Superham Designs LLC

A is for Artist's proof Androids

2011-12-19T12:02:00.000-08:00

Signed and numbered artist proof Toy Soldier Androids go up for sale at 2pm MST and 10 MST, December 20th. A doodled Android will be a surprise for two lucky people chosen at random. To purchase the toy soldiers, please visit my shop.

Toy, meet Soldier.

2011-12-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

I designed this friendly toy soldier for this years holiday season. The Toy Soldier special edition Android mini collectible is up for grabs soon! It features a removable decorative key accessory along with movable arms and head. Comes in a window box. The first batch will be available in the Dead Zebra Shop starting Wednesday, December 14th at 11AM Eastern Standard Time. The second batch will go online Wednesday, December 14th at 11PM Eastern Standard Time.

I will have signed artists samples available in my shop soon.

Happy shopping and Happy Holidays!

Toytem of Terror!

2011-12-06T21:43:00.001-08:00

This monstrosity of a piece was made for the Winter Salon currently being held at Stranger Factory. It has 7 pieces that are interchangeable and stackable. Stands 14.5" tall. Cel Vinyl on wood.

The SUCKSet

2011-11-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Sucklord got the boot from Work of Art this week, so in honor of the Sucklord, I give you the SUCKset, a tribute to all things Suckadelic. This piece is 7" tall with 5 points of articulation, interchangeable heads, and tons of accessories. In true Sucklordian fashion, this piece is available to whomever wants it the most. Available on the bay.

Preppy the Handball King

2011-11-14T09:28:00.000-08:00

This is a custom Swampy done for The Epic Adventures of Swampy McSwamperton custom show put on by Blamo Toys. This is their 3rd annual custom show based on their awesome designs. The show opens this Thursday, Nov 17th from 6-11pm at the Million Fishes Gallery in S.F.

Million Fishes Gallery
2501 Bryant Street
S.F., CA 94110

If you are in the area, definitely check this show out.

Plush-o-Rama

2011-10-25T10:14:00.001-07:00

Another great show is happening in November!!! Plush-o-rama opens November 12th at Dragatomi in Sacremento. Take some cuddly cuteness home with you soon!

Taught myself how to sew for this one and made a couple Wooper Looper plushes. It was tons of fun!!!

A spirit evoking bat and a sea creature from Laguna

2011-10-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

October is finally here and that means the monsters come out to play. Here are a couple customs done for some great events.

First we have Hypnotic Hermees for "Bewitching" an annual Halloween Group Exhibition
Opens Friday, October 7, 6-10pm 2011
http://strangerfactory.com/
Stranger Factory
109 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505.508.3049

And second is Laguna Gill, a customized Gumpy for the Gumpy Revolution show. The opening reception is October 8th from 7pm -11PM at Gunzo, 2445 Juan Street San Diego CA 92110. For More info please visit http://www.gumpyrevolution.com/

BeWitching

2011-09-26T18:06:00.001-07:00

Waving at planes

2011-09-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

One of Wooper Looper’s favorite pastimes is waving at the planes as the fly above. Today, Wooper Looper boarded a plane to Japan and is waving down upon us. When you’re outside today, look up and wave to that plane passing by as it could be him. He’ll be back in a few months ready to visit you, his new friend.

SDCC Wrap Up - DTA, Wooper Looper, and Hermees

2011-07-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

SDCC 2011 was a blast and this year the first annual Designer Toy Awards was held there. The DTA's were put together by Clutter Magazine and hosted by Munky King. The DTA's consisted of 22 categories chop full of talented artists and amazing toys. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees. To read more about the DTA winners follow this link.

Hermees won for "Best Self Produced Toy" and it was a big honor to receive the gorgeous and surprisingly large Toy King award that was designed by Pete Fowler and Produced by Pretty in Plastic. To read more about how the award was created, Clutter put together a great article about it here.

At SDCC, I also had a new green colorway of Hermees released in an Edition size of 50. There was a few remaining and are now available in my shop for purchase.

Also, and this is something I am VERY EXCITED about, a sculpted prototype of Wooper Looper was seen for the first time at the event. Wooper Looper is my next vinyl toy release and was sculpted by the amazingly talented and super cool Walter Jacott, AKA Chauskoskis. I can't say enough good things about Chauskoskis.
To see more coverage of Wooper Looper, visit these great blogs.
Spanky Stokes
Vinyl Pulse
Toysrevil
Plastic Kitty
Supahcute
Banana Suicida

An Avenger and a Wizard

2011-07-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Garry Potter and Captain Android. With the release of Harry Potter and Captain America being so close to SDCC, I thought it would be fun to do some custom Androids of them. They will be available at booth #4836.

SDCC Green Hermees

2011-07-07T17:08:00.001-07:00

I will be releasing a new colorway of Hermees at SDCC. There are only 50 pieces and will run $55. Stop by booth #4836, say hello and take this little fellow home with you. I will be in attendance all 5 days and will be on-hand to sign, doodle, whatever.

Hermees Trickster Edition

2011-06-03T00:16:00.000-07:00

Hermees is my second self produced vinyl toy. He stands 8" tall with a wing span of 12" and 8 points of articulation in the head, snout, wings, hands, and feet.

Hermees is a trickster and international traveler. He's developed quite the reputation and depending on where his journey's take him, he could bring luck, happiness, longevity, disease, or even . . .DEATH.

Edition size of 300.

Hermees runs $45. To PURCHASE, Visit my shop.

Best Munny!

2011-06-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

YAY! Drummy won for best Munny in the MUNNYWORLD MEGACONTEST! To view all the winners and other great entries, visit MUNNYWORLD MEGACONTEST

Cyclist Sam

2011-05-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

Meet Cyclist Sam! He is a 7" Munny custom I did for the "They Came From The Streets" show put on by the good folks at Urban Vinyl Daily and Unheardof this weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Drummy

2011-04-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

Meet Drummy. He is my submission for the MUNNYWORLD MEGACONTEST. I had a lot of fun designing and painting this lil' fella. If you like him, please follow this link and give him a "like".

The cupcakes are ready and smelling gooood!

2011-03-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Android cupcakes are ready for consumption! This coming Thursday and Friday the Artist Proofs of the scrumptious smelling Android cupcakes will be available for purchase via my webstore. There are 24 of Vanilla and 8 of Chocolate, the chase and rarest of the bunch. Vanilla will be $30 plus S&H and Chocolate will be $50 plus S&H. Each cupcake will come signed and numbered and with a corresponding limited edition print. The AP's will be sold at random times of the day Thursday and Friday March 24th and 25th. For advanced noticed, follow me on twitter @GaryGepetto.

Voolfy

2011-02-28T10:56:00.001-08:00

This is a commissioned custom I did using Doc Von Block as the platform. Such great shapes to work with. I wanted to continue with the monster feel of the original toy designed by Scott Tolleson. And with that hair, a wolfboy seemed perfect! I think it's pretty obvious Eddie Munster definitely inspired Voolfy. I hit the wood shop and cut the eyebrows, arms, ears and snout. The painted with cel vinyl.

Bronze Morsel

2011-02-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

The final colorway of the resin Morsels is about to drop. She is a beautiful faux bronze! Only 5 were made, so she's sure to go fast! She releases in my shop February 4th, 2011 @ 12pm Mountain Standard.

Hermees is coming!

2010-12-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Get Ready, Get set, Go Bats!

Hermees is my second self produced vinyl toy. He stands 8" tall with a wing span of 12" and has 8 points of articulation(head, snout, wings, hands, and feet)Edition size of 200. Hermees can be tamed and in your hands for $45.

Hermees is a trickster and international traveler. He's developed quite the reputation and depending on where his journey's take him, he could bring luck, happiness, longevity, disease, or even . . .
DEATH.

Due to hit stores in early January. But, I did put a few in my store that I can ship to you priority in time for x-mas.

Distributed by DKE Toys.

Snowman Android Artist Samples

2010-12-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

This frosty special edition Android mini collectible was designed by me. Flakes is guaranteed not to melt in your hands, but may melt your heart. It features a top hat and carrot nose along with movable arms and head.

I am selling the samples I received from Dyzplastic. These are artist samples and I will sign and number the back of the Android and box. There are 24 in total. The Artist Samples of Flakes will go live Monday, December 13th at 7pm Pacific Standard Time at my webstore

In order to give the most people a chance, I am limiting it to ONE per person/address. Please DO NOT attempt to order two. I will cancel your order and refund you if you do. I reserve the right to cancel any orders for any reason.

Product is an adult collectible and not intended for children under the age of 15! Figure designed in New York by Andrew Bell, made in China, produced by Dyzplastic.

Customizable Android Wallpaper

2010-12-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Andrew Bell, the man behind the awesome Android toys, made this fully customizable wall paper based on the box design I did for the Snowman Android collectible.

Follow this link to spruce up your phone or desktop with some Android wintery goodness!

Happy Holidays Android style

2010-12-01T09:01:00.001-08:00

Here is a frosty lil' friend I designed for the Android mini collectible special edition.

Stay tuned for sales and availability information!

Punk, Carrot bombs, and Rain OH MY!

2010-11-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

If you like shirts and Carrot Shake Jake, then do I have the thing for you! I had several different tee designs screen printed for men, women, and infants! Limited quantities available. Please visit my online store for more photos and information.

2 shirts for $32 if you use code "2for32" at check out.

Lil' Red Burps

2010-10-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

This is my custom Lil' Red Burps done for the Lil'Rolla show being held Oct 23 - Nov. 21 @ LOFT Graphic corner in Sapporo Japan. Marty M. Ito asked many talented artists and myself to customize his Lil' Rolla platform. I had a lot of fun with this and by the looks of it, so did every one else. To see all the great customs check out the Flickr page Marty put together for it. Lil'Rolla Custom Show

Little Rolla Custom Show Coming soon

2010-09-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Coming in October is the Little Rolla Custom show to be held in Sapporo Japan. Marty Ito designed the platform that many great artists will be customizing for the show. Mine is on it's way to Sapporo as we speak and I'll reveal it soon as the show grows near.

Lions

2010-08-25T23:40:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old photos and came across this. I'll have to revisit this one.

Store update!

2010-07-30T10:52:00.001-07:00

I have updated my web store with some remaining SDCC goodies like Cirque Du Siamese and giant wood bats! Also, some reduced pricing on Carrot Shake Jake and Morsels.

SHOP NOW

Attack of the bats

2010-07-19T15:51:00.001-07:00

I will have 3 very large 14" x 18" wood bats on hand for SDCC. Only one of each made.
Stop by booth 4834 and say hello!

Step right up!

2010-07-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and girls! I present to you . . .Cirque Du Siamese: HUGO & BRUTO BASSEN! The Siamese Twin Masters of Circusdom. Only 12 were made and meticulously hand painted by myself. Stands 9" from the base to the top of the tallest hat. Each figure breaks down to fit into a cool circus tent box and comes with a certificate of creation. These will be available at SDCC booth 4834 for $200. Stop by and say hello!

Custom Superham

2010-06-28T09:23:00.001-07:00

I was asked to be apart of a custom Maxx show for Skelanimals. A few artists were sent DIY versions of Maxx and their customs will soon be on display at the Toynami booth at SDCC.

* DIY versions of Maxx are currently not available, but will be in the near future. Keep a look out!

Cirque Du Siamese

2010-06-02T10:13:00.001-07:00

Ladies and Gentleman! Boys and Girls! I present to you a SDCC teaser.

Get some Neopolitan for Easter!

2010-03-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

It's almost Easter and that means it's time for the Neopolitan Morsel to release!

Neopolitan will release on April 3, 2010 at 12 p.m. Mountain Standard time at my webstore located here.

There were only 5 of her made!!! Neopolitan is $185 plus shipping, BUT if you follow me on twitter here I will Tweet a bonus code the morning of April 3rd that will give you free shipping to any where in the world!

Neopolitan is a resin figure standing 8" upon a metal base. She is meticulously hand painted and comes with classy candy-themed packaging.

Designed by Gary Ham. Sculpted by Bear Williams, and Manufactured by Pretty in Plastic. 100% made in the U.S.A.

Bags packed and. . .

2010-03-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

Singing in the Carrots

2010-02-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

Just a little rain illustration since we've been getting so much of it here in Arizona this winter. Apparently it rains carrots where Jake is from.

Peppermint Morsel NOW AVAILABLE

2010-01-24T21:47:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Peppermint is now available for purchase through my webstore www.superham.bigcartel.com. There were only 5 of her made. The previous colorway "Chocomint" sold out, so if you or your sweetheart have a hankerin' for Peppermint you may not want to hesitate. Peppermint will be $185 plus shipping.

Peppermint is a resin figure standing 8" upon a metal base. She is meticulously hand painted and comes with classy candy-themed packaging.

Designed by Gary Ham. Sculpted by Bear Williams, and Manufactured by Pretty in Plastic. 100% made in the U.S.A.

Topper at the Park.

2010-01-01T16:04:00.001-08:00

My brother took his x-mas gift I made him to the park today. Here are some fun photos he took.

X-mas gifts

2009-12-30T19:51:00.000-08:00

Here are some x-mas gifts I made for my friends and my brother and his girlfriend. The dog toy is named Topper and he's all dressed up looking to party! I made him for my brother and his girlfriend because they are huge Boston Terrier fans. I like them too, except they have constant bad gas. The dogs, not my brother.

The Alphabet page and girl in a lion suit wood toy I made for my friend Scott and Kathy who recently had a baby girl named Lyla.

My New Year resolution is toy make lots more toys! So keep an eye out.

Halloween Morsel Winner!

2009-11-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

Toy Break episode 98 has been posted and the Halloween Morsel winner revealed. The winning ticket was 185004. This ticket was claimed by Dan Helle in Halifax, Canada. Congratulations Dan! Thank you to everyone who participated!

To view episode 98 and other epsiode of Toy Break, visit www.toybreak.com

Chocomint release!

2009-11-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

This Thursday, November 5th at 12 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, the Chocomint Morsel colorway is being released at my online store HERE. Just 5 of this figure were produced so you'll have to be quick to grab them. She is resin standing 8” tall upon a metal base. She was sculpted by Bear Williams and manufactured (meticulously casted and hand painted) by Julie B of Pretty in Plastic. Chocomint will be $225 plus shipping.

In other news... the raffle for the one-of-a-kind Halloween Morsel has ended and the drawing for the winner will be announced on toybreak episode 98. This episode has been postponed due to one of the members of toybreak falling ill. It will will posted as soon as they are feeling better which I hope is in the next day or so. I an anxious to learn who won just as much as you. Thank you for your patience!

Playtime toy collaboration

2009-10-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Several weeks back I was looking at the talented Alberto Cerriteno's flickr and he had a post about having no response from toy companies for a toy idea he had. When I saw it, I instantly knew how I would make it out of wood, so I contacted Alberto about a collaboration. He loved the idea and trusted me with how I would translate his design in wood.

Alberto then painted it in only the way he can and it turned out amazing! This cool cat is 6.75" to the tip of his highest ear and 7.25" to the top of his tail. I am very proud of our collaborative effort. To view more of Alberto's art visit his blog

Halloween Raffle Has Ended!!!

2009-10-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all that participated in the raffle! Be sure to watch Toy Break episode 98 for the drawing. I will post it on here and e-mail all who entered so you can watch them hopefully pull your ticket! If you miss the toy break episode, I will be e-mailing you all with the results a couple days after the toy break episode airs.

If your ticket is not pulled and you really want to be the proud owner of a Morsel, don't worry....Morsels will be going up for sale soon for $225 each starting with Chocomint on November 5th.

The other Morsels will be released throughout the year, starting with Chocomint releasing on November 5, 2009 at noon. Chocomint is a limited edition of 5 made.

I've gone Batty!

2009-09-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have many new wood toy projects in the works. With Halloween around the corner, I couldn't help but be inspired to make this batty guy. He's a whopping 14" high with an 18" wing span! I decided to be a little more advanced in my wood working this time round by using dowels, so everything can rotate and be disassembled or replaced at will. I used black stain and acrylics to help bring him to life.

SDCC

2009-07-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

For those that weren't able to make it to the San Diego Comic Convention, here is a short video of what Scott Tolleson and my booth looked like. Video courtesy of Toy Break.

Morsels Progress update #3

2009-07-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

The girls are coming along nicely. Still in the painting stages, but should be wrapped up and ready to go for next weeks San Diego Comic Con.

And a special thanks to Andy of Toysrevil for this video.

Comic con here we come.

2009-07-12T20:25:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of the wood toys I made and will have on hand for Comic-con this year. All stand about 6 inches tall and will come with an adoption certificate from the Superham Wood Shop. If you are at comic con, please stop by booth #4633 to say hello and see them in person. Pricing to be determined later....just wanted to give a little preview. Any left over after the con will go up for sale on my webstore.

Morsels progress update #2

2009-07-09T14:27:00.001-07:00

Julie just sent me some more progress photos of the Morsels being painted. It's quite the undertaking and every photo makes me realize all the work that is truly involved. The plate of heads and diving girls are funny to me. Looks kind of like we have a creepy new serial killer in town.

Morsels progress

2009-06-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some progress photos Julie B sent me of how the Morsel girls are coming along. She is doing such an amazing job with them. She is dedicated to her craft and all her painstaking time and effort is really paying off. I can't thank Julie enough for helping me finally make these delicious ladies happen. Some info...there are 25 total being made with 5 different colorways . I am being greedy and keeping one of each for myself, so there will be 4 of each up for grabs. I hope to have them in time for the San Diego Comic Convention, but if not they will be up for sale soon after. I'll update soon with more progress shots and information soon!

DIY Bass Wood Toy

2009-05-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm testing out the DIY world with my first do-it-yourself bass wood toy I call Itty Bitty. Itty Bitty will come unassembled for easier painting and multiple head variations. There are 3 different tails to choose from too!

I will be putting two Itty Bitty's up for sale for $60 each at my web store this Friday May 8th at 10 am mountain standard time. First come first serve. If there seems to be a demand, I will make more to be sold at a later date. Shipping to be $5 within the United States.

Other items in my webstore will be nicely discounted on May 8th as well, so if you don't have yourself a Carrot Shake Jake or some Haminal keychains, this will be the time!

Let me know what you think, or any suggestions you may have.

Gary

Chocomint

2009-04-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Morsels girls are back into production thanks to Julie B of Pretty in Plastic . The Morsels are hand casted and painted resin with a very limited edition of 5 of each Peppermint, Neopolitan and Chocomint shown. Here are some photos of Chocomint and the packaging I designed for the sweet girls. Pricing and release dates are yet to be determined, so stay tuned here for more information.

Fragdolls

2009-02-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

These are fairly old now, but I never showed them. I was hired by Ubisoft to illustrate their female gaming team called Fragdolls. Yes, women really do play video games and kick the guys butts while they're at it. I was asked to draw more realistically than my usual style and although it was tough, I think they turned out well. It was also my first attempt at using Illustrator. to learn more about the fragdolls...visit...www.fragdolls.com

Made in China

2009-01-31T15:22:00.001-08:00

Here is a Wood Panda I made and painted this week.

Tux and Edo

2009-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

These are a couple of Boston Terrier wood toys I made of bass wood and hand painted this weekend. My brother has a Boston terrier and inspired the design of these. They were a lot of fun.

Photo time!

2008-12-20T19:39:00.001-08:00

No new art to show at the moment, but here are some photos taken from the Vinyl Toy Network Convention and some AWESOME photos Mayu, from Japan, took of her Carrot Shake Jake collection.

I shared the VTN booth with Scott Tolleson. To see more of his art and toys, visit his website

VTN Exclusive Jake!

2008-11-20T22:51:00.001-08:00

It's a bird...it's a plane....NOOOOO

2008-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

It's Superham!!! It's been awhile since I showed anything on here, so here is a peek at Superham, my latest basswood figure. Here is his turnaround sheet I worked from and how he ended up. You can expect to see a few variants of Sups in the near future. Up, Up, and Awaayy!!!

Pirate Shake Jake

2008-09-18T11:41:00.001-07:00

I drew this for a friend who's birthday happens to be on National Talk like a Pirate day. No wonder she loves skulls and crossbones. Happy Birthday Angie!
If you like the print, I have it up for sale in my shop

Shiny new Big Cartel store

2008-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to present to you the new Superham store! Stop in and take a look, you might find something you like!

Carrot Shake Jake and Tinky are now available through the store!

The Ham Sandwich Show

2008-08-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, AUG 9th, is a group art show at Red Hot Robot in Phoenix featuring the art of my friend Scott Tolleson, my brother Greg, and myself. We will have lots of exclusive items on hand, prints, toys, and free food and drink. I am having some Carrot Shake Jakes flown in for the show so anyone who goes will be the very first to have them! ALSO! I have been in the garage alot lately creating "Tinky". He's made out of bass wood and hand painted by me. I will have 4 of each version available for purchase at the show. It should be a great night...hope to see you there!!!

Comic-con is over :(

2008-07-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Comic Con has come and gone. It's always a blast, but of course there are always regrets of things I didn't purchase or do. This year I regret having not been more social. So many familiar and new faces and I wish I had gotten over my shy nature and gotten out and talked more. Seemed this year was lots of walk by hello's and long distance waves and smiles. You know who you are! lol...KEI!

I have a twin brother and often worry that when he's walking the floor he might unknowingly snub someone that thinks he's me. I heard many stories of people approaching him thinking he was me that turned out good, but I also wonder if there are people that thought I totally blew them off, something I would never do. I'm shy, but not rude. I always appreciate the people who stop by and especially the ones who make the far travels to be there and say hello. Marty and friends always make the far trek from Japan and this year Matt Pott came all the way from TASMANIA!

I boothed again with Dean Yeagle and Scott Tolleson and couldn't ever ask for better booth mates. These are two sketches I did for Dean's new book that was released during comic con. The book features many great artists doing their takes on his iconic "Mandy". To purchase this great book, go here

I can't wait till next year!!!

Convicted Love

2008-07-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

finally got around to coloring an old sketch.

Cancelled

2008-06-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to report the Morsel girl production has been cancelled due to design complications resulting in change to aesthetic appearance and delivery set back. For those that have pre-ordered through Diamond I am sorry for the inconvenience. It is possible the Morsels may go into production at a later time. I will post any information on this blog. Any further questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

Thanks,
Gary

No Robot Parking

2008-06-08T14:48:00.001-07:00

This was a piece I did for the Roboloco last night at Red Hot Robot. I was very impressed with the turnout for the show. If you're in the Phoenis area and missed it last night, it will be going on all the Month of June. You should stop by and check out all the great art.

ROBOLOCO Show

2008-06-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Phoenix area, come on out this Saturday, June 7th, for Red Hot Robot's first anniversary party! Lots of great art, music, and surprises! Aww. just read the flyer...it says everything better than I can. Stop by and say hello and maybe win something!!!!!

Carrot Shake Jake Box Design

2008-05-20T00:28:00.001-07:00

It's getting closer! I just finished Jake's box design and had fun with it. I hope you like it too.

John K Caricature

2008-05-06T16:58:00.001-07:00

I thought I was a handsome man until I sat down and let John K draw a caricature of me at last weeks VTN convention. It's scary how much this looks like me in the worst and most offensive of ways. Truly a brilliant caricature and I may never have to get another again. Thanks John!

Previews!

2008-04-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

The May issue of Previews came out today and both Carrot Shake Jake and the first Morsel girl are in it. YAY! They are scheduled for a July(Rabbit)and August(Morsel girl) release. Have your local comic or vinyl shop order you one! Leave a comment or e-mail me at gary@superham.com. I'd love to hear what you think.

Toy Invasion!

2008-04-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I was interviewed by Newtimes for a story on the designer toy scene in Phoenix. It's a very good write up and it's about time Phoenix has an art scene I can appreciate. here is the link
or stay and read it here.

Invasion of the Toys!
Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 01:18:30 AM

By: V'Ming Chew

Stepping into Red Hot Robot at Camelback and Central is like entering the colorful and often wicked imaginations of illustrators, designers and practitioners of self-described “lowbrow” art.

“At the most basic level, these toys make you laugh,” said the store’s owner Jason Kiningham, gesturing to his quirky menagerie of rabbits, bears, squids, robots, monsters and other oddities. Artists usually design and produce these vinyl or plush toys in limited runs, ranging from 50 to 2,000.

The designer toy scene is a relatively new in Phoenix, but in the short time it has been around, it has grown from a scene limited to collectors and the “hip crowd,” to families and children. If you ask Kiningham, he’ll tell you that the opening of Red Hot Robot in June of 2007 has had a lot to do with that.

“I’m seeing about 30 people at my release events, and recently we have fourth to sixth-graders coming in with their parents,” Kiningham said. It’s definitely gaining momentum.”

Designer toys can be traced back to the mid-90s, when artists in Japan and Hong Kong reinvented mainstream toys like G.I.Joe and Barbie by melting, remolding and augmenting them.

“Artists were taking toys that I remembered from my childhood and imposing an adult aesthetic on them,” writes Paul Budnitz in his book “I am Plastic: The Designer Toy Explosion.” "They were cute, scary, hip, violent, scarce, expensive, and beautiful."

Aside from writing books, Budnitz started Kidrobot in 2002 and it has turned out to be one of the biggest retailers of designer toys in the US. Since then, artists like Tristan Eaton, Frank Kozik and local boys Roy Wasson Valle and Gary Ham have been pushing the envelope of creativity in this unique sculptural medium and redefining what toys are. The net effect is a distinctly eastern pop style of clean lines and bright colors, fused with western sensibilities.

“My toys have been described as Mexican Hello Kitty,” said artist Roy Wasson Valle in reference to his fledgling line of egg-shaped figures originally showcased in his “Yummy Things and Stupid Little Animals” show. Like other design toy artists, Wasson Valle is an “incidental” toy designer; creating them initially so that people at his shows “had something to bring home.” The figures he makes are three-dimensional representations of his strange but endearing cast of two-dimensional characters that include Raul, “the skeletal bear in a bear costume.”

Gary Ham, designer for an educational company by day and toy creator by night, is anxiously waiting for “Carrot Shake Jake” a curious, carrot-orange caricature of a rabbit to return from China with “offspring.” “I’m dealing with this manufacturer in China directly to produce them for me,” Ham said.

While the production cost of small runs is not prohibitive, there is still a degree of financial risk for independent artists.

“I’m paying for it on my own,” said Ham. “My advice is: don’t do it for money, do it for the fun and satisfaction of seeing your work in the hands of appreciative people.”

It is interesting to note that while “urban vinyl,” a style of designer toy popularized by Hong Kong artist Michael Lau in the late-90s, is heavily influenced by hip-hop and American street culture, the dominant trend today seems to take its cues from Japanese “kaiju” meaning “strange beast.” The best known kaiju is Godzilla, but the word has evolved to encompass all manner of creatures and even anthropomorphized fruits.

“Their appeal is that they are straight out of artists’ imaginations,” explained Kiningham. Given the limited runs of designer toys, there is always something fresh and original on the shelves. Some toys are sold in the “blindbox” format for prices as low as $4 – you don’t know which design you’re getting until you open the box – leading to a flourishing secondary market where rare items can fetch hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. Collectors also meet at social events to trade their duplicates often in a bid to assemble a set.

This phenomenon is not unlike the Star Wars action figure craze in the 80s.

“Many artists and collectors today have grown up with those action figures,” noted Kiningham. With designer toys the allure is more sophisticated and personal considering the sheer variety of designs and how few of each design is produced. The prospect of owning a “one-of-a-kind” piece is enticing. Having a popular designer name behind your toy doesn’t hurt either.

Designer toys commonly come in the form of figures cast out of soft vinyl ranging from tiny key chains to massive, furniture-sized showpieces. A popular example is KidRobot’s Dunny series where a 3” or 8” figure resembling a rabbit is sold in a infinite variety of styles, designed and accessorized by artists. The figure serves as a “platform” and depending on the artist, can be made to look like anything from the grim reaper to a space alien.

The popularity of Dunnies has prompted Kidrobot to make the smooth vinyl platform available to everyone in the form of the blank “Munny” echoing the spirit of do-it-yourself toys of old like Mr. Potato Head. Local studio Synthetic Compound at Roosevelt and 1st street began showcasing artists flaunting their creativity on 4” Mini Munnies. The exhibition called “Mini Munnys” began in March and will continue through May 31.

Designer toys also include stuffed dolls known as “designer plush”. One particularly successful example is Uglydolls, a line of handmade cute-ugly dolls started in 2002 by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim. It has now made its way onto the shelves of mainstream toy stores like FAO-Schwarz, and even the hearts of boys – unlikely candidates for toys openly marketed as “dolls”. In a recent New York Times story, “Guys and Dolls: An Ugly Remake” by Donald McNiel Jr., Marcelo Jaimes-Lukes, who got his first Ugly as a third-grader, was quoted: “No, you didn’t get teased for having one. In my class, you’d be teased not to have one.”

Like curios and other precious collectibles, designer toys are usually displayed as showpieces in cases or cabinets, although some collectors have admitted to “playing” with them. “Parents may buy some of these toys for their kids, but most people just display the more fragile or expensive pieces,” said Jason.

It’s hardly a surprise as many of these toys are limited in pose-ability and articulation. They may not “do” much of anything at all to qualify as playthings, but their whimsical designs and otherworldly appeal do for big kids what traditional toys have done for children for centuries – they make you smile.

Toy Brief

2008-03-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

Wow! I did my daily check on www.toybreak.com and much to my surprise the Haminals were in their latest Toy Brief. Check it out!

Sneak Peak!

2008-02-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

Fresh from the painter, here is a sneak peak of Carrot Shake Jake. He's on a plane now , on his way to China. Have a safe trip Jake, may you have many offspring upon your return!

Supa-poo at the supamarket

2008-01-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

Everyone poos...even superheroes. Something tells me Hulk would not have the common decency use a private nor proper toilet.

Hulk not macho

2008-01-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

Spida-Ham

2008-01-15T20:16:00.001-08:00

ART JUMBLE SHOW

2008-01-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

I did a small show with my coworkers. Here are a few of the pieces I had on hand.

Morsel Girls hard at work

2007-11-12T22:01:00.001-08:00

Anyone else have a craving for gum?

Keychains at Red Hot Robot!

2007-08-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

To purchase Haminal keychains, visit www.haminals.com or stop by Red Hot Robot.

Lion goes ROINK!

2007-08-21T16:32:00.001-07:00

Harry and the Giant Potatoe Spiders

2007-07-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's not Haminals related, but rather than open a new blog I might as well post here too. Drew this on the backside of a cereal box. Actually makes for good free paper.

SDCC Banner

2007-07-15T00:45:00.000-07:00

Here are several comps I did for my San Diego Comic Convention banner this year.

I heart carrot shakes

2007-06-17T13:46:00.001-07:00

I sketch done for the artjumble blog. The weekly topic was rabbits. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

childrens book

2007-06-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

For the past several months I've been hard at work illustrating a childrens story my girlfriend wrote. Here are a few teaser pages. If anyone finds my little blog, I hope you like.