Spotlight On: Custom Artist Project Sidekickz Artist Aaralyn

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 Aaralyn

Hometown: 
Lafayette, LA

Website: 
www.artworksbyaaralyn.com

What Disney Sidekick did you choose? 
Rajah from Aladdin

Why did you choose that sidekick? 
Rajah is a very loyal sidekick to Jasmine throughout the movie and I love his character design. My favorite scene from the movie is where Jafar transforms Rajah into a cub. He has an adorable confused expression that I wanted to capture in my custom. In addition, I have always been a fan of cats.

Favorite Disney Movie? 
I think this is the hardest question I’ve ever been asked. Growing up, I was always a fan of Beauty and the Beast. While now I can’t pick a favorite, some of my other favorites include Tangled, Mulan, Princess and the Frog, Brave, Up, and Monsters Inc.

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction? 
While I love the People Mover at Magic Kingdom, my favorite ride is Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios. The ride is so much fun, even though my score could use improving.

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas? 
In addition to loving the challenge of creating art on a 3D mold, I love that every piece I design is shaped like the mouse that started it all. While I enjoy the other molds Disney has created, the Mickey mold will always be my favorite.

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 NRB Relic

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 NRB Relic.

Hometown: 
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Website:
www.nrbrelic.com  

What Disney Sidekick did you choose? 
Flower

Why did you choose that sidekick? 
He is just so cute! And also because he needed a tail it opened an opportunity to do some sculpting.

Favorite Disney Movie? 
Mary Poppins

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction? 
Indiana Jones Adventure

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas? 
I have loved Mickey forever and to be able to paint anything I want and incorporate Mickey as part of the piece is just so awesome!

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 Heather Kattleman

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 Heather Kattleman.

Hometown:  Cincinnati, OH

Website:
www.facebook.com/VinylmtioCustomations

What Disney Sidekick did you choose?
The Little Mermaid Flotsam & Jetsam

Favorite Disney Theme Park Attraction?
Hands-Down, my favorite attraction is Fantasmic!  It just never gets old, no matter how many times I’ve seen it – To me, the show brings the iconic “Disney Magic” to LIFE!

Favorite aspect of working on the Mickey shaped canvas? 
Being able to see past Mickey and realize the design, then bring it to life is exciting!  Although “Mickey Mouse” looks great on Vinylmation, it’s so fun to make it more than that.

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 Vinylmation Artist Ashley

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

Today we feature a new artist to our spotlight section. Ashley from Greeley, CO has sent us some pictures of her Up, Finding Nemo and Ratatouille themed customs.

Destination Vinylmation: How long have you been creating custom Vinylmation? 
Ashley: I’ve been a huge fan on Vinylmations since 2008, but only started doing my own customs about 4 months ago.

DV: Have you done other artistic projects before Vinylmation? 
Ashley: I’ve always painted, but mostly on canvas before Vinylmations.

DV: Do you collect the Disney Vinylmation?
Ashley: Yes! I am a huge collector! They’ve taken over most spare surfaces in my place.

DV: If so, what are some of your favorites? 
Ashley: I love the Matryoshka doll from cutesters I and am a huge fan of the entire toy story set! Even though I have them all, I always trade for them when I see them in trader boxes.

DV: Why did you choose Up and Finding Nemo as the subjects of these customs? 
Ashley: Up might be my very favorite Disney movie, so I have had this design in my mind for awhile. As for Peach, she is the highlight of the Nemo ride at WDW for me and I knew she’d look great on Mickey!

DV: You also sent over pictures of your Ratatouille custom… I see a theme here. Big Pixar fan? 
Ashley: Huge! I’m currently on a mission to do one from every Pixar film. Next will be bugs life and Wall-E.

DV: How long does it take to choose just the right scene for the vinyl? And does it take a lot of pre-planning on paper? 
It’s more about finding inspiration in the right place. Like a ride, seeing the movie again or a great poster. I usually do one pre-design on paper to see if it suits Mickey and then go to town!



DV: What was the most challenging part about creating these customs?
Ashley: Finding a way to take a flat design and apply it to Mickey! Once I do a few sketches and outlines things go smoothly from there!

DV: Do you have a website where people can see more of your work?
Ashley: I don’t have one yet, but people are welcome to contact me at twisted.coincidence@gmail.com.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Jorge Castilla

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

RedVirtue Vinylmation Arts has some new designs he would like to share including the newest addition to his Star Ducks series.

The Candy Corn Starducks will go on auction starting at $34.99 each. There will be seven of this series.
Series starts it’s release this week.

The Steam Punk Willy will be his first “one of a kind” Vinylmation. Only one will be made. It will release in November. It will also go on auction starting at only $34.99.

Visit his Facebook page for more info and links to the eBay auctions: http://www.facebook.com/pages/RedVirtue-Vinylmation-Arts

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Annemarie

WDWNT on December 31, 2012

We want to give an update on artist Annemarie. First, she has a new Facebook page where she displays all of her latest work. When you get the chance, go LIKE that page to get updates on all of Annemarie’s customs. Next, we want to share with you some of her latest work. This first one may be my personal favorite of her customs yet:

 
3″ Furry Friends Figaro and Cleo
 
Front
Back

Totoro! With Satsuki and Mei detail
Country Bear Jamboree Master of Ceremonies, Henry… with Sammy Jr.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist John Ward

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

interview conducted by DV reporter Lee

Destination Vinylmation: What got you started with wanting to put your own style onto a Vinylmation Canvas?

John Ward: I started creating vinyls as soon as I saw that Disney was selling Create Your Own figures. I’ve always been creative and have loved Disney for as long as I can remember, so buying some blanks and making my own Vinylmation figures was a no-brainer for me.

DV: When you are creating a Vinylmation, what do you like to incorporate in the designs?

John: I enjoy the Vinylmation figures that Disney creates; however, I feel they could do more with the backs of the figures. With the pieces I create, I try to make the back of the figure just as interesting to look at as the front. I also like to try to create a story in my vinyls.

DV: Tell us the story of your first custom!

John Ward: I created my very first custom, which was The Adventures of Ichabod. The front of the piece has the Headless Horseman having already thrown his pumpkin head; the reverse has Ichabod and his horse, Gunpowder, looking very scared with the moon on the ear.



DV: One of my favorite pieces that I saw at your table during the Florida Project was your Ratatouille custom! The detail work on it is awesome!

John Ward: Ratatouille is one of my favorite Pixar movies and I wanted to create a vinyl for the movie, but I had to think of how to make both side of the vinyl interesting! Almost immediately I thought how Remy “puppets” Linguini through his recipes. So you have Linguini on the front, cooking away, and on the reverse in the silhouette of Remy under his hat, along with Gusteau at the bottom.



DV: Such an awesome design! I love the storyboards that play out on your work! How long does it take for your artwork to come to life?

John Ward: It usually takes me around a week to complete them. I also do commissioned pieces.

DV: I think I may have a job for you already!! Where can we go to see more of your work?

John Ward: My website is www.siberianarts.com and it has all my Vinylmation customs that I’ve done so far, along with some concept art of ones I plan on creating. I also have displayed other pieces of art that I’ve done. All of my Vinylmation customs are for sale and can be made to order. I also have a Facebook Page: Siberian Vinylmation Customs, be sure to “like” it; I put my new customs up there first!

DV: Absolutely! Consider yourself “liked”! I am very excited to see what you will do next!

On John’s 9″ Dr. Facilier, a black light reveals a different face!


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.

Spotlight On: Custom Vinylmation Artist Brian Shapiro

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

We see many custom Vinylmation. Many are Disney related, many are not. But every once in a while a custom that is completely unique comes along that stops me in my tracks. Brian Shapiro recently sent us pictures of one such custom. Take a look.

Destination Vinylmation: How did you come up with the idea for the Menorah?
Brian Shapiro: First off, for those who are unfamiliar, the Menorah is a candelabrum that holds nine candles.  One candle is usually more prominent and is called the shamash, and the remaining eight candles represent each of the eight days of Hanukkah.  Each night of Hanukkah the shamash is lit and then used to light each of the other candles from right to left up to the candle representing that particular night of Hanukkah.

Disney doesn’t release a whole lot of Hanukkah merchandise, so I came up with the idea of doing a Vinylmation menorah a few years ago.  I thought it would be cool to use the figures as candles.  Lighting the candles could be simulated by painting one side of each the heads with just a wick and the other with a flame.  By turning the heads 180 degrees, the candles could appear lit or unlit.  Unfortunately, using nine three-inch figures was not practical.  Once Vinylmation Jr’s came out, the idea became more feasible, but I never got around to it.  This year I was determined to get it done!

DV: Tell us about the features of this design?
Brian Shapiro: The Menorah was fabricated by gluing together assorted wooden shapes I bought at Michael’s Crafts.  Originally I was going to just paint it, but my good friend and fellow Disney collector, Alan Benaquista, suggested that I cover it in gold leaf.  I had never worked with gold leaf before, but I’m really happy with how it turned out.  The gold leaf really gives the Menorah a nice antique appearance.

When I painted the Vinylmation Jr’s I painted the heads to have a flame on one side and a wick on the other, as described before.  I had planned to just paint the bodies solid blue, but then I thought the arms and hands looked like wax dripping on the sides, so I painted these white.  I also painted wax drips along the fronts and backs of the bodies to add to the dripping wax effect.

The photographs show the Menorah as it will appear on day three and day eight.  It was a lot of fun and very rewarding to create, and I appreciate your spotlight of my work!

Artist Cesar Diaz Custom Vinylmation Giveaway

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

A message from artist Cesar Diaz:

GIVEAWAY TIME! This week I’m giving away Agent 626.

But as you can see on this picture 626 is missing a title for his next big adventure. Thats where you come in. To win this little guy you have to do the following…

1. You must like my Facebook page to be eligible for the giveaway
2. You must come up with a title name for 626 next adventure (one title name per person please. Once a title has been used, you cant use it again)

Not only will the random winner win Agent 626, but they will also win a mini poster with his/her’s title name printed on the poster. Giveaway starts now and will end next Saturday DEC. 8th at 10am PST. I will then use a random generator to pick one winner. Good luck!

www.facebook.com/mycustomations