BACK FOR SECONDS - ZARD APUYA CUSTOM TOY SHOW at PIQ NYC March 10

BACK FOR SECONDS - ZARD APUYA CUSTOM TOY SHOW

A New Pack of Snack Inspired Customs 

 PIQ Grand Central Terminal Saturday March 10th 2-4 PM

California based ​custom toy designer Zard Apuya returns to NYC with his second PIQ solo show, "Back for Seconds". Opening Saturday March 10 2-4pm at PIQ Grand Central, the show features over sixty Munny and Dunny figures customized in Zard's signature snack themes. 

Combining detailed painting and sculpting techniques, he has transformed these blanks into toys you might want to take a bite out of. The international series has Yakitori for Japan, Cannoli for Italy, Poutine for our friends to north, and more. In addition to more great candy bar customs, Zard sweetens the deal with a 90's treat selection of Wonderball, Gushers, and a Wild Berry Pop Tart. 

To celebrate being in New York for the opening he created a Shake Shack Dunny, a Halal Guys Munny, and a Cart Coffee Cup Munny. The customs will be available at PIQgifts.com the day of the opening. Come to PIQ in Grand Central Terminal this Saturday 2-4pm and see them all. 

About Zard Apuya

 Zard was born-and-raised on the island of Guam, previously lived in San Francisco, and is now based in San Diego, CA. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Guam in Business Administration focusing in Marketing and International Tourism & Hospitality Management, plus a minor in Fine Arts. He then received his Master's in Business Administration at the University of San Francisco in 2015

His love for art began during childhood and has shaped his desire to explore many styles and mediums. In late 2010 was when he found his love for customizing toys and since then has done over a 1300 customs, many ending up with customers around the globe. His creations range from pop culture to wedding toppers, but his favorite style and preferred theme to work in is inspired by something everyone loves: FOOD.

About PIQ

PIQ (pronounced “pick”) toy and gift stores reflect the city that inspires them. Like New York, PIQ is unexpected, international, and a ready for a good time. With playful designs, witty books, irreverent novelties, designer toys, custom figures, and global treasures, everyone will find the gifts to make someone smile. PIQ is a division of the Sarut Group, with retail locations at Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center in New York, PIQ UniversalCityWalk Orlando and PIQgifts.com. 

At PIQ form follows fun.

David Stevenson Reveals ToyConUK Customs & Daily Raffle

David Stevenson will be exhibiting and selling his work at this years Toyconuk on 29/30th April in London at booth number 13 (directly opposite the Toy chronicle booth.) Each day he will have a raffle to win a mystery custom. Tickets are £2 each or 3 for £5. The drawings will be at 4pm each day at his booth and you must be present to win.

Releases:
1.  3" blind boxed customs on micro Munnys and Androids, Price £10 each

2.  3" Reaper and flower Dunnys, Micro Munnys and Qees, Price £40 each

3.  4" GID Green Jungle Reaper mini Munny, edition of 1, Price £60

4.  7" copper Reaper Munny, edition of 1, Price £100

5. 10" Stormtrooper Reaper Helmet, edition of 1, Price £250

6. 10" Reaper Bear Head ( diy head by Luke Chueh x Clutter), edition of 1, Price £250

TOY OF THE DAY: NYCC 2016 Exclusive Fear the Dead Custom Munny by SoKo Cat

• in stock
• 4" tall vinyl toy
• hand painted by SoKo Cat
  edition of 5

Order NYCC 2016 Exclusive Fear the Dead Custom Munny by SoKo Cat today!

FER MG & THE BLACK SPOT EXCLUSIVE SERIES

Fer MG and The Black Spot have joined forces in the first The Black Spot artist series.

This first series bring us twelve Kidrobot customs by Fer MG inspired on Pixar characters, an exclusive collection of 8 dunnys, 2 munnys, 1 raffy and 1 labbit. You can find familiar faces as Mr. Potato, Slinky, Hamm, Space aliens (Toy Story), Sulley, Wazowsky, Squishy, Reggie (Monsters Inc), Sadness, Anger (Inside Out), Edna Mode and Jack Jack (The Incredibles).

Don´t miss it! These one of a kind pieces priced at €35/£27/$39 will be available tomorrow Thursday 22 September (2:00 PM/BST) at the Black Spot online shop

Fer MG social media:
-  Commisions
-  Facebook
-  Instagram
-  Twitter

Hit the jump for more photos.

Commissioned: The Fifth Element Custom Set by One-Eyed Girl

One of our favorite local artists, Kasey Tararuj, was recently commissioned to create a 5-piece set of customs from The Fifth Element, and they came out so awesome that I had to post about them. With Kasey's signature derpy eyes and painterly finish, these customs are a refreshing set to look at.

Kasey writes: "They are all 2.5" Custom Micro Munnys based on the 5 characters from the movie.  Leeloo, Korben Dallas, Diva Plavalaguna, Zorg, and Mangalor Aknot. I was commissioned to do them by a really great client, one who wants his artists to enjoy and connect with the subject matter as much as he does.  I've always loved the movie so I was really excited to make them for him."

Follow One-Eyed Girl on her website, FB and IG.

SNEAK PEEK: Munny / Labbit Death Dealer - Frank Frazetta x Frank Kozik x Kidrobot

Frank Frazetta's "Death Dealer" is possibly the most iconic and badass painting in the fantasy genre. Dating way back to 1973, it has achieved legendary status in the fantasy nerdling sphere... and now the Master of Labbits has endeavored to bring the iconic imagery to his Labbity world. Here you see a SNEAK PEEK of the Death Dealer Munny riding his Labbit steed. Soon to be revealed at the Kidrobot booth at Toy Fair in New York, this will ACTUALLY be a production piece from Kidrobot!

Follow their blog for more info on that release, I don't have details yet.

Labbit x Death Dealer crossover concept by Frank Kozik, brought to life in the capable digital hands of Klim Kozinevich and Bigshot Toyworks....  we have here a production piece so badass, even my wife wants one!

If you needed more convincing that Kidrobot is BACK in a big way, here it is. Mic drop....

Here's the original Frazetta painting:

Infinite Rabbits End of Year Sale!

Everything's on sale over at Infinite Rabbits! All items reduced by 30% - 70%!  Even the newer items like the custom Stormtrooper helmet.  Get in on the savings now because when 2016 rolls around they're gone.  Some items won't even be available anymore!  

+The Highest Fever 

TOY OF THE DAY: PREORDER ITS A FAD 8-INCH KIDROBOT DUNNY BY JRYU

** PREORDER scheduled to ship spring 2016**

8" tall
designed by J8RYU
produced by Kidrobot
schedule to ship to shops in spring 2016
chase colorway randomly packed

Preorder ITS A FAD 8-INCH KIDROBOT DUNNY BY JRYU today!

David Stevenson for "The Grimm Show" - custom Munny's

These are three new pieces from David Stevenson for "The Grimm Show" at The Dream Factory in Frankfurt, Germany running October 1-31. The first piece is a 7" Munny entitled "Twisted Red" and it is his take on an evil, red riding hood, who has victimized a lonely wolf for her dark pleasures.

This piece will be available for  200 Euro (£150).

The second and third pieces are a pair or 4" mini munnys and they are his take on a modern day, glutinous Hansel & Gretel, who prove that the witch was the real victim, having eaten her and destroying her home. This will be available for 70 euro each (£50) or as a pair for 130 euro (£100).

New Custom from Tony Gil: Diamond Ninja Black Edition (Black & Gold)

Diamond Ninja black edition by Tony Gil

Lurking through the streets spreading his art without a trace - Ninja style. He'll never be seen without a trace. You might catch a glimpse of his shiny gold skin.

Available at Tony's shop here: http://giltstudios.bigcartel.com/


Super excited about this because, as you may recall, we have designated Tony's Diamond Ninja character as the mascot for this blog! And I even have Diamond Ninja stickers now. Hmm... now how should I begin giving those away to all of you? Need to arrange some sort of promotion or something here via comments or via G+... ideas welcome, please leave a comment.

Mean Machine custom Munny by Jon-Paul Kaiser

Jon-Paul Kaiser is a fan of 2000AD, since he was young. One of the more infamous characters from 2000AD is Mean Machine, from the famous Fink Gang. Jon-Paul was commissioned to recreate the character, using a Kidrobot 7" Munny. Using a bit of plastic tubing, wire, sheeting, epoxy resin and even a couple of LEGO bits, Jon-Paul was able to create a nice sculpted base for him to start adding painted detail on. Sticking to his traditional Black and white color palette, Jon-Paul created a great representation of Mean Machine, in Munny format. Photos of this piece were taken by Justin Allfree, Jon-Paul's go to photographer.

 

 - Mark-Anthony

Google+

Lootcrate's DIY Munny Contest

February's Lootcrate box included a mini Munny as part of the other, well, loot. As an incentive to break that little blank guy out and get creative, Lootcrate is holding a DIY Munny contest. You have until March 20th to get sharpies and paint flying and submit your custom vinyl in to one of the eight categories; Hero/Villain, Best Fashionable, Best Modified, Best Basic; Best Kid Design, Best Lookalike, Best Video Game, or Most Resourceful.

The contest winners will be based on votes from random strangers on the internet as well as famous strangers from Kidrobot, IGN, Nerdist and more.  The highest voted custom will take home $500 and a year of Lootcrate while the Judges top pick will take home $100 and a six month subscription.

http://www.lootcrate.com/munnycontest

+The Highest Fever

Darren Clegg's Ghost Squadron Storms Collect & Display 13.2.15

Darren Clegg shares with us two new 4" Munny, sculpted and hand painted, coming to Collect & Display 13.02.2015. Titled Ghost Squadron #1 and #2, these pieces take influence from the Japanese flag and emblem, giving them a warrior-like appearance. I particularly like the detail of the sun on the shoulder plate, inverted from #1 to #2, appearing to be the Rising Sun and Setting Sun.

These pieces will be available individually for £60ea on 13.02.2015 here on Collect & Display. For more of Darren's work, you can follow @darrenclegg on Instagram.

-Tasha Zimich

David Stevenson Custom Art Sale

David Stevenson has announced that he'll be marking down his customs 25% for a Winter sale from now until December 12th.  Below is a list of the customs he has for sale and their sale prices.  Now's a great time to pick up one (or a bunch) of  his great artwork for your collection.  You can see more detailed pictures of the figures at his Facebook page.  You can contact him there if you're interested in a piece, or email him.

7" dude box dudes(3), scratch and ted were £90 each, NOW £67.50 each
7" Custom stranger was £90, NOW £67.50
7" Tricky was £90, NOW £67.50
7" Black and white Jungle Munny was £90, NOW £67.50
6" Fonzo Was £90, NOW £67.50
4" Trunks jogging elephants (3) were £30 each, NOW £22.50 each
3" Dudebox Dudes in suits (3) were £30 each, NOW £22.50 each
3" Blue Jungle Dunny was £25, NOW £18.75
3" Jungle Egg Qee was £20, NOW £15
4" Munny Zombies (2) were £60 each, NOW £45 each
3" Munny Zombies (3) were £40 each, NOW £30 each
4" Floral Munnys (2) were £45 each, NOW £33.75 each
4" Jungle Munnys (2) were £45 each, NOW £33.75 each
4" Skull Munny and Doodle Munny were £30 each, NOW £22.50 each 

+The Highest Fever 

Big Daddy Munny by Evan Morgan

Totally forgot to post this insane custom Munny from Evan Morgan....yeah you read this right MUNNY! Amazing work,,,can you discover the Munny into this Big Daddy?

Follow the build process here www.evanmorganmodels.wordpress.com

FlickRContact for commission: e.morgan93@live.com Facebook: Evan Morgan Instagram: applegeek93

One-Eyed Girl at Designer Con 2014 Booth #1133

 Designer Con 2014 is a great venue for artists to grab an affordable booth and get some face time with collectors and other artists alike. Kasey Tararuj, aka One-Eyed Girl, will be making her Designer Con debut with a Booth, #1133. One-Eyed Girl has been working pretty hard, creating new hand-sculpted and hand painted pieces to have for sale at DCon 2014. Seen here, is some mini-series that One-Eyed Girl will have available. The series Kritters and Cronies features a variety of custom toys from Micro's to Mini's. Each piece is priced between $50 and $100 each.

Also available at DCon 2014 will be some Furry Monsters. These Furry Monsters are dapper little custom Micros, which are priced at $65 each. For all those attending DCon 2014, be sure to check out One-Eyed Girls Booth, #1133. She is sure to have a variety of unique monsters, kritters and creatures available.

 

Make sure to follow all the works of One-Eyed Girl:

Website - www.oneeyedgirl.com

Instagram @kctararuj -  http://instagram.com/kctararuj

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/oneeyedgirlart

 - Mark-Anthony

Google+

Your "Leading Artists" Deserve More Accurate Representation

Puffpipes.ca Boast Industry Leading Artists

This ad published 18/09/2014 in the Vancouver (BC) paper was brought to my attention by fine artist Camilla- long time friend to the Designer Toy industry, exemplifying the care we as a community have for each other. Designer Toys is a small, tightly-knit community.

21/09/2014 With the availability of more accurate information, some clarification is needed.

Puffpipes (.ca) are toting an advertisement depicting an un-credited glass sculpture, and pipe. It's not difficult to identify the form of the hand-blown glass sculpture is derivative, and even a reproduction of, the Kidrobot Munny and Bot platform- two of Kidrobot's most internationally recognized product lines.

Kidrobot Munny

Kidrobot Bot Mascot

What's not immediately visible in the advertisement would be the artist(s) responsible for a piece Puffpipes.ca boast as a representation of their industry's creative leaders. I take issue with Puffpipes.ca 's portrayal of an unspecified reproduction of a designer toy form, as a reflection on their industry, without appropriate context. It gives the impression that Puffpipes.ca would have readers believe these designs are singular to their product lineups, and wholly original to the "industry leading artists" whose work they represent and sell.

The originating artists Coyle & Slinger are fully transparent about the origins of their works, and their relationships to Kidrobot.

Coyle Condenser's Glass Munny Work, Photographed by Toto

When this information is withheld from distributor's advertisements, website, social media & informational outlets, it muddies responsible advertising practice. Artists distributing through retailers like Puffpipes.ca may be wary of the efficacy of the promotion they may receive, or the communication of their practice.

You can find more of Coyle Condenser's hand-made glass sculpture work here, and through Photographer @glassotaku on Instagram.

Yours sincerely,

-Tasha Zimich

First Annual Back to School MunnyWorld Show opens September 13

SubUrban Vinyl presents their 1st annual back to School Munny World show. What better way to end the summer fun with a back to school event using the most recognized customizable Kidrobot Munny World Platforms? The Show preview will be sent out to their email list subscribers on Sept 13 at 2PM EST This event will take place on Saturday September 13 2014 from 6-9pm in the Suburban Vinyl gallery at 4 Frederick St in Waldwick NJ

Alien Chestburster Custom Munny by Jon-Paul Kaiser

For those who've watched Alien (1979), one of the most iconic scenes is the Chestburster (or Chestbuster) scene, when the implanted alien in Kane, played by John Hurt, decides to make an appearance during dinner. The dramatic scene of the alien bursting through Kane's chest is one that's been recreated and even re-imagined over the years. Jon-Paul Kaiser recreated the iconic scene using a 5 inch mini Munny for Kane and what looks to be the ear of a Dunny for the Chestburster. Jon-Paul states: "I wanted to capture that moment when everything is in a state of flux; Kane is on the cusp of death, he alien is at last born but not yet fled and the crew have yet to face it once it grows...". The Munny arms have been repositioned to present Kane splayed out on the table, with the Alien bursting out of the chest(using what looks to be like a Dunny ear). Red "blood" is expertly painted to provide some great contrast to the black and white of the figure and table. Another great custom by Jon-Paul Kaiser. 

Alien Chestburster Custom Munny by Jon-Paul Kaiser, Photo by Justin Allfree

Alien Chestburster Custom Munny by Jon-Paul Kaiser, Photo by Justin Allfree

Alien Chestburster Custom Munny by Jon-Paul Kaiser, Photo by Justin Allfree

Alien Chestburster Custom Munny by Jon-Paul Kaiser, Photo by Justin Allfree

For those who are interested, Jon-Paul Kaiser may still have his commission list open and waiting. Contact Jon-Paul Kaiser through his website for more info.

- Mark-Anthony

  Google+