2008-WRAP-UP WITH TRE: ERICK SCARECROW

I had a quick ecatch-up with Erick Scarecrow ~ artist / designer / head-honcho of ESC-Toy before 2008 ran-out. CLICK THRU to read the rest of the Q&A :)

TOYSREVIL: How have things been since our last chat? How was 2008 to you?

ERICK SCARECROW: This 2008 was a very good year for ESC and myself. A lot more was done then what was planned. I've been growing in so many ways and pushing myself art wise. Despite all that I'm not satisfied. I'm still hungry and I want more. 

TOYSREVIL: "Hunger" is good, IMHO. ESC-Toy's been consistently releasing quite a fair number of products for 2008, as well as loads of collaborations with loadsa artists and creators, with quite a focus on plush toys too. How do you think ESC has done so far, for 2008? Are you happy and contented with what ESC Toy has produced thus far?

ERICK SCARECROW: ESC will continue to work with companies and artists.  I am very happy to be involved. Project Master Tadone Hill will be taking more control on that development side in 2009 while I will work on other stuff. 



TOYSREVIL: Push comes to shove, which single figure would you choose, if you had to use it to represent what ESC Toy is all about?

ERICK SCARECROW: That's a good question and a hard one but I actually don't know.
 

TOYSREVIL: What were the milestones, for both Erick Scarecrow, and for ESC Toy, you think?

ERICK SCARECROW: Other than starting up ESC I haven't reached any other milestones yet. 


TOYSREVIL: How do you think 2008 fared, in terms of toy quality in the general market? Designer vinyls, custom shows or otherwise? And what's the direction it may be taking for 2009?

ERICK SCARECROW: I think some very cool pieces were dropped in 2008. The overall quality seemed good. I don't know what direction the market will go in but we'll continue to develop collectibles in different edition sizes.


TOYSREVIL: With all this talk of worldwide recession, how do you think the toy market will do, in the very near future? Or will it not be affected much at all? How does one "survive" in the new year to come? Is the market expanding, or shrinking?

ERICK SCARECROW: I feel positive about the market. The only way you can survive is to compete in many levels; pricing, quality, and design. I see the market expanding as we speak,


TOYSREVIL: Where do you see ESC Toy and yourself (as an artist) evolving into, for 2009?

ERICK SCARECROW: ESC will continue to grow. As for myself I will continue to grow as well. Just keep working hard and pay close attention to everything that's going on in the market.


[Above: Custom Vinnie for VTN Winter 2008]

TOYSREVIL: Anything you regret doing (like releases, or otherwise) and/or regret not doing, in 2008?

ERICK SCARECROW: No regrets. I'm happy with what's been done.

TOYSREVIL: What have you gained from the experiences you've had in 2008?

ERICK SCARECROW: I learned a lot in terms of just following my gut especially business wise. You can't trust everyone.
 

TOYSREVIL: What can folks look forward to, in 2009 - from ESC Toy and Erick Scarecrow?

ERICK SCARECROW: Esc will continue to drop new collectibles. We will unveil my Medusa vinyl figure at NYCC in February. I will drop some new Shinsetsu customs for next month and throughout the year. I might have some more exclusives for the Shinsetsu series in Asia. You will have to wait and see.



TOYSREVIL: Fair enough. We'll look forward to the surprise that will pop out from ESC Toy. Any final year-end shout outs to peeps? Any wishes for friends and words of wisdoms for naysayers?

ERICK SCARECROW: I want to thank everyone that has been supporting my work! Thank you and a big hug!