I was just randomly doing the surfing the web thing and I ran across this “Chums“. Much like us here it takes a lot of Time and Money to produce something in large quantities. (OH WE KNOW we just released a magazine for free!) BUT i wanted to share this and maybe spread the wrd in helping someone produce something of there own. Chums need  a funding goal of $25,000, every little bit counts so if you want to find out more about CHUMS follow the ink to his kickstart page.

Overview

As both digital artists and vinyl toy enthusiasts, we set out nearly one year ago to design and prototype a vinyl toy that would actually do something. But what utility could a vinyl toy offer? We decided on a little friend for our desks that could hold our tablet pens. The result of one year of creativity, fun, a bit of frustration and a lot of trial and error is complete. Part character design and part industrial design, Chums is made of physics, vinyl and an insatiable desire to hold that pen up high. Chums was the subject of intensive (and humane) testing in the modeling phase in order to ensure stability and a perfect fit for a tablet pen. If you’re worried that someone may come by and abscond with your pen, Chums comes with 22 menacing teeth to deter any would-be thieves.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP »»

I recently have wanted to get back into an old hobby of mine. Fabrication | Prototype | Modeling. It was even a job once. I pretty much have a rager for details… that is why I love programming so much. It’s all in miniature.

So I started a small toy project. We at OOPM have talked about putting forth some vinyl in the future, but I wanted to stay simple for now. I sat down at my desk and sketched out an idea which flowed into another. The physical process will be happening in the basement of the ‘OOPM South’ office. Sketches below:

Snail Bomb. Slowest suicide bomber in the west. Possible accessories : Cigar or burnt match for mouth. Salt shaker.

Snail Samurai. He has no arms. Possible accessories : Straw hat as in Big Trouble, Little China. Baby cart.

Here is the quick summary. As I get closer to completing each step I will document them in detail. The materials for the master fabrication will be a mixture of Super Sculpey which is a heat hardened acrylic based clay and Kneadatite [or green stuff] which is a solid two part epoxy. I can get by doing 90% with Sculpey, I will use the Kneadatite for details and texture. Looking at the sketches I can tell that they have to be multiple pieces. The Daisho, fuses, any other little accessories will have to be cast separately. I will be setting the mold with silicon and casting in 2 part resin. Due to the heat from the resin curing I may only get about 8 to 10 before the mold burns up. Painting with acrylic or possibly white primer for customization. I want to put together packaging but that is so far away I have not really thought of design. Either way they will be special gifts for us four and friends of Out of Print.

Any questions? Hit up the comments. Stay slow! BFM.

When an independent artist creates a figure, it is called collectible vinyl. Mass produced figures are pronounced toys. The cost of each can determine their role. I would cringe seeing a $45 piece of vinyl half buried in a sandbox but a $6 figure may find itself lost in the overgrown fringes of your backyard, ready for the lawnmower to launch it’s molded body parts back towards civilization.

The difference is not so easy to tell apart when comparing sculpt quality and concept. Rather Childish gives recognition to the sculpture quality of the vintage Star Wars action figures though photographic vignettes.

The backgrounds are reminiscent of the original Kenner commercials, using abstract views of household items to set the mood. Together with some creative lighting and near mint paint schemes, the vignettes come together nicely. 99% of the figures used are the Kenner original line with some descriptive text about the motives or techniques of the scene. Collector talk, if present is light and informative. It is all about the visuals. No over-muscled modern resculpts. No Jar Jar Binks within a parsec.

This is just a selection of some fun photography. For more check out ratherchildish.wordpress.com.
All Photos ©2010 Rather Childish.