vinylmation-archive – Page 31

Up Is On The Way

WDWNT on June 23, 2011

What’s your favorite Pixar movie? Mine is Up. It not only is a great Disney movie, but one of the truly great films ever made. What is it missing? It has amazing characters. You are emotionally connected to Carl from scene one. Kevin and Dug are comedic genius. Up has a beautiful storyline. It is real. It is sad and not everything works out as planned. But it is also uplifting. Up also takes viewers on a great adventure. It has everything… except an official Disney Vinylmation. Until now. Friday, June 24 is the release date for the 9″ Maria Clapsis designed Park 6 Up (LE 1000 $44.95) at D-Street Orlando and California. So the movie has it all, but does the Vinylmation?

Take a peak. At first glance it looks like a beautiful piece. It has the house. It has the balloons. The design is well placed. But Up is a beautifully SQUIRREL!

…drawn movie, and I would expect more beauty in this figure. Instead it just… gets by.

I would have liked to see more definition in the details. Like the clouds, the sky and the balloons. I really hope, when we see this figure in person, the balloons will not have poor, overlapping paint job that shows up in a few 9″ vinyls.

Flip it over and you see… the back side of a house and balloons. The big miss on the 9″ Up is the lack of characters. Up has some of the most beloved characters of any Pixar film, and they are not here. Carl peaking out the window. Russell on the front porch. Kevin on the roof. Something. Anything.

This figure is kind of stuck in the middle to me. I’d take the lack of detail for some characters. I’d take the lack of characters for more detail. Let’s be honest, as an Up fan, I’ll probably pick it up unless I really don’t like it in person. What about you? Is Up a must add to your collection?

Make sure you check back on Thursday for our Alien Encounter preview. Also, if this Up doesn’t float your house, check out these previously featured customs.

Carl and Russell Customs

Kevin Custom

Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Keith Lapinig

WDWNT on June 21, 2011

“Quick” Editorial: We don’t want to take the spotlight off Keith’s customs below, but must mention a word about yesterday’s post with custom artist Justin Marshall. Justin sent us pictures of a custom Vinylmation Claw Machine he made, but it quickly came to our attention there was another claw machine out there, done by Keith Lapinig. This “original” Claw Machine” was made back in 2009. Now although original idea can be debated in many ways, credit must be given where it is due. Our first inclination was not to pull the post, but after talking with both Justin and Keith yesterday and getting the full story, we mutually decided it best for everyone to pull that post. There was, a now deleted, great comment on yesterday’s post. It basically said that a man named Walt took classic Fairytales and enhanced them for our entertainment. It also pointed out of course that even Keith’s Claw Machine is based upon someone at Pixar’s idea. And that was based upon an idea that’s in every arcade. It goes on and on, but that’s a subject for a different time. It all came down to a lack of acknowledgement. One other quick note, with these Spotlight On articles, we are not endorsing any custom figure, custom artist or choosing one over another, it is only a platform to share artist’s work. We don’t have a weeding out process. Anyone who contacts us eventually gets an article. We may feature other customs by Justin in the future, but today is Keith’s spotlight.

Keith Lapinig is a custom artist born and raised in Queens, New York. He has created many fantastic custom Vinylmation that we would like to share with you today.

Destination Vinylmation: As an artist, what mediums have you worked with before Vinylmation?
Keith Lapinig: I’ve actually never painted before Vinylmation. I’m a computer graphics person, so I deal more with video editing, animation, and graphic design. I think my background in vector art actually came in handy since I became obsessed with mathematically-accurate smooth curves in my paint jobs. Sorry, that sounds really nerdy of me.

DV: Don’t worry, at Disney, Nerds Rock! So, what turned you on to working with Vinylmation?
Keith: I first heard about Vinylmation when I was a Cast Member at the World of Disney NYC. In a gallery meeting, only the name of it was brought up since it was still in development, but I immediately knew what to expect since my friend had been obsessed with the KidRobot vinyl toys. He actually tried to get me into collecting those, but I told him I will only collect vinyls if Disney starts making their own since I have to keep to the theme of my bedroom. Sure enough… it happened, and I have been collecting and creating since the first day of Vinylmation in 2008.

DV: Describe the features of your Claw Machine Custom?
Keith: The body is pretty much just a solid paint job, but the head consists of a custom plastic window, alien toys, and a claw model I made myself using PVC, clay, and aluminum. The final result isn’t actually how I originally planned it. I had planned on making the PRIZE chute to be a working door with another alien toy inside. I also wanted the back hatch to be another working door where a mini-Woody and Buzz could be found. I have grown a lot as an artist since then and actually implemented those techniques in some of my customs over time.

One example is the Snow White custom in my Fairytale Females series, so I just may get around to a second refurb of the custom if I ever have the time!

DV: Are those real toy aliens?
Keith: Yes! However, those are the only pieces of the custom that I did not create myself. I thank the Disney Theme Parks for making and selling the Bucket of Aliens!

DV: You have many great designs on your website, but my eye, as a gamer, was drawn to the Kingdom Hearts custom.
Keith: My Kingdom Hearts Vinylmation is definitely one of my favorite customs I have made. It came out exactly how I imagined it, and that is very rare for me. This was another big “first” experiment for me since I decided to use oil paints for the planets. I didn’t know what to expect nor did I really know what I was doing. I also decided to add a caved space to the Vinylmation with the keyhole in the back.

DV: You have a lot of designs under your belt now, what have you learned while creating custom Vinylmation?
Keith: Practice is essential. I actually have a couple of early customs that I no longer have up on my site because they’re just embarrassing. Ha. I definitely don’t think I’m the best artist out there and I continue working on my craft because I love learning new techniques and aspire for that artistic growth. Although I am now embarrassed of some of my early work, I know I wouldn’t be the artist that I am today without taking those beginning steps.

DV: What is the biggest challenge in creating a custom Vinylmation?
Keith: I think the biggest challenge for me is solidifying an idea. I don’t like wasting my time with customs that other people might make. For example, a character Vinylmation. I will always try to come up with a unique approach at translating a fresh design to the Vinylmation platform. While I have made many character Vinylmations in the past due to commissions, I prefer making fun designs that one wouldn’t normally think of when looking at a Vinylmation.

DV: Do you have any advice for custom artists?
Keith: The internet can be your best friend. For every single one of my designs that break the mold in a unique way, I thought of the idea first. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew I wanted to do it. Once I had my extremely far fetched idea, I Googled various ways I could accomplish exactly what I wanted. Sure enough, I found a technique that allowed me to do so without breaking the bank (completely)! Just like Walt said – If you can dream it, you can do it!

DV: Where can people go to view and purchase your work?
Keith: My official website is www.mametchi.com. I’m actually going to have a Facebook page soon. Keep an eye out for that! As far as customs for purchase, I do have a waiting list going on right now, but I am open for commissions.

Update: Disneyland Passholder Exclusives

WDWNT on June 20, 2011

July 8th is still the day to get the Disneyland Passholder Exclusives, but there is an update to where you can purchase them. July 8th a blackout date for some APs so there will be 2 locations to purchase Goofy’s Sky School and The Little Mermaid from:

Embarcadero Gifts inside Disney’s California Adventure Park (open 9:30am)
D-Street at Disney’s Downtown District (open 8am)

Also note the purchase limit of 2 figures, per style, per day.

D23 Vinylmation

WDWNT on June 20, 2011

In addition to the known Noah one-of-a-kind Vinylmation, the D23 website hinted to other Vinylmation at the August Expo in Anaheim. The wrote “Take home a piece of the magic from this year’s D23 Expo, with an assortment of merchandise including apparel, headwear, pins and Vinylmation™. ” And displayed this picture:

They also talked about a “trading showcase” that will have a trading floor for guests to traded Vinylmation and Pins as well as displays showing off upcoming releases. Who is planing on attending D23 this year?

Episode 026 Little Green Men

WDWNT on June 19, 2011

Ep. 026 Little Green Men

Not much news this week, but Nick and MC sit down and discuss the recent trend in eBay sellers. We mention inflated prices of the Park 1 Chaser, and go in depth on the potential scams being worked by several sellers, especially from Hong Kong. We also cover upcoming release dates and dive in to an extra large Mystery Mailbag.

Listen Now:

Standard Podcasts [59:36m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

VM Rafiki Help Line: Create Your Owns

WDWNT on June 16, 2011

We decided to start a new series here on DV. Whenever we get a question we need your input on before giving an answer, we will post it here, in the VM Rafiki Help Line. Rafiki of course is very wise and the word Rafiki means friend. So we thought it an appropriate name when asking you to share knowledge with a fellow Vinylmation collector.

We received a Mystery Mail Bag question today, and need your help answering it. Especially all those custom artists out there. Tatum writes:

I bought a “create your own Vinylmation” and a 24 pack of “create your own Vinylmation” colored pencils when I went to Disney World. When I tried to use the colored pencils to decorate my Vinylmation, they didn’t work. I would like to know how I can use them and what to use them for. There is nothing on the vinylmation figurine box that says it has to be painted and the colored pencils don’t seem to work. Do I have to paint it first and then use the pencils or is there something I need to do to the pencils to make them work on the surface of the figurine? Thank you for any help you can provide.

OK, any answers? Has anyone had luck with Disney’s colored pencils?

Pirates Attacking Stores Sooner Than Expected

WDWNT on June 16, 2011

According to Disney’s Vinylmation blog, Disneyland will now have Pirates series in D-Street on July 1 just as Orlando. Check out our Pirates Explained page for details.

Also, to best both US locations, Hong Kong Disney will see the Pirates series in stores on June 18th! Just days away. So if that Hong Kong Vinylmation eBay seller has some Pirates listed soon, they may actually be legit! (I had to, sorry). Here is the picture posted on the Hong Kong Vinylmation page:

eBay Buyer Warning

WDWNT on June 16, 2011

We just want to put a warning out there to Vinylmation collectors. We advise you DO NOT purchase Vinylmation from eBay seller MAXTOYSHOPS. This is the seller from Hong Kong that has come up recently with some sketchy items for sale (Alice in Wonderland, Darkwing Duck). His items, by all accounts, are not legitamite. They are scuffed, with out packaging or accesories and some are being sold before being officially released. These are NOT pre-sales. According to Disney, they are illegitamate sales. You are not getting an official product. They are also selling fake combo vinylmation. Heads and body’s from various figures mixed together. We must band together, get the word out and boycott sellers like this to police our own hobby and keep the market clean. We understand, it is tempting to pick up some of these figures before release, but they are not legit. (I would also be wary of the listings of released stuff) As of 6/16/11, he has a number of figures for sale that have not been released yet. These include but are not limited to:

	Bonkers D. Bobcat Disney Afternoons Series by Christopher Chapman Obviously from the Bonkers cartoon, I for one and excited about this combo. But please wait until it is released. I highly doubt these “dumpster dive” pieces are included in the LE 1000. And this HK seller sells them as singles, no packaging.
	Fall Apart Rabbit Disney Afternoons Series by Christopher Chapman Also from the Bonkers cartoon, the design looks great, so again, I am excited. But this seller’s figures are cosmetically flawed.
	Captain Mickey Disney Cruise Line by Maria Clapsis The Captain must have fell overboard and this seller picked him up. He is NOT released yet as of 6/16/11. Again, a very scuffed up piece.
	Darkwing Duck Disney Afternoons Series by Christopher Chapman This one falls into a different category… announced, but not released. Take a look… no hat, lots of scuff marks.
	FAKE COMBO Here is an example of a fake combo. Beware! This is NOT a variant. If you have any questions about what you are buying, check our Released Series pages or email us. This is a combo from a Japan Exclusive Pirate Mickey head and the Driver’s body from Racecar 9/3 Urban 5 Combo by Eric Cazatt.

Please spread this message to all your Vinylmation Collecting friends.

Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Cesilie

WDWNT on June 15, 2011

Today we feature a new custum artist from Modesto, California. Cesilie caught our attention when she started her Facebook page for Mo Doodle Designs and posted a picture of her Ken from Toy Story 3 custom.

Destination Vinylmation: How long have you been creating custom vinylmation?

Cesilie: A few months, Ken was the first vinyl I created after holding onto the blank vinyl for about a year! I was super nervous to start and my friend Nat told me to just jump in.

DV: Do you create other forms of art besides vinylmation?

Cesilie: My parents had a craft business growing up so painting and being artsy has always been something I’ve done. I can usually be found drawing (Hence the nickname I was given, “Mo Doodle”), painting, or creating mini-comic adventures of my pets!

DV: Your custom Ken looks amazing, just like the character from Toy Story 3. How did you decide to create a Ken?

Cesilie: Thank you! I can’t believe how well he turned out In fact, he came out exactly how I envisioned him! As one of the many kids today that have grown up with Toy Story I was super excited to see the Toy Story vinyl set come out. I was very happy to see a Lotso but not so happy to see Big Baby. I was hoping for more of my new found favorite characters to be included and I couldn’t help but wonder what Ken would look like as a vinyl. For me Ken stole the show in TS3 and I just felt like I needed to add to my Toy Story set!

DV: Talk about the process of creating this custom. Did you sketch out concept art? Do you pencil the design on first?

Cesilie: With Ken I had a hard time debating which outfit I wanted to put him in… There were SO many in the movie that I had to take a vote on which outfit to make. My family and friends voted to just do Animal Lovin’ Ken since he was the first version of Ken we met in the movie. I started sketching him on a vinyl outline and sorta just went from there. I’m pretty good at free-handing things and don’t really sketch them out first. I’ve found with a few other vinyls I’ve worked on that penciling onto the plastic is not something I’m good at, plus I like the challenge of eye-balling it. I also knew I wanted him to have a real ascot, so fabric that matched my paint colors was a must!

DV: What was the biggest challenge in creating the Ken custom?

Cesilie: The biggest challenge I think was the leopard spots. I wanted them to be super accurate and I was really worried about starting to work on them. I ended up using a toothpick and spent about 3 hours trying to get them right on the first ear! After I got that done I was really relieved to see they turned out exactly how I wanted and the the other ear and shirt were much easier and way less time consuming to finish. I also had a little trouble with the highlights in his hair, so I had my expert crafty mom help me out with that one!

DV: Great use of the ears! Was that your original idea or did have other thoughts for them as well?

Cesilie: At first I didn’t know what to do with the ears. I thought about painting them brown but as I talked to my mom about it she said it would look funny to have brown hair and then brown ears. Then I considered leaving them blue and just writing “Ken” in pink text (like on the barbie boxes) on his ear…. It wasn’t until after I had sketched most of him out on the coloring page that I decided to try the leopard spots on the ears 🙂

DV: Where is barbie?

Cesilie: Barbie is in the works… I didn’t expect Ken to turn out as well as he did. This was my first custom afterall, not to mention my first 3D art piece ever! so I never thought about making his counter part. However, after taking Ken to Disneyland for the pirates event and getting a great response with him I’ve been working on a Barbie sketch to finish off the duo.

DV: It looks like you have a couple nice looking sports figure customs in the concept phase.

Cesilie: Totally! They are actually my first official commissioned pieces! The guy I’m doing them for is a fan of New York teams (Yankees and the Jets) and asked me to create two figures based off of these teams. The one you can see actual paint progress of so far is the Yankee’s player 🙂 I’m waiting for a special little item to come in before I start the football player 🙂

DV: Two New York teams? What would happen if I commishioned you to create a Boston Red Sox or Patiots custom?

Cesilie: I would totally be down to do both! I personally am not very in-the-know when it comes to sports teams as far as who is who, I just know I’m a Dallas fan 😉

DV: Can people purchase any of your customs?

Cesilie: YES! As of right now I take custom orders of whatever you’d like me to do! I have a cute old-fashioned Minnie in the works as well as the two lil sports guys. I make pretty much whatever your heart desires! If anyone would like to inquire about a possible custom (or to even purchase a Ken/Ken outfit varient) you can contact me on Facebook.

DV: Thank you for your time and keep in touch about your future customs.

Cesilie: Thanks SO much for featuring me!

Surprising Vinylmation Discovery at Disneyland Paris

WDWNT on June 14, 2011

As promised on Facebook yesterday, here are some surprising finds from across the pond. My Destination Disney co-host had not clue the significance of these pictures he sent back to me from his trip last weekend to Disneyland Paris.

As you can see, several 9″ Park 6 figures are for sale in the DLP gift shops before we even have a release date in the states!