Contest-Teaser: Thunderpanda x TOYSREVIL Lemi Plush Contest Details Coming Soon

Remember the new series of Lemi Mini Plushies from Eric Wirjanata aka Thunderpanda I had posted about recently HERE and HERE? Wanna score these adorable wittle cuties?, including other swell goddies? Stay tuned to TOYSREVIL for details of the contest to come!

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TOYSREVIL Interview on Eye Candies

"Tis oft said about the inherent evil of "influence". But none so alluring as the all-consuming passion lured and set-upon thee mortal desires by plastic or vinyl in the form of toys and action figures. And if influence is evil? Then Toys-Are-Evil. In my waking dreams, they are my masters and i am but a humble servant to serve."


With the excitement and frantic preparations leading up to my trip to Thailand, I'd missed out on this headsup for an interview on Eye Candies, featuring yours truly! Click HERE to find out about the origins of this blog you are now reading (my thanks for your blog-support!), what happens when I blog, and snaps of my 1/6th-scaled kitbash figures, and of course, further ramblings :)

Cheers to Aphrodite for what is my / TOYSREVIL's first online interview, and thanks for the opportunity!

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CLEA 2010 - CE Battle Artist Feature: Six from Thailand

We first featured Thai freelance designer SIX's work via her custom hand-painted CEs for CLEA 2010. Now we get to have a Q&A with her which you can CLICK THRU to read. Show above is her chosen CE-design submissions which has gotten her into the CE Battle, currently going on at CLEA in Bangkok, Thailand!



TOYSREVIL: What was the genesis / design inspiration / concept of your chosen CE-design submission?

SIX: Thai Khon Traditional Mask is my inspiration for this design contest. Khon is a traditional most sophisticated form of Thai mask drama which combines gracefulness with masculinity in its dancing and singing. The actors performs wearing the Khon mask.


SIX: The Khon mask still has another meaning in Thai - the Khon mask symbolizes another side of your mind, while you want to hide what you be.
 
Actor Mask, Bad or Good, shows my design which inspired from the other side of people while comparing with present society. Outside the Khon mask may look good in appearance, but we don't really know what is underneath the Khon mask. Good or Bad.



TOYSREVIL: What is your "Plan Of Battle"?

SIX: I will try my best to present Thai style, but arrange it to be more International.


[16 x images of artwork & illustrations above / Full-screen Viewing]

TOYSREVIL: What are your design influences (as an artist)? How do you engage a custom toy / your process of work? What is your preferred or signature style of customization?

SIX: I'm addicted to Thai traditional "form design" art, which always "blinks up" when I want to fill it in my design works.

I love to hand-paint my work, and sculpt it by myself. I feel it would make it more valuable than looking "machine-made", but yes, mass production is still necessery.


[8 x images of products in slideshow above /Full-screen Viewing]
SIX: I love Thai art form. For me: the suit of Thai warriors is the most attractive art. However, I still love the fantasy. Then, I always combine both of this together for my works which I have a plan to use this inspiration for my future project/s.


[5 x images of Game Scene illustration in slideshow above / Full-screen Viewing]
TOYSREVIL: What are you looking forward to do for CLEA? And for this event in Thailand?

SIX: I'm working with some more information for the design and try to choose the right product for my design.

TOYSREVIL: Share with us, who you are (name/nick)? And what's the next project people should look out for from you?

SIX: Just call me Six, I'm Thai freelance designer, check my portfolio at

- Cartoon Animation on YouTube

- E-learning on NSM here and here.

- Graphic Design on Sixartists-blogspot

- Illustration & Sculpture on Deviant Art

I have 2 future plans. The first one is Character design from Thai traditional tales
The second one, I will try to develop model from the "recycle" things like the "kaytee" wood. I want to make it in series from "Thai Fantasy" for decoration and showcase. It may sell via website or any home decoration shop.


[View more of hand-painted CE by SIX for MTV Thailand on Facebook]

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Linda Le Introduces Kusopop

Linda Le aka Vampy introduces Kusopop, and we get to hear her and see her "life" (well, for us adoring sods who have never had the opportunity to meet her at conventions, okay? ;p), in a intro-video which can simply be described as a "Win", IMHO :)

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TOYSREVIL In Bangkok

In a few hours' time, the doors to the Exhibition and Convention Center on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, Bangkok will be opened for CLEA 2010 [www / tagged]. TOYSREVIL will be at booth #C55, so do drop by and say *Hi* :) ~ Meanwhile, TRE YOKA has met a new friend (and a few hundreds of his friends, and more to come, each hand-assembled by Pond and Mr Toy and their team!).

And on a blog-note, posts have not been rolling forth as much as it needed to be. The current struggle with internet connectivity has been indeed a challenge, but the battle continues forth. Check back with you folks when I am able to. Thank you for your patience, and for reading :)

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CLEA 2010 - CE Battle Artist Feature: Zylostudio from Thailand

Today (Friday September 3rd) will see the launch of CLEA 2010 (Character & Licensing Expo Asia / www / tagged) in Bangkok, Thailand. And today we feature Sanya Lertprasertpakorn aka zylo. CLICK THRU to read, and see you all at CLEA!


What was the genesis / design inspiration / concept of your chosen CE-design submission?

ZYLO: An amazing creation of nature! I like to watch documentaries and found out there are many creatures, both animal & plant has amazing appearance or wired habit. For CE contest I just chose from one of my "interesting" lists and made it into a new character. A Jaw fish is what I choose this time, cos I think the CE head looks like something is opening its mouth.


What is your "Plan Of Battle"?

ZYLO : Do not have a plan yet, I still not know what I have to do in the event actually. But I have to team up with 1 international artist. So the first plan is…. get to know him quickly! And then everything will be easier when we work together as “friends”.


What are your design influences (as an artist)? How do you engage a custom toy / your process of work? What is your preferred or signature style of customization?

ZYLO: As every artist, I like manga and animation…I liked to draw cartoons since I was a kid. Then many years ago I found “Pucca” spreading on the internet and I saw a bag with a “Tokidoki” design. I said “Wow! That’s cool!” - Then I made my own character set, 1st series “KidE” and then learnt how to make flash animation… who knows… a few years later, I quit my job and call myself a “Character Designer”.

Custom Toy is not my area of expertise…but you can find a lot of design toys on my desk!

My characters always have concept and background. It’s maybe different from others artist who let their pencil lead the way. I think of what is interesting and research about it. If you see me create a freaky alien without knowing what planet it came from… please be sure that planet has a name.


What are you looking forward to do for CLEA? And for this event in Thailand?

ZYLO: I expect a lot for this event. This is the 1st time that this kind of event happen in Thailand. I hope they can drive people and business owners to aware of licensing business, intellectual property and character design in Thailand, and can introduce Thai works to Asia. So I already did what I want to do in this event… it is to join this CE Contest. Being one of finalist or not is not necessary for me because I’m sure we (Thai artists) did introduce ourselves to other countries.


[7 x images in slideshow above / Full-screen Viewing]
Share with us, who you are (name/nick)? And what's the next project people should look out for from you?

ZYLO: My Real Name is Sanya Lertprasertpakorn... but I call myself zylo. It has no meaning, the word was happen when I registered to hotmail when I was in an University (Man!! That’s many many years ago!) … and have to think of a special name which no one already use.

Zylostudio, founded in 2003, developed from my portfolio website, showing my works, TV spot, Motion Graphic and also the first character design, developed from the doodle rough sketch in the meeting room, “KidE”.

I used to work as an On-Air Promotion for MTV Thailand for more than 7 years, however, because of my obsession in character design and flash animation, one day in 2007, I decided to leave my job and turned myself to be a full time Character Designer. My intention is to develop myself to be a Thai character designer who creates the trend of using characters among both producers and consumers (teenagers). Moreover, I also wanted to be part of the wheel that drives and motivates Thai character design to success in international market.

You can check out my design @ www.zylostudio.com

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CLEA 2010 - CE Battle Artist Feature: nokhookdesign from Thailand

With a day before the "CE Battle" begins @ CLEA 2010 [www / tagged] in Bangkok, Thailand, we turn our undivided attention on Anukun aka nokhookdesign. CLICK THRU to find out more about the inspiration for his chosen CE design, and to peep his splendid design work!


TOYSREVIL: What was the genesis / design inspiration / concept of your chosen CE-design submission?

ANUKUN: I all started with my interest in Lanna culture. I used colors from the mural painting like gold and silver and some postures of the statues I found in Chiang Mai. I wanted to adapt the old culture with the toy design so it will be brought back to life again.



What is your "Plan Of Battle"?

ANUKUN: I didn’t plan much. I don’t really see it as a competition but a good opportunity to exchange idea between artists and meet new friends.


[3 x images in slideshow above / Full-screen Viewing]
What are your design influences (as an artist)? How do you engage a custom toy / your process of work? What is your preferred or signature style of customization?

ANUKUN: I like works of Devilrobots, Friends With You, Tado, 8e88 and many other Asian artists that applied their local culture with their works. I use gold color and leave the brushstroke on my toy to resemble the antique statues.


[5 x images in slideshow above of CUSTOM TOYS / Full-screen Viewing]
What are you looking forward to do for CLEA? And for this event in Thailand?

ANUKUN: I’m looking forward to meet friends and many other designers. We met only on facebook and twitter. I really want to see my toy being displayed in this exhibition.


[4 x images in slideshow above / Full-screen Viewing]
Share with us, who you are (name/nick)? And what's the next project people should look out for from you?

ANUKUN: My name is Anukun (nokhookdesign). My coming project next month is an exhibition in Chiang Mai, you can check it out at via www.nokhookdesign.com or on my Facebook


[3 x images in slideshow above of GRAPHIC DESIGN / Full-screen Viewing]

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Pao & The Balloon for Dreams Exhibition London and Pao 3D Set For Sale

Dorcas Ng's PAO & THE BALLOON exhibition (currently on, and exhibiting thru September 4th) is a narrative showcased in 14 x 3D images, plus a small pao plush. On show are also little swell details like 3D anaglyphic glasses (yes, you CAN watch them in 3D!), free stickers (3 versions), a mailing list for interested people to leave their email address to be updated on pao news, and a note to say that Dorcas selling stuff and they can put their details down if they wanna purchase.

So what is it that Dorcas is selling? Sets of the 14 x 3D images on show! Limited to only 20 sets and priced at £18 (includes first class postage within UK) and £21 pounds (includes international postage). The set includes a pair red/cyan anaglyphic glasses, with the size of each image measuring 11cm x 11cm.

Pop by the Shoreditch Town Hall Basement Galleries in London to see the event (as part of the Dreams Exhibition London 2010) for yourselves, or CLICK THRU for sample 3D-images, and snaps of the displays & space!


[**If you happen to have 3D-glasses with you right now, you'd be able to view this two sample images!**]

Below: Sticker Versions]


[8 x images in slideshow above of Exhibitoin Space / Full-screen Viewing]

[8 x images in slideshow above of Exhibits on Display / Full-screen Viewing]

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CLEA 2010 - CE Battle Artist Feature: Sikan Techakaruha from Thailand

Our Q&A-feature of Artists/Designers for the CE Battle happening at CLEA 2010 www / tagged] next showcases work from Sikan Techakaruha AKA S.Aiko from Studioaiko (who designed the CE mascot!) from Thailand, and is one of the two ladies to be engaged in "design-combat" from September 3rd to 5th @ Royal Paragon Hall - Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand!

[CLICK THRU to read]


TOYSREVIL: What was the concept of your chosen CE-design submission?

S.AIKO: I thought it would be funny if I created a CE toy to look like me. I love to use "lovely Skull symbolic" to represent myself. I also love to add the Logo name "S.Aiko" and the cross black-white pattern in my design work. That's it! I'm proud to tell you that the CE toy was my first custom toy that I had painted. It's fun!


TOYSREVIL: What is your "Plan Of Battle"?

S.AIKO: I have no plan at all. I just want to share the experience with friends. It would be a pleasure to work with Patricio (Oliver). He is a great designer.


TOYSREVIL: What are your design influences (as an artist)? How do you engage a custom toy / your process of work? What is your preferred or signature style of customization?

S.AIKO: I have a lot idol artists for example Hayao Miyazaki, Tim Burton, Jon Burgerman, Nathan Jurevicius,Takeshi Murakami and many more..

I first started to look through YOUTUBE for videos about "custom toy tutorials". Then when it came my turn to customize, I started from my sketch and painted it part by part, slow slow but sure. Finally I used Felt material to give the CE toy a softer look.


TOYSREVIL: How does it feel to have a StudioAiko mascot design being made into a toy for CLEA?

S.AIKO: I'm very proud of it and feel very lucky.



TOYSREVIL: What are you looking forward to do for CLEA? And for this event in Thailand?

S.AIKO: I'm looking forward to have fun and enjoy a good experience from CLEA2010. Let's Rock!


TOYSREVIL: Share with us, who you are (name/nick)? And what's the next project people should look out for from you?

S.AIKO: Hi,hi. I'm Sikan Techakaruha, AKA S.Aiko or Ai from Studioaiko. Coming up next ...... ummm my new t-shirt design called "Skulldiy : Scream shot". I've been renovating my website at www.studioaiko.com, I think it would be finish soon.

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CLEA 2010 - CE Battle Artist Feature: Pharuephon Mukdasanit from Thailand

With the "competitors" (aka "International Artists/Designers") featured in the last week, TOYSREVIL now shines the spotlight on the "home-team" of Thailand's designers chosen for the CE Battle @ CLEA 2010 www / tagged], launching this Friday September 3rd @ Royal Paragon Hall - Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand!

First "defender" up for a Q&A with us is designer Pharuephon Mukdasanit aka "MAMAFAKA", who has a flair for Typography and a desire to design a BE@RBRICK before he passes on from this mortal coil. CLICK THRU for a read and gawk at oodles of acid-colored graphics to gorge at your mind's eye!


TOYSREVIL: What was the genesis / design inspiration / concept of your chosen CE-design submission?

PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT: Well, last year I created the character design as a form of pyramid cyclist (shown in "Graphics" slideshow below) ~ then I tried to adjust that shape into the CE character plus the a little bit on the meaning of Egyptian era, the mummy, (and) live forever through my design. However, i just want it to be cool&awesome when is being displayed on your shelf.


What is your "Plan Of Battle"?

PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT: Because I think for this battle I have to share with my partner, so we'll let make it "live" at the event might be more fun.




What are your design influences (as an artist)? How do you engage a custom toy / your process of work? What is your preferred or signature style of customization?

PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT: Basically, I am more of a "designer" rather than an "artist" ... I usually find out about the design from the brief, then move on to concept design, with tuning into the right style which will fit at the end product. With regards to toy or character design, well, in the past 10 years, I have see Michael Lau's work from IDN Magazine, and his stuff amazed me in a way where It seemed like he had shown me the world of urban vinyl toy, and brought it into my world. Anyway, there are a lot of great toy & character designers in Asia, which I have tried to design them, and collect them. Sadly, the cost of production (as a real figure) is so high in Bangkok, i have yet been able to produce it ... But you know, if i have a chance to just design my own B@REBRICK , it will satisfy me and I will die happy.


[3 x images in slideshow above of TOY DESIGN / Full-screen Viewing]
PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT: For my style, i prefer to just go with the moment, the period of design which is happening in that time. Currently I have a crazy Typographic Style, so may be you can see it in the final.


[6 x images in slideshow above of GRAPHICS / Full-screen Viewing]
What are you looking forward to do for CLEA? And for this event in Thailand?

PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT: I would like to fully use my ability with a project like this. I believe there are a lot of Thai designers out there, but only just a few designers have been concern about this project. It could be more popular if we could make more promotions, which will help us touch or hit the target. However, for myself, I am enjoying it so far.


[7 x images in slideshow above of SAINT CLOUD event in Melbourne / Full-screen Viewing]
Share with us, who you are (name/nick)? And what's the next project people should look out for from you?

PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT: My name is PHARUEPHON MUKDASANIT a.k.a MAMAFAKA , I'm a Thai graphic designer. I had worked in the advertising agency previously but currently I'm on the freelance, (as) it gives me more time to do many fun things. So far I'd like to introduce you to an art exhibition related to the bicycle ~ named "RIDEaLIFE Project" (art pieces inspired by bicycle). I created the exhibition last year and it was super great fun! I really do enjoy that project very much, I think the exhibition will be launched again this year some day soon. You can check out the information at www.ridealife.net and my personal blog @ www.mamafaka.wordpress.com


[8 x images in slideshow above / Full-screen Viewing]

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WIP-Custom Sharky by DrilOne for Crazy4Cult: Customs Show @ Gallery1988 SF (Sept 4-launch)

For the upcoming Crazy 4 Cult: Customs show @ Gallery1988 SF [event-blogged,], Alex Drils AKA DrilOne looks to the classic "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" for inspiration, and utilizing a Keith Poon-Sharky vinyl figure as a base? Awesomeness undoubtedly ensues, as evident from the work-in-progress snaps shown above and THRU HERE. Captain Nemo would be so proud he would've shed manly sea-tears...

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Sculpt Preview of GOCCODO's Upcoming (Unnamed) Homeless Vinyl Toy

From GOCCODO of Japan comes a new prototype vinyl toy. Sculpted by GOCCODO, the sculpt shown above is a clay model, with a tentative October-release.

He has the lower half of the body in a garbage box (like Oscar from Sesame Street) and comes with removable teeth. He also has a signpost which has "JOB WANTED" written on it. This homeless character is yet unnamed and GOCCODO mentions that they will make the extra effort so as to not become their character in real-life! LOL

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CE Battle Contest Teams Announced for CLEA 2010

We have featured the announcement of the 10 x Finalists for the CE Design Contest who will engage in the CE Final Battle, but have not revealed exactly WHAT the "contestants" will be doing, until now!

The designers are to be paired-up (1 x Thai designer + 1 x International Artist) an work together on the theme "Love & Friendship", with products to be printed and produced "live" at the event itself! The final products include 2 x Custom CEs and 2 x Products in the same graphic design theme as on the CE model. The grand prize is 100,000 Thai Baht for the duo!

CLICK THRU to find out who have been randomly picked by the judges for the 5 teams, and do pop by CLEA 2010 from September 3rd to 5th @ Royal Paragon Hall, on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand! Let The Battle Begin!

The 5 Teams are:

TEAM#1: Akanong Chaiyawong + ZAM (US)

TEAM#2: Anukun Hamala + JonPaul Kaiser (UK)

TEAM#3: Sanya Lertprasertpakorn + Igor Ventura (Brazil)

TEAM#4: Sikan Techakaruha + Patricio Oliver (Argentina)

TEAM#5: Pharuephon Mukdasanit + Kenji Chai (Malaysia)

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Shawnimals' Ninja Of The Month Plush: Evil Syrup Ninja (Sept 1-drop)

Shawnimals set to release the next Ninja of the Month ~ with the Evil Syrup Ninja!

Scheduled for a Wednesday September 1st release @ 1pm CDT via Shop.shawnimals.com with a SRP of US$30.

"Something evil has been brewing in the Dark Syrup pits deep within the Dark Forest, unbeknownst to even Mr. Demon and his band of baddies. Turns out an otherwise harmless Wee Ninja, drawn to the seductive toxic goo from afar thanks to a plate of waffles (no joke), has taken up residence inside. Inside the pits! Weird, right? Like a sort of Dark Syrup swamp thing! Eek! Read on..."

From the tag:
"Sweet purpley syrup on a stack of tasty waffles is harmless, right? Wrong! This once-good Ninja unknowingly ingested a ton of the wicked slop, and is now forever transformed into the Evil Syrup Ninja – a creature possibly even more evil than Mr. Demon himself!"

Motto:
"Look deep into my eyes and you will see pure evil..."


When you order this $30 product you get...

* A handmade 7" × 7" plush Ninja limited to 100 pcs.
* Signed and numbered fancy hang tag
* Fun accessories – Dark Syrup spears and... a mysterious sash?!
* A character sticker
* A character button


Fine folks can also purchase more Ninja of the Month merchandise like stickers, buttons, a poster, etc here:
http://shop.shawnimals.com/collections/ninja-of-the-month/

They can also see more about this NotM release at www.ninjaofthemonth.com/

Note: Evil Syrup Ninja is part of the Shawnimals Handmade line of plush. For ages 6 and up. Decorative use only.

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