A Thanksgiving Treat

Tada!  I'm your treat, I suppose.  Some of you might be disappointed by the lack of actual physical treat, but I do assure you, I am ashamed for falling off the blogging grid for so long and promise to come back and stay until *at least* Christmas.  That was a joke.  I'll stay until I either move to a different blog or until I stop painting.  I'd most likely die before I stop painting.

Did someone say painting??  Well, there's too much to catch you up on in one post.  I'm not going to recap the past 6 months (OMG has it really been 6 months?  I'm super sorry.) with a barrage of pictures and an obscenely long and desperate post.  Instead, I'll be weaning you back into my oh so exciting life of painting through shortish posts with only a few pictures.  That way, you'll slowly be brought up to date without being overwhelmed by awesomeness. 

Ok, first and last tangent.  Did you know that the life of a toy painter is not so extraordinarily exciting?  We do all the same things that other normal, awesome people do.  We cook dinner, we watch The Walking Dead, we feel burdened when it's extra super late and we realize that we need to shower.  But what I feel sets us aside from the rest of the pack (which will remain nameless because I don't *actually* know what the "rest of the pack" includes) is creative motivation.  For example: I saw a rusty structure by the side of the road one day and took a picture of it because it was a perfect representation of what rust and peeling paint should look like.  Even though I didn't use the idea (and I still haven't), I still have the picture as reference and have the ability to use it when I need it. 

Art is (sadly?) always on my mind, and sometimes it does interrupt the flow of life.  Friends and family have stood around impatiently waiting while I took a picture or wrote down a newly discovered idea.  And I've learned that unless you have artist friends (which sometimes seriously need to be taken in small doses because artsy-fartsy people can be...unique), not many people actually understand what it is to be a toy customizer.  Ultimately, this needs to be something that makes you happy and something that you enjoy because the odds of gaining infinite glory and wealth is minimum.  I'm not trying to be a Debby Downer, but I've definitely had inquiries whereupon people want to pick my brain, and if you know me at all, I'm not going to sugar coat my experiences or findings, but I will offer constructive and useful advice and feedback.

So, what has SoKo Cat been up to?  Let us start precisely where we left off.  May 2014.  Shortly after I finished painting the Godzillas, I began working on a few commission pieces for an enthusiastic fellow whose contact information in my phone reads as "Godzilla Jimmy."  He was wowed by my awesomeness at Chiller Theatre in April and needed these two pieces repainted.  The King Kong came out a bit more red than I originally intended, but I really do like how he came out.

Here are some work in progress pics! 

King Kong

Gojira

After that project was done, I patina-ed the hell out of this door for my buddy and fellow artist Nick Jodice.

 Last, but certainly not least, is the piece I submitted for SubUrban Vinyl's Blood Type Positive show: Julian Mortimer.  He has since been sold; sorry for being a tease. :P

Alrighty, nerds.  It is time for me to say good bye for now.  I will be back all too soon providing you with more updates.  If I don't see or talk to you before...tomorrow, have a Happy Thanksgiving!  Hopefully the weather isn't too much of a problem.  We're getting snow in NJ as we speak, which is throwing a monkey wrench into everyone's' commutes and holiday travel.  Ah the joys of working less than a mile from home and hosting Thanksgiving.  No travel, lots of painting sleeping cooking.

It feels good to be back.  Let's chat soon! ;)

kthxbai

All I need to know I've learned from Godzilla

It's true. 

• When people wake me up without notice, I can be cranky.
• When people don't feed me, I can be cranky.
• If faced with obstacles, I will smash them.
• Resistance is futile

Oh, shit that last one is the Borg.

• As an ultimate attack, I will open your mouth and vomit glowing blue bits of destruction.

This isn't matching up as much as I thought it would...

For the past few weeks, I've been working nonstop on some wonderful custom Godzilla toys.  It all began one rainy Saturday when I was standing in a random isle at my local Toys R Us.  To be completely honest, I was escaping screaming, running children, and my isle of solitude happened to carry all of the Godzilla toys.  Because I was desperate to get out of there as quickly as my little Marvin the Martian legs could carry me, I impulse bought quite a few things.

Now, I'll have you know that I did make this purchase with the intention of painting all of them.  Mass-market production toys tend to have fairly shoddy paint jobs, and like McKayla Maroney at the 2012 Summer Olympics I was not impressed. 

McKayla Maroney is not impressed.

The first wave is finally done, and they're wonderfully painted!  They will drop in my store shortly.  Now let's get to the pictures! ^.^

Chibi Godzilla!

Godzilla 1954

Millennium Godzilla

Wait, what do you mean when you say the first "wave" is done?  Well, I ordered a few Godzilla 2014 movie figures, and they have not yet arrived.  Once they do, I will be painting them and adding them to my store with the others.  I don't care what any of you say.  Godzilla is not too fat.

Aaaaanyway, lemme get back to my daily grind so I can finish my day and go home and paint!

Ok, kiddies.  You have a great day!  I'll be back soon enough.  And remember: sometimes people are wearing their sunglasses indoors not just because they are douchebags, but because they have really bad allergies.  The CDC actually recommends that people wear their glasses indoors to minimize the amount of allergens that may irritate your eyes when traveling outdoors.  *snort* Science! *snort*


kthxbai

Blood Type Positive+!

Concealed Contriteness!

Phew!  I am most definitely still out of breath from hashtag Chiller Theatre.

Later on, I'll provide a more in depth blog post, but for now, I'm just excited to *finally* let you in on what happened at Vinyl Thoughts New York!  There was an amazing Meowth hat (thanks to Benny Hebert's talking Meowth!  Without him, I wouldn't have been able to do an appropriate voice and few phrases), free beer, lots of cool peeps, but most of all, there was exceptional art.

Now, without further ado, I give you Concealed Contriteness!  (Contrary to what the picture depicts, all of the hoods have menacing red eyes painted on them.)  One is available RIGHT NOW for $10 less than the others.  Consider it an early bird special! ^.^  The other 5 will drop on 5/2/14 at 11:59 PM EST.  If you are super antsy and can't wait, shoot me over an email.

More later.  Promise.

kthxbai!!!!

Vinyl Thoughts - Sneak Peek Poster!

This advertisement was just released in the toy blogs today.  Mine is the one on the left.  I'm super honored to have been included in the sneak peek pictures!  

The Joy of Painting

Babbling about some vague point in my childhood:  Back when I was a little girl, before I knew anything of miniature or toy painting, I enjoyed Bob Ross's The Joy of Painting.  This half-hour PBS show ate up a good portion of my childhood, as I always stopped to watch the creation of happy little trees.  I remember using some of my kiddie watercolors to replicate waterfalls and streams containing large rocks.  They weren't very good, but gosh darn that man makes everything look so effortless!  Fast forward to a time when I saved school notebooks not for its content, but for the awesome doodles.  Ultimately, I knew that I wasn't going to be the next Monet or van Gogh, but art definitely held a special place in my heart.

Did I have a point?  Oh, come on.  I infrequently have a point. 

Art has been a very active part of my hobbies and expressions of self, and I suppose I have Bob Ross to thank, lol.  On more of a tangential approach, I think of how happy dear 'ole BR was, and have sworn to always find joy in my painting. ^.^

Ok, ok.  Back to actual news and not babbling.  Ok, maybe some babbling.  You know me so well.

Vinyl Thoughts New York:  I wish I could share the final pictures of my latest and greatest project with you!  Alas, it is hush-hush...but you'll see them soon enough, as they are my submission for the first ever Vinyl Thoughts in New York!  I'm going to try to attend the opening reception on Friday 4/18, so if any of you are thinking of going, you'll get to see me! We can say hi and laugh and talk of times past. :D

Doors open Friday night at 7:00 PM. There is a free bar (beer & water), RSIN will be doing some live painting, and there will be a discount code to give attendees that will get them 20% off Munnyworld products on Kidrobot.com!

You can get directions and more info on the gallery on their website if you need it:  http://www.bottleneckgallery.com/

 

 
...I feel bad for being so secretive.  Here are some early sneak-peek pics. 

Oh, look!  Dunnys

Ah, Dunnys with hoods (sewn by me!), axes (Duboseart), and painted pants!

I guess I took the "unmasked" part literally.  It's part of the theme, but I can't divulge any secrets! 

I know I always say stuff like this, but these were so much fun to paint!  SO MUCH!  Painting genuinely brings me joy, and for that, I consider myself extremely lucky. 

After this, I have to finish up a commission, and then furiously paint some more Godzilla pieces for Chiller!  Crunch, crunch, crunch time!  13 days until Chiller Theatre! 

Ok, kiddies.  Time for me to say bye bye for now.  Enjoy this glorious 70°F sunny weather while it lasts, and remember to take your daily allergy pill or you will suffer the wrath of mother nature.  I hear she's going to be especially moody this season!

*nerd alert* According to the scientists who are able to compile things like numbers, reasons, and warnings from other numbers, the massive amount of snow from this past winter has nourished the trees, grass, and other pollen-producing plants.  This turned our normal pollen-producing plants into SUPER PLANTS (not a technical term); therefore this spring pollen will be superabundant (an actual word!  Who knew!) */nerd alert*

This science lesson has been brought to you by the letter W and the number 3.

kthxbai :)

One Month!

The countdown clock begins.  30 days until Chiller.  For a full 30 days after October's Chiller, I bought all of the things I realized I needed when I didn't actually have them.  I also bought a lot of things I thought I would need.  Thank you, Past Tori.  Future Tori thanks you immensely.

I finally finished the painting the chibi Godzilla 6-pack!

Mothra!

Phew.  That yellow to red fade took a very long time, but I am very happy with the way it turned out.

Godzilla.  The MAN.  Who da man?  You da man.

After finishing that project, I moved onto this beauty.  This little guy is a variation of an O'Bot I painted nearly a year ago.  I'd say it came out nicely.  Here's your custom toy tip of the day: If you want to stick with a base color (in this case, pink) but still have a variety of colors, alter its shade by adding small amounts of black or white.  That's how I did the tree bark (black plus brown), and that's how I did the flowers (pink plus white). 
 

It just occurred to me that this Android piece doesn't have a title.  Ha, I consider myself a somewhat knowledgeable person...and yet I frequently find myself hung up on whether I should name all of my pieces.  Lol, "Custom Cherry Blossom Android" is so cut and dry.  But I'm definitely not the type of person to give a name like "Cherry Blossom Tree on Droid, Spring." 

Early on, when I was conscientious about my style, color theory, and ideas, Benny Kline over at Tenacious Toys told me that my art is awesome and I shouldn't be ashamed of it.  Because it is a projection, a personification, and translation of who I am, and if anyone should ever try to convince me that it wasn't art, they could go to hell.  Those were really meaningful words, and even though I do stick to what I like and what I'm comfortable creating, I am less fearful to try new things as a result of Benny's words.  Thanks, Benny!

Which brings us to an unconventional picture: toilet seat cover art.

1's & 2's: A Toilet Seat Art Show!  SubUrban Vinyl is having their toilet seat art show this Friday 3/28/14 from 6-9 PM.  Since toilet seat painting isn't my forte, I entitled this creepy piece "Branching Out" because...I'm branching out.  Self explanatory. :P

Funny thing about this piece is that it was originally going to be a cherry blossom tree.  Since it's officially spring, I figure I could do a few pieces using the same theme.  But after I finished doing just the branches, I enjoyed the mood of the piece.  (I mean -- you can only brighten the mood of a toilet seat so much.)  Adding even one flower or one bud changes the mood completely, and I wasn't prepared to undo everything I had worked on for so many hours.  That one splash of color will be the focus of the piece and will promote feelings of happiness and hope.  No one should ever look at a toilet seat and feel hope. ^.^   

Branching Out

Ok, kiddies.  It's time for me to shut down my computer and go to bed.  I remember a time when I considered midnight to be early, but alas.  I am prone to bouts of sleepiness fairly easily, and if it's after 10:30 PM, I'll just fall asleep for the night.

I gave you secrets and tips, so you don't get a reminder.  Oh, fine.  I cave.  Here's your damn reminder: Even though you're confident that the anti-diarrhea pills were fully effective, bring an extra pair of underwear just in case. 

Oh, jokes.  Haha, I crack me up.  Tip your waiter, folks.  I'm here virtually every week.  And I'm also on Instagram with frequent updates (except in this case where I haven't done anything in almost three days!  Ooooo slacker.).  Most, if not all, pictures here were originally posted on Instagram.  I know, I know.  I'm a lazy, corner-cutting, fraud.  Whatevs, I'm going to bed.

SoKo Cat!  OUT!

kthxbai

Crunch Time V. 2.0

I'm starting to feel the pressure of another approaching crunch time.  April is going to be a very busy month, and I should have started on virtually everything already. 

Here's the list of events I will either be attending or painting one or more things for:

ToyConUK - needs to be mailed out by March 31st 
Vinyl Thoughts New York - needs to be mailed out by April 8th 
Chiller Theatre - April 25th -- Ideally, it'd be great to have everything done by the previous weekend (April 19th) since this is a huge event that will require a lot more than just painting and mailing (I'm a vendor)

Plus two commissions.  Oh boy, I have one full plate!

Lots of my recent work has been either commissioned or otherwise casual, personal painting.  Recently, I started on a chibi Godzilla 6-pack.  Even though I've decided to paint them according to their original colorscheme, I managed to have it stand out from the store-bought painted figures. 

Chibi Gigan!

Chibi Destoroyah!

I've also been working on this adorable corn on the cob Micro Greasebat.  For some reason, the idea of painting this dude to look like an ear of corn really excited me.  Below, I painted a butter & sugar scheme, but I also have plans to paint the 2nd Micro Greasebat in an Indian corn colorscheme. 

Butter & Sugar Micro Greasebat

As I paint the things I have, at least twice the volume of blank/unpainted/what-I-plan-to-paint-at-a-later-date-and-will-most-certainly-not-forget-about...toys arrive.

Paul Shih aka Hollow Threat recently sent an awesome package filled with goodies.  I hope to have this stuff painted for one of the events I listed above, but I simply refuse to make any guarantees.  Mostly it's because I'm afraid of breaking promises.  These awesome resin pieces are absolutely wonderful, and I really hope to have these painted by the end of the month.

Pandara, Lil Death, and Bevil

 Mark Nagata is uber amazing.  This is not new news, but every time I receive a package from him, I find myself more wowed by him and the business he has built for himself.  The Kaiju Zanga is one of my two giant projects, presumably for Chiller in late April.  If I put my mind to it, I could finish this in a week, but I'm still hemming and hawing about the color scheme. 

You will be painted, Zanga.  Oh, yes.  You will be painted.  I will not be defeated by you. ^.^

Kaiju Zanga 

Ok, kiddies.  Time to go.  I'll update again this week with more pictures of the chibi godzilla pieces.  Until then, enjoy the 50-60°F weather and completely forget the fact that we're supposed to have more snow this coming Thursday.  Better yet, you should spend some time outside today.  Maybe you should grill some burgers!  Mmmm burgers.  Now I want burgers.

kthxbai

It's Friday! WOOOOO!

Every Friday, I rejoice at the week's end by singing "It's Friday, Friday!" from that stupid Rebecca Black song.  What's it called?  Friday.  duh

Partyin', partyin' yeah!

I'm singing a song that 15 year girls enjoy.  But I'm also quoting Will McAvoy from HBO's The Newsroom.  Which of these you intend to judge me more severely is entirely up to you.

We had some lovely weather here in the northeast this past week.  Last weekend it was nearly 60°F, and even though I really enjoyed it, I secretly hoped for more cold weather and snow.  When I got into my car this morning, it was 5°F.  I'll be eating last weekend's words and then some later on this weekend as we bunker down for yet another snowstorm.  No, who am I kidding?  I heart this kind of weather.  Fingers crossed, I'm hoping for another snow day Monday.  I can get some awesome painting time in, and the thought of sitting around in PJs painting and drinking tea really excites me. 

Since we last spoke, I've made a few purchases and created an uber-awesome piece.  Let's start with the purchases.  There were several awesome recent drops, and I consider myself super lucky to be the proud owner of the following items:

Penelope McStompsalot

Kidrobot and Huck Gee have really outdone themselves.  It's an 8" Dunny acting as a mech for the 3" Dunny!  Not only is this a chick, but she's super bad-ass!  All of this is very cool, but my make or break was definitely the hinge opening.  Amazeballs AND awesomesauce.

There's only one place I know of that still has these beauties in stock.  And you, fair readers, are privileged enough to gain this power knowledge URL: http://www.screamingskygallery.com/ Last I checked, they had TWO in stock.  

Pocket Rose Vampire
Translucent Green Glitter

Aside from SDCC releases, I've never been privy to an actual Super7 RV release.  Creator Joshua Herbolsheimer is a super-talented dude, and I really enjoy his totes adorbs art.  Believe it or not, once I called the Super7 Store in the good ole San Fran inquiring about a toy that may or may not be in their inventory, and he answered the phone.  We chatted for about 10 minutes until at the very end of the conversation I thanked him for his help and asked his name.  He said "Josh," very matter-of-factly, and after a brief pause, I asked "the RV creator?" and he laughed and said yes. 

Lol, I'm not a silly fangirl, but when I find out I'm talking to the creator of a really popular designer toy, I'm going to say "I painted a few, and it was a lot of fun.  Thanks for making such a great platform."

And then he said thanks and we ended the call.  All of that aside, I took total advantage of this sale (they're $25 instead of their normal $35!) and can't wait to show you what I create! 

Speaking of create, here it is!  My new art for the week!.  It's still not 100% complete, but I'm really happy with it.

 

 

Lol it's a Mint Chocolate Chip Foster!  Also a Super 7 product, I've been wanting to paint one of these since I first discovered Super7.  Similar to that of the Rose Vampire, they had a Foster release a little while back.  I scooped several up with the intention of customizing at least one.  Before even sitting down with my brush in my hand, I knew he would be mint chocolate chip.  Every time I look at him, I crave ice cream sandwiches.  I guess that means I did a good enough job ^.^

What's next on the queue?  A customized Death Serpent, and some chibi Godzilla toys.  There will definitely be smaller projects in between.  Taking on this Death Serpent will not be an easy or quick task.  Imma have to construct a project schedule diagram n'shit.

  
Lastly, my Pups have arrived safely back from SubUrban Vinyl and are available in my store right now!  They're on sale!  20% off! 

So, yeah.  That's really all, kiddies. I hope everyone has a good weekend.  If you're in the northeast, prepare for another storm!  Maybe that'll get you doing something you've been meaning to complete for months/years/centuries.

Until then, be good, eat your veggies, and take a moment to just take a breath today.  You work hard and should occasionally stop to look around before 10 years has passed in the blink of an eye. 

I'll be right back.

kthxbai ^.^

Inconceivable!

There's a perfectly logical reason for this preemptive Thursday blog update: I'm at work, and our network has been kaput since 9AM this morning.  Four hours later, we're all still waiting for the IT guys to solve The Mystery of the Broken Network, but at least we have internet!

We had another snowstorm this weekend that started out as snow, changed over to rain, and then changed over back again to snow after the sun set.  Aside from a few errands on Saturday and Monday, I hardly left the house.  It was glorious!  There was plenty of food in the house, some type of benign but pleasant background noise (movies, TV, music, etc.), and a laundry list of toys I've been meaning to paint!  All that plus comfy lazy clothing equals Paintapalooza 2014!

I'm nearly done with Darth Vader and Jack Skellington, but don't have pictures.  It's actually a blessing in disguise because until I reach the tail end, everything looks kind of crappy.

Monday was a holiday, so I spent a good portion of the day working on Misfortune Cat!  After hemming and hawing about the color scheme, I decided to do a bronze patina style.  I've been working on my weathering techniques as well as dirty metallics, and I'm very pleased with the way this piece has turned out!

If you are interested in purchasing it, you can find it in my store!

Here's a secret: When I posted this to Instagram, there were a few comments that said thing like "wonderful patina!!! <3".  That's when I learned what a patina is.  Thank you, Google.  Thought you might get a kick out of that.  I did, but only after I got over the embarrassment of not knowing what a patina was. ^.^


I have other updates, but alas there are no pictures.  Hopefully you aren't too disappointed.  Because I care about your well-being!  If you're disappointed, I am too. 

Right, then.  Looks like our network has finally come back up, and I can get to the work I've been trying to do all day but couldn't.

Ok, nerds.  Time for me to meet up with my good friend SAP.  For those of you who don't know anything about SAP, consider yourself lucky.  For those of you who have had the privilege of using SAP and need to do so on a daily basis, here are some funnies that we nerds can appreciate.

 

 

Hahaha, oh you finicky ERP software, you!  

Ok, ok back to work.

kthxbai!

Inclement Weather?

I'll play along and agree with everyone when they express their dislike of wintery weather.

Anyone: "Can you believe it's supposed to snow AGAIN?"
Me: "Oh yeah, that sucks so bad" (facetious eye roll)

But the reality is that I love snow.  My commute is minimal, and when the plow traps me in my parking spot, I just have to gun my all-wheel-drive vehicle until I'm free.  This past week, we've had three or four bouts of snow, and it has interfered with my day job in wonderful ways.  In turn, it has given me several opportunities to ponder-about and create art stuff.

Earlier last week, I managed to grab a Baby Greasebat Dunny.  That is exciting on more than one level, and I can't wait to bring a brush to it.  As soon as it arrives in the mail, I'll start painting.  I hope it's soon!

Stock Photo

During one particularly bad snowstorm, I spent the majority of my day working on this dude.  A purchase from Rotten Daughter, it recently arrived in the mail, and I was really itching to paint it.  To be honest, I hadn't primed this by the time the snowstorm hit, and ended up doing so in my bathroom because I was impatient.

Before

Almost-After (not quite done, but mostly so)!  A weathered but still mostly happy robot! 
Not a commission or for a show -- just felt like painting it

Something I've noticed about painting:  I'm less inclined to burn myself out when I incorporate things I'm genuinely excited to paint into my repertoire.  Commissions and shows are wonderful, don't get me wrong, but there are times I see something and I feel a spark of inspiration and excitement when I think about painting it.  This robot dude was one of those sparks, and I'm so glad I bought him.  Thanks, Rotten Daughter, for having faith in me and giving me the privilege of being the first person to customize your robots!  :)

Well, that's really all I have for an update.  I hope you fellow northeastern hemisphere dwellers aren't hating the snow too much.  OMG that sucks so much...all of that snow... *wink* 

RE Snow Haters: Think of it scientifically, though.  You can't go anywhere because it's freakin' snowing like whoa, so you stay home and get things off of you To Do list because you're bored and have nothing better to do.  This makes you feel accomplished and productive, so each time you're cooped up at home and bored, the residual association will give you the habitual promise of efficiency.

Cough, cough, cough.  *hoarse & breathy*  Science and big words makes me hurt all over.

This weekend I have to resolve to finish working on the Jack Skellington and Darth Vader commission pieces.  Then I'm doing a piece or two of Super7 awesomeness.  I'm putting it in writing that I will be finishing pieces this weekend because I'm hoping it will actually force me to do it in its entirety.

Ok, nerds.  It has been swell indeed.  I hope you all had a wonderful week and are ready to have an epic weekend!  Epic may be a bit strong.  How about ... rejuvenating?  Or just plain old awesome.  Whatever.  I, myself, plan to paint with the Olympics on in the background, play some cards, and nap as often as I can.  Stay warm and hydrated and always remember to clean off the snow from the top of your car.  If cops see it fly off when you're driving, they'll pull you over.

Miss you MORE!

kthxbai

Happy New Year!

Long story short, my company played a game of musical chairs, and I have a different job.  How does that affect you?  Well, it means that I'm working with a completely new group of people in a new building.  I'm trying to keep my nose clean, so I've been crappy about updating my blog.

Without sounding too uptight, unless I schedule "blogtime", it won't get done.

I can make that a New Year's resolution.  What other resolutions have I  made?  That's a bit personal.  Ok, you've twisted my arm.  I resolved to use less profanity.  I resolved to lose the weight I put on due to work stress in 2013.  And now I resolve to update my blog regularly -- mostly because I despise taking so much time to apologize for not updating my blog!

Let us make an actual resolution, and not a "I, like, want to, like, update my blog more often, right?" approach.  I will not not allow my laziness to perpetuate to the point where it regularly interferes with my professional and recreational duties.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Gawd, that was a bunch of obligatory blah blah blah.  On to the fun stuff already!

Last week, a coworker of mine who I hadn't seen since 2013 wished me a Happy New Year.  I almost punched him in the teeth, but it was mostly because of the distance that had come between us since I moved to a different department.  But the lesson to take away from this is that you should not wish someone a Happy New Year after January 9th.  Unless it's the Chinese New Year.

Wait.  Did he wish me a happy Chinese new year?  Now I'm confused and feel slightly guilty for getting so angry.  Pause.  I'll have to research that and get back to you.  Happy New Year, by the way.

January was wonderful, thanks.  Aside from the work stuff (that you shouldn't care about), I obtained San Diego Comic Con and C2D2 professional badges!  Even though I make this a one sentence statement and seemingly just toss it out nonchalantly, I'm super excited to have had my professional applications approved and the idea of possibly attending SDCC this year.  Blazon Brikhaus and I also worked together nicely to produce some freakin' delightful art.  Her sculpting and my painting beget five unique Snowgirls!  You can find them in my store, or you can just admire this picture and continue reading. 

We've caught up to February!  Hooray!  Those of you who are following me on Instagram or have read the custom toy blogs within the past few days have already seen my submission for SubUrban Vinyl’s upcoming Valentine’s Day art show: “Heart Strings: Art to make hearts all a flutter or help mend the broken ones”.  Introducing Sweetheart Pups!  Resembling the well-known conversation heart-shaped candy, give YOUR sweetheart something sweet without fear of cavities or calories!  Select from four uniquely lovable pastel-colored pups printed with messages such as “Puppy Love”, “Love You”, “Be Mine”, and “Call Me”.

These adorable pups will be available for purchase at the opening reception this Saturday, February 8th from 6PM-9PM, and also at SubUrban Vinyl’s online store!  Be sure to sign up for the mailing list to receive the show preview!

Lastly, I'm working on two super awesome commission pieces: Jack Skellington and Darth Vader. 

Sculpting by the amazing Nick Jodice!  Jack is the only one worth showing since he's an actual WIP; Darth is fully sculpted, but is just black right now.  Yes, Darth and I are on a first name basis.  No, I didn't just make a race joke.  Well, I did just now...but that wasn't it before. 

So, that's really it.  Job change, painting, looooving the perpetual snowstorms, and being my normal sassy self.  Did you miss me?  If you did, I find that kind of weird but flattering. ^.^  But, alas.  It is time to say bye bye.  So soon?  Sadly, yes.  Don't wander too far away because I promise to return soon, nerds.   

Stay nerdy and warm...and always remember to disassemble (if possible) and wash your pieces with soap and water before priming/painting.  It removes any residont (a play on the word residue) left by your hands or factory manufacturing stuffs or chemicals and whatnot.  Bad stuff that will make your paint bead or uneven or not stick.  The washing will take it off.  But be sure to dry thoroughly because the little beads of water have the potential to foul up your art more than most residonts!

kthxbai :P