Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Crazy4Vinyls

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Crazy4Vinyls from Chatham, IL is our newest spotlight subject. He decided to take his first crack at custom Vinylmation, or really artwork of anykind, buy making a delicious set of famous candy.

DV: Destination Vinylmation: Do you collect Disney’s Vinylmation?
Crazy4Vinyls: Yes I do collect, and my wife calls it my obsession.  I started back when Park 2 came out.  When we went to WDW for a trip we started buying them.  I was able to get 8 of them and I remember my wife saying we need to stop because we spent enough on them.  Oh how I wish I would have bought more, maybe I could have got Pongo. I didn’t buy anymore until our last trip in Feb of this year.  I came home with about 40 more and now I am hovering near 200 of them.

DV: What is your favorite Disney Vinylmation figure?
Crazy4Vinyls: My favorite by far was the first blind box that I bought which was the little green man from Toy Story.  I just love that character in the movie.  I don’t know how many times I have quoted him and my son telling me to stop.

DV: What is your personal favorite custom that you have done?
Crazy4Vinyls: Well I have only done the set of 4 M & M guys, but I do have a favorite.  I really like how the orange one turned out.  The look on his face makes me think that someone is going to eat him.  I really like the worried look!

DV: How did you come up with the idea for the M&Ms?
Crazy4Vinyls: I was trying to create customs that I had never seen before and I wanted to include something with pop culture because I think those characters/logos are instantly recognizable.  I also thought they would look great on the mickey mold and not too many details for a first timer.

DV: Are M&Ms your favorite candy?
Crazy4Vinyls: M & M’s are one of my favorites, love the peanut ones!

DV: What have you learned from creating your customs that you can pass onto other custom artists?
Crazy4Vinyls: Well I have only done the 4, so I don’t think I can tell anyone else any secrets that I have found.  I will say that I was worried about creating the “m” on the front of each one.  So what I did was trace an “m” out on painter’s tape, then I cut it out.  I stuck it on the vinyl and painted over it with my coats.  When it was dry, I carefully removed the “m” and then filled it in with white paint.

DV: What’s next?
Crazy4Vinyls: Well I am calling my series of customs pop culture vinylmations. I even created a logo and included on the back of the collector’s cards.   So without giving anything away, let’s just say I grew up in the 80’s and I am inspired by that era.  I also like to create works that I have never seen before.  So as soon as I can get my hands on some white CYO’s (those are hard to find) I will get busy on my next set.

DV: Thank you for sharing your work with our audience.
Crazy4Vinyls: Thanks for doing this spotlight on me.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Justin Marshall

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

As a child, my favorite Disney characters were Dreamfinder and Figment. I loved the EPCOT attraction as it originally was. It was a delight for kids and adults alike. So when custom artist Justin Marshall came to us with a Journey Into Imagination custom, I could not wait to share it with everyone.

Destination Vinylmation: What does Journey Into Imagination mean to you?
Justin: I have always loved journey into imagination. It really shows the magnitude of figments popularity because this is a character that is spawned from a EPCOT attraction, and no where else, yet after all these years seems to be just getting stronger and stronger in popularity. Now that the original ride is gone makes it even stronger for that demand for figment, and the Dreamfinder. It was a experience for all ages that brought you through the arts, literature, performing arts, and science. For a time where no one owned a computer, the technology was amazing. They can bring back the exact same ride, substitute a few things with 21st century advantages and you will have a hit!

DV: So you’re not a big fan of the current version of the ride?
Justin: The ride now is… half ass done, and its a shame for all the creativity and hard work that went into it and now it sits in crates in a warehouse some where on the Disney property.

DV: I really like the retro feel of this custom. It seems like something you would find at EPCOT in the ’80s. But this figure really seems to hold special sentimental value to you.
Justin: I made this to keep the attraction alive, and hopefully the new generation of disney lovers will someday get to experience this attraction the way it was intended with some 21st century tweaks.

But wait, there’s more! Justin also wanted us to include these 3″ Figments as a compliment to the 9″ Journey figure.

This is one great looking Figment! Check out the detail on the space suit.
Here is Figment in his sweater.

Great job Justin. For more Justin Marshall customs, check out his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/justinchad82

The Rising Cost of Tuition

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Seems like some Sorcerer’s in training are willing to pay a steep price to acquire the most coveted and rare spells in the Kingdom. Just a few weeks ago, finding a Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card on eBay was far and few between, but recently there has been an explosion of activity. These cards that are handed out free to guests at MK, are now fetching a decent profit online. Of course, with anything from Disney, this was to be expected, and your everyday cards (#1-60) are reasonably valued.

The average selling price for a single common card is $4-$5. Only when the face card is of a more popular character like Rapunzel, Mickey or Wall-E, does the value jump a bit toward the $10 range.

Now here’s the kicker. If a sorcerer would like to obtain one of the rare spells in the #61-80 range, the price goes up considerably.

This Jasmine #65 sold for an astounding $80! And so did her fellow rare characters such as Dumbo and Hercules. 9 cards in all so far sold for around the $80 mark and more are now listed at that asking price. That seems incredible to me, but then again I live by the park and can go get them for free. I understand that, but we do not even know the extent to which these will be available yet in the parks and people are willing to part with $80 for them already. There are still conflicting reports out there as to how these rare 10 will be obtained. Including this post just a few days ago on our Sorcerer’s of the MK Card Checklist page:

According to cast members today at Magic Kingdom, cards 61-70 are still being handed out. It is like one in every 100-150 packs handed out. I watched someone actually get one today in their pack. Was really cool and exciting all at the same time. – Tabbie

I’ve also talked to Laura Inglis, a writer for Non-Sport Update Magazine, about the collectibility and future value of these cards. She said:

I think everything Disney is collectible. In terms of comparing these to other cards as far as value and collectibility, I think they can be compared to the Transportation Cards (which I think are still being given out) and the Signature Series cards from 2001.

We invited Laura to be on next week’s DV Podcast where she will discuss her thoughts on where these cards are headed and also a little about the history of Disney trading cards for those of us who may want to branch out a bit. As always, your thoughts are welcome. Where do you think these cards are headed in terms of collectibility? If you do not live near WDW, are you willing to shell out some cash to complete a set? If you do live near WDW, might you stock up and cash in on these cards?

Japan Easter Duck and Mouse

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Coming to Japan on April 2nd are a couple of Easter themed Mickey and Donald Vinylmation. We found this snapshot of a Japanese ad on Vinylmation World (originally tweeted by @dizpix).

Retailing for 1200 Yen, or about $14.83 USD, they will be sold in open window boxes. The Mickey is decked out in colorful spring time clothes and is topped with a checkered hat. The Mickey face and the overall design look very well done, but I don’t know if I want to add this pastel clad mouse to my personal collection. The Donald is a completely different story. With those new bunny ears (as seen on the US Easter Bunny Vinylmation), I want him to hop into my display case ASAP! This is the way the ears should be used. I don’t mind taking away the Mickey shape canvas if you are still going to give me a Disney themed design. The face is drawn in a very cartoonish manor that is different from all the Donalds we have seen so far. The little hat also looks great.

All Aboard! A Park 9 Vinylmation is Previewed

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Yesterday on the Vinylmation Facebook page…

They previewed for us a pretty amazing looking 3″ Park 9 design! It’s the No. 2 Lilly Belle locomotive from Walt Disney World. The Lilly Belle is named after Walt Disney’s wife Lillian Disney. Lilly Belle is also the name of the scaled-down steam locomotive Walt had built in his backyard. It is also the name of the special caboose car guests can board at the Disneyland Railroad.

This is a great shot of the Lilly Belle from the website StartedByAMouse.com. It is interesting to note that the Lilly Belle is a restored train that was built in 1928… does that year sound familiar? As important as trains were to Walt, I’m surprised it took us this long to see one of the locomotives made into Vinylmation. One of my favorite Walt Disney quotes, probably because it shows his gigantic creative thinking coupled with his child like qualities is “I just want it to look like nothing else in the world. And it should be surrounded by a train.” And this Vinylmation is like nothing else. What do you think of the top?

I really love it. If there was one negative, I would want a little more realness and grit tot he design instead of the clean illustration. But it looks very good and has me already anticipating Park 9. I can also see this one become an easy, and masterfully used, variant. We know practically the full line of Park 9 by the way. Check out this post from when the pins were leaked last fall.

John Carter Explained

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

John Carter
Release Date: September 7 on Facebook, September 21 at D-Streets
Price: $14.95
Details: A four figure open window set based on the Disney film John Carter. Notice the new extended body mold on the two creatures to give them extra arms.

 Princess Deja

John Carter

Thark Jeddak Tars Tarkus

White Ape

Peak Inside Flower & Garden 2012

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

I had some time yesterday to drop by Day 1 of the 2012 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. The opening scene was from Fantasia with Sorcerer Mickey rising high above the walking mops. The sides of display featured dancing animals included ostriches, hippos and gators. Of course, the Fab 5 graced the entrance to World Showcase and the princes and princesses danced within. Hope you enjoy these first pictures, I’ll bring you more on my next visit this weekend. (click any for larger image)

Sneak Peaks Galore!

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Update 3/9/12 Thank you everyone here and on Facebook for the comments on these sneak peaks! Looks like the best guess to the mystery women is from Derek… Tomorrowland Space Women (can also do man variant).

Photo on right from Yesterland.com

3/7/12 The Disney Parks Blog just posted an interview with Disney Design Group and Vinylmation artist Thomas Scott. It was an interview focusing on the new John Carter Vinylmation, but we saw much more around the office than that. We brake it down for you, but the video itself, has great insight and pictures on how Vinylmation are designed. Take a look.

Ok, let’s dive in…

We have some pieces here they wanted us to see, what do you spot? Possible some Urban designs? Also, pink Park Starz Squid. Is this another variant? The stars top hat behind seems to be the Uncle Sam figure we are looking forward to near July 4th. How abut the women in the bubble helmet. This strikes me as a Park figure but I can’t quite place it.

Next up, we have our first real look at the upcoming Popcorn figures. Mickey in the foreground and Goofy in the right corner. Looks like the opposite of my speculation! These are larger than 3″ and even appear larger than Park Starz. Speaking of… are those 2 more Park Starz molds behind Mickey? If so, any character guesses?

Here is another look at Goofy. And then the John Carter vinyls…

Besides the new molds, that we already knew about, It appears Princess Deja has a cape accessory! Where was that for Star Wars?

And here is a closer look at Thark Jeddak Tars Tarkus’s arms.

The video also gave a glimpse into the work environment for Thomas Scott. Maybe showing some of his inspirations and for sure showing off a collection of his own Vinylmation work.

Vinylmation
Other vinyl collectibles
Various vinyls
What is your take on the sneak peaks found in this video? Did you find others we didn’t spot?

Collector’s Corner: David

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com to have your collection featured

Name: David

Hometown: Miami, FL

Collection Count: 992
3″ = 866
9″ = 86
Jrs = 31
Park Starz = 3
Customs = 6

A wall of 9″ figures

How long have you been collecting?
I have been collecting vinylmations since it came out. The way I found out about the vinylmations was when I went on the Disney Cruise while there I went to the store in the cruise and saw these vinyl shaped as mickeys since i’m a Disney collector I decided to buy one and another and another until my friend just told me to buy the whole box and I got the box and the 9″ exclusive park 1 and so started my hunt for them all.

Ear Hat, key chain and plush
Park 8 and Alice
Various 9″ and more
Ear Hats
9″
David even bought Billiards! That’s a sure way to up a Collection Count 🙂

What is your favorite figure that you own?
My favorite vinylmation would have to be 9″ Fantasmic it’s one of my favorite shows in Disney and the design is just beautiful.

Holiday 9″
Big Figs! Nice touch.
Animal Kingdom
Big Figs and more
More 9″! I should have kept mine in box for stacking.

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
My favorite vinylmation I been looking for the most but i think ill never get it is the Haunted Mansion Shag 9″.

Muppets, Villains and Urban
Pirates, Animation and Star Wars
Park!

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
The best feeling is opening a vinyl from a blind box that you want.The best luck I had with my boxes is pulling out the holy grail from my star wars box the Blue ghost Obi-Won chaser and other variants.

David’s added some nice customs to his shelves.

Luck of the Irish Vinylmation Fans

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Another Dublin exclusive Vinylmation has been released. Thanks again to @VM_Paris for pointing us to the photos on DQForum.com.

As you can see, it has a Leprechaun appearance. I enjoy this design much more than the 1st Dublin figure. Underneath the pulled down hat, the face looks similar to Mickey from Holiday 1.
The box is full of shamrocks
As mentioned, this is the second Dublin Disney Store exclusive. The first was a green figure covered in shamrocks.
The look of the Leprechaun is also reminiscent of the faceless Paris Disney Store exclusive released last month.
No word yet on price, but you should be able to locate it in the Dublin Disney Store. Will the new Dublin figure be lucky enough to make it into your collection?