face which made it easier. Faces are a challenge, getting the right expression can be difficult,but once you’ve started, it’s hard not to finish.DSCN7692 is from the WALKING DEAD,her name is Michone accompanied by two armless walking dead who are supposed to be her boyfriend and friend, in the show she has them in chains and she walks around with them to hide her scent from other walking dead.

DV: Is there a greater challenge when painting the faces of real people as opposed to cartoon characters?
RM: Creating cartoon characters is easier because they have  a simple look about them, not too much detail. Now creating real people requires the expressions and look for that character they portray, some people are harder than others.

DV: You can view more of Ryan’s work at his website: www.ryactiv.sketchlab7.com

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Annemarie

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Annemarie is back with her latest custom, Locke from the TV show Lost.

Destination Vinylmation: Were you a fan of the Lost TV series?
Annemarie: I was (and still am) a HUGE fan of the series. It’s scary, actually. I’m a bit crazy about it.

DV: Why Locke? Was he your favorite character or just the most fun to design a custom based on?
AM: This was actually a custom order, so I didn’t choose the character. I was always more of a Jack fan. 🙂 But Locke lent himself well to the vinylmation form, he’s got the perfect round-shaped bald head for it.

DV: Tell us about some of the details on this figure.
AM: The figure was created for a fan, so I wanted to include as many details as I could on the figure. I knew I’d include the Smoke Monster (since SPOILER ALERT Locke eventually became the smoke monster) but I decided to take it a step further and design it in a way that would indicate sort of the “bad Locke” on the back. So I painted the countdown clock in the hatch on one of the ears, and the same clock on the back but in a more dire consequence (after the button fails to get pushed. Non Lost-fans, bear with me; I know you’re terribly confused already.) To make it more ominous, I made the Smoke Monster a bit bigger and closer to Locke, as if it’s part of him. Throw in a compass and Locke’s ever-important, trusty knife, and he was done!

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Jorge Castilla

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Destination Vinylmation: We featured Jorge Castilla in a previous spotlight article and now he is back with some new customs. Jorge, we appreciate you sharing your work with the the DV audience.

Jorge: Thank you for having me back as a featured custom artist. I’m very enthusiastic to share the vinyls I’ve been working on since we’ve last met and some vinyls to come!

DV: Hey, I see a new flavor at Star Ducks Cafe. Tell us about it.

Jorge: The second flavor of the Star Ducks line is Mocha! It’s a darker more chocolaty looking vinyl then the last “coffee” looking Star Ducks vinyl. Each SD Mocha vinyl is very individual too! Every one of them has a unique chocolate topping applied differently to each. That way if you choose you’d like more then one you know each of them will have their own personality! Due to the success and overwhelming demand of the first flavor, I expanded the number of production for this second flavor. The original Star Ducks was made to a limit of 20. This flavor however is limited to 50. Each is signed and numbered and comes with an Artist Card that is also signed and numbered. Just like all my other vinyls.

DV: I love the character this new flavor has. Have you thought about making the chocolate syrup being raised up as bumps on the surface instead of just being painted on?

Jorge: It actually is raised! I use a thick paint for the topping. I use a similar paint for the *Slimed* Lonesome Ghostbuster Mickey variants too that actually glows in the dark!

DV: We have heard other artists talking bout all the time it takes to produce customs. When you are getting a lot of orders in and have to keep production moving, how many cups of coffee do you go through?

Jorge: Man, It’s become close to a fulltime job. But it’s something I really enjoy doing. There’s a sense of achievement each time I finish one of my customs and knowing someone’s going to enjoy them. It take a lot of time though. Especially with my vinyls becoming more elaborate.

DV: Tell us about this robot mickey looking custom.

Jorge: Mecha Mickey is the latest of my current releases. He’s like a wind-up toy! He has a spring-loaded crank on his back too. It’s funny because I was working on this custom in the conceptual stages for awhile. Figuring out how I was going to make the antenna on top, what colors I’m going to use… Then suddenly Disney released a “Robots” line of vinyls. I thought oh dang I better finish some of these already!

It’s my first custom using the “new mold”. Most people I’ve shown it to don’t notice till I say something because of all the additional details I tacked on. The response has been quite nice so far. Did you know the feet on the new mold pop off? Man that makes it sooo much easier to paint them if someone’s the type of custom artist that uses spray-paint or air- brush.

DV: I enjoy collectibles that reference Disney movies without blatantly being that Disney movie. Your new Grape Soda custom is exactly what I mean by that. Talk about the inspiration for this figure.

Jorge: Yeah, I like references that are more of a nod or wink at a movie just as much if not more then I appreciate artwork that is straight up a character from a movie. Making a soda bottle vinyl I feel is something that a certain group of people will clamor for at first glance. You know, the type of person that has to have their movie in wide-screen and watch all the commentaries & bonus features (like me). The more casual fan may look at it and think “meh, it’s just a bottle.” But when they inspect it further and see that bottle cap on top they’ll be like oh yeah! From the movie, UP! That’s what I’m hoping for. Expect the Grape Soda Vinyl to release in mid September.

UP is one of my favorite Pixar films. It’s actually a favorite for me and my girlfriend. We even dressed up as Carl and Kevin (the bird) for Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party at Disney’s California Adventure a few years ago!

When listening to one of your pod casts I chuckled when one of you went on about how depressing UP is. I think it’s one of those films that tells you your adventure continues regardless of the storms you’ve endured, and that you can still make something of the time you have regardless of where you’re at in your life. Oddly enough, for a movie revolving around a house flying using helium balloons, it’s also very grounded in reality.

DV: Are you making these using the clear chaser figures?

Jorge: That’s a trade secret I’m afraid.

DV: I enjoy an ice cold Moxie every now and then. What’s your favorite soda?

Jorge: Water please! Haha it’s actually rare for me to have a soft drink.

DV: Any more Pixar figures on the horizon?

Jorge: Most definitely. I have a couple concepts I’m still playing with. Some Pixar and some more original. For those interested in following my work closely check out my Facebook page devoted to my customs!

DV: Thanks for the update on your work.

Jorge: It’s always a pleasure. Thanks again for the opportunity! Keep up the great work you guys do too!

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Ryan Marella

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

While at the D23 Expo in August, I was mesmerized by all the upcoming Disney Vinylmation on display. But M.C.’s attention was caught by many of the non-Disney created figures at the show. One custom artist in particular had some unforgettable pieces on display. Ryan Marella is a custom artist from California and you are in for a treat with today’s spotlight.

Destination Vinylmation: What got you into the art world?

Ryan: Art, I guess, runs in my family. My dad has an artistic talent and so does my twin brother. I was always amazed at the different aspects of art… so many possibilities, and so many awesome artists. I suppose what really inspired me was reading comic books. The art work is just amazing. Artists like Jim Lee, Rob Lifield, Todd Mcfarlaine and so many more.

DV: Have you ever taken an art class?

Ryan: I did try to take as many art classes in High school as I could. I took some in college but never really could focus on one type of art.

DV: Do you collect the Vinylmation created by Disney artists?

Ryan: I do collect Vinylmations with my two other brothers. I find it a lot easier to share a collection. The Disney artists do an amazing job.

DV: What’s your favorite figure?

Ryan: I like the urban 1 three eyed monster, it was alot of fun trying to find some one to trade for it.

DV: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation?

DV: I never even thought I would be painting Vinylmation. A friend asked me to make him one during a trip to Walt Disney World in January 2011. My first custom was very rough, but the more I painted the more I got better at it. It’s fun creating different characters, you never know what you’re capable of unless you try. I have now created over 130 customs.

DV: Wow! Can you pick a favorite?

Ryan: My favorite would have to be Captain Jack Sparrow.

DV: How did you come up with the idea of the Manny Pacquiao piece?

Ryan: Manny Pacquiao is Awesome and I watch all his fights, so one day after the Pacquaio/Mosley fight I decided to make a Vinylmation of him. He had to be on a 9″.

DV: How much work went into creating Manny?

Ryan: Creating MP took a lot of work. I first had to research all his pics from the last fight. I had to find different angles of MP to get  the right detail. Then I sketched his face on the vinyl. During the time I create any vinyl, I try to watch videos about them. It helps with the creative process. Finally painting and clear coating it, that took some time.

DV: What is your favorite aspect of it?

When I finally finished, I was very happy at the end result. I guess my favorite aspect of it is MP’s facial expression, I think it shows his personality really well.

DV: How about the hardest part?

Ryan: The hardest part is the face, getting the right expression takes some work.

DV: Where can people go to find out more about your customs and even purchase one from you?

Ryan: I do have a website, www.ryactiv.sketchlab7.com. And, if you trade Vinylmation, I do trade at Downtown Disney outside D-Street Anaheim.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Brian Shapiro

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

To have your custom work spotlighted, please send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com
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Destination Vinylmation: Do you ever draw a concept then give up on it because you can’t make it work in 3D? Or do you stick with it and make alterations? 
Brian Shapiro: Luckily, I haven’t had to abandon any designs because I couldn’t adapt them, but you can see I’ve had some challenges that required some sacrifices and compromises to make them work. I will typically redraw a design on paper until I’m happy with it, and I never start painting without a definite understanding of how I want it to look. For example, when I created my Zom-B custom, I wanted to make a zombie, but for some reason I struggled with the facial proportions of the canvas’ head.

Then I came up with the idea of breaking up the face by using the nose as an avulsed eyeball. By painting in a shadow under the muscle attachments of the dangling eyeball, I think I made it look like it literally popped out of its socket.

DV: The Prospector is a very fun looking design. I hear you designed it for a special event? 
Brian: There’s a great group of pin traders in central New Jersey called the Central Jersey Disney Pin Traders or CJDPT for short.

They have monthly evening or afternoon meets, but twice a year they have weekend long events that attract over 150 pin traders from as far as Canada and the west coast! In recent years, Vinylmation trading has become popular at their events, and I have made some very nice vinyl trades with the group’s members. More importantly, I’ve made some great, lasting friendships there too. Last summer, the CJDPT decided to have a trading event in Anaheim during the D23 convention. The event was called Westward Ho! Traditionally, they will raffle off prizes at their events, and I’ve donated customs to use for the raffle. For Westward Ho! I wanted to create something fun in the spirit of the event. I came up with the idea of an
old prospector who travelled west and found pins while prospecting for gold. I painted a grizzled Vinylmation prospector with a gold tooth and a worn hat holding a sifting pan. In the custom made pan, I made a faux gold CJDPT pin from dental acrylic. The pin even had a miniature Mickey rubber back sculpted on it!

Using a model kit and some spare wood shapes, I made a covered wagon with a hidden Mickey logo on the back, and I placed the prospector and the wagon on a custom base made from wood flocked with stone and sand. I also placed a worn wooden plaque on the base with the name of the piece, “There’s Gold in Them There Hills!” In true Disney fashion, I think the set told a complete story.

DV: The details are great… including the hidden Mickey and pin. 
Brian: Thank you! And again, thank you for your interest and generous spotlight of my work!

2013 Dated Vinylmation Released Today

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

This open edition figure is available right now on Disney’s Vinylmation Facebook store. You can pick it up for $12.95.

The figure will be available on December 28 at Disneyland and on January 4 at Walt Disney World.

New Concept Art Released for “Celebrate the Magic”, 1000 Seats Being Added for Fantasmic!

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

At a small media event this evening, Disney shared a few new pieces of concept art for the upcoming “Celebrate the Magic” show coming to the Magic Kingdom:

Disney also announced that due to popularity, they are adding 1000 seats to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home of Fantasmic!. Work has already begun building the seating in what was formerly standing-room-only space for the show.

So, what do you think?

Selected Guests Being Emailed Prior to WDW Trip for FastPass Plus Testing

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

So, here’s what guests picked at random for the FastPass Plus test are getting in their inboxes right now:

So not only are they signing up for the date and attractions they wish to experience ahead of their trip, but they will be mailed the FastPass Plus cards prior to their arrival. This is what the system should be like if ever permanently implemented down the road. It seems that the scheduled test dates are September 18th through the 24th.

Stay tuned to WDWNT as more information becomes available on this breaking story.

Fastpass Plus Testing About to Resume at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

Walt Disney World is once again gearing up for a test of Fastpass Plus service as evidenced by the many kiosks and poles we’ve seen installed at many Magic Kingdom attractions. Disney confirmed the test to travel agents today:

At the Walt Disney World® Resort we’re constantly looking for ways to make the Guest experience even better. As a part of these efforts, over the next several months we’ll be testing enhancements to our very popular Disney FASTPASS® service at the Walt Disney World Resort. The test, called Disney FastPass+, will allow a small number of Guests to make Disney FastPass+ selections for some of their favorite experiences at Magic Kingdom® Park before they even leave home.

During this test period, select Guests who are registered to use Disney’s Magical Express service will be offered the opportunity to go online to pre-select four Disney FastPass+ experiences at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests eligible for this test will be notified via mail, at the mailing address provided during the booking process. It’s important for you to pass along these invitations to your Clients in order for them to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Information that we collect from your Clients solely through this test will not be used for marketing purposes. As always, we may send marketing communications to these Clients due to separate past or future interactions between us and these Clients.

While this exciting concept is currently only in the test phase, we’ll continue to share information on the wide range of new, innovative experiences we will be testing and implementing over the coming year, which are designed to make a Walt Disney World vacation even more magical! Stay tuned to Disney Travel News for more information.

Rumor is that the test is currently scheduled for the end of September. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Stephanie Cassata

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

One of my all-time favorite Disney animated movies is “Meet the Robinsons.” Customs featuring that movie are far and few between. So when a friend of mine sent me a picture from an artist on Etsy with the following custom… I had to contact her. Stephanie Cassata from Anamosa, Iowa is the subject of our spotlight today. She has also designed one of the sweetest Vinylmation 95s I have ever seen.

Destination Vinylmation: We don’t see too many “Meet the Robinsons” customs, what made you choose this movie ?
Stephanie Cassata: I love the movie “Meet the Robinsons”, not only is it hilarious, but touching and inspiring too. “Keep moving forward” is a quote that is so important to remember.

The scene depicted here is a very exciting one where Wilbur takes Louis to the future. The fantastic scenery paired with the soaring score makes this one of my favorite scenes in the film. I really enjoy the retro style of the future, which is another fun aspect of the movie. And with “Tomorrowland” becoming “Todayland”, truly is the cherry on top of this moment.

DV: You also have a custom that looks straight out of Disney’s Cutesters series. Your 3″ Kawaii Custom features all kinds of treats including some Disney themed ones. I spot the Mickey ice cream bar… what else is in there?
SC: There is a Dole Whip on the right side of the face, school bread on the side of the left foot (found in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, which by the way is delicious!), and the blue popsicle on the back of the head is a nod to the amazing Kingdom Hearts games.

DV: You custom painted a Vinylmation 95 to look like a Sugar Rush Racer from Wreck-it-Ralph. This was a brilliant idea! First off… is it edible?
SC: Thank you! It certainly looks good enough to eat! My aim was to make it as sugary sweet as I could, from the bright colors to the sparkling details. I knew the wheels had to have candy rims, and I had a lot of fun adding the “frosting” to top it off (which is actually Whipple applied using actual frosting tips). This custom does make me hungry for some cake!

DV: The wheels are my favorite part. What is yours?
SC: I think I’d have to say the front-right area is what makes me smile the most. Something about the colors all coming together at the point is just beautiful. The peach ring with the peppermint swirls, the blue merging into the yellow, and the sprinkle/stars are very aesthetically pleasing together.

DV: Where can people go to view and purchase your work?
SC: They can visit my Etsy shop to see my artwork available for purchase, which can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/StephanieImagined. People can also visit my art website to see even more work I have done: http://stephanieimagined.weebly.com/

DV: Do you take commissions?
SC: Indeed I do! I love to work with others to create the customs they would love to see come to life. I can be contacted through my Etsy, website, or straight through my email stephanie.cassata@gmail.com with any inquiries, questions, and commissions.

DV Thank you for sharing your work with our audience.
SC: My pleasure! Thank you for the spotlight, it really is a treat to share my passion with the world and the fantastic Vinylmation community.