Spotlight On: Jesse Bowers’ Samuel L. Jackson Custom

WDWNT on February 6, 2013

Artist Jesse Bowers from Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada has only ever painted one Vinylmation. But it caught our eye immediately and inspired me to run out and get a Royale with cheese.

Destination Vinylmation: So this being your first custom Vinylmation, what made you decide to choose this medium for the Samuel L. Jackson Pulp fiction design?
Jesse Bowers: My brother’s girlfriend gave me a vinyl and told me I could paint it however I wanted. I had recently watched Pulp Fiction and I thought a mini Samuel L. Jackson would be a cool idea.

DV: Thanks to you, I now want a 12 figure Samuel L. Jackson set from all his movies. Why did you choose him as your subject? 
JB: That would be a good idea. Pulp Fiction is probably my favorite movie and Samuel L. Jackson and John Travolta are the two most hardcore people in that movie. I wanted to paint them both but I haven’t gotten around to painting John Travolta yet.

DV: Have you painted other vinyl toys before Vinylmation?
JB: No I haven’t. I’ve only ever painted on canvas or paper and such. I thought a small toy would be a fun challenge.

DV: Do you plan on designing more custom Vinylmation?
JB: Yes, I thought it would be cool if I continued and painted a 12 figure set of Pulp Fiction characters.

DV: What was the most challenging part about painting on a Vinylmation? 
JB: I would have to say the face. Especially the eyes because they’re so small.

We hope to see more from Jesse in the future!

Spotlight On: Mike Vetrone’s Sparky Custom

WDWNT on February 6, 2013

Artist Mike Vetrone wanted to share his latest custom… a 3 inch Sparky from Frankenweenie custom using the Whiskers and Tales platform.

“Sparky is one of my favorite characters and I had a ton of fun sculpting the bolt and working with the arms. This is absolutely one of my favorite 3 inch pieces I have ever made.”

Mike also told us that he is planning something “HUGE” to enter into DV’s March Vinylmadness contest. Everyone has until February 14th to enter, so keep those customs coming!

Celeste Offers New Custom Blind Box Spellbound Series

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Destination Vinylmation: What is the Spellbound set?
Celeste: The Spellbound series is a magical based theme consisting of magic users and mystical creatures. It includes Genie, Merlin, Malecifent, Evil Queen, two versions of Tinker Bell, Blue Fairy, Chernabog, Mushu, Figment, Old Hag, Ursula and the Cheshire cat.

DV: How did you choose the characters to include in this set?
Celeste: It actually was a difficult and involving process to choose who will be included in the set. There are alot of great magical characters out there and I wished I could of made them all, but after weeks of figuring it all out I choose the ones I thought would best balance out the set.

DV: Half the figures in the set are female characters. Many times, when an artist attempts to translate the female form onto the Mickey platform, it comes across as “chubby”. Yours seem perfect. Can you share some tips for other custom artists? Is it all about proportion? Placement?
Celeste: Female characters are always tough to design on the mold itself. But you are correct, for me personally it is about proportion and placement of facial features and if the character has hair it does help out in the design of it all. I personally think they are always going to be slight chubby regardless of how you design them but a little pudginess adds a cute factor into it so I have no complaints about it lol.

DV: How will this series be sold?
Celeste: The Spellbound Series will go live this Friday Feb. 8th at 8pm (PST) It will be sold as individual blind boxes. The series includes 12 figures and 1 variant which will be a total of 13 figures. Each blind box is priced at $70 shipped in the U.S only. There will be a limit of 1 per person. You will be able to purchase them on my website here.

You can always check out more pics of them and other customs on my Facebook page.

Spotlight On: Karen Turner’s Bedazzled Customs

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Destination Vinylmation: What is your background in art?  
Karen Turner: I have always been interested in art.  As a child I took classes in drawing, painting with watercolors, and painting with acrylics.  I was in art in high school and majored in art in college for a while.  I then changed my major to history, but art still remained important to me.  After working as an office manager for several years I came back to art and opened an online shop selling my work.  In the end I just kept coming back to my love for creating and painting.

DV: What other non vinyl things have you done?
KT: Lots!!  I paint ceramics, create trinket and treasure boxes, make jewelry, create decorative pieces for the holidays (not just Christmas, but Easter, Valentine’s, Halloween…)  As you can see in my shop – custom Vinylmation make up one section, but there are lots of other sections as well – I like doing lots of different things – nothing ever gets dull or flat that way – everything remains fun and challenging for me!!

DV: What’s your favorite Disney designed vinyl?
KT: Just one? That’s too hard!!  My favorites that I have are: It’s a Small World 3″ from Park 3, Squares from Urban 4, Mardi Gras, and Love 9″ from Urban 6. My favorites from the ones I don’t own (yet) are Magical Stars from Park 1, It’s a Small World 9″ from Park 1, Teacups from Park 1, Birds on a Wire, Red Scream, Railroad from Park 9, Skyway from Park 9, Living with the Land from, and the Gumball Ear hat set.  I’m not really good at narrowing things down!!

DV: What inspired this Bedazzled line of customs?
KT: In November I was at the Magic Kingdom for my birthday (and to check out the new Fantasyland), and was looking at the different figurines in the glass shop on Main Street that are jeweled with crystals and I thought I Vinylmation covered with crystals would be really awesome, so I decided to give it a try.

DV: What was the most difficult part of making these?
KT: I used the new mold for these, which made it a lot easier because of the smoothness of the surface – no buttons of noses to work around. For the Miss Mouse figurines I used Minnie’s Fly Girls from the Park Series #11, which gave me the bow on her head.  The hardest part was just getting the crystals to fit in everywhere – not having any open spots that were too small for a crystal but too big to leave blank.  I quickly realized that I had to work quickly so if I needed to move some crystals I could before the glue dried.  Working quickly doesn’t mean these were quick to make though.  These were the most time consuming customs I have made yet, but I am super pleased with how they turned out – I think I am going to have to make one for myself, since these are for my shop!!

DV: What do you think about the upcoming Minnie platform?
KT: I can’t wait for it!!  When I saw it Mickey’s Circus I was so excited – all sorts of ideas were going through my head on what I could do with that mold.  I have all sorts of things planned to do with those as soon as I can get my hands on them.  Having a Minnie mold just furthers the idea of what Vinylmation started out as to me – whatever design I put on a Vinylmation, it comes back to the fact that I am putting it on Mickey Mouse – Mickey (and soon Minnie) are at the heart of it all – which is like what Walt Disney said – “It all started with a mouse.”  That mouse is still at the heart of all things Disney, and I try to keep that idea in mind when creating my custom Vinylmation.

DV: Where can people find out more about your and your artwork?
KT: You can see all of my work at my shop www.flightsoffancydesign.etsy.com and even more photos on my Facebook Fan Page Flights of Fancy Design. I am delighted to take custom orders as well. My email is flightsoffancydesigns@gmail.com.

I have lots of new ideas I am working on for custom Vinylmation – right now my work table has five Vinylmation that are in various stages of creation.  I have a 9″ Custom in mind that I think is really going to be spectacular – as soon as I finish it I will share it with you.  So, there will be lots of new things coming in the next few months – and I am super excited about it all!!

Spotlight On: Aaralyn’s Weird Girl and Steamboat Willie Mickey

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Two more pieces from custom artist Aaralyn showed up on the internet this week. We spoke to her about her first two gray scale projects. Plus, check out a contest she’s running for the next two days.

“I’ve always said that I love doing commissions because many push my boundaries and help me grow as an artist. My latest two commissions included aspects I have never done before, which was quite exciting.

The first custom is 3″ Weird Girl with a Junior Mr. Whiskers from the movie Frankenweenie, done in the style of Tim Burton. The two figures also include Mr. Whiskers’ psychic gift from the litter box.

Before this commission, I had never painted a custom in gray-scale, or used shading in a custom. This project was also the first time I’ve painted a junior, which was an interesting challenge on the small mold. While this project was very different from my normal style, I enjoyed it immensely and hope to continue to experiment with different styles in the future.

The second commission I have recently completed is a 3″ Steamboat Willie with a sculpted accessory hat also done in gray-scale. The hardest part of this custom was the sculpting of his hat. While I have done quite a few Mickey designs, it was fun to do an older design of the character.

I have also painted a vinylmation pin which features my Lovestruck Mickey design and am giving it away on my Facebook page! The giveaway end Monday, February 11, 2013 at 9 pm CST. Thanks for reading and good luck!

For more information my work:
“Like” my art page on Facebook for customs, giveaways and more at facebook.com/artworksbyaaralyn
Follow my on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ArtistAaralyn
Visit my website for customs, Disney photography and more at artworksbyaaralyn.com“

Thanks Aaralyn! We look forward to seeing more from your in the future.

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.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Jorge Castilla

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Destination Vinylmation: We featured Jorge Castilla in a previous spotlight article and now he is back with some new customs. Jorge, we appreciate you sharing your work with the the DV audience.

Jorge: Thank you for having me back as a featured custom artist. I’m very enthusiastic to share the vinyls I’ve been working on since we’ve last met and some vinyls to come!

DV: Hey, I see a new flavor at Star Ducks Cafe. Tell us about it.

Jorge: The second flavor of the Star Ducks line is Mocha! It’s a darker more chocolaty looking vinyl then the last “coffee” looking Star Ducks vinyl. Each SD Mocha vinyl is very individual too! Every one of them has a unique chocolate topping applied differently to each. That way if you choose you’d like more then one you know each of them will have their own personality! Due to the success and overwhelming demand of the first flavor, I expanded the number of production for this second flavor. The original Star Ducks was made to a limit of 20. This flavor however is limited to 50. Each is signed and numbered and comes with an Artist Card that is also signed and numbered. Just like all my other vinyls.

DV: I love the character this new flavor has. Have you thought about making the chocolate syrup being raised up as bumps on the surface instead of just being painted on?

Jorge: It actually is raised! I use a thick paint for the topping. I use a similar paint for the *Slimed* Lonesome Ghostbuster Mickey variants too that actually glows in the dark!

DV: We have heard other artists talking bout all the time it takes to produce customs. When you are getting a lot of orders in and have to keep production moving, how many cups of coffee do you go through?

Jorge: Man, It’s become close to a fulltime job. But it’s something I really enjoy doing. There’s a sense of achievement each time I finish one of my customs and knowing someone’s going to enjoy them. It take a lot of time though. Especially with my vinyls becoming more elaborate.

DV: Tell us about this robot mickey looking custom.

Jorge: Mecha Mickey is the latest of my current releases. He’s like a wind-up toy! He has a spring-loaded crank on his back too. It’s funny because I was working on this custom in the conceptual stages for awhile. Figuring out how I was going to make the antenna on top, what colors I’m going to use… Then suddenly Disney released a “Robots” line of vinyls. I thought oh dang I better finish some of these already!

It’s my first custom using the “new mold”. Most people I’ve shown it to don’t notice till I say something because of all the additional details I tacked on. The response has been quite nice so far. Did you know the feet on the new mold pop off? Man that makes it sooo much easier to paint them if someone’s the type of custom artist that uses spray-paint or air- brush.

DV: I enjoy collectibles that reference Disney movies without blatantly being that Disney movie. Your new Grape Soda custom is exactly what I mean by that. Talk about the inspiration for this figure.

Jorge: Yeah, I like references that are more of a nod or wink at a movie just as much if not more then I appreciate artwork that is straight up a character from a movie. Making a soda bottle vinyl I feel is something that a certain group of people will clamor for at first glance. You know, the type of person that has to have their movie in wide-screen and watch all the commentaries & bonus features (like me). The more casual fan may look at it and think “meh, it’s just a bottle.” But when they inspect it further and see that bottle cap on top they’ll be like oh yeah! From the movie, UP! That’s what I’m hoping for. Expect the Grape Soda Vinyl to release in mid September.

UP is one of my favorite Pixar films. It’s actually a favorite for me and my girlfriend. We even dressed up as Carl and Kevin (the bird) for Mickey’s Trick or Treat Party at Disney’s California Adventure a few years ago!

When listening to one of your pod casts I chuckled when one of you went on about how depressing UP is. I think it’s one of those films that tells you your adventure continues regardless of the storms you’ve endured, and that you can still make something of the time you have regardless of where you’re at in your life. Oddly enough, for a movie revolving around a house flying using helium balloons, it’s also very grounded in reality.

DV: Are you making these using the clear chaser figures?

Jorge: That’s a trade secret I’m afraid.

DV: I enjoy an ice cold Moxie every now and then. What’s your favorite soda?

Jorge: Water please! Haha it’s actually rare for me to have a soft drink.

DV: Any more Pixar figures on the horizon?

Jorge: Most definitely. I have a couple concepts I’m still playing with. Some Pixar and some more original. For those interested in following my work closely check out my Facebook page devoted to my customs!

DV: Thanks for the update on your work.

Jorge: It’s always a pleasure. Thanks again for the opportunity! Keep up the great work you guys do too!

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Ryan Marella

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

To have your custom work spotlighted, please send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com
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Destination Vinylmation: This time around we are featuring you Barnabas Collins figure (Johnny Depp’s character in the new movie Dark Shadows) and also Michone from The Walking Dead.
Ryan Marella: Johnny Depp as Barnabas Collins from DARK SHADOWS  was fun to create, I’ve worked on some other customs of  Johnny Depp movie characters before, I’ve had some practice on his face which made it easier. Faces are a challenge, getting the right expression can be difficult,but once you’ve started, it’s hard not to finish.DSCN7692 is from the WALKING DEAD,her name is Michone accompanied by two armless walking dead who are supposed to be her boyfriend and friend, in the show she has them in chains and she walks around with them to hide her scent from other walking dead.

DV: Is there a greater challenge when painting the faces of real people as opposed to cartoon characters?
RM: Creating cartoon characters is easier because they have  a simple look about them, not too much detail. Now creating real people requires the expressions and look for that character they portray, some people are harder than others.

DV: You can view more of Ryan’s work at his website: www.ryactiv.sketchlab7.com

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.