Graham Custom Vinylmations

[Kevin_Graham]

Hello. My name is Kevin Graham. I am an official Lucas Film artist and artist in general :) I wanted to post some Vinylmations i've started. This is a 9" Stormtrooper. I had to take Mickeys head off for some technical issues. I've been very busy with drawing projects so havent worked on it much lately but hope to have more done soon. I am using Animation Cel Paint that goes on in one coat. I will then clear coat it all when done. I've repenciled some of the helmet since this photo. I am trying to decide if I want him wearing a Mickey Hat or not. Any thoughts welcomed.
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/stormtrooper_9/Head.jpg
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/stormtrooper_9/Sideview.jpg

[HT_NSU]

I think a Mickey hat would be pretty awesome! Go for it!!!

[peaches magee]

I think so too, gives it some good humor :)
Can't wait to see the completed project!
Oh and welcome to VN! :wave:

[BigAl_PT]

Looks GREAT already. Are you going for the design as a Storm Trooper that going to WDW/DL or are you going more the route of, this is Mickey dressed as a Storm Trooper? If it's the former, I would give him a set of mouse ears. If it's the latter, I would leave the ears white and treat it as if Mickey has a special helmet.

OR you could compromise and make it so Mickey has holes in the top of the helmet for his ears to stick out of.

[Kevin_Graham]

Thanks for the input. I think I will do the Mickey Hat thing. They have a new Stormtrooper helmet t-shirt out now at Disney where he's wearing a Mickey Hat and looks cute, had to get myself one of course :) I am also working on a Boo from Monsters Inc. but drawing her face on a 3" figure isnt all that easy :) Hope to have that done soon also.

[disneyfan168]

Thanks for the input. I think I will do the Mickey Hat thing. They have a new Stormtrooper helmet t-shirt out now at Disney where he's wearing a Mickey Hat and looks cute, had to get myself one of course :) I am also working on a Boo from Monsters Inc. but drawing her face on a 3" figure isnt all that easy :) Hope to have that done soon also.

It looks great and they will soon be selling an official 3'' Boo figure soon.

[Sledge]

Looks cool. Can't wait to see how it comes out.

Psst... there will be an official 3" Boo released by Disney (I think with Park #3 or #4). Thought I should warn you since I know some people don't like doing Customs that Disney ends up releasing anyway. :lol:

[disneyfan168]

Looks cool. Can't wait to see how it comes out.

Psst... there will be an official 3" Boo released by Disney (I think with Park #3 or #4). Thought I should warn you since I know some people don't like doing Customs that Disney ends up releasing anyway. :lol:

I just said that.:mad::lol:

[some random guy]

he should have a mickey hat that would be cool

[Sledge]

I just said that.:mad::lol:
Oops. I started typing the reply, got sidetracked and forgot to hit "Submit Reply". I came back later and finally hit "Submit", but I guess in the mean time you had already posted. :lol: I'm sorry.

[Kevin_Graham]

I figured they'd come up with a Boo but already started my own. will see if mine will be anything close to theirs :)

[Sledge]

Maybe if you make a 9" Sulley to go along with it. That's what they will be doing. Can't wait. :happy:

[Kevin_Graham]

I painted some of the hat and eyes today. I will be using the exact paint they used on the real Stormtrooper helmets for the Gray areas.
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/stormtrooper_9/TK-Mickey-Hat-Front.jpg
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/stormtrooper_9/TK-Mickey-Hat-Side.jpg

[underdog]

Maybe if you make a 9" Sulley to go along with it. That's what they will be doing. Can't wait. :happy:

that would be cool.:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[HT_NSU]

That is looking so cool....thanks for sharing the process!

[Sal]

nice its coming out great!!

[slagles]

Looks great, welcome!

[abelambriz]

nice hurry up j/k cant wait to see it

[disnut]

This is the 2009 pin that was released at Star Wars weekend. Kinda give a preview of what it might look like finished. Can't wait to see the final product.


Picture courtesy of pin pics.

http://www.fototime.com/837AB83192F08E3/standard.jpg

[disneyfan168]

Looks great! I love all the detail put into it!:worship:

[BigAl_PT]

Looking good. Are you going to go back and fill in the little grooves for Mickey's eyes with black?

[Kevin_Graham]

Yes I will clean it all up when done :) I am even gonna paint the Mickey logo on the hat.

[Qsk50]

So far what you have looks amazing :thumbsup:

[Moatilliata]

That's rad! I wish I was talented enough to design my own.

Can't wait to see this when its completely finished!

[Kevin_Graham]

Heres is the Boo I started From Monsters Inc. I pulled the arms out a bit so I wouldnt get paint on them :) I try to keep the original white when possible. Still working on the Stormtrooper. I have a ton of other artwork to do for other projects so sadly takes me away from doing these. I am still trying to get my hands on some more 3" blanks - Ugggh.
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/Boo/Boo-1.jpg
Stormtrooper Update:
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/stormtrooper_9/TK-Mickey-Hat-Side4.jpg
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/stormtrooper_9/TK-Mickey-Hat-Side3.jpg

[disneyfan168]

Those are amazing! Are you using paint on them? Or are you using sharpies?:happy::worship:

[Kevin_Graham]

For the large areas I am using Chromacolor Animation Cel Paints which go on in one coat. The Gray areas of the Stormtrooper is the exact paint used on the real Stormtrooper helmets and is enamel. For the thin black lines I am using a .18 Rapidograph pen with blank animation cel ink. I dont use Sharpies because I dont like the way they color, its not a true black, etc. Glad you like them.

[abelambriz]

wow i think you need to open a thread just for the boo one

[Sal]

best vinyls ive seen here, wicked is all I can say!!!

[sony89]

Is it just me, or do none of the pictures load? :shrug:

[paaron46]

Okay am I the only one that thinks this should be illegal? These are TOO good! Sheesh!

Any plans on going in the vinyl painting business? Painting customs for people who'll pay ya? I'm sure you'd get a lot of orders around these parts.

[Kevin_Graham]

Ya hear that Disney :) you should hire me LOL. I'd love to do some official ones, Unfortunately I only have good Contacts at Lucas Films and some other companies but no luck yet at Disney. I do go to their parks every other month, that should count for something :) Actually I am doing a custom Vinyl figure for Lucas Films for Make A Wish but I cant give anymore info then that yet but will post when its done.Thank you all for the kind words. Their are numerous ones I want to do I am just waiting for the 3" figures to come back in stock. They cost to much on Ebay. And yes I will do custom figures for those interested.

[HT_NSU]

Those both look incredible. Can't wait to see boo finished...amazing!

[disneyfan168]

Ya hear that Disney :) you should hire me LOL. I'd love to do some official ones, Unfortunately I only have good Contacts at Lucas Films and some other companies but no luck yet at Disney. I do go to their parks every other month, that should count for something :) Actually I am doing a custom Vinyl figure for Lucas Films for Make A Wish but I cant give anymore info then that yet but will post when its done.Thank you all for the kind words. Their are numerous ones I want to do I am just waiting for the 3" figures to come back in stock. They cost to much on Ebay. And yes I will do custom figures for those interested.

When are the 3'' coming back in stock? When did they sell out? Are there anymore left anywhere at WDW?

[Kevin_Graham]

I didnt get an exact date on restocks but when I called merchandising to order some they said backordered and will call me when available. When in the parks the cast members told me probably in august. When I was at Disney World 2 weeks ago I could not find any 3" at parks or downtown Disney. Ill let ya know if I hear more. I did see a very few 9". Those are to expensive for me :) Blanks shouldnt cost as much as a painted one in my opinion.

[jme]

Wow, extremely impressive. Very nice work indeed. I would be interested in a custom figure from you for sure.

[disneyfan168]

I didnt get an exact date on restocks but when I called merchandising to order some they said backordered and will call me when available. When in the parks the cast members told me probably in august. When I was at Disney World 2 weeks ago I could not find any 3" at parks or downtown Disney. Ill let ya know if I hear more. I did see a very few 9". Those are to expensive for me :) Blanks shouldnt cost as much as a painted one in my opinion.

I agree, I hope they are here this weekend for the artist signing.

[princess_dboo]

The stormtrooper looks great!

[Kevin_Graham]

Thanks for all the comments and if anyone sees any blanks at the parks and can get me a few I will certainly pay you and would be greatly appreciated. I wont be going down until July.

[disneyfan168]

Thanks for all the comments and if anyone sees any blanks at the parks and can get me a few I will certainly pay you and would be greatly appreciated. I wont be going down until July.

Im going this weekend but i dont think they will have any.

[Kevin_Graham]

Well I just ordered 20 blanks and are on their way so I hope to have some new cool ones to post soon. For the cost on all these I guess I better start taking commissions :) I love doing these things. Unfortunately I have to do some artwork for the Dexter TV show for card set coming out so hope I'll have time.

[JEP]

Can't wait to see what you have coming up! I really like the Stormtrooper and Boo you are working on.

[EnchantedTikiGal]

Well I just ordered 20 blanks and are on their way so I hope to have some new cool ones to post soon. For the cost on all these I guess I better start taking commissions :) I love doing these things. Unfortunately I have to do some artwork for the Dexter TV show for card set coming out so hope I'll have time.

Wow, 20 blanks! Did they have the large ones also?

[Kevin_Graham]

I am going to be doing so many and hate to make a ton of threads so I think I will post most in here. For those wanting to work on 3" ones or who have and havent had the nerve to try and remove the body parts :) they actually come off very easily as you can see by my new one I started. This makes it way easier to get certain spots without getting on others. This one is a Mickey Ice Cream on a Stick that you can get at the parks :) It will have a more 3D look when done with chocolate dripping down stick and melted chocolate around his feet. Also a bite out of the ear. Hope you like. Will post when done. Although not Disney I think I am going to do a Spongebob Series.
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/Mickey_IceCream/Mickey-Icecream1.jpg
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/Mickey_IceCream/Mickey-Icecream2.jpg

[Kevin_Graham]

Ok heres the finished Mickey Ice Cream Head on a Stick :) Something simple but thought was cute idea. Hope you like.
http://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/Mickey_IceCream/Mickey-On-Stick-Front.jpghttp://www.kevingrahamart.com/vinylmations/Mickey_IceCream/Mickey-On-Stick-Back.jpg

[BeachGurl]

That looks great! I love it!

[HT_NSU]

That's so cute! Is that shine on the head painted on, or is it a real refection?

(Sorry if that's a dumb question.)

[Kevin_Graham]

HT_NSU its actually painted on. I redid that 4 times before I decided to just leave it as u see it. I was going to draw/paint fingers holding the stick but just wanted to finish it while I have a few minutes. the lower brown half is melted chocolate :) I may do a haunted Mansion one with the icon you have of the womans face in the cemetery with the eyes that move.

[Sledge]

Looks fantastic. Would you like me to add it to the Customs page on the main website?

[Kevin_Graham]

Sledge, Yes that would be kind of you. Hope to have more exciting ones for you soon, waiting on my 20 blanks. I should have Boo done soon too. Need to put all the scales on her costume and suction cup circles on tentacles, etc. Then I may part with her to someone :)

[disneyfan168]

Sledge, Yes that would be kind of you. Hope to have more exciting ones for you soon, waiting on my 20 blanks. I should have Boo done soon too. Need to put all the scales on her costume and suction cup circles on tentacles, etc. Then I may part with her to someone :)

Me?!?! :rofl: jk. I love your customs though!


For the large areas I am using Chromacolor Animation Cel Paints which go on in one coat. The Gray areas of the Stormtrooper is the exact paint used on the real Stormtrooper helmets and is enamel. For the thin black lines I am using a .18 Rapidograph pen with blank animation cel ink. I dont use Sharpies because I dont like the way they color, its not a true black, etc. Glad you like them.

Where can I buy the rapidograp pen with blank animation cel ink?

[HT_NSU]

HT_NSU its actually painted on. I redid that 4 times before I decided to just leave it as u see it. I was going to draw/paint fingers holding the stick but just wanted to finish it while I have a few minutes. the lower brown half is melted chocolate :) I may do a haunted Mansion one with the icon you have of the womans face in the cemetery with the eyes that move.

A Madame Leota vinyl would be awesome!!! :worship: Keep us posted!!! :happy:

[Buzzedlightyear]

Amazing...

[WDWTigger72]

Where can I buy the rapidograp pen with blank animation cel ink?


You can get just about anything over at DickBlick.com, they literally have just about everything (Just about)...Here is a link to the pens:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/koh-i-noor-rapidograph-pens/

http://www.dickblick.com/categories/technicalpens/?wmcp=google&wmckw=[rapidograph]&wmcid=adwords&wmcti=213&gclid=CIvA15KnjZsCFWNM5QodnhjBpQ

Not sure which specific kind he maybe using, but you can look through them on those two pages...They are pretty pricey just more of an fyi, especially since they don't come with ink. Your basically buying a specific pen width and you can then buy the India Black ink on this page:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/koh-i-noor-rapidograph-ultradraw-waterproof-ink/

[Kevin_Graham]

Me?!?! :rofl: jk. I love your customs though!



Where can I buy the rapidograp pen with blank animation cel ink?

The ink I use is for film/animation cels and I havent been able to find at Dick Blick anymore but you can get it here: http://www.utrechtart.com/dsp_view_product_zoom.cfm?item=34772&subclassID=171612&v=1
You can write on anything with it. The Rapidograph pen I use is # .18 and is one of the finest lines you can get without getting clogging. I will mention when writing lines over paint you have to be very patient and dont push down hard or the paint will come up and clog the pen. I am not endorsing any sites but www.utrechtart.com is great for finding good deals on art supplies if you sign up or buy something as they send coupons a lot. A local Michaels or AC Moore is good for Rapidograph pens but is best if you can get with a %50 off coupon as they jack up the prices on these pens by a lot sometimes. If anyone has any other questions ill be glad to help you.

Although I go way out on the items I use :) you can try another pen thats only like $1.99 or so at Michaels etc. They are called Pigma Micron pens, if you want real thin lines use 005. Be careful though because you may smear if you put your hand down onto them. The reason I use the technical pens with ink for film is they dry super fast and dont smudge and look real nice and clean. I also use them for a living so I happen to have them around :)

[disneyfan168]

The ink I use is for film/animation cels and I havent been able to find at Dick Blick anymore but you can get it here: http://www.utrechtart.com/dsp_view_product_zoom.cfm?item=34772&subclassID=171612&v=1
You can write on anything with it. The Rapidograph pen I use is # .18 and is one of the finest lines you can get without getting clogging. I will mention when writing lines over paint you have to be very patient and dont push down hard or the paint will come up and clog the pen. I am not endorsing any sites but www.utrechtart.com is great for finding good deals on art supplies if you sign up or buy something as they send coupons a lot. A local Michaels or AC Moore is good for Rapidograph pens but is best if you can get with a %50 off coupon as they jack up the prices on these pens by a lot sometimes. If anyone has any other questions ill be glad to help you.

I was wondering what brush and paint you use also.

[Kevin_Graham]

Me?!?! :rofl: jk. I love your customs though!



Where can I buy the rapidograp pen with blank animation cel ink?


I was wondering what brush and paint you use also.

i use Loew-Cornell brushes i think i got at AC Moore. I have a variey of very small to medium. The paints I use are Chromacolour animation cel paints u can only get here i believe - http://www.chromacolour.com/store/cel_paint_ca.htm. If you send them an email they will give u the product #'s for basic colors you can mix to make all colors. yes they are a bit more expensive but I love them. I get 4 oz bottles. sometimes if you've touched the figure a lot or has a lot of pencil on it the paint doesnt always go on real well but after that coat you should do real well. These paints dry super fast, specially if you have a fan near buy or hair dryer. And yes I have both at my drawing desk :) A man has to look pretty and be cool while drawing :)

---------- Post added at 08:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------


Me?!?! :rofl: jk. I love your customs though!



Where can I buy the rapidograp pen with blank animation cel ink?


I was wondering what brush and paint you use also.

i use Loew-Cornell brushes i think i got at AC Moore. I have a variey of very small to medium. The paints I use are Chromacolour animation cel paints u can only get here i believe - http://www.chromacolour.com/store/cel_paint_ca.htm. If you send them an email they will give u the product #'s for basic colors you can mix to make all colors. yes they are a bit more expensive but I love them. I get 4 oz bottles. sometimes if you've touched the figure a lot or has a lot of pencil on it the paint doesnt always go on real well but after that coat you should do real well. These paints dry super fast, specially if you have a fan near buy or hair dryer. And yes I have both at my drawing desk :) A man has to look pretty and be cool while drawing :) Oh I also use color pencils for details.

[disneyfan168]

i use Loew-Cornell brushes i think i got at AC Moore. I have a variey of very small to medium. The paints I use are Chromacolour animation cel paints u can only get here i believe - http://www.chromacolour.com/store/cel_paint_ca.htm. If you send them an email they will give u the product #'s for basic colors you can mix to make all colors. yes they are a bit more expensive but I love them. I get 4 oz bottles. sometimes if you've touched the figure a lot or has a lot of pencil on it the paint doesnt always go on real well but after that coat you should do real well. These paints dry super fast, specially if you have a fan near buy or hair dryer. And yes I have both at my drawing desk :) A man has to look pretty and be cool while drawing :) Oh I also use color pencils for details.

Thanks so much! I am using the regular arcylic paint, but I might get some of the chromacolour ones. I am amazing how great your figures look! I might try sketching it out with that pen like you did cause it turned out great that way. Any tips?

[vinylmationcrazee]

I haven't use Radiographs since my days in Architecture school (dropped out). It's been 15 years now. Have they made any improvements on the pens? I remember having to soak and clean the tips with solutions when not in use and to make sure not to let the ink dries in the pen or it clogs the pen. I had to be extra careful during cleaning with the pin-like rods to make sure not to bend it or the tip is ruined.

BTW, love the way you use the Radiographs tips as your fingertips. Very Freddy Kruger-ish.

[Randall]

I'm new here and still reading all the pages...I was planning on doing a Stormtrooper one as well. Maybe not now...can i call dibs on Boba Fett? LOL

That's awesome you do art for Lucasfilm, that would be a dream job!

[Kevin_Graham]

I'm new here and still reading all the pages...I was planning on doing a Stormtrooper one as well. Maybe not now...can i call dibs on Boba Fett? LOL

That's awesome you do art for Lucasfilm, that would be a dream job!
Actually I already started a Boba Fett but feel free to do whatever you want :) Its nice to see many different designs

[WDWTigger72]

[QUOTE=Kevin_Graham]The ink I use is for film/animation cels and I havent been able to find at Dick Blick anymore but you can get it here: http://www.utrechtart.com/dsp_view_product_zoom.cfm?item=34772&subclassID=171612&v=1

Thanks for this website, I will make sure I add it over in the "Do It Yourself" thread I started...Thanks!

[amye]

by the way I like your ice cream bar WAY better than the released one. Wish I could collect it. Looks more like the real thing for sure.

[ardolphin13]

I think boo is with the Sully 9".

[wooly]

stuff looks great, cant wait to see more. any photos of the 3" customs?

[amye]

boo is awesome! omg awesome... I love it love it love it