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

A Review Baked Fresh Just For You!

WDWNT on June 8, 2011

Disney released the Bakery set last Friday and I want to talk to you today about these figures and the feature that surprised me once I opened up the box. This is a 6 figure open window series that retails for $11.95. Not a bad price considering what they could have done. They have charged more for less before. Sports come to mind. The packaging is great. The cupcake figures come in the normal cardboard open window boxes, but have a “string” painted on like they are tied up and delivered fresh just for you from your local bakery.

I purchased the Cheshire Cat, my favorite design out of the six. The big selling point for the Bakery series is the removable frosting. It pulls off to uncover the character’s face. So I tore open the box, reached inside, and was shocked at what I felt. I was expecting a hard plastic shell that slipped on and off. Instead, the frosting is a soft, rubbery vinyl cover.

The look is great. It gives the figure a nice texture and it is cool to have this different feel. However, once I tried to remove the frosting, I realized a problem. It is very hard to pull it off and just as hard to get it back on. It feels like you are going to rub the paint off the Vinylmation. And it seems Disney might have thought the same, as the figure comes with the head wrapped in a foam like paper and a plastic bag on top.

Now, true, you are not going to be pulling them on and off constantly, and it is not a deal breaker, but just know, it takes a little time to roll the frosting off and on. Like I said, they look great. The printing on the frosting is well done and the texture is like nothing else in Vinylmation. The uniqueness of this series makes it an over all win. As far as the figures themselves, again, great paint jobs. Vibrant colors. Nice animation in the faces.

The Cheshire Cat’s big grin fits perfectly onto the Mickey shaped head. Mickey and Minnie obviously look perfect on the mold… all the faces really do pop.

The cupcake wrappers are drawn really well around the body of each figure, and they each have their own signature colors or little personalizations. Such as Marie’s paw prints and Tink’s sparkles.

Speaking of Tink, she is the only poorly designed face. So hard to put a female, that’s not Minnie onto Mickey’s shape.

I’ll probably just stick to the Cat for my collection, but I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up all 6 if you want a unique addition to your collection… just keep Tink’s frosting on.

Share your thoughts on the Bakery series.

Spotlight On: Noah

WDWNT on June 7, 2011

Copyright Disney
On Saturday, June 11th world renown artist Noah will be appearing at Treasures in Paradise in Disney’s California Adventure park for the release of his Vinylmation inspired by Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. He created 12 hand painted 9″ ($595) and 12 hand painted 3″ ($150) figures. He recently sat and talked with us about Vinylmation, his art and his inspirations.

Destination Vinylmation: Tell us about these amazing 9″ Ariel Limited Edition Vinylmations.

Noah: I chose to make this a two part art piece. I wanted the stand to be complimentary to the vinyl and for them to work together. The painting of Ariel was created for the opening of the attraction and a Noah collection of merchandise. Its a huge honor and privilege. Total dream come true.

Noah’s 9″ The Little Mermaid LE 12 ($595)
Copyright Disney

DV: When you make a piece like this, how much pre planning goes into it?

Noah: I see all designs done in my head. Its a visual thing. I cant describe it but see it done in my head sitting in the resort on the shelf and on the guests shelves at home. I’ve been creating like this over 25 years. You tend to figure out quickly what you can do and can’t do quicker and quicker each time. More than anything, I want to always take risks and think way outside the box. Trying to keep it really fun to look forward to.

DV: When designing a vinylmation, are you always able to accurately translate your concept onto the canvas?

Noah: Yes. They are tricky and a challenge though. I won’t deny that. However, using the airbrush helps when painting on 3D objects. The key for me isn’t just the concept, its the finishes and quality of products that I really research and get into. Such as the World of Color pearl colors and clearcoat. I love creating those new ideas and color pallets.

Noah’s World of Color Vinylmation
Copyright Disney

DV: What have you learned about designing a vinylmation since your first piece to now?

Noah: Sky is the limit. each one reveals another step as to how far out I can go. Metal Mickey was mass release for D23 two years ago and was fun to design but things really changed when I started painting the one of a kinds.

Metal Mickey
Copyright Disney

DV: A lot of your work seems to be inspired from old-school Disneyland. Talk to us about your Disney inspirations.

Noah: I grew up going to the park 1-3 times a week during the Summers spent with my Aunt and Grandparents. A lot of my family were cast members in the resort. Later on, once the partnership happened with Disney I really wanted to herald the legacy of what Walt was about. I love making sure we remember the foundations of Walt’s dreams and ideas. I love the old vintage black and white cartoons and designs. I just really care for the true essence of Walt’s vision and motives. It was all for other people and families. He really created something special.

Noah’s Pirates of the Caribbean Painting
Copyright Disney

DV: Do you make it to Disneyland often for fun? What are you favorite attractions?

Noah: My wife and I take the kids as much as possible. Great place to let the kids walk and run. Great exercise. Building connection with them not just memories. Favorite area is Casey Jr. and Storybook Land. Although, time spent in Club 33 is hard to beat. Sitting on the terrace watching Fireworks, the sounds of the park and the train. Its really awesome. I have to thank my Aunt Barbara who was key in the time we spent there as kids. I remember being there at 12am when the park was closing and we would be hittin the rides, as many as possible in a row. Hours spent in the arcade under space mountain. When we spent summers at my grandparents in Anaheim I’d climb the roof of their house and watch the fireworks. As I watched them I’d be thinking what was happening in the park and all the good that was happening there.

Noah Working on a Mickey Painting
Copyright Disney

DV: What is your favorite Disney character to work with?

Noah: Hmmmm. don’t know if I have a favorite. I love portraits. So obviously I love taking the characters to a new reality but keeping them rooted in their identity and story. However, painting Walt’s portrait is my favorite. I’m humbled every time.

DV: How about the newer Disney films, and any chance we’ll see some art based on them? (Tangled, Princess and the Frog, Pixar films)

Noah: Your’re funny. Keep a look out. I have some ideas.

DV: Tron Legacy vs the original Tron.. which is better?

Noah: Yes. 🙂

Noah’s 9″ Tron
Copyright Disney

DV: There has been a lot of talk of bringing Mickey Mouse back to his more “mischevious” roots from his early cartoons, instead of the do-gooder we know today, as evidenced in the Epic Mickey videogame. How do you feel about Mickey being a bit darker, and does that influence your work at all?

Noah: I would say that there has been a lot of interpretations and variations and there are some I like more than others. I am currently working on some things that I’ve never been this excited about. Super pumped and excited.

DV: A lot of our readers know you through Vinylmation and Disney, but that’s only a small part of your work. Outside of Disney, what inspires your art?

Noah: Good grief… How long do you have!!? My sole purpose for being here on earth is to bring glory to my heavenly Father for giving me this gift and opportunity to paint. My main priority is to serve my wife and kids and others. I have a great deal of styles I love painting: Disney, Angels, Mermaids, Fairies, Florals etc. They are all different parts of me and have different meanings for different seasons of my life. If I painted just one thing I think I’d go nuts.

A Sample of Some of Noah’s non-Disney Work
Copyright Disney

DV: Any advice for create-your-own Vinylmation artists out there?

Noah: Risk. Risk. Risk. Don’t do what “anyone” can do. It has to be “you”. Go waaaaay outside the box and give us something that we haven’t seen. Tell a story. Let us inside your head and create something that you don’t care what “other people think” matters.

DV: Ninja vs. Pirate – who wins?

Noah: Jedi. Everytime.

DV: You have a lot of fans in the Vinylmation world that cannot afford to spend hundreds on one of your amazing, yet very limited, custom products. Have you ever asked Disney, or been offered by Disney to design a Vinylmation for a mass release?

Noah: Yes. It’s talked about all the time however I get excited about pouring my time and passion into one of a kind creations. I know its a premium price but I’ve worked as hard as I can to keep these original works down in cost. The mass releases seem most appropriate for really large events. We will see.

DV: Any plans or wishes to make it to Walt Disney World on the East Coast?

Noah: We have some ideas brewing. Keep a look out on our Facebook and Blog.

“Flippin’ Switches” by Noah
Copyright Disney

DV: Anything else you would like to add for the Vinylmation and Disney audience?

To be creating and being a part of Disney is truly a blessing. I’m so grateful. There isn’t a day that goes by without me thinking about this honor. I think about the Vinylmation and Disney fans that have used their super hard earned dollars to collect the work and it drives me to keep creating something special. It’s so much fun to collect and I want to stoke everyone out with something to look forward to. Thank you so much for your loyalty and support. The fans span the globe and I hear each one of you and appreciate your communication on facebook and twitter. I’ve heard stories of them flying from great distances and that means the world to me. Blessings to each of you and your families.

Copyright Disney
You can contact and find more about Noah here:

pictures from Noah’s blog and the Disney Parks Blog

9″ Park 6 Vinylmation: The Complete List

WDWNT on June 7, 2011

Update: 7/18/11 Disney has officially announced a July 29 release date for both Davy Crockett and Animal Kingdom. Here is a first look at Animal Kingdom (that is not concept art)

This figure, designed by Maria Clapsis will be LE 800 and $44.95. I wonder what animal lurks in the darkness? Davy was designed by Casey Jones. It is LE 1000 and retails for $44.95. More details below.


Update: 6/20/11 The D-Street stores will still released Up and Alien Encounter on June 24… however the Online store will NOT be releasing them on that day. Disney wants to hold back and see how many they have to give to online sales first. We will post the new date when it is announced.


Update: 6/7/11 Disney announced release dates for Alien Encounter ($74.95) and Up! ($44.95) June 24th will be a fun day. Both designed by Maria Clapsis and LE 1000, they will be released at both D-Streets and Online. Check the figures out below. Disney also released this cool flat concept art of the Alien Encounter figure.

Here is a complete list of the 7 upcoming 9″ Park 6 figures. What are your thoughts?
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
9″ + 3″ Combo LE 1000
It’s the Nautilus and a Diver modeled after the ride at the Magic Kingdom from 1971 – 1994. Take a close look, half the sub is “underwater” and you can see the giant squid’s tentacles reaching out!

Up

Release Date: June 24
Artist: Maria Clapsis
LE: 1000

Designed after my favorite movie of all time, until Toy Story 3 came along, this figure represents Carl’s floating house. I wonder what surprises await us on the back? Kevin? Just posted the back.

Matterhorn

This iconic Disneyland ride opened in 1959. Guest ride down a Switz themed mountain sized in bobsled like ride vehicles.

Alien Encounter
9″ + 3″ Combo
Release Date: June 24
Artist: Maria Clapsis
LE: 1000

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter was a Magic Kingdom attraction from 1995 – 2003. The ride was in the same location Stitch’s Great Escape is in now. The show was a dark sci-fi like experience that was deemed very frightening to small children. Skippy is the 3″ figure on the right. He was an animatronic alien in the pre-show area.

Davy Crockett
Casey Jones
LE 1000
$44.95
Release Date: July 29

Davy Crockett, The King of the Wild Frontier, was a 19th century frontiersman that Disney celebrated with numerousness films. He also has a Disney theme park attraction named for him, Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes. This figure comes with an awesome removable hat!

Animal Kingdom Crate
Maria Clapsis
LE 800
$44.95
Release Date: July 29

Animal Kingdom is one of the four parks at the WDW resort in Orlando, FL.

China Pavilion

The China Pavilion is one of the 11 World Showcase Countries at EPCOT.

No Chance for Sunburn in O-Town

WDWNT on June 7, 2011

According to Disney’s Vinylmation Blog today, Orlando’s D-Street will NOT be receiving any of the 9″ Independence Day (Sunburn Man) figures on the planned D-Street release day of June 17.

Looks like the May 27th online release of this LE 500 figure was a mistake. Now, the figures allocated for Orlando have been sold out. Only California’s D-Street will be receiving this figure. “We apologize for the mix up.” – Disney Vinylmation Blog.

That is unfortunate. This is a great figure! One of my favorite 9″ Holidays to date. I did order mine with my phone while in line for Rescue Rangers that day. We were all surprised by his appearance on the Disney Online Store, and now we know why. If you do have the chance, grab this one. We will start at the top. The fireworks in the ears are done very well. Painted on nicely with vibrant colors. His eyes are a deep shade of blue that really standout on the pinkish red figure. Obviously, too much fun in the sun for this guy, as you can see the tan lines where his glasses, tee shirt and even watch were! I didn’t even notice the patch on his left wrist until I got him in the mail. The swimming trunks are also well done. They have a matte finish to them and have little stitches painted on. It is painted well enough to give the appearance of fabric. Again, the colors here are great. Not too bold, but just the right color for that fabric look. And the drawstring is in a silver paint that ties it all together. Add in the over-sized feet in sandals and you have a cartoonish looking figure that reminds me of my Dad on those hot 4th of July nights.

Episode 024 Aquaramouse

WDWNT on June 6, 2011

Ep. 024 Aquaramouse
In this special episode, we talk with Kristina Pino from Tomopop.com about the history of the vinyl toy, the state of Vinylmation, the future of Vinylmation and the new Disney Pop! Vinyl. This week we review the new Bakery Series and get an unexpected surprise. We also provide the latest Vinylmation news and release dates. And we answer your questions in the Mystery Mail Bag.
Listen Now:
icon for podbean
Standard Podcasts [59:36m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Star Wars Artist Mike Sullivan at Disneyland Today

WDWNT on June 4, 2011

Star Wars Vinylmation was re-released at Disneyland today and series artist Mike Sullivan was on hand to sign figures for guests. One of our readers David sent us some pictures and a recap from the event.

The queue started right at park opening. There was an initial line to buy the Vinylmation.
There were enough cases to go around.
Once our purchase was complete, we were sent into a second line for the signing with Mike Sullivan.
Autographed Vinylmation
Haunted Mansion? Nope, just some Obi Wan Ghost super chasers.

 I saw quite a few ghost Obi Wans being opened. Very jealous. Overall a fun experience for me especially since this was my very first case purchase. – David

Thanks for the pics and recap David. Did anyone else stop by to buy some Star Wars and meet Mike Sullivan? Tell us all about it. Also, what’s more fun, Vinylmation Collecting or the new Star Tours ride?

Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Heather

WDWNT on June 4, 2011

We were browsing some of our friend’s Facebook pages and came across an amazing new set of customs from Heather at Vinylmation Customations. Take a look:

Fig #1 – Ursula Business Card Holder

This is the design that started it all for me! I needed a business card holder but wanted something “Vinalymation” – it snowballed from there! I’ve always loved Ursula, but felt she really needed some awesome tentacles that sculpting allows for. This is one of the anchors for the Desk Set and may be purchase individually for $99.

Fig #2 – Old Hag Paper Clip Holder

Probably the most surprising piece for me; I love this one! In her cauldron, there is a magnet for the paper clip holder. To purchase this individually, the price is $89.

Fig #3 – Cruella – Note Paper Holder


Capturing Pongo in the 101 Dalmatians scene was fantastic! Easily one of my favorite movies, this piece was so fun to create! I especially love the living room with the rug & TV. One of my last-minute decisions was to add the paw prints around the bottom. In this piece I really change Cruella by re-painting her coat & dress and of course by adding dalmatian print wrap. This item is available for $89.

Fig #4 – Prince John Pencil Cup & Clock


Certainly the largest piece in the desk set and wow, what a lot of sculpting went into this one! Everyone love coins & jewels, especially Prince John and he just didn’t seem complete without his throne 🙂 This piece is also available an individual purchase for $119.

Fig #5 – Kaa Stapler


Bringing together the art concept while keeping “functionality” in mind was challenged on this one. I really wanted the stapler to be able to be used without taking away any of a traditional stapler’s capability as some many other desk set staplers have. You can easily add staples and release & open to staple flat against a surface. Kaa can be ordered for $69 as an individual piece.

Complete Desk Set (5pcs) $389

I’ve been asked about creating these as individual dioramas with out the desk set function; I happy to create these as well for the “Villains-Lover” that doesn’t need a Desk Set. Prices are similar to those of the office set, but contact me directly for specific details.

My custom creations may be found at Vinylmation Customations as well as order information. We do LOTS of fun things here! I just gave-away a free 3″ Custom to one of my lucky “Fans” and we have a few more surprises coming very soon!

I can also be contacted directly via email at HKattelman@gmail.com

Disney Goes Pop!

WDWNT on June 4, 2011

On Thursday, we posted an article talking about Disney’s new line of Pop! Vinyl figures and our thoughts on a few of them. Today we give you the POV of an expert in the vinyl collectible world. Kristina Pino is a writer for the collectible toy website Tomopop.com. On our next podcast, she will be our guest and will take us through the history of vinyl toys leading up to Vinylmation. A lot of collectors, including us, were not aware that much of what we see in Vinylmation is standard in the vinyl toy world. Kristina will tell us what else is out there you might be interested in collecting and how to find them. She will also discuss her thoughts on the state of Vinylmation and what we can expect in the future. Please join us for this great upcoming episode. But today, she wrote us an exclusive article about Disney’s Pop! Vinyl:

Disney Goes Pop!
by Kristina Pino

The same way that a lot of folks who collect Vinylmation are new to the world of Designer Vinyl, I’m sure many who are now seeing the new Disney Pop! figures are also new to Funko’s simplistic toy design! I’ve been asked to shed a little light on Funko and where they came from, along with a bit of my take on Disney Pop! Series One.

Chances are, you’ve got a local comic book shop somewhere in your town or nearby. Chances also are, if you go to your local comic book shop, they probably sell some toys/figures. If they do, you might catch the Funko Pop! Heroes or Marvel vinyl figures there, which include a lot of your might-be favorite comic heroes such as Spider-Man, Batman, Green Lantern or Captain America. Now that there are more super hero movies coming out, I’m sure there’ll be an even bigger presence of these figures.

Of more interest to Disney enthusiasts, aside from the Pop! Disney set, there’s also Pop! Movies sets which includes a few characters from the Wizard of Oz. On top of vinyl figures, you can find plush toys of the same characters and even Star Wars bobble-heads in the Funko Pop! style, if that’s your thing.

For images and information on any and all things Funko, you can visit their site right here. They’re fun and for the most part are at a lower price point than the Disney Pop! line, so they make a great addition to any growing vinyl collection. They’re only a little bit larger than Vinylmation, so you could even share shelves with these. This is a really fun way to go if you’re looking to expand your vinyl horizons.

In terms of whether they are anything like Vinylmation, they are only alike in vinyl/format (what they’re made of, being plastic). Vinylmation are more poseable but are a set three inches in height. Whereas Funko Pop! vinyl is a bit larger, but generally only their heads are poseable. Their designs are very clear-cut and easy to spot because of the clear lines, big heads, small bodies and “button eyes”.

I have a full review of Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse on Tomopop.com, a toy and collectibles news blog where I freelance. We’ll also have a review up soon for Maleficent, the big bad lady herself. I plan to purchase more, because while the figures have a few paint/splotching issues that should have been avoided and a bit of a price increase, they’re still very charming and I can’t really say no. I can only say, “not yet”, and buy them over a longer period of time! I love the designs for the entire set, so it’s only a matter of time.

There are many different types of toy collectibles out there, and in terms of vinyl only there are still more toy lines to look into and enjoy, even if you just want to collect Disney-related things. Be sure to tune in and listen to my interview on the next Destination Vinylmation. Especially if you’re curious about learning more about Vinylmation and where it came from!

Bakery Online

WDWNT on June 3, 2011


Several people were hoping that the Bakery series (released today at D-Street) would be online. It is! Well, kinda. The Marie, Minnie, and Tink cupcakes are available, but not the other three. The price is $11.95.