"13 Things Which Made My 2013" from Todd Robertson

WHAT: "Earlier in 2013, I interviewed 13 Creators worth looking out for, and for the end of 2013, I had asked a select few to list "13 Things Which Made My 2013"."

Having just moved and survived the year-end holidays, Todd shares with us his list of 13 happenings, with all words subsequently by himself! [This was Todd's Interview in 2013]


TODD ROBERTSON: I was asked to list the most memorable events/things from 2013, after giving it plenty of thought here they are:
 
#1. At the top of my list would have to be making not one but two trips to Japan this year.  I participated in Winter Wonder Festival and Design Festa.  This had always been something I wished to accomplish.  I was also honored to be have great travel companions, Mark Nagata, Yo Miyamoto, Jay222, Javier Jimenez, and Joe from Squibbles Ink. I am looking forward to at least one visit in 2014 and can not wait!


#2.  Another great event from this year was to finally see a test pull of my first sofubi "Ammonaito"  After so much time and work is was so awesome to hold the fruits of my labor.  If things keep on track be on the look out for a special first release in early 2014.

#3.  I was able to meet and talk to a ton of my fans over the year and got some great responses to the work that I have been doing. These are the things that really make doing this worth while and keep me moving into the future. I would like to thank you all for your continued support and hope that I will have some good things coming in 2014.


#4.  Throughout  the year I participated in shows at MonsterKolor Studios, TAG, FOE Gallery, OneUp and many other locations but my favorite show was the Yamomark Anniversary held at OneUp in Japan.  Not only was it insane to be able to customize a bunch of Yamomark Figures, it was honor to be in the show with some of the top kaiju artists in the world.
  
#5.  This past year I was also able to collaborate with some of my favorite toy makers, Plaseebo, BlobPus, Maxtoyco, Guumon. It's always a pleasure to work with the people that inspire you and come together to make a really special release.

#6.  I want to mention MonsterKolor Paints on this list too.  Matt Walker, owner of MK, has really stepped up and provided toy painters with a rainbow of awesome colors.  This makes doing what I do very enjoyable and the end result untouchable.  MK paints play a big part in me providing a top notch product to my customers.


#7.  A definite on this list is all the great meals I have enjoyed throughout the year.  If you follow me on Instagram (@mechavirus) you know how much I enjoy my food.  From herring  topped soba in Japan, deep dish pizza in Chicago, and Curry in San Francisco, I had some good ones this year!

#8.  Other than Japan, I also traveled to Chicago, for Toy Karma 4, and to San Francisco, Maxtoyco Visit, this year.  In the earlier years of my Iife I didn't do much travelling, so now in my later years it is amazing to visit new places and see the world especially when toys are the driving force.  I hope 2014 brings me to some new places.


#9.  As a self taught artist my learning curve involves much trial and error but I was lucky to be able attend a few classes at MonsterKolor Studios this year.  I fine tuned and learned some new tricks in painting, pinstriping and resin casting.  If you can make it to the classes offered by MK studios I think it is a great opportunity to learn disciplines that aren't norm.

#10.  The next few on the list are going to be on a more personal level for me.  Number 10 on the list is going to be a full year of being smoke free. After 18 years of heavy smoking it feels great to have left the habit behind.

#11.  Towards the end of 2013 I also moved in a new place. Over the previous year and half my life had been in a state of flux, so it feels great to be settled into my own place and not having to deal with any housing issues anymore.

#12.  I was honored to do a couple of interviews this year that I think really give a little more insight into who I am beyond the toys.  I encourage fans and followers to check these out, both are written extremely well and I think will give a few more pieces of the Mechavirus puzzle.  Here are the links: thatsthehookup.com + www.1985artists.com

#13.  The last thing, and one of the most important, on the list would be being able to do the thing I love for another year.  It is still very surreal to make a partial living from making toys and I feel very privileged to do so.  

Looking Forward into 2014 I hope to be able to deliver more to my fans, I have some new toys, collabs and shows all ready in the works and can't wait to be able to share them throughout 2014.  I think that 2014 will be a great year! 

I also want to give Toysrevil a big special thanks! Andy you were one of the first blogs to feature my work years ago and it is pleasure to have a continued relationship with you.  I hope you the best for 2014!