Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist John Ward

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

We spotlighted John Ward last year with some of his great 9″ customs and he is back to share a couple villains and a non-Disney set as well.

Destination Vinylmation: Why all the villains?
John: The villains are some of my favorite characters in Disney movies, so naturally I enjoy creating customs of them.

DV: What is the first custom you’d like to share?
John: First up is my 9″ Gaston, from Beauty and the Beast. I sculpted a rifle for him to hold and also a quiver, with a couple arrows, for his back. This was the second time I sculpted something from the reverse of a Vinylmation figure, which made things easier since I knew what not to do.

DV: What was one challenge you had with this figure and how did you overcome it?
John: I had a hard time deciding what to put on his ears, but finally decided on making it a stormy night, like when he confronts the Beast towards the end of the movie.

DV: Your next custom is Judge Frollo, from Hunchback of Notre Dame. What are some of the features of this character?
John: I must be honest, I still haven’t seen this movie, although I really want to. I just never got around to watching it, but I will one day.

 I knew that with Frollo I needed to sculpt his hat, it was a must because the figure wouldn’t look right without it. I also wanted to sculpt his rings. I felt they would also add something to the piece. The hat is the largest sculpted piece I’ve done to date, which was a challenge in itself.

I also added the cloth red part. I was thinking of sculpting that too, but decided that using cloth would make it look much nicer. Also, if you remove the hat, you can see I added a couple arches on the ears.

DV: One of our favorite TV shows is The Big Bang Theory. So your next set really excites us. Tell us about these figures.
John: I don’t normally work with 3″ pieces, I’ve only created 2 so far, and both were commissioned pieces. However, I felt that for this set, 3″ would work better.

The set is the main characters from the show. I enjoyed creating them more than I thought I would. My number one concern was if I’d be able to get the detail I wanted to achieve on a much smaller work area than I’m used to. In the end though I was able to through using the small brushes and lots and lots of patience.

DV: Can you give us some hints on what your working on right now?
John: Currently I’m working on several projects. A piece for a charity event here in Jacksonville, some 3″ pieces for Evilos’ Blind Bag Series coming out later this year, and also I’m re-working one of my earlier customs, Jafar. I have a couple ideas on how to improve him and make it a better custom piece, along with adding something to him that I haven’t tried before.

DV: If readers would like to inquire about purchasing your work, how can they do that?
John: All of my current customs are for sale on my website; www.siberianarts.com along with all my other artwork. Any questions about my pieces can be sent to siberianarts@gmail.com
You can also see my latest projects and updates on my Facebook page; Siberian Vinylmation Customs.

Vinylmation Customations Offers Gifts Through Facebook Shop

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

We just checked in with Custom Vinylmation artist Heather Kattleman of Vinylmation Customations and she had some new treats for us to share with you. First, just in time for the New Fantasyland, is her Beauty and the Beast Stained Glass 9″ figure.

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She also has a brand new Star Wars Samuri.

And she of course has some Christmas themed figures, perfect for gifts.

Both Santa Mickey and Rudolph Pluto are available right now on her Facebook Store. Along with this cool 3″ custom figure.

Love it! Check it all out at the Vinylmation Customations Facebook Store here. Just click on the “Shop & Order Now” link.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Mark Johnson

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

Artist Mark Johnson recently designed a couple new custom Vinylmation.

His 3″ Toy Story Little Green Men Claw Machine is a fantastic take on this classic Pixar scene. Great use of the bubble helmet.

Christmas Carol Gonzo was sold through Evilos’ blind bag series, but Mark can re create any of his figures or customize a completely new creation to order. Just stop by his Facebook page and drop him a message.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist NRB Relic

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

NRB Relic has a few new customs that we will spotlight this week. The first one is her 9″ custom Vinylmation “A Gift To Present”.

It is a ONE OF A KIND piece of art hand painted and additions to the Vinylmation are hand sculpted by artist NRB Relic (Nanette R. Belgen) This piece was shown at the SON OF MONSTERPALOOZA show on Oct. 27- Oct. 28 2012.

Find more pictures and contact info on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NRBRelic.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist NRB Relic

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

We are spotlighting a few on NRB Relic’s custom this week. This 3″ custom Vinylmation is titled “Jailbird Mickey Mouse”. This piece is part of the “Treasures” Series by NRB Relic.

He was inspired by Disney’s short “The Chain Gang” from 1930.  This piece is one of a kind and is hand painted and additions to the Vinylmation are hand sculpted by artist NRB Relic. A little fun Disney fact..Did you know that in “The Chain Gang” short Pluto makes his first appearance?

Find more pictures and contact info on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NRBRelic.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist NRB Relic

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

The third NRB Relic custom to be featured this week is from the NEW NRB Relic Biomechanical 3″ custom Vinylmation series “Biomechanical Heartless”.

The first in the series is “Scar”. “Scar” is hand painted by artist NRB Relic. There will be more NRB Relic “Biomechanical Heartless” customs coming soon….You may see some hints on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NRBRelic what you will be seeing in the “Biomechanical Heartless” series.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Jared Flores

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

Today’s artist sent us pictures of some of the most impressive Star Wars customs MC and I have ever seen. We are really excited to spotlight Jared Flores of Southern California for the first on DV… and we have a feeling there are many more to come.

Destination Vinylmation: Your Star Wars customs are amazing. How long have you been painting?
Jared Flores: I have been painting my whole life. I actually majored in painting. I primarily use oil on canvas, but Vinyl is a great way for me to take a break. Though I have only been painting Vinylmation for a few months, I am really excited about where my custom work is headed.

DV: What drew you to the Mickey shaped canvas? 
JF: I have been collecting Vinylmation for a few years now, but only recently have I been creating customs.

DV: Why did you choose Star Wars for a line of customs? 
JF: I have always been a Star Wars fan. I wanted to make some of the characters that don’t make it to licensed merchandise as frequently. I knew I wanted to see them, and was sure others would get a kick out of them as well.

DV: Which one are you most proud of?
JF: It’s hard to pick a favorite. They all have such realism. I think it has to be Lando in disguise. Just because of the unique costume choice and wonderful detail in the face. I think the shadows on his face really make it recess back. Jabba the Hut may be my favorite though, he is just such a creep.

DV: How long does it take you to design one 3″ Vinylmation? 
JF: I design as I go, and each one requires a unique amount of time that is usually equal to the amount of detail. I can say that I spend a lot of time hunched over my work table.

Sora and Riku from Kingdom Hearts
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Where can people go to view more of your work?
My tumblr page is a great way to get my auction updates, buy new pieces, and commission work for your own. Everything I create is for sale!

http://jaredcircusbear.tumblr.com

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.

Spotlight On: The Custom Artist Project

WDWNT on December 15, 2012

We were happy to get a preview of the custom figures that will make up Series 1 of the Custom Artist Project at Mickey’s Circus. We also now know more specifics about how and when this series will launch. In the coming weeks we will try to spotlight the individual artists and talk with the project’s creator Rust this World on an upcoming podcast. For now, I’ll now turn it over to Rust this World to give you some of the details:

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. We aim to replicate a real Vinylmation case, so the entire series is 24 figures. There are two of each figure with the exception of one chaser and one variant.

Celeste Villanueva
Sidekick: Booster Munchaper (Buzz Lightyear of Star Command)
Christopher Avalos (Evilos)
Sidekick: Lefou (Beauty and the Beast)

Josh Edwards (Crazy 4 Vinyls)
Sidekick: Iago (Aladdin)
Are Jay
Sidekick: Diablo (Sleeping Beauty)
Mark J Hoffmann
Sidekick: Grumpy (Snow White)
Brian Shapiro
Sidekick: Creeper (The Black Cauldron)
Heather Kattelman (Vinylmation Customations By Heather)
Sidekicks: Flotsam and Jetsam (The Little Mermaid

Dylan Pommer (Rust This World)
Sidekick: Eeyore (Winnie The Pooh)

Aaralyn Montgomery
Sidekick: Rajah (Aladdin)
Nanette Simard Belgen (NRB Relic)
Sidekick: Flower (Bambi)
Dylan Pommer (Rust This World)
Sidekick (Chaser): Smart Ass Weasel (Who Framed Roger Rabbit)

Jenny Grinsell
Sidekick: Little John (Robin Hood)
Date of Launch : October 6th
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: Celeste’s Candy Bowl Vinylmation

WDWNT on December 15, 2012

The candy bowl series started when I first created a mickey bowl for the blind bag series and after so many great responses I figured why stop there, so I decided to create a few more for Halloween. It’s a take on the old Halloween gag hand in the candy bowl but with some twists to them. The hand and candies are sculpted and attached to the figure so I don’t recommend trying to eat them. Hopefully as Halloween nears closer I will able to make a few more different ones. I am also having a giveaway of a bowl, not a candy bowl but of a noodle bowl lol. So what do have to do? Just like my Facebook page and comment “I’m hungry” and you’ll be entered to win. The giveaway will end Friday, September 21. Thanks so much and it’s always a pleasure!

Noodle Bowl Giveaway!