Vinylmation Prognostication

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Welcome to Vinylmation Prognostication! In this column I will be brainstorming “blue sky” ideas of what I would like to see future Vinylmation series feature. I will examine the potential futures of current Vinylmation series as well as think up new series that I (and maybe other Disney fans!) would like to see. Since I have no idea what new series will be coming up, this will be a fun way to dream up our wish lists so to speak. So, feel free to voice your thoughts if you agree or disagree with my choices at the end of the article. With that being said let the prognostication begin!

Today I will be discussing my ideal choices for the next Park series. Of all the currently released series, the Park series is by far my favorite. If you look at some of the recent Park series releases they have centered around a specific theme. Park 7 and 8 were themed around Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary. Park 10 was themed around Disneyland Paris. And Park 11 was themed around Disney’s California Adventure. For Park 12 I am going to continue with a series based around a specific theme. However, instead of an entire park or resort I am going to focus on a single attraction. Now, of all the released park figures over the years one popular attraction has been neglected. I am going to correct this wrong by making Park 12 based entirely around Splash Mountain!

1. Brer Rabbit

photo from Passporter.com

The main character in the attraction has to be the first character included in the set. I would pick the Brer Rabbit figure from the early part of the attraction. That would be Brer Rabbit who’s looking for a little more adventure! As an accessory I would include his hobo like satchel.

2. Brer Fox

photo by AndrewHavis on flickr

The main villain of the attraction must be a part of this set. Figure would include the hat accessory.

3. Brer Bear

Brer Fox’s side kick would come with hat and club accessories.

4. Brer Frog

photo from All Ears.net

As the narrator of the attraction you see him early on in the ride. Ideally I would like to see him come with his trademark hat and pipe. Not sure if Disney would allow a pipe to be an accessory for a Vinylmation figure, but it is worth a try!

5. Mr. Bluebird

photo from findingmickey.com

You see him early on in the Briar Patch as Brer Rabbit is setting out on his journey. I would include his blue top hat and cane as accessories for this figure. The cane could be part of the art work painted on the Vinylmation as oppose to a separate piece.

6. Porcupine Drummer

photo from All Ears.net

In my opinion one of the most memorable minor characters in the ride. He is using a turtle as the drum. I envision the artist incorporating the turtle into the artwork on the Vinylmation for this figure.

7. Fishing Goose

photo from All Ears.net

Throughout the attraction there are a few overall wearing geese who are fishing. I would include one of them on this figure. I would like to see the goose wearing his straw hat with a fishing pole accessory. This is another minor character from the ride that I think would work well in Vinylmation form.

8. Banjo Playing Gator

photo by krisjaus on flickr

Here is yet another memorable minor character that is spread throughout the ride. The Banjo Playing Gator appears as you enter the final show room after descending down the big drop into the Briar Patch. I would like to see the gator come with his hat and ideally a small banjo.

9. Tambourine Playing Chicken

photo from OnlyWDWorld.com

In one of the final scenes the tambourine playing chicken is seen on the riverboat (called the Zippa-Dee-Lady) playing her tambourine. Again I would like to see the tambourine as an accessory, but if it could only be included in the figure’s art, I would be good with that.

10. Can Can Goose

The Can Can Goose is also on the riverboat at the end of the attraction. I think this would be a nice addition to the set and round out an impressive array of minor characters in the ride.

11. Chick-A-Pin Hill

photo from All Ears.net

To round out the regular characters from this set I would include the mountain itself. This would be a good spot to use one of the figure’s ears to feature the tree at the top of the mountain. The face and body of the figure could feature the drop leading down into the Briar Patch. The feet would then be a good spot to feature the Briar Patch’s thorny vines.

12. Vulture (Chaser)

photo from All Ears.net

I think one of the vultures from the attraction would make a worthy chaser for the set. I would have the chaser come with his trademark black top hat. I think the vulture would be a good chaser because he is a more obscure character, but also very memorable to everyone because you see them as you begin up the hill for the big drop into the Briar Patch.

So, there you have it! My idea for the Park 12 series. Feel free to voice your thoughts on what else you would like to see in a Splash Mountain themed set. See you next time!

Disney Store Artist Gerald Mendez Show How to Airbrush

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

What an unexpected treat I found on Facebook today. Disney Store artist Gerald Mendez has posted a photo album tutorial on how to airbrush a 9″ Vinylmation. It is located on his Facebook page.

“Knowing the enthusiasm of many Vinylmation custom artist trying to figure how to airbrush a vinylmation piece I decided to post the step by step pictures of how I Airbrushed the 9″ Vinylmation Cosmic Mickey” – Gerald Mendez

Valentine’s 2013 Vinylmation Revealed

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

We told you that a Maria Clapsis designed Valentine’s figure would be awesome and we were right. Check it out! (Pic from Vinylmation Exchange and adjusted by us) It’s Cupid. With a bow (like Sagittarius) that you can see at the bottom. There are also hearts in his ears. My only hope is that he has wings too! He’ll be $14.95 and will be available at both D-Streets and Online on January 4th.

What do you think?

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.

2012 Food and Wine Festival Tony Review

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Today marks the release of the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival 3″ Tony (from Lady and the Tramp) figure.

The 3″ LE 2500 figure designed by Billy Davis is the second Food and Wine Vinylmation so far. You can find it for $16.95 at the Festival Shop located just past the entrance into the World Showcase (or by the beer kiosk if that helps). You can also find Tony a the Festival Shop near Morocco and at Mouse Gears.

I found him checking out the scenery. So how does Tony look? i find him to be an extraordinarily designed figure. The face looks great. As does the pile of spaghetti and meatballs in the ear. The issue I have is with inconsistent production value. Actually the only consistent factor was there seemed to be a small error on all of them.

 One of the most common errors was a blotch near the left shoulder as seen above.

The other common error was a string of paint falling off the pasta… almost like a strand of pasta hanging off the bowl, but this was not an intentional 3D effect. It was almost impossible to find one without this error. The other less common errors were lines around Tony’s mouth, lines on his shirt and specs of white in the tie that should be all black. These things distract partially from an otherwise perfect figure.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Project Sidekickz Artist Brian Shapiro

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

The Custom Artist Project is a group of 11 of the best custom Vinylmation artists in the world who have come together to make their own blind box series. Series 1 is called “Sidekickz” and is a mix of different Disney sidekicks from films or TV. It will be released on October 6th. Each day leading up to the release, we will spotlight a different artist from the series. Today we spotlight custom artist Brian Shapiro.

Hometown:  
Philadelphia, PA

Website:
Http://www.Facebook.com/BRInylmation
Http://www.BRInylmation.com

What Disney Sidekick did you choose?
I chose Creeper from Disney’s movie, The Black Cauldron, which was released in 1985.

Why did you choose that sidekick?
Sadly, The Black Cauldron was not much of a hit for Disney, but I really enjoyed it as a kid.  It’s based on a great series of books by Lloyd Alexander.  Because the film is not as popular as some of Disney’s biggest hits, there is very little merchandising.  When there is merchandise, commonly pins, it usually features the visually striking villain, the Horned King, or the lovable heroic sidekick, Gurgi.  In fact, these two appeared together in a Vinylmation 9″/3″ combo set a few years ago for the movie’s 25th Anniversary.  That’s actually when I got the idea to do the Horned King’s sidekick, Creeper.  Creeper is a hilarious, goblin-like underling with a mix of Igor and Gollum in him.  He is horribly abused by his master, and you can’t help but sympathize for the guy, even though he’s evil.  I think he has the most humorous moment at the end of the movie (SPOILER ALERT) when he realizes the Horned King is gone forever.  At first he laments that his master is gone, and then realizes that hey, he is GONE, and starts laughing and celebrating!  Going back to the set released by Disney, I thought it was amazing, but I thought Creeper should have been in there with the Horned King.  When I was invited to participate in the Custom Artist Project, I immediately wanted to do Creeper as my Sidekick!  I also thought it would be cool to make a Black Cauldron accessory to accompany him!

Favorite Disney Movie?
That is tough!! My favorite animated film is Beauty and the Beast, and my favorite live action film has to be a tie between TRON and The Black Hole.

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction?
The Haunted Mansion is my all time favorite.

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas?
After three years of doing Vinylmation customs, I really have come to appreciate just how adaptable the Mickey shaped canvas is for creating just about any character.  If you design it right, you can make tall, short, thin, or chubby characters fit by playing with their wardrobe and accessories.  You can also give the illusion of flatter faces or snouts.  As for the ears, I used to find them the most perplexing part of the mold, but now, I consider them the best.  The ears can be used to place eyes, pointed ears, and antennae, or they can be used to set the scene by providing a sense of the background environment.

Thank you, as always, for your generous spotlight of my Vinylmation work!

More info on the Custom Artist Project:


Website: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistProject/


How to purchase: The price of one blind box is $65, including shipping within the US. We’re looking into international shipping right now, but it will probably be another $5-10 if it works out.Paypal is going to be the accepted payment. It is limited to one household per blind box.


What you get: You will get one blind box (yes, I’m actually making boxes) with one of 24 different figures. Some figures come with accessories. You will also get 11 different cards, 1 from each artist.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Project Sidekickz Artist Josh Edwards

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

The Custom Artist Project is a group of 11 of the best custom Vinylmation artists in the world who have come together to make their own blind box series. Series 1 is called “Sidekickz” and is a mix of different Disney sidekicks from films or TV. It will be released on October 6th. Each day leading up to the release, we will spotlight a different artist from the series. Today we spotlight custom artist Josh Edwards.

Hometown:
Chatham, IL

Website:
You can visit me on my facebook page: Crazy4Vinyls Customs

What Disney Sidekick did you choose?
I chose Iago as my Disney sidekick.

Why did you choose that sidekick?
I chose him because I know he is a popular character from Aladdin and there is already and Aladdin and Jafar vinylmation so I thought he would fit in great.

Favorite Disney Movie?
Favorite Disney movie, such a hard decision.  I am a big fan of all of the Pixar movies but my favorite would have to be Finding Nemo.

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction?
Favorite attraction, another hard question.  There are so many. Can I pick one per park?  Magic Kingdom Space Mountain.  Epcot Soarin’ Animal Kingdom Expedition Everest   Disney Studios Toy Story Mania

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas?
My favorite part of working on the mickey canvas is really the whole process from beginning to end. I love watching an idea come to life as I am creating it. The best part is almost toward the end as the final touches are being added and the piece seems to come to life!

More info on the Custom Artist Project:


Website: http://www.facebook.com/groups/ArtistProject/


How to purchase: The price of one blind box is $65, including shipping within the US. We’re looking into international shipping right now, but it will probably be another $5-10 if it works out.Paypal is going to be the accepted payment. It is limited to one household per blind box.


What you get: You will get one blind box (yes, I’m actually making boxes) with one of 24 different figures. Some figures come with accessories. You will also get 11 different cards, 1 from each artist.

Episode 091 Super Mouse

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Ep. 091 Super Mouse

This week we discuss the releases of the Nursery Rhymes and Popcorns series. We review the new Tony Food and Wine figure. We give you the first details about the 2012 Dee Vee Award nominations. And we have an interview with artist Rust this World who is heading up the Custom Artist Project and the upcoming release of the blind box Sidekickz series.

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Mouse Gears Photoshoot

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Not many seem to like the Urban series Mouse Gears (or Gear Bears). But we think they are just misunderstood and needed to get out of the box to play. So we took them to, where else? Mousegears at Epcot. So on this 30th anniversary of the great Disney theme park, we would like to share these pictures with you!