This website is about any and everything that sparks the creative genius in all of us. By profession I am a Graphic Designer, and enjoy all aspects of design. From traditional to urban from resin to vinyl, these are all great mediums and deserve to be explored. On top of that everything from music to movies from guns to graffiti.
Hold onto your britches because the Julie West Solo Show is going down at the NEW pinkghost location, and Julie will be coming all the way from the UK to attend her solo show and will be signing her Chubby Books from 7 - 8 pm at the opening.
The show will have an array if different mediums including a 20 inch Dunny Custom, original paintings, and prints. You will not want to miss this opportunity to see her work and meet Julie herself. There will be yummy goodies and admission is free.This is one show I wish I could go to... congrats Julie, going to be an awesome show!
This fall join Genuine Artikle as we proudly present to you, “Imagination Collaboration”. Featured will be art of two New York artists who have put their creative minds together to bring to life the world of “Polar Aura”.
During WWII the Japanese occupied the Aleutians, a small cluster of islands off the coast of Alaska. On August 16, 1943, allied forces made an attempt to reoccupy this enemy outpost. Upon arrival they found the Japanese troops retreated under the cover of thick fog weeks before. As the gunfire fell silent on the small islands all government facilities were abandoned, leaving these hallow structures to the inhabitants of this dark arctic region. Out of the discarded, a microcosm of color and imagination began to flourish. This magical realm blooms during the Northern Lights of the Aurora Borealis.
From cute and cuddly to creepy and grotesque, PJO’s vastly creative characters of “Polar Aura” are illuminated by Zam’s hyper-realistic painting style. Together these artists have created a series of canvases, plaques, and custom vinyl toys that drive us deep into this unique and captivating world of the “Imagination Collaboration”.
This really cool custom 7" munny called "Sing (4) Your Supper" was designed by Custard4Gravy and it's very loosely based on his neighbors cat, hahaha! He says that this cat "Tis an evil one eyed rescue cat, that has a taste for little birdies!!" This figure will be for sale his bigcartel shop HERE at 7 pm (gmt) on thursday 1st October...
Jose Lorenzo Pacheco from Venezuela is an illustrator and designer working under his moniker/brand name PEZ BANANA... contacted us with an awesome email describing his first designer toy, based on his original character SUSHIBOT, and this figure is now available for preorder at PatchTogether's store!
Sushibot was presented in three original colorways/flavors: Alaskabot (red/black), Ebibot (green/tan), Calibot (pink/orange); however, the first colorway to be offered is Alaskabot, and of course the plan is to make the other two colorways (and more...) available as soon as Alaskabot's first limited run sells out.
Jose says that "While Sushibot was on "voting phase" people expressed liking him/her/them a lot, so we are confident he'll do very well in sales, as many have praised the design as highly original and very cute. I love him very much and I do hope you like him too... and remember... Sushibot loves sushi and Sushibot LOVES YOU!"
From Sushibot's PatchTogether page: Now they come to life together in the form of cute, quirky -and occasionally mischievous- little robots! Sushibots can be whatever and whoever you like, but they start out as three of the most popular varieties of makizushi: Alaskabot (alaska roll), Ebibot (ebi roll), and Calibot (california roll). Sushibots are ready to fill your day with cuteness, love, and flavor! (and a hint of fresh geekiness).
Help out with Jose's dream and pre-order one today! Preorders needed to start production only 20, and the price before production starts is $29.95, keep that in mind because once the prototype is made the price will jump up to $35! This figure is 5.5" and is made of resin!
TOY2R would like to introduce Jeremie Memming from Lincoln NE. While he's still working on getting his site up with a portfolio - his custom work is something else. He created this small scale Bunee Qee as a way to promote the upcoming show but we like it so much that we're including it in the exhibit. His larger custom is just about finished and we think toy collectors will love what he has cooked up.
As part of our countdown to the show - we present Jeremie's Frank Bunee Qee of Donnie Darko fame. We think he nailed it. So while you might not be able to view all of his work - you can contact him at http://www.memmingdesign.com. He is definitely a talent to keep an eye on for future shows!!
Huck and Fully Visual have joined forces again on a new metal project. This time around comes the classic Skullhead in four editions -- gold (25 pcs), antique silver(25 pcs), antique copper(25 pcs) and antique brass(25 pcs). They drop tomorrow Tuesday, 9.29.09 @ 11 AM PDT in the Fully Visual store for $130 each. These pieces are large -- for comparison's sake, they are about three times larger than the first modernized Skullhead metal figure from Fully Visual, almost a pound and as big as a baseball.
Artransmitte is thrilled to announce the launch of Ilustra Orange, the first t-shirt produced by Artransmitte (UK website dedicated to art toys & design products) in collaboration with Ilustralando , a fantastic Brazilian illustrator.
Ilustralando used his own Ilustra character while paying respect to Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange. So whether you want to make your own critique on society, are an extreme film fan, or you just need a different Halloween costume.. then this is the shirt for you! Hand silk-screen printed on a red American Apparel tee, it’s a truly limited edition item - with only 40 produced worldwide. All tees come in an exclusive hand printed box (designed by Artransmitte) with unique badges and a numbered tag signed by the artist.
Available as of September 29th on the Artransmitte website HERE for only £20. In hopes of a successful launch, Artransmitte is planning to kick off a t-shirt collection with designs by emerging global artists. So keep your eyes open for the continuation of this series.
About the Artist: Ilustralando is the creative mind of Orlando Faya, illustrator and architect from São Paulo, Brazil. He’s well known for his animated e-cards through UOL (Yahoo’s equivalent in Brazil) but has also received awards for his Set Design and book illustrations. His current work is created through the fusion of these experiences, his witty humour, and his never-ending inspiration. You can see some of his work HERE.
Honestly... are you kidding me, this is one of the coolest things I have ever seen, and to be created primarily out of the Qee platform begs the question... what can't Rotobox do with customs! This figures is based off of the Transformers' Constructicons series, and yes, they can be combined into one giant figure 20" in size known as the Devastator!
They say that "After doing our real robot series 1 - Valkyrie VF1-S from the Macross anime, we were seriously thinking what we would do next to top that one. We decided to do transformers but would want to customize something really special since we would also be celebrating our 1st year anniversary here at Rotobox. We thought "hey, why not do something that can transform and at the same time can also combine". And so we chose to customize Decepticon's first combining robot Constructicons or also known as Devastator. It brings back a lot of memories because when we were still kids watching transformers, the first time devastator appeared really blew us away because he's such an awesome, destructive huge robot and we were literally thinking "how on earth would the autobots defeat such a massive thing?", but of course, autobots always wins in the end."
This custom is a 6 figure set. Each Constructicon can be converted from robot to construction truck and can be combined into Devastator which is around 20" in height. Included are an additional doggie qee head which is modified for devastator's head and a customized body frame.
With only a few days left until the We Ain't Plastic show - it was only fitting to focus on totem customizer Ryan Crippen aka Reactor 88. A regular in the field of creating cool customs, Ryan has probably done most DIY figures at one point or another. His unique style set him apart from other artist. With a unique, almost historic style of creating original looking totems - each design is a work of art that takes the admirer on an incredible journey. Hit up Ryan's Flickr site for more pictures!
This is yet another great custom debuting at the We Ain't Plastic show in Lincoln, Nebraska on October 2nd. This piece will join others as a traveling custom as part of the 2010 World Qee Tour to commemorate Toy2R's 15th Anniversary.
Shoparooni is proud to have Johnny’s never seen before recent works in their Annex Gallery. To see Johnny Yanok not wearing a gentle smile would be a rarity. When experiencing his work it is clearly understood where the contagious grin comes from. His art brings the viewer to a wonderful place of humor, a twinkle of years past and sometimes a simple quirky connection; just imagine what it does to the creator.
Evident inspiration for Johnny is Mid-century style. This, along with traditional gouache painting techniques and digital media make his work truly unique. His success as an artist is from a rounded source of interests. Johnny's paintings and sculptural works are exhibited in galleries internationally. His commercial work spans advertising to entertainment.
The exhibition runs Friday, October 2 - Friday, October 30. Opening night Friday, October 2nd from 7-11pm
In his latest attempt to create more amazing customs Walter Jacott aka Chauskosis created these amazing 3" Devil Dunny's! These have been created over time where Chaus' first custom ever was the red version, then the black, and then the green one was created for George of October Toys and lastly the silver one which was created for the guys over at Symbiote Studios!
Laura at Rivet Gallery in Columbus Ohio has put together another amazing art show, this time featuring the works of Alberto Cerriteno & Scott Tolleson. Starting this Saturday, October 3rd both artists have completed a ton of new work exclusively for this show, from illustrations to paintings and even custom wooden toys, this show is going to have it all!
Infectious welcomes Miguel Gonzalez and Graham Carter with their rad designs! "Stepin' the City" created by Miguel where he envisions his hometown Caracas being the stomping ground for monsters that look like they’re been conjured up from the clouds and the pollution. His quirky characters and ninja Wacom skills enchanted the Infectious team and he bags our award for favorite submission of the month.
Next is the amazing work by Graham and his love letter to the Polaroid camera. His response to the news about Polaroid film being discontinued was to dream up the Poladroid - a personal robot companion with a never-ending supply of film and the ability to take supersized, instant photos.
Customizer WuzOne has just completed a new 8" Dunny for a custom show in the near future! This custom is 100% hand-painted, and not stenciled, and it is titled "BeelzeWuz"... an obvious play on words of the Hebrew name for the devil "Beelzebub"!This custom turned out great and the control of the paintbrush for this figure is unreal!
The master of fairytale anatomy, Jason Freeny is at it once again and this time he is spreading holiday cheer with his Gingerbread Man Anatomy Holiday Cards! These rad cards come in a pack of 10 cards and envelopes, where the inside of card is blank. These can be used for any holiday or event. The cards measure 6” X 4.25” and you can pick them up for $20 a set! Hit up Jason's shop HERE for these cards, as well as many other great items!
"I was always impressed by Retna’s eclectic technique, his lines, his calligraphy: his handstyle is awesome. I had the pleasure to personally met El Mac some weeks ago and I found not just a pure talented artist, also a really genuine person. Their work together is a perfect combination, well, even more, a symbiosis! Their styles fit together in such great harmony!" -Angelo Lospinuso from Montana Colors
Upper Playground recently announced a collaborative project with Montana Colors to create artist series Hardcore cans by four artists. The third MTN x UP Limited Edition artist can in the series features the collaborative work of El Mac and Retna.
Each of these artists has developed his own distinctive style and technique; Retna is renowned especially for his bold calligraphic brushwork, and Mac for his uniquely stylized painting of lifelike faces and figures; El Mac uses spraypaint and Retna uses spraypaint and acrylic for paintings; oil, acrylic, enamel, pencil, and other mediums on paper, canvas, and wood. El Mac and Retna have combined forces a number of times in recent years, and have gained increasing attention and applause for the powerful and beautiful murals they’ve painted in Los Angeles and several other cities around the globe. Last month, they released Alianza, a 96-page hardcover book that highlights their collaborations, along with a selection of individual paintings and photos by each artist, as well as a collection of lifestyle photos, photos of the artists working and their travels, and close-up views of the murals themselves.
The MTN x UP El Mac/Retna Limited Edition artist can and Alianza are available now in limited quantities and will be sold at Upper Playground retail stores and online on the Upper Playground web store.
The Toy Break crew had a blast at Dragon Con 2009 catching up with Doktor A, Chris Ryniak, Brian Colin, Laura Kuenzli, and their friends from the forum! Grab a Bomb Pop and join us for a Toy Break!
Toy Break Stuff
What's In Your Armodoc? Contest - Win a mystery prize by creating a unique picture, drawing, sculpture, or anything else that can fit in your Armodoc from OnellDesign.com! Deadline is in four weeks - check the Glyos section of the forum for complete details!
Dragon Con
Dragon Con - popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in Atlanta, GA
The We Ain't Plastic Show is only days away now and above is another sneak peek at an awesome custom created by Josh F+ Pearce and his custom 8" Toyer Qee - "Lesser Reanimated Rogue". This super talented artist is just one of the special guest custom creators TOY2R invited to participate in the show along with 50+ other local artists. He has a great eye for the theme he wants to create and really makes a statement. Check out all of his work on his site F PLUS NEVER. From his line of Codexians to his customized versions of Frank (Donnie Darko) and Spawn inspired figures. Not only are his customs sick, but he is a super talented painter as well, check them out by hitting his site up HERE!
What's up everyone... now is your chance to act fast and win a hand drawn "Dust Mite" sticker art by NemO, these are hand sketched onto Priority Mail labels, old school style. This is coming to you courtesy of Benny from Tenacious Toys and of Course NemO!
**UPDATE**Benny got all 4 entries, so thanks to everyone for participating, and look for more quickie giveaways like this in the near future!
All you need to do is be 1 of 4 people to email Benny with the subject line: GIMME GIMME NEMO STICKER ART!, pretty easy huh? Benny will follow up via email with the first 4 responses and get your mailing info, and you will be the proud owner of some rad custom art, can't get much better than that!
2PetalRose and OneSixthBruce will come together for their 1st collaboration, a collaboration that is close to their hearts. They are only producing 24 BLK's (Bruce Lee King) all hand made by 2PR and painted by OSB figure artist Sick8oy:Custom + Each will come with a diorama base made by Woody inc.
Production will be split into 2 versions... 12 Game of Death with the classic Hakim footprint, Kombat King style with a Pagoda room diorama, and 12 Enter the Dragon, blooded after fighting with hard ass Han with a mirror room diorama!
As you all know these are all hand painted so each BLK will differ slightly! These are for pre-sale as we speak and you can get one for yourself HERE right now! These turned out AMAZING, and no detail was spared when these were created!
A mash-up for the ages, enjoy the Egyptian darkside!!! TeeFury is an awesome website that sells T-shirts for $9 a pop...the only catch is that it is only on sale for 24hours and then the next T-shirt is posted up! I have seen awesome shirts by some amazing artists on here and the total purchase price is $11. So that is $9 for the Tee and $2 for the shipping...that is an awesome deal that can't be beat! I will try and post the shirts up daily, or you can go visit the site yourself!
Money does go back to the artist and after today, this t-shirt will be Gone FOREVER! Today artist earns $1 for every tee sold. So make sure you get over there if yer diggin the design!
Brent Nolasco just sent over some pictures and a rad video of his latest custom for the upcoming 3D CANVAS show for the online gallery Terminal22 Gallery going down this Friday Oct 2nd (Ugggg already October). It's sponsored by STRANGEco, and has a ton of super talented artists, Brent being one of them! For this custom Brent too two great toy platforms the first being
Craola's "Keel haul Cleg" and the other by Jermaine Rogers "Specimen129", Mashed em up together to create this rad customs titled "Insidious Sham". He used Acrylic Paint / Ave sculpt/ Found Objects to create this truly amazing figure... check out the wip video below for a glimpse at what it takes to create a fine work of art!
Terminal22 2443 Telegraph Ave (@25th St.) Oakland CA 94612 info@terminal22.com
October 3rd – November 1st, 2009. Saturdays & Sundays 11am-6pm or by appointment.
That's right - these bulky pachyderms from TOY2R are finally ready to roam across the country. After a lengthy wait - collectors and fans can finally add the 6" Potamus line to their Kozik collections in three different versions.
First up is the classic Black Anarchy 6" Potamus. Limited to 500 pieces and available for order now. Next is the Red is East 6" Potamus version. Also limited to 500 pieces and available for order now. These figures look great in person, and at 6" this is the perfect size!
Finally - the GID version with the Black Anarchy symbol on its hide is limited to less than 150 pieces and is available exclusively through Toy2R's US distributor - Apex Trading Company.
Each figure comes boxed and is ready for display. And for those collectors who may have missed it - Frank launched the line at SDCC this year with the release of the 6" Orange Smoothie Edition sold at his booth. So contact APEX to order these tough lil' buggers at theapex@apex-z.com now and treat yourself to a Potamus for October!
Posts
Sushibot was presented in three original colorways/flavors: Alaskabot (red/black), Ebibot (green/tan), Calibot (pink/orange); however, the first colorway to be offered is Alaskabot, and of course the plan is to make the other two colorways (and more...) available as soon as Alaskabot's first limited run sells out.
TOY2R would like to introduce Jeremie Memming from Lincoln NE. While he's still working on getting his site up with a portfolio - his custom work is something else. He created this small scale Bunee Qee as a way to promote the upcoming show but we like it so much that we're including it in the exhibit. His larger custom is just about finished and we think toy collectors will love what he has cooked up.
Huck and Fully Visual have joined forces again on a new metal project. This time around comes the classic Skullhead in four editions -- gold (25 pcs), antique silver(25 pcs), antique copper(25 pcs) and antique brass(25 pcs). They drop tomorrow Tuesday, 9.29.09 @ 11 AM PDT in the Fully Visual store for $130 each. These pieces are large -- for comparison's sake, they are about three times larger than the first modernized Skullhead metal figure from Fully Visual, almost a pound and as big as a baseball.
Ilustralando used his own Ilustra character while paying respect to Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange. So whether you want to make your own critique on society, are an extreme film fan, or you just need a different Halloween costume.. then this is the shirt for you! Hand silk-screen printed on a red American Apparel tee, it’s a truly limited edition item - with only 40 produced worldwide. All tees come in an exclusive hand printed box (designed by Artransmitte) with unique badges and a numbered tag signed by the artist.
