Spotlight On: Oliver’s Primary Mickey

This week we got an email from aspiring 11 year old artist who wanted to show off his first custom piece of artwork. We love custom artists here at Destination Vinylmation, and especially enjoy when we can show off people who might not have the ability to show their artwork off themselves. So here’s Oliver and his Primary Mickey.

Destination Vinylmation: Hi, Oliver, give us a quick intro on yourself.
Oliver: I am 11 and this is my first custom vinyl.  I have been collecting for a
while and while I was in Disneyland I thought I would try a custom out.
DV: It’s a great first custom! Do you like being an artist?
O: I think it is
cool being a custom artist and like having my own work in my collection.

 

DV: I think that’s what makes Nick do his. Have you done a lot of art?
O: I have done a few designs on paper and hope to try some of them out
sometime.
DV: Why did you pic a Rubik’s Cube as inspiration?
O: I just thought it was cool doing  a primary color themed
Vinylmation.
DV: What’s your favorite Disney Vinylmation?
O: If I had to pick my favorite out of my collection I would
pick the Burbank Exclusive Director Mickey, I just like how it reminds
people of Walt himself.

DV: That’s one of our favorites too. What custom Vinylmation design do you think you’ll do next?
O: If I do another custom I want to do something Disney themed.
DV: That’s a good idea. The community kinda loves Disney. 🙂 Thanks for letting us do a spotlight on ya Oliver, and next time you have something, let us know!

Park Starz 2 sketches

Artist Casey Jones tweeted this image of sketches of the characters from Park Starz 2. It’s an interesting behind the scenes look at all the characters. We are so excited for this next series! May 3rd, get here faster!

Artist John Henselmeier Posts Custom Vinyl How To Videos

We have been seeing a lot from Artist John Henselmeier lately. I have known him mostly from pins, but his talents are beginning to be seen in the Vinylmation hobby as well. Last August, he had a custom Circus Monkey in the Mickey’s Circus silent auction. This year, he has a few customs in the Tiki Room 50th event catalog, including a Dole Whip. And, when Park 12 releases later this year, we will see his first production piece… a Mariachi Cobre from the Mexico Pavilion, Epcot World Showcase.

Recently, on John’s YouTube Channel, he has posted a two part video with some tips on how to customize Vinylmation, or any other toy for that matter. I for one, have so many questions about the process. I do not have an artistic background, but I enjoy painting Vinylmation as a fun hobby. I am always bothering my actual artist friends (you know who you are) with all my questions.

With John’s videos, budding artists get a detailed step by step process for creating a custom. While fans can get an inside look at the creative process behind his released and upcoming customs… including sneak peeks. Check them out below and Follow John on Twitter @johnhensel.

PART 1

PART 2

Episode 116 Red Gear Bear

Ep. 116 Red Gear Bear

This week we talk about Animation 3 and the upcoming trade nights. In our feature topic, we discuss what we each believe is the high point of the Vinylmation hobby to date. And in Mystery Mail Bag, we tackle the differences and similarities between the Parks and Disney Store releases.

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Update on Artist Howie Green

When we last spotlighted Boston artist Howie Green, he was getting ready to begin his “Golf Balls on Parade” project. He has been busy in 2013. Let’s take a look…

– Completed a slew of custom vinyl toys

Mr. Ghost Rider…. going up on Howie’s Ebay store today.

– Designed CD album cover for Terrell Bowers first album

– Finished up the design for my second production figure for Trail of the Painted Ponies scheduled for release this Fall but which is still top secret since it involves an infamous TV actress/celebrity.

– Completed two large mural painting projects with several hundred volunteers from the Boston Red Sox Foundation (including players, coaching staff, and managers John Farrell and Ben Cherington) at the Washington Irving School and Dimock Center in Boston, MA – even had a visit from the Sox official Mascot, Wally the Green Monster.

– Painted the 3 in a series of 4 giant golf balls in Rochester, NY for the upcoming Golf Balls on Parade event at the PGA Tournament at Oak Hill Country Club this Summer. I’m returning to Rochester soon to paint the remaining 1.

– Published a book of over 300 of my album cover paintings

As always thanks for your support and I’ll keep you posted.

Howie Green
www.hgd.com
www.etsy.com/shop/howiegreen
stores.ebay.com/Howie-Green-Gallery

Spotlight On: Stephanie’s Delicious Ghirardelli Custom

Stephanie Cassata sent over her latest custom she would like to share. (we thought she was sharing an actual sundae too) Take a look. And if you start to drool, that’s okay. You can always stop by her Etsy store to purchase one.

This one is my Ghirardelli custom, inspired by the delicious ice cream and chocolate shop located at Downtown Disney. My favorite chocolate ever, it was fun to take different elements from the shop and create a little character out of it. She has whipped cream hair topped with a cherry and a chocolate square, and even has a touch of Ghirardelli blue as part of her design. The sweetness and happiness I experience every time I go there really came through in this custom. How can you not love chocolate?

Visit Stephanie’s Etsy shop to see more of her work.

Noah and The Beast

Update 03/20/13 We now have a full photo of Noah’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival creation as well as some news on his appearances. From the Disney Merchandise Blog:

Noah will be creating a limited number of Custom Vinylmation to celebrate Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival.  These pieces will be available on a first come, first served basis on the morning of Sunday, April 7th.  Guests wishing to purchase a Custom Vinylmation will need to obtain a wristband at the Disney Artist tent, located on the promenade.  A wristband will allow the Guest to purchase one Custom Vinylmation.

Noah’s “The Beast and the Rose” Vinylmation

No world on the exact number of the Beast Vinylmation. There will also be special appearances by artists all weekend, including Noah again on April 6th:

Take part in a special artist showcase throughout the weekend of April 5 – 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., each day, along the promenade in Epcot, as we celebrate some of the newest releases inspired by the 2013 International Flower and Garden Festival.

Noah’s “Beauty Blooms from Within” painting

Yesterday, Noah sent out a teaser photo of a new Vinylmation creation via Instagram.

It is titled “Beast and Rose” and will be released at the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. On the post he does mention a signing and we do know he will be at the event on April 6th-7th. No further details, such as edition size or price is known at this time. Just a quick look at this preview, and you can see this is something special from Noah. I never question Noah’s talent, and art is subjective, but the airbrushed vinyl doesn’t always peak my interest. However, when he adds the “extras” that make up the whole piece of art, that is where the designs excel. This one has an accessory rose and a “grassy” base. Also, instead of sitting atop his usual stand, it is housed inside what looks to be a lantern or glass case of some kind. I can not wait to check this one out in person.