Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Tayner

WDWNT on June 8, 2011

Custom artist Tayner sent us some pictures of his 3″ designs. He also describes them in his own words. Enjoy.
Jack Jack from The Incredibles
Now don’t get fooled by his basic design or cuteness… he was a lot of work to make, and caused me a few problems. I drew out a rough sketch, as usual, and he looked pretty good! As I actually painted him, he started looking really weird! I decided to re-sketch his face, and make it look better!
Frozone from The Incredibles
I really want to design custom figures that I haven’t seen done before, so I started going through my favorite movies by Disney.
Chuckles The Clown from Toy Story 3

I was sitting down, in my room, with a black Create-Your-Own, and was looking around my room. I saw my TS3 Poster, and thought to myself “Which of these characters didn’t they do in the Toy Story Vinylmation Series?”. Then it hit me! Chuckles! So I sketched him out on a sketch pad, and he looked pretty good… So here is the final result!

Finaly, here is Tayners Monsters Inc. 3″ Custom

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Joseph

WDWNT on June 2, 2011

We previously talked to Custom Artist Joseph about his BioShock 9″, now he is back with Anatomical Vinylmation.
In his own words from his Joe of War Customs Blog, Joseph talks about his newest creation:
This custom Vinylmation started out as just fooling around with a 3″ white blank figure. I wanted to see how easy it would be to chop one in half, so I took a hair dryer to soften the vinyl, and a very big knife and boom! Easy as that. Next was coming up with something interesting to actually do with the vinyl. I stewed around with some ideas for a few days and finally settled on making an anatomical Mickey.
I thought it would be cool to show the insides of a Mickey without being too gross and graphic. I think I pulled it off with some cute details and only a few dabs of blood on the brain.


The lungs, intestines, brain, ear brain, cartoony heart, and realistic heart were sculpted with Aves Apoxie. Rare earth magnets about 1/16 of an inch can be used to interchange the cartoony and realistic heart like an accessory.
I painted the outside muscles in patterns so they would look like they could move independantly. My girlfriend thought it would be cool to do part of the head as a skull and the other part as muscle tissue. I took Val’s advice and love how it turned out thanks babe!!!
For the skull half, I painted the pie eye with some brain seen through it. The only marker I used was for the teeth and the crack on the top of the skull. I made the crack in the skull so that the ear would look like it was brain sort of coming out of the skull just for a cool effect.
Finally for a base I tried to give it a rusty metal feel, so I gave a McFarlane Halo helmet display a full repaint. Added more magnets to the top of the base, and Mickey’s head stays on easily (even weighing as much as it does with all that Apoxie brain!)

Spotlight On: Vinylmation Soap

WDWNT on June 1, 2011

Today we feature a special custom Vinylmation. Remember those Ice Cube trays released awhile back? Well one Vinylmation Collector is using those trays to make Vinylmation Soap. Her name is Claudia (not the Claudia with the Mickey and Minnie Customs). We caught up with Claudia  at the last event and she told us all about it. And if your interested in purchasing some, her contact info can be found below.

Destination Vinylmation: How did you come up with the idea for making Vinylmation Soap?
Claudia: The idea was born because I love Vinylmations, and one day I was looking at them and thought that it would be cool if they could be used for something else, like soap. I found the right molding and gave it a try, they came out looking so cute, that I decided to offer them to all the Vinylmation collectors out there.

DV: That’s a really cool idea. A nice conversation starter at the house.

Claudia: I believe they can be a great item for the house or even for party favors.

DV: I see you have different kinds. What are the colors and fragrances available?

Claudia: The colors are based on the primary colors, I adjust the tones or mix them to have a nice variety of colors to match every taste. As for the fragrances, I use any of the following: tropical, citrus, lemon, vanilla, cucumber, lavender, orange, coconut, almond, green apple. If I don’t have it, I can try to find it. I can make any color and fragrance combination. The bases available are: Ultra Clear, Goats Milk or White glycerin.

DV: I see some of them are even sparkling.

Claudia: Glitter can be added by request to the clear soap, or jojoba spheres for exfoliating.

DV: How can people order your Vinylmation Soap?

Claudia: The price is 6 pieces for $5.00 plus $2.50 for shipping and handling. I also make discounts on bulk orders. I send the items via USPS first class or USPS Priority (in bigger orders) and only accept payments with paypal. For orders please contact me via email: vinylmationcreations@yahoo.com
or by Phone: 321-278-9252.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Claudia

WDWNT on May 27, 2011

We’ve known Claudia for several months now. She’s a highly energetic vinylmation trader who frequently leaves comments on our site. We also always see her and her husband in line for the latest vinylmation on Friday mornings (like today!) Little did we know, she is also a great custom artist. Check out some of these great Retro Minnie and Mickey pieces she’s done.

This are very cool for a new artist. I really appreciate the time spent on removing the brushstrokes. Also check out the Swarovski crystals she used as the dots on Minnie’s dress. I also like Mickey’s google eyes. I found this picture of an old Minnie and Mickey, check out how well Claudia replicated them!
And check out Minnie’s hat. It’s made of wood and is removable! Just like the hat accessories from Disney’s vinylmations.
A week after we saw these at the trade show, she announced that she was finished her 9″ Retro Minnie. Check this out. Claudia said she spent 3 weeks going over it with the coating to make it look like this. It too has a removable hat!
But there’s more. Not only is the hat removable, but the is more mixed media. Her dress’s polka dots are added, and check out her eyelashes…
Those are three dimensional as well! Claudia says they were a pain to get just right. Claudia also has a youtube channel where she films a lot of her vinylmation, check out the following video she made about this piece.


Thanks Claudia for sharing these with us, and to all our readers, make sure you stop by and say hi to her when you have a chance!

Spotlight On: Custom Artist “The Model Maker”

WDWNT on May 26, 2011

The first Thursday without a Big Bang Theory for the summer got us feeling down, so we tracked down a custom artist whose work caught our attention to ask him about his Big Bang Theory related custom project he’s recently completed. Straight from Ireland, here’s “themodelmaker”…

MC: What got you into art?
themodelmaker: I think it started with a fascination with comic books and animation from early age. I always wanted to draw my own comic book, but my skills were not at that level yet. However, they were good enough to pass the drawing exams for architecture, where I was still influenced by art, but with emphasize on buildings. After a few years working as architect, I got into painting figures and sculpting in my free time. That way I can put my hands on projects and shape it as I want without waiting for open-minded investor with cash.

MC: Very cool. What’s your artistic background, training/education?
TMM: I studied architecture in Wroclaw in Poland. Apart from few obligatory drawing, painting, and sculpting courses; most of my skills are self-taught. Making custom toys is a great way to improve in the areas I like.

MC: How long have you been creating custom Vinyls?
TMM: I am fresh in this scene, it will be exactly year and the half. Before that I played with resin, I made few buildings from scratch, sculpted little figurines, and engagement ring boxes based on Disney characters.

MC: How long have you worked with the Disney Vinylmation specifically?
TMM: I only made 2 customs on vinylmations to this moment and there will be more. First one was Walt Disney’s portrait few months ago.
MC: How many other custom pieces have you made?
TMM: I’ve made about 30 customs on vinyl platforms, plus few more made from scratch.

MC: What’s your favorite piece you’ve made?
TMM: Einstein munny.
MC: Do you collect the Vinylmation created by Disney artists?
TMM: No I don’t. I can’t buy it here in Ireland, but even if I did I would probably repaint them because I am more interested in making things than buying stuff. If I will start collecting, I will limit it to one that are unique and handmade by other customizers, and not the mass printed designs.

MC: What is your favorite Disney Vinylmation design?
TMM: My favourite design is blank. It saves lot of time on cleaning the paint, it leads to some action and creativity on consumers end and it is the reason why I am interested in this toy, but if ever got the Trade City USA from commemorative events 2010 series, I would keep him as he is.

MC: How did you come up with the idea of the Sheldon piece?
TMM: I watch at least one episode a day of the The Big Bang Theory on DVD. It always makes me laugh, even if I watch the same episode for third time. It is my favorite series ever and I wanted to show it somehow. I only realized they will make a good series of customs, when I put vinylmation next to the dunnys. His shape, hands, head and smile worked for me only this way, plus he is taller and completes the set well.
MC: Can you describe this figure? The inspiration. What detail went into it?
TMM: In one episode he came from Disneyworld with his Mickey ears on, that probably left the first mark in my brain, but I didn’t do anything more about it then. Later, I decided that I want to practice portrait painting and looked for the subject. I want my customs to show the things I like, so Big Bang was a must. I painted Sheldon and was happy with the results. Then I painted Wolowitz and was even happier, so I decided to finish the whole cast. Sheldon was quick, just two days. With this series I wanted to limit myself to painting only. That is why I didn’t add any noses or change anything in original figure. I only filled with filler few lines on vinylmation’s head and line of trousers and removed Mickeys buttons.
MC: I really like the Lantern What is your favourite aspect of it?
TMM: That I didn’t need to sculpt and sand much this time.

MC: What was the hardest part in creating this figure?
TMM: The hardest part was to keep the likeness with the character/actor. It is challenging enough to achieve it on flat surface, a bit more complicated when the figure itself dictates position of nose or mouth.

MC: I like the whole Big Bang theory crew, and the show. What did you find so fascinating about both that made you want to put it into vinyl form?
TMM: Their passions, lifestyle, and strong fascination with subjects remind me my own life and friends. Of course I am not as smart or as socially awkward as they are 🙂

MC: In your words where can people go to find out more about your pieces and see your work?
TMM: I post all my works on my blog: themodelmaker.net, on a deviant art gallery and recently on flicker. I keep updating about new finished projects on my twitter and facebook page.

MC: I’d like to thank you for joining us, and please keep up the great vinyl work! Your pieces are extraordinary and the faces are some of the best ones I’ve ever seen on a custom!

All photos from themodelmaker.net

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Fershozombie

WDWNT on May 23, 2011


This piece is awesome. I love the use of 3D additions to create a very unique profile. All the details and colors are very well done. I love all the spots in the green skin, and the nicely painted RF on the shirt.

We got a chance to interview the artist. Here’s what they said.
MC: Tell us a little about yourself.
Fershozombie: My name is Fernando but I go by the alias fershozombie. I am an illustrator from Mexico. I work designing merchandise for bands, skateboard companies, and clothing brands.
MC: What got you into art?
FZ: Ever since I can remember I love drawing, I used to draw the characters from the cartoons I used to watch. That was my first connection with art.

MC: That’s cool. What’s your artistic background, training/education?
FZ: I am currently studying the graphic design career, but I’ve been in the business for around three years.

MC: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation?
FZ: The Rat Fink was my first time customizing a vinylmation piece, but I am currently working on a second one that I am sure some people will like.

MC: How many other custom vinyl pieces have you made?
FZ: I mostly work with Japanese vinyl and Kidrobot’s Munny toys. I’ve been working with them for some time, but I would say I have done more than 20.

MC: What’s your favorite piece you’ve made?
FZ: I really like all the pieces I do, but I am really stoked about the one I am currently working on. I will be producing a resin toy from one of my eyeball characters.
MC: Do you collect the Vinylmation created by Disney artists?
FZ: I haven’t really had the pleasure to get one, I only have a small collection of blanks that I plan to work on.

MC: Well, from what you have seen out there, what is your favorite Disney Vinylmation design?
FZ: I really like the eyeball one from the jr. series and also the Oogie Boogie one.
MC: How did you come up with the idea of the Rat Fink piece?
FZ: I have always been a fan of Ed Roth’s art, you can tell if you see my portfolio. So I wanted to do some kind of tribute to his work, and the vinylmation was the perfect platform for it.

MC: Can you describe this figure? The inspiration. What detail went into it?
FZ: The inspiration came from the rat fink character. I tried to put as much detail as I could into it so that everyone that see it can recognize the figure.
MC: What is your favorite aspect of it?
FZ: I would say color, I love that neon green I used on it. That’s a color I use in most of my art.

MC: What was the hardest part in creating this figure? Clearly it’s just more then paint, how do you get the 3-D effect?
FZ: It wasn’t really hard. I see every piece as a new challenge. In this case, I used polymer clay to sculpt the face.

MC: Well it looks really good. Thank you for talking to us. One last question: In your words where can people go to find out more about your pieces and see your work?
FZ: You can check more of my work at my flickr and tumblr profiles:

flickr.com/photos/fershozombie/

fershozombie.tumblr.com/

Also if anyone is interested in getting this piece, it is currently up for auction on ebay:http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300558094296&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1156

MC: Well, thanks again! Keep up the good work, and let us know when you finish the any new pieces!

Ed Roth Rat Fink pic from ratfink.com

ZoMG: Ariel Noah 3″

WDWNT on May 19, 2011

Yesterday, we finally got a sneak peek at the 3″ Vinylmation designed by Noah for the Little Mermaid release at California Adventure on June 11th!!


We only get to see the front of the figure which looks fantastic! The same turquoise color was used as the 9 inch! (they would make quite the set!)

The figure has tiny details of bubbles all over the figure! Noah also pointed out via twitter today, “Noah little mermaid Vinylmation 3″ all have hidden mickeys in the bubbles”

What a great touch!! I don’t know about you but I LOVE when artists include hidden mickeys in their artwork!

No word yet on what the backside of the figure looks like.. Maybe the silhouette of Ariel? We will have to stay tuned to find out!

-Zoe

Picture from Art of Disney blog

Vinylmation Speculation: Noah’s Pirate AND Mermaid?

WDWNT on May 14, 2011

Update: 5/14/11 In yet another odd change of events, last night @noahfineart announced that the Little Mermaid custom was not the only one he was doing. He is also doing the Pirates 9″ custom. We haven’t seen any confirmation, but we assume that this is the 9″ Custom that will be released with a signing on May 20th.
For the full pic check out this post:
Update: 5/11/11 Noah posted another clue on twitter. This time he says, “a girl”. Does this mean he made a custom of the famous “redhead” from the auction scene in the ride? If not, this might mean that he’s going a different direction, and it might not be pirate related at all! Any thoughts?
We decided to break all this speculation into a separate post, to keep the May 21st Pirate Custom release post.

Update: 5/10/11 We are still waiting word on what Noah meant by yesterday’s tweet about a new Vinylmation release. We are speculating he is the artist behind this May 21st custom Pirates Vinylmation and a look at his blog today added more fuel to that speculation. Noah attended the May 7th Disneyland premiere of the newest Pirates movie to sign his work for guests. Noah also produced this piece of Pirates artwork:


Update: 5/9/11 On the podcast (and on this post) we’ve compared this release to the release of the Noah special 9″ TRON customs. Now there’s reason to believe that he might actually be the artist of this one to. Tonight @NoahDineArt tweeted this:
Remember that the Noah TRON series had 36 individual custom 9″ figures. Each vinyl cost $595.00. Will that part stay the same too? Since the announcement at the Art of Disney blog is only for California, will this series be smaller than 36? The release date is fast approaching. I have a feeling we will find out more, really really soon.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Chelsey

WDWNT on May 12, 2011

Update: 05 12 11 The custom Kevin you see here designed by Chelsea is now available for purchase on eBay. Click here to visit the auction.

Last week, we featured the work of Californian artist Chelsea with her Carl and Russell Up custom Vinylmation. This week, she gives us an exclusive preview of her newly finished Kevin 9″ Vinylmation.

Destination Vinylmation: Chelsea, tell us about the design on this figure.

Chelsea: I’ve decided to stick with my 3D idea for Kevin. His feather was made out of clay.

I used a picture from the movie scene where Kevin was found by Russel and Carl in the jungle. On the back of the vinyl, I decided to use the abstract view of Carl, Russel, Doug and Kevin looking up at Paradise Falls with the house on top of it.

DV: This is a perfect use of the Vinylmation shape to draw Kevin. Is this the way you always pictured it, or were there a few different ideas before settling on this design?

Chelsea: This not the way I always pictured it. My original ideas was to draw it on both sides and show the beak in the front. However, after the initial sketch, I found it’s not the best way to show him.

DV: I enjoy when artists don’t just force a mirror image of the front onto back. The back of this figure is a beautiful depiction of the movie UP. Is it difficult to paint such a detailed image onto the Vinylmation canvas?

Chelsea: It’s quite a challenge to put such a detailed image onto the vinyl. However, as always, I do love challenges. It really took me a while to finish such a high level of detail.

DV: After looking at the finished figure, is there anything you would do differently if making another?

Chelsea: The only part that I’m not quite satisfied about this one is the pink color on his tail. It’s not the perfect pink I want. I want the pink to be lighter than this one.

DV: What is your favorite part of this figure?

Chelsea: I think my favorite part is I was able to blend the front side and back side. There’s no clear cut of the front side and back side. It naturally transitions from front to back so it looks like a whole piece.

DV: I love how colorful it is. It’s a great looking piece of art from one of my favorite movies of all-time. I know I would love to add this to my collection… Is this a one of a kind? And will it go on sale or is this for your personal collection?

Chelsea: I am planing to make 3 of them. I’ll keep one for myself for sure. (The others) will go on sale after the exclusive exhibit on Destination Vinylmation for the week. If anyone is interested in purchasing this figure before I put it up for sale, please email me at zhchelsea0513@gmail.com. I’ll put it on Ebay afterwards. Thanks for the continuous support.

Spotlight On: Custom Artist Amanda Albert

WDWNT on May 5, 2011

A while ago, while surfing the twitter waves, we ran aground of this cool custom vinylmation. Like always, we tweeted the designer and bring the interview straight to you. Check it out:

If you don’t know who this is, this is a great version of Scott Pilgrim from the comic books Scott Pilgrim. This awesome 9″ figure was made by Amanda Albert for her boyfriend for Valentine’s Day. I like the eyes and the details on the clothing the most! Here’s what Amanda had to say.

MC: Do you have any other custom Scott Pilgrim ones? Romona? Knives?
Amanda Albert: No, I have a mini blank one that I need to get around to, but I am not sure what to make it yet. I think it’s too small to make detailed enough for another Scott Pilgrim character.

MC: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation?
AA: This is actually the first one I have made before.
MC: Do you collect the Vinylmation created by Disney artists?
AA: No, but my boyfriend does. He has a pretty healthy collection going. Hopefully he doesn’t wind up on “Hoarders” in a decade.

MC: What is your favorite Disney Vinylmation design?
AA: I adore Mary Blair, so it’s got to be the “it’s a small world” 9″ from Park 1.
MC: Can you describe your Scott Pilgrim figure? The inspiration. What detail went into it?
AA: It’s a super deformed Scott Pilgrim. The inspiration was I wanted to make a gift for my boyfriend for this past Valentine’s day. He loves and collects Vinylmation and Scott Pilgrim, so it just made sense to me.
I used acrylic paints and my brushes. And then refined some of the line art with a micron pen.

MC: What was the hardest part of creating this figure?
AA: It was tough figuring out how I wanted his expression to be. Scott is a pretty animated character so I was hard to get an expression that did him justice.
MC: In your words where can people go to find out more about your pieces and see your work?
AA: I have a portfolio/blog at supinternets.com
And you can follow me on twitter. @supinternets

Thanks so much!

MC: Thanks and keep up the great work!