tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31024864280849173902024-03-12T20:04:20.931-05:00What I doIllustration and design by Edison GirardEdison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-51569203037193138702020-10-05T10:28:00.007-05:002020-10-06T03:38:57.099-05:00PetSmart: Reptile Climbs and Hides<p>A while back I had the opportunity to do some concept work for <b>PetSmart</b>, a very positive experience for me. Great creative people, and also a chance for me to branch out into designing some animal and pet products. At one point I've had as many as 3 dogs, now only my cat. But I adore animals, and I had never been tapped to work on anything more than some chew toy ideas, for an inventor.</p><p>Some of the PetSmart projects on which I worked were for focus studies, exploring potential themes and new concepts. As they were for internal use I can't share them publicly, unless some of them hit the market in the future. But some of the reptile climbs I worked on were produced, and have become available for purchase. Very cool!</p><p>About half of the concepts I came up with went to market, all things considered, that's a decent batting average. Because of proprietary reasons, I'm only showing those produced. I'm also not including the rough sketches, just the approved designs and renderings. Just a few minor tweaks in their transition to actual product, ultimately a broad variety from which to choose. </p><p> </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwEgI0w7_p8/X3st5QjFEGI/AAAAAAAARjI/wr-WogkxihsAO4crohe3h1joZ5b_1_uKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BA%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwEgI0w7_p8/X3st5QjFEGI/AAAAAAAARjI/wr-WogkxihsAO4crohe3h1joZ5b_1_uKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h206/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BA%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YDW1udh-rA/X3st5pTJLgI/AAAAAAAARjM/uFJhKQD8Irki9TFQQHnTDAtpNS1Fn_wfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BAc%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YDW1udh-rA/X3st5pTJLgI/AAAAAAAARjM/uFJhKQD8Irki9TFQQHnTDAtpNS1Fn_wfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BAc%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZaDwfJwgkc/X3st97kYsMI/AAAAAAAARj0/4JcYUdsiP-EdUwWZvrCYVSFKo442bfdZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/PetSmart-%2BSkull%2BCave%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZaDwfJwgkc/X3st97kYsMI/AAAAAAAARj0/4JcYUdsiP-EdUwWZvrCYVSFKo442bfdZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BSkull%2BCave%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" /> </a> <br /></p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZkWqAe3ZQw/X3st-yYO32I/AAAAAAAARj8/1uxYLrZ4qpc4avhsAYjUrDtvvk1bFs24QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/PetSmart-%2BSkull%2BCave%2Bdecor%2Bside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZkWqAe3ZQw/X3st-yYO32I/AAAAAAAARj8/1uxYLrZ4qpc4avhsAYjUrDtvvk1bFs24QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BSkull%2BCave%2Bdecor%2Bside.jpg" /> </a> <br /></p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqZ9fsUuT_4/X3st-SCY5DI/AAAAAAAARj4/VCmyBi-yEns00FxIYGCAlTQZyd_bj9dUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/PetSmart-%2BSkull%2BCave%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqZ9fsUuT_4/X3st-SCY5DI/AAAAAAAARj4/VCmyBi-yEns00FxIYGCAlTQZyd_bj9dUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BSkull%2BCave%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" /> </a></p><p> </p><p>.. Aside from not being so toyetic, these had gnarly organic elements, wood and stone, .. I had fun creating a lot of the textures needed for the renderings. </p><p>Some of these explored tropical and rainforest themes, others more desert and rocky terrain; </p><p> <br /></p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PIxTWaW9pk/X3st8LgfdsI/AAAAAAAARjk/EN9eIno2OOAvVuEfDkIziHwcEM9qdCx8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BS%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PIxTWaW9pk/X3st8LgfdsI/AAAAAAAARjk/EN9eIno2OOAvVuEfDkIziHwcEM9qdCx8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BS%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /> </a> <br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44Xs6GA5G7Y/X3st8nJ6UZI/AAAAAAAARjo/cf6YSPfkxBQms0DJ-A8ypRtaUn4MO2QewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BSc%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44Xs6GA5G7Y/X3st8nJ6UZI/AAAAAAAARjo/cf6YSPfkxBQms0DJ-A8ypRtaUn4MO2QewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BSc%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a> </p><p> </p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4sLMxVsFoQ/X3st9O_W37I/AAAAAAAARjs/cYKYL8KGmicW8UPOWll5wHfnsS_gu79VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/PetSmart-%2BRock%2B%2526%2BRiver%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4sLMxVsFoQ/X3st9O_W37I/AAAAAAAARjs/cYKYL8KGmicW8UPOWll5wHfnsS_gu79VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BRock%2B%2526%2BRiver%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" /> </a></p><p> </p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4udT95h1w0k/X3st9n0BfTI/AAAAAAAARjw/PfTHZ9-m-9UmHAu6-7KchrrkUCkPgGXrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/PetSmart-%2BRock%2B%2526%2BRiver%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4udT95h1w0k/X3st9n0BfTI/AAAAAAAARjw/PfTHZ9-m-9UmHAu6-7KchrrkUCkPgGXrACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BRock%2B%2526%2BRiver%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" /> </a> </p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMKYCqTRLmk/X3st7ehlfzI/AAAAAAAARjc/3N7AgbD56OQqVtdvZMXIWkKGvB2C4yOSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BN%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMKYCqTRLmk/X3st7ehlfzI/AAAAAAAARjc/3N7AgbD56OQqVtdvZMXIWkKGvB2C4yOSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BN%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /> </a> <br /></p><p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxCyBP4PHlk/X3st7_Rz9WI/AAAAAAAARjg/rK9DatN1Bt423YKOgExYxLxDkmkH15pxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BNc%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wxCyBP4PHlk/X3st7_Rz9WI/AAAAAAAARjg/rK9DatN1Bt423YKOgExYxLxDkmkH15pxACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BNc%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /> </a></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP5vbAnvN5A/X3st4Rh2bPI/AAAAAAAARi8/RajoaCEnFE8meNZ2xswSn_ZFGpgvOcNQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IP5vbAnvN5A/X3st4Rh2bPI/AAAAAAAARi8/RajoaCEnFE8meNZ2xswSn_ZFGpgvOcNQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJJOkcOWEHU/X3st5GDAfgI/AAAAAAAARkU/hFqVVx9ig1oz4vO0A387gJv60wYaoqvSACPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecore%2Bside.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJJOkcOWEHU/X3st5GDAfgI/AAAAAAAARkU/hFqVVx9ig1oz4vO0A387gJv60wYaoqvSACPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecore%2Bside.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOPUHBGH63Q/X3st44VRFTI/AAAAAAAARkk/uSgc9rzARyIdfviloi9NGtANmQhmvR71ACPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOPUHBGH63Q/X3st44VRFTI/AAAAAAAARkk/uSgc9rzARyIdfviloi9NGtANmQhmvR71ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOPUHBGH63Q/X3st44VRFTI/AAAAAAAARkk/uSgc9rzARyIdfviloi9NGtANmQhmvR71ACPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BLog%2B%2526%2BStone%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>.. A few of these explored the more wild and exotic, like ancient ruins and fossilized dinosaur skeletons; <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmTmicoEq3Y/X3st6N1rxhI/AAAAAAAARkk/iZwsIVd-jAcXfekzx0RFmgSZZOdqz0zJACPcBGAYYCw/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BD%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmTmicoEq3Y/X3st6N1rxhI/AAAAAAAARkk/iZwsIVd-jAcXfekzx0RFmgSZZOdqz0zJACPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BD%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND498EHUhOQ/X3st6s5FX0I/AAAAAAAARkU/N_NtmTMEQIEtHHWtl5BoJXN0LQuRmTJJQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BDc%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ND498EHUhOQ/X3st6s5FX0I/AAAAAAAARkU/N_NtmTMEQIEtHHWtl5BoJXN0LQuRmTJJQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BDc%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjk0lObAkBk/X3st362CpOI/AAAAAAAARkg/1oIuBbK_VyM4wPbTPPY3AdFq5uqPkW6VQCPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BAncient%2BRuins%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjk0lObAkBk/X3st362CpOI/AAAAAAAARkg/1oIuBbK_VyM4wPbTPPY3AdFq5uqPkW6VQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BAncient%2BRuins%2Bdecor%2Bfront.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HY60Wpg0d0M/X3st_fYQqdI/AAAAAAAARko/IPuZE0GtpU41HN-NeDlPiGh3tGrtVI6IACPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2Bancient%2Bruins%2Bdecor%2Bside.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HY60Wpg0d0M/X3st_fYQqdI/AAAAAAAARko/IPuZE0GtpU41HN-NeDlPiGh3tGrtVI6IACPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2Bancient%2Bruins%2Bdecor%2Bside.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH1DFEDqqkQ/X3st37J7TrI/AAAAAAAARkg/YhWoUKrSnCkdFmDvGxLS7DBCixWnufWIgCPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BAncient%2BRuins%2Bdecor%2Bback.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH1DFEDqqkQ/X3st37J7TrI/AAAAAAAARkg/YhWoUKrSnCkdFmDvGxLS7DBCixWnufWIgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BAncient%2BRuins%2Bdecor%2Bback.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufOh25awXIw/X3st6w_ThVI/AAAAAAAARkc/1IEnYq6BpU41MVG6YBTdBZ-bRL8At63awCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BH%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufOh25awXIw/X3st6w_ThVI/AAAAAAAARkc/1IEnYq6BpU41MVG6YBTdBZ-bRL8At63awCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BH%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5xcBKXk-z0/X3sxIxCfiiI/AAAAAAAARk4/tlC4PlUZnOAOgFJXqGoVV8CxO_H7Wj1ewCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BHc%2Bcopy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5xcBKXk-z0/X3sxIxCfiiI/AAAAAAAARk4/tlC4PlUZnOAOgFJXqGoVV8CxO_H7Wj1ewCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BReptile%2BDecor-%2BHc%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShzMxvy5hPc/X3st3-FYIOI/AAAAAAAARko/Y0jItF4YI0kz-aYVzi7jicRk-YmBx83BwCPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BDino%2BDecor%2Bfront.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShzMxvy5hPc/X3st3-FYIOI/AAAAAAAARko/Y0jItF4YI0kz-aYVzi7jicRk-YmBx83BwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BDino%2BDecor%2Bfront.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8Vw-QzBt_M/X3st4F83qhI/AAAAAAAARkc/6ogw_a-JuTk1tJqQmlQ8K-JrQzlO6IufwCPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2BDino%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8Vw-QzBt_M/X3st4F83qhI/AAAAAAAARkc/6ogw_a-JuTk1tJqQmlQ8K-JrQzlO6IufwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2BDino%2Bdecor%2Brear.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAizSDSCwlg/X3st_TNshvI/AAAAAAAARks/Oj6cKmuXGFo27PdM1xsMUHYCbeWnYdK8wCPcBGAYYCw/s2000/PetSmart-%2Bdino%2Bdecor%2Bside.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAizSDSCwlg/X3st_TNshvI/AAAAAAAARks/Oj6cKmuXGFo27PdM1xsMUHYCbeWnYdK8wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PetSmart-%2Bdino%2Bdecor%2Bside.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>.. The fossilized dinosaur went through minor simplifications, otherwise the sculpts are pretty close to my initial designs. </p><p>Family fun for your entire collection of reptiles!</p><p><br /></p>Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-86344452025512996702020-10-05T07:48:00.004-05:002020-10-05T07:54:33.748-05:00Updates: Greener Pastures<p>It's been a while since posting, a lot has transpired. Obviously, as of this writing, much of that involves a world pandemic, trying to stay safe and adjusting accordingly. But on a more personal level it has been about prepping my house for market and moving out of Chicago. After 20 years there, it felt time.</p><p>It wasn't any one event that brought about the decision, it was more incremental in time and the pros for moving only compounded. A lot can change over 2 decades, inside and out. Empty-nesting, a surplus of space, increasing property taxes, the toil of restoring and maintaining a 125 year-old Victorian, ..after 3 consecutive old 'fixer-uppers' I was ready to throw in the towel for a mid-70s ranch.</p><p>Chicago itself will always hold a fond place in my heart, and it's still only a little over an hour from me, but the city I love has also transformed over that time. Even my charming Bohemian neighborhood of East Rogers Park was becoming gentrified. </p><p>Having been raised in the immediate burbs I already knew I wanted to skip over those, to a more remote and scenic setting; ultimately Ottawa, Illinois. Ottawa is best known for its proximity to Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, located in the heart of Northern Illinois. Both are large, beautiful, and exquisite to hike. Partly due to the convergence of the Illinois and Fox rivers, the area is quite lush and hilly, with bluffs and cliffs throughout. The kind of topography you might expect to find in Northern Wisconsin, or the Ozarks.</p><p>Contrasted with the surrounding farmlands (still scenic but relatively flat), it is a charming little hamlet of a riverfront town. With its antiquity and a population of little over 18,000, it has its 'Mayberry' vibe.</p><p>The house I landed in suits me far more these days. Much easier to maintain, single-story, brick exterior. No boilers or radiators, far more energy efficient. That's important in this region, it gets pretty frosty. And since I work from my home studio I needed a level of tranquility that lends itself to that, even a place I could eventually retire to. At age 59 that's not too far off.</p><p>Fortunately I found the house, and the move happened just before COVID lockdown in early March. I'm grateful for the lucky timing there. Getting unpacked and settled went surprisingly quick. Doing a lot of purging prior to the move helped, but it's also like everything I brought just fell into place, as if the house was waiting for me. It didn't have cable or internet, so I did have to get that installed, but I was wired up within a couple of days, online and fielding incoming work. </p><p>What do I miss most about Chicago living? The great restaurants and cafes. Many of my favorites are gone anyway, making it easier to let go, but small town living doesn't offer the broad ethnic fare you grow accustomed to in the big city.</p><p>I would even kid about my own neighborhood; East Rogers Park is very culturally diverse, with tons of ethnic restaurants. .. It's like EPCOT but with a higher crime rate. <br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-83193944968202528472018-07-21T03:04:00.000-05:002018-07-22T17:02:43.621-05:00Subaru's BRAT: revisitedI would imagine that anyone born after 1980 would not know what a Subaru BRAT was. The only recent cultural references have been in the TV show 'My Name is Earl' (the character Joy owned a 1985 BRAT), and the character Rex drove one in the 2004 movie 'Napoleon Dynamite', an '82 model.<br />
.. Aside from that, they are a largely forgotten footnote in the rich history of auto design.<br />
Subaru only produced them from 1978 to 1994, a 16 year run, but stopped importing them to the USA in '87.<br />
<br />
<b>BRAT</b> was actually an acronym for <i><b>B</b>i-drive <b>R</b>ecreational <b>A</b>ll-terrain <b>T</b>ransporter</i>.<br />
The BRAT was available in many parts of the world, including Africa and Australia, where they were favored in the outback. The Aussies called it the 'Brumby'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIqL3l0n0Jw/W1KYT6n2wEI/AAAAAAAALME/7fTVYKDJ7xU0AaH3p-tJcTHEf-o2ptmGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/brat%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1440" height="177" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIqL3l0n0Jw/W1KYT6n2wEI/AAAAAAAALME/7fTVYKDJ7xU0AaH3p-tJcTHEf-o2ptmGgCEwYBhgL/s320/brat%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCgYKlXBrlQ/W1KXmSKPTzI/AAAAAAAALL8/1e7Jf3xsquoV4_1bDmsOvxClMUSxYR8ZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/brat%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCgYKlXBrlQ/W1KXmSKPTzI/AAAAAAAALL8/1e7Jf3xsquoV4_1bDmsOvxClMUSxYR8ZgCEwYBhgL/s320/brat%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When I was just out of high school my pal Chuck had a new 1978 BRAT. They were actually cheap to buy new, especially with the minimum wage going as far as it did then. The BRAT was preferable to a Toyota or Datsun pickup because it not only came with standard 4-wheel drive, but it was cooler looking and a blast to drive. They only pushed about 80hp, but were super light, nimble off-road, and they had 2 jump-seats in the rear bed, enabling room for 4 people, plus all the gear you'd need for a day at the Indiana Dunes or a swim at the quarry. Chuck's BRAT was taupe colored, a 4-speed stick, with the standard stripe kit on each side. For summertime fun, it was the next best thing to owning a dune buggy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWMw4li9V8M/W1KXmcvx7MI/AAAAAAAALMA/SeZ_kjVLWFAs_GhoBrFqQ1Lwaw2GVLckACEwYBhgL/s1600/brat%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1452" height="197" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWMw4li9V8M/W1KXmcvx7MI/AAAAAAAALMA/SeZ_kjVLWFAs_GhoBrFqQ1Lwaw2GVLckACEwYBhgL/s320/brat%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYE5lB6pX34/W1KXiTJWvRI/AAAAAAAALL8/yUFIdcrzNYwhxys1yCB13mp2cOZvURumwCEwYBhgL/s1600/brat%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYE5lB6pX34/W1KXiTJWvRI/AAAAAAAALL8/yUFIdcrzNYwhxys1yCB13mp2cOZvURumwCEwYBhgL/s320/brat%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Over the decades since, I've occasionally wondered why Subaru hasn't brought back the BRAT. Their 'Baja', an awkward family wagon with a short back bed, seemed like a weak effort, .. but there really hasn't been another vehicle that even falls into the BRAT wheelhouse. Hyundai is producing their 'Santa Cruz', which is about as close as it's gotten so far.<br />
<br />
.. But it still ain't the BRAT.<br />
<br />
I finally had to address this bee in my bonnet, so I came up with my own update of this lost gem.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2iUu1RtWgU/W1T9L8qXiII/AAAAAAAALMs/vksvi7GYCrM6ufbCUL1m_MiZ2zoX4oTEwCLcBGAs/s1600/Edison-%2BBrat%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2iUu1RtWgU/W1T9L8qXiII/AAAAAAAALMs/vksvi7GYCrM6ufbCUL1m_MiZ2zoX4oTEwCLcBGAs/s400/Edison-%2BBrat%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-86959063006729024912018-07-12T13:22:00.000-05:002018-07-12T13:22:49.044-05:00Fisher-Price: the Fold-n-Go Workbench!<br />
This project brings back memories when I look at it, as do many projects throughout the years. It may also trigger the memory of some readers, it goes back to when many were just kids.<br />
Often it's the project itself that leaves an impression on me, sometimes it's about other things going on in my life at the time. In this case, I had just moved to Oak Park, Illinois after spending 9 years living in Philadelphia. We were also expecting our second child and I was busy trying to get work while settling into my attic studio, then recently completed. It was a great space, well laid out, and I was champing at the bit to give it a road test.<br />
<br />
It was around this time that I started getting work from Fisher-Price in East Aurora.<br />
A few of the designers there started calling on me pretty regularly and I really hit my stride in delivering solid work in a quick fashion. The Fold-n-Go Workbench was one of those early experiences of a project coming and going fast, with the end product turning out pretty close to my design. Like in most cases, if there wasn't a foam-core model all I had to work with was a thumbnail and a description of the functions. <br />
If there <i>were</i> any rough passes for this they're long gone. I don't recall doing anything beyond a couple of clean line drawings followed by a rendering, which at the time would be sent via Fed-Ex. I had a new Mac G4 but was just starting to scan and email jpegs, I wasn't fully versed in Photoshop. In fact, the rendering below is a re-render done digitally some time back, since the original was sent off to Fisher-Price.<br />
.. I do remember the original was rendered in marker, something you don't see much anymore.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMM0vQX2WsE/WsgaNoPEABI/AAAAAAAAKto/Co15AKMPu5MbSpaPx4YVHNoBxYn1FMKzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BFold%2Bn%2BGo%2Bworkbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMM0vQX2WsE/WsgaNoPEABI/AAAAAAAAKto/Co15AKMPu5MbSpaPx4YVHNoBxYn1FMKzwCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BFold%2Bn%2BGo%2Bworkbench.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-5GQIBFD0s/WsfwvDGo5NI/AAAAAAAAKtY/EyU8UeSz0pUiGQ-Z36n11TsAg0pJQx6MQCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BFold%2Bn%2BGo%2Bworkbench%2Blegs%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-5GQIBFD0s/WsfwvDGo5NI/AAAAAAAAKtY/EyU8UeSz0pUiGQ-Z36n11TsAg0pJQx6MQCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BFold%2Bn%2BGo%2Bworkbench%2Blegs%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is how it turned out back then when it was produced by Fisher-Price;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neKXIbkCzWA/VsXgKMx_TpI/AAAAAAAABoc/mJoUnR2nloo/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2Bfold%2Bn%2Bgo%2Bpower%2Bchange%2Bworkshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neKXIbkCzWA/VsXgKMx_TpI/AAAAAAAABoc/mJoUnR2nloo/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2Bfold%2Bn%2Bgo%2Bpower%2Bchange%2Bworkshop.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FbQstepXszA/VsXgJ7Y3u5I/AAAAAAAABoY/v8kiYw6PStU/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2Bfold%2Bn%2Bgo%2Btools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FbQstepXszA/VsXgJ7Y3u5I/AAAAAAAABoY/v8kiYw6PStU/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2Bfold%2Bn%2Bgo%2Btools.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.. And as of this writing, my younger of 2 children is on his own and in college.<br />
<br />
The years do fly. Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-26722870183518792922018-07-05T03:14:00.000-05:002018-07-05T03:14:50.307-05:00Disney: Cinderella Coach Play Tent!While this may have been another quick job for Disney Consumer Products, it was a load of fun to do. I've always liked pop-up hoop tents, whether for children's play or adult camping. I was tapped to bring that feature to a Cinderella pumpkin coach, which did have its challenges.<br />
I didn't necessarily have to design the prototype but it did need to have a degree of plausibility in execution.<br />
<br />
Again, this was a quick one. I had a next-day delivery deadline so not much preliminary exploration was done. I went from approved rough to renderings. The figures were added afterward to show some scale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOHoXpJf1tg/WxQ4AZL6jGI/AAAAAAAAK70/K54sRNoU4nwr0DQSpnAaRv54AXJzA3N-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney-%2BCinderella%2BCoach%2Bhut%2B4c%2Brev%2Bsolo%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOHoXpJf1tg/WxQ4AZL6jGI/AAAAAAAAK70/K54sRNoU4nwr0DQSpnAaRv54AXJzA3N-gCLcBGAs/s320/Disney-%2BCinderella%2BCoach%2Bhut%2B4c%2Brev%2Bsolo%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2fPKgxYpI0/WxQ4AeIgVvI/AAAAAAAAK7w/hrbmE2wqyOwkay2T5ZcYH9vRiCYJL6BXQCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney-%2BCinderella%2BCoach%2Bhut%2B4c%2Brev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H2fPKgxYpI0/WxQ4AeIgVvI/AAAAAAAAK7w/hrbmE2wqyOwkay2T5ZcYH9vRiCYJL6BXQCLcBGAs/s320/Disney-%2BCinderella%2BCoach%2Bhut%2B4c%2Brev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I came across the above while cleaning through my computer hard drive a couple of years ago. I had neglected to look this one up, to see if it was eventually produced by DCP, and if so; how it turned out.<br />
<br />
I think it turned out pretty well, if simplified for cost & function;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdgrSCl-vaE/WxQ5UmJut5I/AAAAAAAAK8E/WbiBKo2Vsig0vgQPIS9c3YnTYWImi8qBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney-%2BPrincess%2Bcoach%2Btent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdgrSCl-vaE/WxQ5UmJut5I/AAAAAAAAK8E/WbiBKo2Vsig0vgQPIS9c3YnTYWImi8qBQCLcBGAs/s320/Disney-%2BPrincess%2Bcoach%2Btent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiyvDCQcf4o/WxQ5UnY7AfI/AAAAAAAAK8I/2aLZr8meHm85KKL71elONhLTuRm_RDZbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Disney-%2Bprincess%2Bcoach%2Btent%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiyvDCQcf4o/WxQ5UnY7AfI/AAAAAAAAK8I/2aLZr8meHm85KKL71elONhLTuRm_RDZbQCLcBGAs/s320/Disney-%2Bprincess%2Bcoach%2Btent%2Bgirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-88766024152184440782018-06-03T14:27:00.001-05:002018-06-03T14:48:33.693-05:00Tomy: Zootopia! In the beginning of my career in toy design I worked as an in-house freelancer at Tyco Toys, then located in Mt. Laurel New Jersey. As mentioned here previously, I started by lending a hand to the games group, helping to realize their lines to the market. From there I began working with most of the other managers and directors that needed a skilled designer on hand. It was my only time working on the <i>inside</i>, so to speak, but it was very formative.<br />
As a result I acquired a lot of practical experience across categories, but never accepted the full-time position that was eventually offered. By then I already had plans to move my family back to the Chicago area.<br />
<br />
.. Cut to 2015: After 20+ years at the drawing board in my home studio, and starting to feel like I was repeating myself, I pursued an open position at Tomy International, who's US offices are within commuting distance from me, in Oakbrook, Il.<br />
Tomy was rapidly expanding at the time and looking to hire, also their newer VP of product development was an old friend and colleague. It was a perfect storm of sorts and the timing felt right. Unfortunately, as <i>all</i> storms pass, Tomy had a course change and I became part of a downsizing. <br />
So I hung my shingle back up and have been back at my own drawing board since, .. though finally upgrading onto a nice new Cintiq.<br />
In spite of my years I fully embrace this digital era.<br />
<br />
.. Meanwhile; having been hired to manage projects for the feature animation team, including Disney & Pixar movies, was a daunting undertaking. I had spent the majority of my career as an outside consultant, being called on more surgically. But I took on the challenge, spending most of my time bringing many of the Zootopia toys to the shelves.<br />
I certainly didn't do it alone, working with an amazing team of designers. I learned a lot from them in spite of my own mine of experience. Among the learning curves I surmounted while at Tomy was working directly with model makers and engineers, revising and approving everything down to tooling and production. It was something newer to me, and deeply fascinating.<br />
<br />
Probably the most consuming of the Zootopia line of product, for me, was a police station playset.<br />
It was to be the TV driver in the line, with a higher price point, but loaded with features and play action for the figures.<br />
When I was brought on staff there actually <i>was</i> an early foam model of the playset, which was used in the pitch to Pixar when securing the license. While it captured its essence it needed to be redesigned and turned into actual product. I took things from there, fleshing out all the features, mechanisms, and electronics, which were somewhat complex to execute. I generated mugshots of the villains for a small projection feature. I even created the flowchart for the sound board and wrote the script, which was concatenated to deliver potentially dozens of dispatches and alerts tailored to the play. <br />
<br />
.. Ironically, I have so little of the preliminary work to share here, because everything I did was in-house on company computers. I did save some jpegs of the grey models produced, for reference, but no drawings or renderings ever made it to my home hard drive. For much of the development phase the only exterior reference I had to work with was this inspiring screen capture provided by Disney;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyUoQVMz3iY/WxQ8EeOnRzI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/XX2DK-P49qMBq1lIWalvucvvGpGitWrkwCLcBGAs/s1600/ZPD_-_Zootopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EyUoQVMz3iY/WxQ8EeOnRzI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/XX2DK-P49qMBq1lIWalvucvvGpGitWrkwCLcBGAs/s640/ZPD_-_Zootopia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Still, it was a sheer joy to be such an integral part of creating the Zootopia toys, especially the big playset. My tenure at Tomy International, short as it was, will always have a fond place in my heart.<br />
<br />
Here is what imagery I do have of the actual products. The quality on the figures, from sculpt to spray ops, is impressive. Great toys, Tomy!<br />
<br />
Be sure to watch the TV commercial to check out the cool features!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3KWVlPubPw/WserpaOZNEI/AAAAAAAAKso/uYaW-IHyk8AQ1J0ah66OLpUR0KBJAnW4ACLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bfigure%2Bset%2Bpkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N3KWVlPubPw/WserpaOZNEI/AAAAAAAAKso/uYaW-IHyk8AQ1J0ah66OLpUR0KBJAnW4ACLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bfigure%2Bset%2Bpkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diaITjHIoP8/Wserp2qXoXI/AAAAAAAAKss/UxM2Xjsco9AjxNelJs70IO54ncOokp9SACLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bfigures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diaITjHIoP8/Wserp2qXoXI/AAAAAAAAKss/UxM2Xjsco9AjxNelJs70IO54ncOokp9SACLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bfigures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcEfXjyY4Ok/WseroyyerEI/AAAAAAAAKsc/Box2kjlCy0kpu73sLTkyqL-4alBUwwg7wCLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BJudy%2527s%2BCruiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1432" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcEfXjyY4Ok/WseroyyerEI/AAAAAAAAKsc/Box2kjlCy0kpu73sLTkyqL-4alBUwwg7wCLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BJudy%2527s%2BCruiser.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii912M4v2CA/Wsero2tROnI/AAAAAAAAKsY/6AifdcJIGxkQGxlxngC5_qXnZsAOpaDeACLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BNick%2BJudy%2Bdolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii912M4v2CA/Wsero2tROnI/AAAAAAAAKsY/6AifdcJIGxkQGxlxngC5_qXnZsAOpaDeACLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BNick%2BJudy%2Bdolls.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo-fOHPeqSA/Wsero1FTT1I/AAAAAAAAKsg/vZmNNchEUkwQ5LZg64oWKcPDlz6iGlHaACLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BNick%2527s%2BConvertible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1408" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wo-fOHPeqSA/Wsero1FTT1I/AAAAAAAAKsg/vZmNNchEUkwQ5LZg64oWKcPDlz6iGlHaACLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BNick%2527s%2BConvertible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bF5kBE3O8-M/WserpAb43lI/AAAAAAAAKsk/KJOKMXExjfU1OrZs3o8Dz5UmCDIQqaoHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BOperation%2BRed%2BWood%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bF5kBE3O8-M/WserpAb43lI/AAAAAAAAKsk/KJOKMXExjfU1OrZs3o8Dz5UmCDIQqaoHwCLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2BOperation%2BRed%2BWood%2Bset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rMJW7KtvzY/WserqBkEe8I/AAAAAAAAKsw/r4yKPAWavdEsyQEn9pVOGLNOPzdUZ-ZiwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bpolice%2Bcart%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rMJW7KtvzY/WserqBkEe8I/AAAAAAAAKsw/r4yKPAWavdEsyQEn9pVOGLNOPzdUZ-ZiwCLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bpolice%2Bcart%2Bset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufeuRJE1CqI/WserqSFNhnI/AAAAAAAAKs0/WqxX0FqY4YwQko6KovavZGiUsUsE9K3uwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bpolice%2Bstation%2Bpkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufeuRJE1CqI/WserqSFNhnI/AAAAAAAAKs0/WqxX0FqY4YwQko6KovavZGiUsUsE9K3uwCLcBGAs/s320/Tomy-%2BZootopia%2Bpolice%2Bstation%2Bpkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fQzEJaLgy0/WselAPkX-qI/AAAAAAAAKr4/IYyY6R_B95E-FDa2QvOcvQe45uFpD932QCLcBGAs/s1600/Zootopia-Police-Headquarters-Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fQzEJaLgy0/WselAPkX-qI/AAAAAAAAKr4/IYyY6R_B95E-FDa2QvOcvQe45uFpD932QCLcBGAs/s320/Zootopia-Police-Headquarters-Front.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQlZxBxwH4s/WselAFM8mgI/AAAAAAAAKr8/2hryTCai87ID4bkZQ54WT-jKjC-rjn99ACLcBGAs/s1600/Zootopia-Police-Headquarters-Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQlZxBxwH4s/WselAFM8mgI/AAAAAAAAKr8/2hryTCai87ID4bkZQ54WT-jKjC-rjn99ACLcBGAs/s320/Zootopia-Police-Headquarters-Back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw-zK_OCgepOGWn0yYHFlY4FTkRir32WWm6pZNSHSodtFUZ2tIttcBpUrgy4jBzn0-a4PRv77Krb6UjaRorgA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-52874622904474889742018-06-01T05:21:00.001-05:002019-03-05T09:21:03.098-06:00Playskool: 2 in 1 Bounce & Roll!<br />
<div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
Beneath the umbrella of companies now with Hasbro is Tiger, who focused a lot on fun games and electronics. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
Clearly inspired by Tiger's successful 'Bulls-Eye Ball' game, Playskool decided to produce a similar skee-ball for their preschool line. It had the same action and electronic score features as Bulls-Eye Ball, just scaled up and having the additional feature of being either a skee-ball or 'bounce' mode, like the classic. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NK3I8V4iiGI/UhuUBq7d0sI/AAAAAAAABDQ/quhS8LEz2OE/s1600/Tiger+Bulls-eye+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NK3I8V4iiGI/UhuUBq7d0sI/AAAAAAAABDQ/quhS8LEz2OE/s320/Tiger+Bulls-eye+ball.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The creatives at Playskool tapped me to execute some quick sketches exploring what that might look like.<br />
Here are some passes at styling the overall game as well as exploring the folding and ball return function;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiWBEzukgGg/UhuUye8xmPI/AAAAAAAABDY/bkLHEBOW_30/s1600/Hasbro-+2+in+1+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eiWBEzukgGg/UhuUye8xmPI/AAAAAAAABDY/bkLHEBOW_30/s320/Hasbro-+2+in+1+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9t24OyDtq_w/UhuUy3uVUlI/AAAAAAAABDc/axAY_AOUiXo/s1600/Hasbro-+2+in+1+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9t24OyDtq_w/UhuUy3uVUlI/AAAAAAAABDc/axAY_AOUiXo/s320/Hasbro-+2+in+1+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-ssM7GDy84/UhuU0aqOw9I/AAAAAAAABDo/kvLLibbeeLk/s1600/Hasbro-+2+in+1+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-ssM7GDy84/UhuU0aqOw9I/AAAAAAAABDo/kvLLibbeeLk/s320/Hasbro-+2+in+1+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWa0xyQVSLQ/UhuU14vszcI/AAAAAAAABD4/20W3enqksQY/s1600/Hasbro-+2+in+1+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWa0xyQVSLQ/UhuU14vszcI/AAAAAAAABD4/20W3enqksQY/s320/Hasbro-+2+in+1+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7XVgY6lyfU/UhuU1IrCrQI/AAAAAAAABDw/KI4EoEKAYhc/s1600/Hasbro-+2+in+1+E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7XVgY6lyfU/UhuU1IrCrQI/AAAAAAAABDw/KI4EoEKAYhc/s320/Hasbro-+2+in+1+E.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgiqMWD-r9g/UhuU3CHgJPI/AAAAAAAABEA/G6cOFphtdXs/s1600/Hasbro-+2+in+1+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgiqMWD-r9g/UhuU3CHgJPI/AAAAAAAABEA/G6cOFphtdXs/s320/Hasbro-+2+in+1+F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is how the final product turned out;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zJx4LQPAsE/UhuUCEiTjRI/AAAAAAAABDM/apvropYRMYk/s1600/playskool+bulls-eye+pair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zJx4LQPAsE/UhuUCEiTjRI/AAAAAAAABDM/apvropYRMYk/s1600/playskool+bulls-eye+pair.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhZOPUqjB50/UhuUBnqEQvI/AAAAAAAABDA/DCfObSWKOxk/s1600/Playskool+Bulls-eye+open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhZOPUqjB50/UhuUBnqEQvI/AAAAAAAABDA/DCfObSWKOxk/s320/Playskool+Bulls-eye+open.jpg" width="171" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE0KHRzF9t0/UhuUBuY9FDI/AAAAAAAABDI/Ncy5tT46XdE/s1600/Playskool+Bulls-eye+pkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qE0KHRzF9t0/UhuUBuY9FDI/AAAAAAAABDI/Ncy5tT46XdE/s320/Playskool+Bulls-eye+pkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3102486428084917390" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-22788378775942237072018-04-17T08:01:00.000-05:002018-04-17T08:01:56.238-05:00Playskool: Yard Crew & Cool Crew! It's always been a blast working with the Playskool division at Hasbro. Much like the Little People line for Fisher-Price, having a hand in the history of such perennial favorites, in this case toys like Play-Doh and Mr. Potatohead, will always be a highlight of my career. <br />
<br />
One of the on-going lines of which I was fortunate enough to be a part was the Yard Crew and Cool Crew toys.<br />
A while back I posted one of those projects on this blog; <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2015/04/playskool-cool-crew-vacuum.html" target="_blank">The Cool Crew Vacuum</a></span></b>. <br />
<br />
The first things I worked on were for the Yard Crew toys, starting with an outdoor grill, a bench top camping stove, a camping cooler, fishing pole, and camping lantern.<br />
I did a few passes of each item in the line, exploring characterizations and expressions, as well as the styling and accessories included.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDdPn1yjtHo/Wsd-u0F3XBI/AAAAAAAAKok/dJ57-6QUWZMxcostknHuQ7u9hHLb8FFdACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bbbq%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDdPn1yjtHo/Wsd-u0F3XBI/AAAAAAAAKok/dJ57-6QUWZMxcostknHuQ7u9hHLb8FFdACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bbbq%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-Z1tGC8DFE/Wsd-vBRARCI/AAAAAAAAKoo/QOKWNeCGps0uzdF9rx9VHj13RI-XMlNGACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bbbq%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-Z1tGC8DFE/Wsd-vBRARCI/AAAAAAAAKoo/QOKWNeCGps0uzdF9rx9VHj13RI-XMlNGACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bbbq%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jevlcip16CI/Wsd-uwMx7-I/AAAAAAAAKos/aGARP3U9M6gAokUqJubPTprOJbLi_y1-gCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bbbq%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jevlcip16CI/Wsd-uwMx7-I/AAAAAAAAKos/aGARP3U9M6gAokUqJubPTprOJbLi_y1-gCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bbbq%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWHKxXpMF-8/Wsd-vVPH7dI/AAAAAAAAKo0/GvCWHVRC1KMuPARPC4XWti-FLVc7oc-cQCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcamp%2Bstove%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWHKxXpMF-8/Wsd-vVPH7dI/AAAAAAAAKo0/GvCWHVRC1KMuPARPC4XWti-FLVc7oc-cQCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcamp%2Bstove%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn3Tn53u2nQ/Wsd-vdKffzI/AAAAAAAAKo4/LrL89rWOtZY9yDFA_QjW8xH4mQwVWHCogCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcamp%2Bstove%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn3Tn53u2nQ/Wsd-vdKffzI/AAAAAAAAKo4/LrL89rWOtZY9yDFA_QjW8xH4mQwVWHCogCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcamp%2Bstove%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2n0cXmnOz2E/Wsd-vrudA2I/AAAAAAAAKo8/HkCT180N8xcR5u3Y36zFLyIRh2y9k447QCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcamp%2Bstove%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2n0cXmnOz2E/Wsd-vrudA2I/AAAAAAAAKo8/HkCT180N8xcR5u3Y36zFLyIRh2y9k447QCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcamp%2Bstove%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlLqUIlsZ4Q/Wsd-vqKJ_1I/AAAAAAAAKpA/OkM4915QJnUBnQ33RtMX_chXInKJKuL9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcooler%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlLqUIlsZ4Q/Wsd-vqKJ_1I/AAAAAAAAKpA/OkM4915QJnUBnQ33RtMX_chXInKJKuL9wCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcooler%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aTpZfjbsdY/Wsd-vxT9IPI/AAAAAAAAKpE/mwTJxiwKFt4XCOD72NtBh6vO6gFDopG_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcooler%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aTpZfjbsdY/Wsd-vxT9IPI/AAAAAAAAKpE/mwTJxiwKFt4XCOD72NtBh6vO6gFDopG_ACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcooler%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTE-FJW3sZo/Wsd-wdxVR3I/AAAAAAAAKpI/tg2eCvBAuioRApSNDL2Ex24gx6sEfeQZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcooler%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTE-FJW3sZo/Wsd-wdxVR3I/AAAAAAAAKpI/tg2eCvBAuioRApSNDL2Ex24gx6sEfeQZQCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bcooler%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-K0M3uk9Jg/Wsd-w_Ie3zI/AAAAAAAAKpM/WgG5BmmQyXojsaA1ky8x3jQ1UuB90SJNwCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bfishing%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h-K0M3uk9Jg/Wsd-w_Ie3zI/AAAAAAAAKpM/WgG5BmmQyXojsaA1ky8x3jQ1UuB90SJNwCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bfishing%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U9diP7kSjw/Wsd-xRvWXPI/AAAAAAAAKpQ/CLtWfyATn2AJZXZPaACHVQqq_XE2BH6ZACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bfishing%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7U9diP7kSjw/Wsd-xRvWXPI/AAAAAAAAKpQ/CLtWfyATn2AJZXZPaACHVQqq_XE2BH6ZACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bfishing%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtDB0iB5NCo/Wsd-x9ax-mI/AAAAAAAAKpU/j1z9OhruW_ETG2hxtLOG-FVDa4P-vKz_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bfishing%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtDB0iB5NCo/Wsd-x9ax-mI/AAAAAAAAKpU/j1z9OhruW_ETG2hxtLOG-FVDa4P-vKz_QCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bfishing%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p4LPWFodKQ/Wsd-ybMb6LI/AAAAAAAAKpY/5QOkEAKsR183YtCH2eAOOhuFqDvHkJH1gCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Blantern%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4p4LPWFodKQ/Wsd-ybMb6LI/AAAAAAAAKpY/5QOkEAKsR183YtCH2eAOOhuFqDvHkJH1gCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Blantern%2BA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9guWwMRA9o/Wsd-y0k-gzI/AAAAAAAAKpc/k91HwJrklEgk4HmdTKYiYGy3mR8qTZ9xgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Blantern%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R9guWwMRA9o/Wsd-y0k-gzI/AAAAAAAAKpc/k91HwJrklEgk4HmdTKYiYGy3mR8qTZ9xgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Blantern%2BB.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2r5TWGwyjlI/Wsd-zZgwYJI/AAAAAAAAKpg/hzeFxkxBOfEDScvyc5BdknFc9dhQZ5uzgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Blantern%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2r5TWGwyjlI/Wsd-zZgwYJI/AAAAAAAAKpg/hzeFxkxBOfEDScvyc5BdknFc9dhQZ5uzgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Blantern%2BC.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_396590862"></span><span id="goog_396590863"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We followed up at a later date with the Cool Crew line.<br />
It started simple, with a few gardening tools that talked. From there I got to explore a range of looks for the leaf blower, chain saw, edge trimmer, and lawn mower characters.<br />
<br />
<br />
.. is it evident that I had a blast coming up with these? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sza1iS7Frr0/WseBjmGUFSI/AAAAAAAAKqU/5qXbY_CFjMQXSoRwZBI0AnyUy_uC2BXHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bgarden%2Btools%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sza1iS7Frr0/WseBjmGUFSI/AAAAAAAAKqU/5qXbY_CFjMQXSoRwZBI0AnyUy_uC2BXHgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bgarden%2Btools%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AibD4naTTYA/WseBkAUpzjI/AAAAAAAAKqY/3FAVzOqJFqEPd73TkGrKKHnxtsLGeQeswCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bgarden%2Btools%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AibD4naTTYA/WseBkAUpzjI/AAAAAAAAKqY/3FAVzOqJFqEPd73TkGrKKHnxtsLGeQeswCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bgarden%2Btools%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNoPV7sJQRc/WseBicPtliI/AAAAAAAAKqA/OC0hXTPMVXEe1G837-Z7o6plBHslZ_l3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bblower%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wNoPV7sJQRc/WseBicPtliI/AAAAAAAAKqA/OC0hXTPMVXEe1G837-Z7o6plBHslZ_l3QCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bblower%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyKJ5zZdWlU/WseBiUmvy3I/AAAAAAAAKqI/lMG4Z7c763gHn7w1adoSHOz6_5lLoJMMACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bblower%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyKJ5zZdWlU/WseBiUmvy3I/AAAAAAAAKqI/lMG4Z7c763gHn7w1adoSHOz6_5lLoJMMACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bblower%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQwJ24CmSP4/WseBi-tQlBI/AAAAAAAAKqM/09Go6YgkFEYG3Gj_LAGC33k3gMJ9OwL2QCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bblower%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQwJ24CmSP4/WseBi-tQlBI/AAAAAAAAKqM/09Go6YgkFEYG3Gj_LAGC33k3gMJ9OwL2QCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bblower%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urlKr7uIITg/WseBjK2V2sI/AAAAAAAAKqQ/c0CqDtgud5AysZGQzz9lUi0JwcOHvd6XwCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bchainsaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-urlKr7uIITg/WseBjK2V2sI/AAAAAAAAKqQ/c0CqDtgud5AysZGQzz9lUi0JwcOHvd6XwCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bchainsaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1D1Btba1kOc/WseBiQh5lYI/AAAAAAAAKqE/VFn0n4XJ0HogVrJM3tHraDsms5juunMZQCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2BChip%2Bchainsaw%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1D1Btba1kOc/WseBiQh5lYI/AAAAAAAAKqE/VFn0n4XJ0HogVrJM3tHraDsms5juunMZQCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2BChip%2Bchainsaw%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsH70ABFNsI/WseBpCHGr8I/AAAAAAAAKrA/rfdQyL-kwTs9fCiQLzhCip6Hf3XVnD0TACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Btrimmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zsH70ABFNsI/WseBpCHGr8I/AAAAAAAAKrA/rfdQyL-kwTs9fCiQLzhCip6Hf3XVnD0TACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Btrimmer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GaFLC_7PdA/WseBokf7MDI/AAAAAAAAKq8/hqV9ME5K2XY_WL6hxHxKADPybPKMHSpsgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Btrimmer%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GaFLC_7PdA/WseBokf7MDI/AAAAAAAAKq8/hqV9ME5K2XY_WL6hxHxKADPybPKMHSpsgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Btrimmer%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The mower was a challenge, going through more than a few iterations.
Part of it was in trying to achieve a great 'chomping' action without
his teeth or jaw looking weird. We ultimately landing with a fun
combination and a memorable character.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUtcwoaNy3M/WseBlE5DHmI/AAAAAAAAKrI/OvTaVsnXq60SqcB02Gz6c7aksdyFWbfIQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUtcwoaNy3M/WseBlE5DHmI/AAAAAAAAKrI/OvTaVsnXq60SqcB02Gz6c7aksdyFWbfIQCEwYBhgL/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NM9TXLin5ME/WseBllDDkNI/AAAAAAAAKqk/oJrP3LI1b1EtjTUrtUyeJ4Xa3TeuV-NSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NM9TXLin5ME/WseBllDDkNI/AAAAAAAAKqk/oJrP3LI1b1EtjTUrtUyeJ4Xa3TeuV-NSwCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pSjoDz1GMs/WseBmjmUC2I/AAAAAAAAKqs/HAnsOgsZAGUFfFKaGtQ0L_3Mb47Y0sI8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pSjoDz1GMs/WseBmjmUC2I/AAAAAAAAKqs/HAnsOgsZAGUFfFKaGtQ0L_3Mb47Y0sI8ACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p1R6mdwfLg/WseBmBbvBqI/AAAAAAAAKqo/4bGwMK-TCgQfjvTuyKDo2gCP8941YTwjgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7p1R6mdwfLg/WseBmBbvBqI/AAAAAAAAKqo/4bGwMK-TCgQfjvTuyKDo2gCP8941YTwjgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18RhlLPilAI/WseBnPjlSbI/AAAAAAAAKqw/amKhseJr2Uc3L33OjGKIIte-aoiNoWf8wCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18RhlLPilAI/WseBnPjlSbI/AAAAAAAAKqw/amKhseJr2Uc3L33OjGKIIte-aoiNoWf8wCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkuOOk6h4_M/WseBnrLcCeI/AAAAAAAAKq0/LKF4cr0mUbEtkPrtU2FgqlsrZOaBythAgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkuOOk6h4_M/WseBnrLcCeI/AAAAAAAAKq0/LKF4cr0mUbEtkPrtU2FgqlsrZOaBythAgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2BF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjZhg5G_5Ss/WseBoCJJaWI/AAAAAAAAKq4/nHIpm1GKTNcvXjYxpNmIaC0bSe8ObPKkACLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HjZhg5G_5Ss/WseBoCJJaWI/AAAAAAAAKq4/nHIpm1GKTNcvXjYxpNmIaC0bSe8ObPKkACLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fjy8dpLouY/WseBkjN3etI/AAAAAAAAKqc/d_aVgJ5uMXEPA-6wuV9xRG85oJiLhOtCgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2fjy8dpLouY/WseBkjN3etI/AAAAAAAAKqc/d_aVgJ5uMXEPA-6wuV9xRG85oJiLhOtCgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BYard%2BCrew%2Bmower%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.. And this is how they turned out;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4rHegpuayk/WseIjGEQrBI/AAAAAAAAKro/a2n9Gx1eJCAiBFgtmBd-RZzSo4xu6y3QgCLcBGAs/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Btalking%2Btools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1597" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4rHegpuayk/WseIjGEQrBI/AAAAAAAAKro/a2n9Gx1eJCAiBFgtmBd-RZzSo4xu6y3QgCLcBGAs/s320/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Btalking%2Btools.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1570862742"></span><span id="goog_1570862743"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtZoNR-wkSE/UhwI08veCQI/AAAAAAAABH0/h5a1SlbnfMc/s1600/playskool-+cool+crew+lantern.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtZoNR-wkSE/UhwI08veCQI/AAAAAAAABH0/h5a1SlbnfMc/s320/playskool-+cool+crew+lantern.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWQHPFJevLg/UhwI0InoEmI/AAAAAAAABHk/YPRVlNUTcuI/s1600/playskool-+cool+crew+Rod+fishing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWQHPFJevLg/UhwI0InoEmI/AAAAAAAABHk/YPRVlNUTcuI/s1600/playskool-+cool+crew+Rod+fishing.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8plmdxpEGYQ/UhwI1WNm78I/AAAAAAAABIE/X4FZTG7VzLs/s1600/playskool-+talking+grill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8plmdxpEGYQ/UhwI1WNm78I/AAAAAAAABIE/X4FZTG7VzLs/s320/playskool-+talking+grill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xdLuqdXTb8/UhwI0v_xeQI/AAAAAAAABHg/vp7ebvM5GlI/s1600/playskool-+cool+crew+chip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xdLuqdXTb8/UhwI0v_xeQI/AAAAAAAABHg/vp7ebvM5GlI/s320/playskool-+cool+crew+chip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1_SsCjDUrI/UhwI1DGgFeI/AAAAAAAABHw/StW02iARiA4/s1600/playskool-+cool+crew+zip+trimmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1_SsCjDUrI/UhwI1DGgFeI/AAAAAAAABHw/StW02iARiA4/s320/playskool-+cool+crew+zip+trimmer.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zXE6PEjHXo/UhwI1qMZYHI/AAAAAAAABIA/C5YQ3qImPF8/s1600/playskool-cool+crew+mower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zXE6PEjHXo/UhwI1qMZYHI/AAAAAAAABIA/C5YQ3qImPF8/s320/playskool-cool+crew+mower.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-58103918611658799692018-04-06T08:23:00.002-05:002018-04-07T06:38:05.480-05:00Fisher-Price: Doodle Pets!I really enjoy working on plush. I had a crash course, on the extensive Zootopia line of plush when working at Tomy International as a Design Manager. My experience with patterns is limited but I excel at the characterizations, it's a forte' of mine. <br />
Among the deeply satisfying and more successful lines of which I've been a part over the years was the Doodle line for Fisher-Price.<br />
Part of the joy then was that I remember working on Doodle Bears way back when I started freelancing at Tyco Toys, in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. .. It was the salad days of the Doodle line!<br />
<br />
by this time in Doodle Bear history Fisher-Price wanted to explore and expand the Doodle line beyond the classic bear. They also wanted to go smaller and cuter. The first task I was approached for was in pushing into the rest of the animal kingdom, trying different doodle critters.<br />
<br />
Here are some of those, as eventually rendered for presenation;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKown012-VA/Wsdo2t50w8I/AAAAAAAAKkY/lBZTTyOxBX4ycGHM6BU_bb9DT0RndR4-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BDachshund%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKown012-VA/Wsdo2t50w8I/AAAAAAAAKkY/lBZTTyOxBX4ycGHM6BU_bb9DT0RndR4-wCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BDachshund%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFtVwxiiyIg/Wsdo2gje1tI/AAAAAAAAKkc/sgS2oWdeSIsVKcEdNqjIU4_5USd2e37SACLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BDuck%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFtVwxiiyIg/Wsdo2gje1tI/AAAAAAAAKkc/sgS2oWdeSIsVKcEdNqjIU4_5USd2e37SACLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BDuck%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1KK71zsDz7E/Wsdo2h1M9uI/AAAAAAAAKkg/67OfbXuMqBUGB0lGKZ-rPJIGqY5k5OkfQCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BElephant%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1KK71zsDz7E/Wsdo2h1M9uI/AAAAAAAAKkg/67OfbXuMqBUGB0lGKZ-rPJIGqY5k5OkfQCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BElephant%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaCtRaQxcjI/Wsdo3F6g-RI/AAAAAAAAKkk/b9vnE79RvmclgF3_OfsG8bxFFNLWz_ueACLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BFrog%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaCtRaQxcjI/Wsdo3F6g-RI/AAAAAAAAKkk/b9vnE79RvmclgF3_OfsG8bxFFNLWz_ueACLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BFrog%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eViYHoRPNI8/Wsdo3a7sWNI/AAAAAAAAKko/ml5Qwv8EOd8gJpL99JWTIut0bEBYf_xuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BHamster%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eViYHoRPNI8/Wsdo3a7sWNI/AAAAAAAAKko/ml5Qwv8EOd8gJpL99JWTIut0bEBYf_xuQCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BHamster%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nA-mcDZCrLY/Wsdo3_xcSVI/AAAAAAAAKks/9wzImFbh0183l4RV2z7vXZnWPzm6j47SwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BLion%2BCub%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nA-mcDZCrLY/Wsdo3_xcSVI/AAAAAAAAKks/9wzImFbh0183l4RV2z7vXZnWPzm6j47SwCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BLion%2BCub%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43iMrRf2k1s/Wsdo4Tuq0qI/AAAAAAAAKkw/IcaAd0ZvEgoZKpoLgWps2045b8gM8-V5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BMonkey%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43iMrRf2k1s/Wsdo4Tuq0qI/AAAAAAAAKkw/IcaAd0ZvEgoZKpoLgWps2045b8gM8-V5ACLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BMonkey%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym6iyNLt9cs/Wsdo40HRr7I/AAAAAAAAKk0/B-qAwidWqyMs8MxOYLFki-POXI490kusQCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPanda%2Brev%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym6iyNLt9cs/Wsdo40HRr7I/AAAAAAAAKk0/B-qAwidWqyMs8MxOYLFki-POXI490kusQCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPanda%2Brev%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvmMx6DmGNs/Wsdo5eiWYbI/AAAAAAAAKk4/DXX-1DJ8Vo4mn5UbNZKn1Rbkd0kxwsKHgCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPenguin%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvmMx6DmGNs/Wsdo5eiWYbI/AAAAAAAAKk4/DXX-1DJ8Vo4mn5UbNZKn1Rbkd0kxwsKHgCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPenguin%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once the look of the line was established, more exploration was done for soft accessories and playsets to expand the line. The smaller scale of these pets lent themselves to slightly larger price points, with more play other than drawing on them with markers.<br />
<br />
So I came up with some soft playsets, shown below. They were well received enough to continue onto further definition.<br />
<br />
.. First, a couple of additional pups beyond the dachshund. Followed
by a simple pet carrier that opened into a soft play and nap area. Of
course the bedding made a great canvas for doodling. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH5-zTMW4s/WsdqT8i1KYI/AAAAAAAAKlU/y8fcoZwgZ08sejoSM_zYzb0U6CvBaTXqACLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPom%2B%2526%2BYork%2B4c%2Brev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHH5-zTMW4s/WsdqT8i1KYI/AAAAAAAAKlU/y8fcoZwgZ08sejoSM_zYzb0U6CvBaTXqACLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPom%2B%2526%2BYork%2B4c%2Brev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAQvsCOLPXk/Wsdr9JQk2CI/AAAAAAAAKmE/3iNf8-D_3LEotITcFSKNK8FsXN2H6eYDQCLcBGAs/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BPup%2Bn%2Bpurse%2BA%2Bpup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAQvsCOLPXk/Wsdr9JQk2CI/AAAAAAAAKmE/3iNf8-D_3LEotITcFSKNK8FsXN2H6eYDQCLcBGAs/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BPup%2Bn%2Bpurse%2BA%2Bpup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Then onto the themed sets, which folded or rolled up to contain everything, but expanded to become a play environment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-WYZ0gCSQM/WsdqUB17nGI/AAAAAAAAKlc/WrvyJ0xPcgY7HEpMVDq23OI2yg0FAmJxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BBackpack%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-WYZ0gCSQM/WsdqUB17nGI/AAAAAAAAKlc/WrvyJ0xPcgY7HEpMVDq23OI2yg0FAmJxwCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BBackpack%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDoOMA9iHCM/WsdqUQJYHVI/AAAAAAAAKlg/i1-M1BDiDG0A1N12LVxYYApk6tFL46kHwCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPom%2B%2526%2Bbag%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDoOMA9iHCM/WsdqUQJYHVI/AAAAAAAAKlg/i1-M1BDiDG0A1N12LVxYYApk6tFL46kHwCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BPom%2B%2526%2Bbag%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMNOtX4ZOQo/WsdqUJkCFJI/AAAAAAAAKlw/6oS76PMRVjcZ3lEsT5tYfF6vxRDpn2q8ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BHandbag%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QMNOtX4ZOQo/WsdqUJkCFJI/AAAAAAAAKlw/6oS76PMRVjcZ3lEsT5tYfF6vxRDpn2q8ACEwYBhgL/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BHandbag%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-BkEtFmtZ0/WsdqVIA15GI/AAAAAAAAKlk/AwImslcwwUk0zFv4PSzyuLRAwNDrVC1UgCLcBGAs/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BSatchel%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L-BkEtFmtZ0/WsdqVIA15GI/AAAAAAAAKlk/AwImslcwwUk0zFv4PSzyuLRAwNDrVC1UgCLcBGAs/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BSatchel%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjc8Q26gfvI/WsdqVN8XI6I/AAAAAAAAKl4/wCViLsUWmzMLS8UfJ41a2sUIs1EUYg2JQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BYorkie%2B%2526%2Bbag%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjc8Q26gfvI/WsdqVN8XI6I/AAAAAAAAKl4/wCViLsUWmzMLS8UfJ41a2sUIs1EUYg2JQCEwYBhgL/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BDoodle%2BBabies%2BYorkie%2B%2526%2Bbag%2B4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6CTCsCgn9U/WsdsrpBhPmI/AAAAAAAAKnA/QG_OsOPupx0zUbwk9RW20qDZKWnYolqdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BElephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--6CTCsCgn9U/WsdsrpBhPmI/AAAAAAAAKnA/QG_OsOPupx0zUbwk9RW20qDZKWnYolqdgCEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BElephant.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMniW-igY4E/WsdsrqtqIbI/AAAAAAAAKm0/LSn2eBXvMdYXo85t3I5J-jK0zMmma38AQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BGiraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMniW-igY4E/WsdsrqtqIbI/AAAAAAAAKm0/LSn2eBXvMdYXo85t3I5J-jK0zMmma38AQCEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BGiraffe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
.... And here is how they turned out when produced for the toy shelves. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpxatbzhhCU/Wsdss1DbU6I/AAAAAAAAKnE/pdX4gU_L-BMPahkPcpzboghziYXdr2bwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BMonkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="425" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpxatbzhhCU/Wsdss1DbU6I/AAAAAAAAKnE/pdX4gU_L-BMPahkPcpzboghziYXdr2bwgCEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BMonkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDXFlzvRlZM/Wsdsty-sylI/AAAAAAAAKnA/-oGQS4XNMDYNU09jLrXeEpWMo3nBK1IowCEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2Bpets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDXFlzvRlZM/Wsdsty-sylI/AAAAAAAAKnA/-oGQS4XNMDYNU09jLrXeEpWMo3nBK1IowCEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2Bpets.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebM9fCo3v1c/WsdsuWnmwSI/AAAAAAAAKnI/QSSg_G-V7Y4lmdrVAS5U2reRCxq2aeXuACEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBears%2BBunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebM9fCo3v1c/WsdsuWnmwSI/AAAAAAAAKnI/QSSg_G-V7Y4lmdrVAS5U2reRCxq2aeXuACEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBears%2BBunny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0V8_elOh2Y/WsdssTcTXWI/AAAAAAAAKm4/lBLvfLgALNYXWUeD9HeAL-hdRaw39gvCACEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BMonkey%2Bpkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0V8_elOh2Y/WsdssTcTXWI/AAAAAAAAKm4/lBLvfLgALNYXWUeD9HeAL-hdRaw39gvCACEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BMonkey%2Bpkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.. Even the carriers with pups came out great. Again; another instance of not to much changing in the entire process. I always consider that a job well done, in doing what I do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-So140KQX-b8/WsdssIy9hxI/AAAAAAAAKnI/4GWppVh4U7U8nkcdcu2D9qBTq6GVFCoWACEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BKitty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1187" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-So140KQX-b8/WsdssIy9hxI/AAAAAAAAKnI/4GWppVh4U7U8nkcdcu2D9qBTq6GVFCoWACEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BKitty2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8NB96Vjygo/WsdsrmVIAEI/AAAAAAAAKnE/02zXoxhj9PE9oey3PwgtQ-wAeFFE7ECLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BKitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1500" height="271" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8NB96Vjygo/WsdsrmVIAEI/AAAAAAAAKnE/02zXoxhj9PE9oey3PwgtQ-wAeFFE7ECLQCEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2BKitty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-soO5nyQT-M8/Wsdsu92UO4I/AAAAAAAAKnE/D4sj6QGG3sY2dlA3mG4tHe_K9-ghYlRsACEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBears%2Bkitty%2Bset.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-soO5nyQT-M8/Wsdsu92UO4I/AAAAAAAAKnE/D4sj6QGG3sY2dlA3mG4tHe_K9-ghYlRsACEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBears%2Bkitty%2Bset.png" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybN8P6FQZOQ/WsdstRfXMuI/AAAAAAAAKm8/fGbi_Qc9ylUjwqDsFlSH5kiln0bQfp8WQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2Bkitty%2Bcarrier%2Bcoral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybN8P6FQZOQ/WsdstRfXMuI/AAAAAAAAKm8/fGbi_Qc9ylUjwqDsFlSH5kiln0bQfp8WQCEwYBhgL/s320/FP-%2BDoodle%2BBear%2Bkitty%2Bcarrier%2Bcoral.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-15258461926210164742018-04-04T18:18:00.000-05:002018-04-07T05:51:36.636-05:00more Mickey's Clubhouse Some time back I posted the work I had done for <a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2015/04/mickeys-clubhouse-motorhome-camper.html" target="_blank">Mickey's Motorhome Camper</a>, as well as <a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2012/09/mickeys-magic-choo-choo.html" target="_blank">Mickey's Magic Choo-Choo.</a> There was a lot more done over the course of 3 or 4 years for Mickey's Clubhouse toy line.<br />
<br />
Some of the concepts fell into different categories, like this role-play cash register;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UgOA-0A2f0/UisfMRfTC_I/AAAAAAAABLY/J-HP08YLyCc/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Register+rev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9UgOA-0A2f0/UisfMRfTC_I/AAAAAAAABLY/J-HP08YLyCc/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Register+rev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lltsLpCYMc/UisfMbTdyfI/AAAAAAAABLU/_nkgF4J8Y0k/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Register+beta+4-c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lltsLpCYMc/UisfMbTdyfI/AAAAAAAABLU/_nkgF4J8Y0k/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Register+beta+4-c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was revisited and refined a bit more for a second pass; <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
..and here is the final;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRrChdQGnXM/Uisfx_gmK-I/AAAAAAAABLk/Cf52etnWxzQ/s1600/MM+cash+register.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRrChdQGnXM/Uisfx_gmK-I/AAAAAAAABLk/Cf52etnWxzQ/s320/MM+cash+register.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Among the other items were a number of sets that involved vehicle and track play. Here are the cars designed for the line;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LArCZaYpP64/UisZ7bg0eRI/AAAAAAAABK8/ErW_MY_Gcgs/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LArCZaYpP64/UisZ7bg0eRI/AAAAAAAABK8/ErW_MY_Gcgs/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+cars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Once the line of vehicles was established, that led to the fun track play;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDavmQ6Dk3w/VFOvfgQWTSI/AAAAAAAABOg/6PLn2LBD5w8/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2Btruck%2Binset%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDavmQ6Dk3w/VFOvfgQWTSI/AAAAAAAABOg/6PLn2LBD5w8/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2Btruck%2Binset%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1oeuU_Tt3U/VFOvfhAKuMI/AAAAAAAABOc/clVxBwVPuCQ/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BTruck%2Btrack%2Bcab%2Bback%2Bview%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1oeuU_Tt3U/VFOvfhAKuMI/AAAAAAAABOc/clVxBwVPuCQ/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BTruck%2Btrack%2Bcab%2Bback%2Bview%2Bcopy.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBl-k-Ez6o0/VFOvgOcmdwI/AAAAAAAABOo/9qz_9r6mDek/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BTruck%2BTrack%2Bset%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBl-k-Ez6o0/VFOvgOcmdwI/AAAAAAAABOo/9qz_9r6mDek/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BTruck%2BTrack%2Bset%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a concept for a large rig that opened up to become a race track and pit area. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This concept successfully went on to become a drag set. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZylO11tScA/UisXIy1lTqI/AAAAAAAABKY/YBVNY5ri2To/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Mickey+Drag+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZylO11tScA/UisXIy1lTqI/AAAAAAAABKY/YBVNY5ri2To/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Mickey+Drag+set.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRxde3Ryey4/UisYdVJN7JI/AAAAAAAABKw/nYM2mbXjlKQ/s1600/FP-+Mickey+Motors+Dragway+pkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRxde3Ryey4/UisYdVJN7JI/AAAAAAAABKw/nYM2mbXjlKQ/s320/FP-+Mickey+Motors+Dragway+pkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YPs0IMxLOA/UisYdLdtNXI/AAAAAAAABKs/cZi2WMV0DLE/s1600/FP-+Mickey+Motor+Dragway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YPs0IMxLOA/UisYdLdtNXI/AAAAAAAABKs/cZi2WMV0DLE/s320/FP-+Mickey+Motor+Dragway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8zgFGhLmoY/UisYdE2f8yI/AAAAAAAABKo/L3XXKGML5dM/s1600/MM+Dragway+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8zgFGhLmoY/UisYdE2f8yI/AAAAAAAABKo/L3XXKGML5dM/s320/MM+Dragway+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here was a fun idea for Goofy's Garage, which was in the form of a giant Goofy shoe.<br />
I started by exploring a few different ways the garage could open, offering some track play for the cars as well as some other features;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRCTbRBTMNs/VsWwbpzCWyI/AAAAAAAABnM/9RynJSzZPmY/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRCTbRBTMNs/VsWwbpzCWyI/AAAAAAAABnM/9RynJSzZPmY/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2e0HlPlHpm8/VsWwahaJf5I/AAAAAAAABnI/xiieggG0Gyc/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2e0HlPlHpm8/VsWwahaJf5I/AAAAAAAABnI/xiieggG0Gyc/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pG_Bjj85E/VsWwb9jqsbI/AAAAAAAABnQ/zz64-stoVBQ/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2pG_Bjj85E/VsWwb9jqsbI/AAAAAAAABnQ/zz64-stoVBQ/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Some of the best elements were combined into one more pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj6Iwjyfrz8/VsWwyy01GpI/AAAAAAAABnY/Dipu3MZXSCA/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2527s%2BGarage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj6Iwjyfrz8/VsWwyy01GpI/AAAAAAAABnY/Dipu3MZXSCA/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2527s%2BGarage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lastly, more ramp and track play was added to the top, and it was rendered up for line presentation;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-284--6zv4/VsWwckChIvI/AAAAAAAABnU/jScwE7pGUbI/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2Bgoofy%2Bgarage%2Brev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-284--6zv4/VsWwckChIvI/AAAAAAAABnU/jScwE7pGUbI/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2Bgoofy%2Bgarage%2Brev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Trimming costs to reach a lower price also removed some of the height, but it turned out to become a really fun set; <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvpKQ0MSQh8/VsWxLsHfGVI/AAAAAAAABng/pyN3hNgkhPU/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JvpKQ0MSQh8/VsWxLsHfGVI/AAAAAAAABng/pyN3hNgkhPU/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2Bset.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2XNExVLrNI/VsWxL7p4DTI/AAAAAAAABnk/q5CCvRHZexg/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2Bopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_2XNExVLrNI/VsWxL7p4DTI/AAAAAAAABnk/q5CCvRHZexg/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2Bopen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZqHMtZ3g0g/VsWxMCfEDVI/AAAAAAAABno/i2-MXcyX9nU/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2Bpkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZqHMtZ3g0g/VsWxMCfEDVI/AAAAAAAABno/i2-MXcyX9nU/s320/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BGoofy%2BGarage%2Bpkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-21265772056390935372016-02-16T11:19:00.000-06:002018-04-07T05:56:19.467-05:00JENGA! - Jenga Max and Jenga BoomThe game Jenga has become a perennial favorite over the years. At this point there have been a number of spin-offs, even an oversized patio/yard version.<br />
Some years back Hasbro Games called on me to help them explore a new tabletop version of Jenga that used an entirely new method of block stacking. And instead of the tower ultimately collapsing from tipping, it relied on a magnetic hub that dropped when the imbalance went beyond its limit.<br />
<br />
The play-pattern and basic design had been resolved by the time I was tapped, my task was in exploring the design of the base and top hub. Aside from aesthetics, I needed to consider storage of the blocks as well as different ways they might hang off the top hub. We also needed to have a logo or two in there. <br />
<br />
Here are the initial sketches exploring the base, center hub and outer ring of <b>Jenga Max</b>.<br />
I started by generating a universal view of the set in play, then just swapping out a number of different designs for the rest. It saved some time while still providing scale and context;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmLFyHL3UFM/VFTGuDpDmLI/AAAAAAAABSA/lrVnduJ0RAs/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BA%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmLFyHL3UFM/VFTGuDpDmLI/AAAAAAAABSA/lrVnduJ0RAs/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BA%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SC4VYNSJeOg/VFTGvYscrUI/AAAAAAAABSM/4Dp9GRbSJzk/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BB%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SC4VYNSJeOg/VFTGvYscrUI/AAAAAAAABSM/4Dp9GRbSJzk/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BB%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0dqPdYKROc/VFTGvOl7G_I/AAAAAAAABSI/ARG3qxKGn70/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BC%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0dqPdYKROc/VFTGvOl7G_I/AAAAAAAABSI/ARG3qxKGn70/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BC%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FwSiZMd_Gg/VFTGwssA6UI/AAAAAAAABSY/7Jaxwh7lmnQ/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BD%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8FwSiZMd_Gg/VFTGwssA6UI/AAAAAAAABSY/7Jaxwh7lmnQ/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BD%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CalSHlhLeM/VFTGxig6TxI/AAAAAAAABSg/bZJwQZdkHeM/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BE%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6CalSHlhLeM/VFTGxig6TxI/AAAAAAAABSg/bZJwQZdkHeM/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BE%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOgvrYLJIvc/VFTGzL-EAxI/AAAAAAAABSo/_39kOdsz2Z8/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BF%2Blogos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOgvrYLJIvc/VFTGzL-EAxI/AAAAAAAABSo/_39kOdsz2Z8/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BF%2Blogos.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxEcOFFI290/VFTGz1ulcTI/AAAAAAAABSw/s5bTx0eeQGw/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BG%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FxEcOFFI290/VFTGz1ulcTI/AAAAAAAABSw/s5bTx0eeQGw/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BG%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvtkcwGEo5o/VFTG0o6pBnI/AAAAAAAABS4/gaioIfqtN0s/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BH%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvtkcwGEo5o/VFTG0o6pBnI/AAAAAAAABS4/gaioIfqtN0s/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BXtension%2BH%2Blogo.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I deliberately separated those parts in layers to allow for switching out bases and tops.<br />
One combination they chose went on to receive a round of color studies;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTFY5ROv2Dw/VFTHtuFkY3I/AAAAAAAABTA/KNT4H5H-pe4/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wTFY5ROv2Dw/VFTHtuFkY3I/AAAAAAAABTA/KNT4H5H-pe4/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BA.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ5QptN27ao/VFTHuCk04BI/AAAAAAAABTI/HyxoOUWK4Ek/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zQ5QptN27ao/VFTHuCk04BI/AAAAAAAABTI/HyxoOUWK4Ek/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BB.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sX9gBKn4EY/VFTHwJsjUVI/AAAAAAAABTg/hySW9vTLs1s/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sX9gBKn4EY/VFTHwJsjUVI/AAAAAAAABTg/hySW9vTLs1s/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BE.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXTnXmEKcFM/VFTHtmlTtKI/AAAAAAAABTE/Uo4TarA882U/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NXTnXmEKcFM/VFTHtmlTtKI/AAAAAAAABTE/Uo4TarA882U/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BC.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVstEqeHKBg/VFTHvDlhvlI/AAAAAAAABTY/OiMqJqoe-3Q/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVstEqeHKBg/VFTHvDlhvlI/AAAAAAAABTY/OiMqJqoe-3Q/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2Bcolor%2BD.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872"></span><span id="goog_1182895873"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1182895872">They ultimately went with a more subtle color palate, the final look leaning toward an older audience;</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD5pDz18YeY/VFTLG2PXoeI/AAAAAAAABUU/x98ncozh9IA/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BMax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD5pDz18YeY/VFTLG2PXoeI/AAAAAAAABUU/x98ncozh9IA/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BMax.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________<br />
<br />
Jenga BOOM came a few years later, this time the design process focusing less on style and overall presentation and more on basic mechanics. In this case, they wanted something at the base of a regular Jenga tower that was on a timing mechanism. The play would be heightened by a time limit on each move, almost like the game Perfection. If you don't finish your move in time and reset the mechanism, then BOOM; the tower 'explodes'. Somehow.<br />
That's where I came in.<br />
I was asked to explore a range of possibilities from ones that resembled a cluster of standard Jenga blocks, to more obvious ones abandoning any attempt to disguise the mechanism. The main thing to solve was that it needed to be simple, work every time, and look really cool when it blew.<br />
<br />
Simple rough sketches, but that's all that was needed; <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3ouzyRNrRs/VsNZp2GeBdI/AAAAAAAABmo/kvEdyS462N8/s1600/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BA%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k3ouzyRNrRs/VsNZp2GeBdI/AAAAAAAABmo/kvEdyS462N8/s320/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BA%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckGro4rmlOY/VsNZp5UB-yI/AAAAAAAABms/Bcd2zMNe3Is/s1600/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BB%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckGro4rmlOY/VsNZp5UB-yI/AAAAAAAABms/Bcd2zMNe3Is/s320/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BB%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vijamwVAUQ/VsNZpWT1PUI/AAAAAAAABmk/IdUpJNfPNuA/s1600/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BC%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vijamwVAUQ/VsNZpWT1PUI/AAAAAAAABmk/IdUpJNfPNuA/s320/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BC%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS02uuWEmb4/VsNZqhKLONI/AAAAAAAABmw/EF-uukOFJpQ/s1600/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BD%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZS02uuWEmb4/VsNZqhKLONI/AAAAAAAABmw/EF-uukOFJpQ/s320/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BD%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnYNa8JKWA0/VsNZrmS-WbI/AAAAAAAABm0/H7k3rNFIZ0M/s1600/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BE%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VnYNa8JKWA0/VsNZrmS-WbI/AAAAAAAABm0/H7k3rNFIZ0M/s320/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BE%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dZWQ02yNsY/VsNZr7Qis3I/AAAAAAAABm4/fqXNcP_7FNA/s1600/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BF%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dZWQ02yNsY/VsNZr7Qis3I/AAAAAAAABm4/fqXNcP_7FNA/s320/Hasbro%2BGames-%2BJenga%2Bblast%2BF%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
They liked the TNT concept but it was small and hidden in the core of the tower.<br />
<br />
Ultimately they came up with a combination of some of the above elements to produce <b>Jenga BOOM!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crCWNrx3PDM/VFTPgN5HLsI/AAAAAAAABVY/QQdmg5WFDXE/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BBoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crCWNrx3PDM/VFTPgN5HLsI/AAAAAAAABVY/QQdmg5WFDXE/s1600/Hasbro-%2BJenga%2BBoom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-30544383289895271152015-06-27T08:06:00.002-05:002021-02-24T08:49:26.413-06:00Wheelies: Radiator Springs PlaysetI've always loved working with the folks at Fisher-Price, both FP Brands in NYC and their home base, still located in East Aurora. I've been fortunate enough to work with a number of their designers on scores of toys over the past 20+ years, and in the process cultivating some long professional relationships.<br />
So much so, that I've seen a few retire after they've dedicated their entire adult life to creating great play, and it's always a bittersweet farewell.<br />
One of the last projects I worked on with one such designer there was the Radiator Springs playset for Pixar's CARS. This was one of a number of licensed sets in Fisher-Price's 'Wheelies' line. It was a textbook case of fun and one of the key reasons I love doing what I do. <br />
<br />
The parameters were pretty straightforward; come up with a compact version of the town of Radiator Springs that offered some fun gravity-driven track play, something simple, self-contained, and cost-effective.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuEuQkiX25g/VFVCKPcZ_VI/AAAAAAAABVw/kCHFUvveqe4/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BWheelies%2BPixar%2BCARS%2Bset%2Bb-w.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuEuQkiX25g/VFVCKPcZ_VI/AAAAAAAABVw/kCHFUvveqe4/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BWheelies%2BPixar%2BCARS%2Bset%2Bb-w.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShBfyfkKaFY/VFVCJEDx7RI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZzF4FKdmqAM/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BWheelies%2BPixar%2BCARS%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ShBfyfkKaFY/VFVCJEDx7RI/AAAAAAAABVo/ZzF4FKdmqAM/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BWheelies%2BPixar%2BCARS%2Bset%2B4c.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This was another one of those rarities where the final toy really came close to my hand in the project.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4Vmb6ZOVsI/VFVEn2DlvtI/AAAAAAAABW4/vXm_O21eFTo/s1600/FP-%2BWheelies%2BCARS%2Bkid.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4Vmb6ZOVsI/VFVEn2DlvtI/AAAAAAAABW4/vXm_O21eFTo/s1600/FP-%2BWheelies%2BCARS%2Bkid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHJyGhZC3K8/VFVEnj-ftrI/AAAAAAAABW0/BrLOoWMTbyc/s1600/FP-%2BWheelies%2BCARS%2Bset.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvrcJgnFDzY/VY_h6-qrsfI/AAAAAAAABl8/Ruv9KF2BDLA/s1600/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BWheelies%2BPixar%2BRadiator%2BSprings%2Bset.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cvrcJgnFDzY/VY_h6-qrsfI/AAAAAAAABl8/Ruv9KF2BDLA/s320/Fisher%2BPrice-%2BWheelies%2BPixar%2BRadiator%2BSprings%2Bset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBy5LfDeEkU/VFVEn5EhdCI/AAAAAAAABW8/pnCtnUuPNdI/s1600/FP-%2BWheelies%2BCARS%2Bpkg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBy5LfDeEkU/VFVEn5EhdCI/AAAAAAAABW8/pnCtnUuPNdI/s1600/FP-%2BWheelies%2BCARS%2Bpkg.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
.. I still miss working with this guy, I always enjoyed his wry wit. I hope his well-earned retired life is full of fun and relaxation. Hats off to ya, Larry!Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-61597416954333227252015-05-12T09:34:00.001-05:002015-05-12T09:34:28.130-05:00from the flat file archives: plush baby monstersSome random hairy little fellows inspired by the troll dolls of yesteryear. Hope you like:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBBTr2ETIDU/VVIJX053anI/AAAAAAAABjM/Uk8gDy6MdsY/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KBBTr2ETIDU/VVIJX053anI/AAAAAAAABjM/Uk8gDy6MdsY/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BA.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezC-RzJLvJ0/VVIJZByrBDI/AAAAAAAABjY/fcRTVd_6s-Y/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezC-RzJLvJ0/VVIJZByrBDI/AAAAAAAABjY/fcRTVd_6s-Y/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BB.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUOzt-8HS80/VVIJaUm64NI/AAAAAAAABjk/YeWfAPnsBuA/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUOzt-8HS80/VVIJaUm64NI/AAAAAAAABjk/YeWfAPnsBuA/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BE.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raAMgdPEKNI/VVIK2a88mRI/AAAAAAAABkc/daKx9MDdshI/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raAMgdPEKNI/VVIK2a88mRI/AAAAAAAABkc/daKx9MDdshI/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BF.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqyNTzjhEf0/VVIJYuqFo1I/AAAAAAAABjU/ZIITs82EL88/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqyNTzjhEf0/VVIJYuqFo1I/AAAAAAAABjU/ZIITs82EL88/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BC.jpg" width="232" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIjXQphPvEY/VVIJbkeV_VI/AAAAAAAABj0/Labf-6mo-xw/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIjXQphPvEY/VVIJbkeV_VI/AAAAAAAABj0/Labf-6mo-xw/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BG.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6y0pLew6yE/VVIJcaO68EI/AAAAAAAABj8/V7drTs_pWDA/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6y0pLew6yE/VVIJcaO68EI/AAAAAAAABj8/V7drTs_pWDA/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BH.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ejU6zFsn_o/VVIJdMHtjLI/AAAAAAAABkA/juPtlBADrCs/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ejU6zFsn_o/VVIJdMHtjLI/AAAAAAAABkA/juPtlBADrCs/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BI.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9R2-ctv314/VVIJ96ZJsRI/AAAAAAAABkQ/RwmIYIDCJ0Y/s1600/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9R2-ctv314/VVIJ96ZJsRI/AAAAAAAABkQ/RwmIYIDCJ0Y/s320/plush%2BMonster%2BBabies%2BD.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-5009522017968435212015-04-30T09:37:00.000-05:002018-04-07T05:51:12.986-05:00Mickey's Clubhouse: Motorhome CamperThe Mickey Mouse Clubhouse toys have been in the Fisher-Price catalog for years now, and I always enjoy working on items for their line. I posted the <a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2012/09/mickeys-magic-choo-choo.html" target="_blank">train set</a> for Mickey I designed a while back. ..And there's been a lot more in the line, most of it making it to the toy stores I'm glad to say.<br />
<br />
Among many toys I got to work on was this camper motorhome play set for Mickey and friends.<br />
I recall at the time there were a number of other concepts being pitched internally and to Disney, this was part of a batch. As a result there weren't a lot of iterations going in, they just knew they wanted a motorhome that expanded into a fun play environment.<br />
I went with a retro body style, working with the shows' motif but inspired by reference I found from old Disney cartoons and my affection for old teardrop campers from the 1940s.<br />
The rest was taking these basics and blowing it out into something theme appropriate, play interactive, and very 'Mickey'. The vertical climbing wall roof feature was the only stretch, conceptually, I had also considered a rooftop deck.<br />
<br />
.. anyway, here are the concept drawings as pitched;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnWbus6Iixk/VTkH0jSUuOI/AAAAAAAABhQ/LZbW61tpeH0/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BMotorhome%2B4c%2Bext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnWbus6Iixk/VTkH0jSUuOI/AAAAAAAABhQ/LZbW61tpeH0/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BMotorhome%2B4c%2Bext.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8PcDbZVLxA/VTkH12GOhYI/AAAAAAAABhY/ut-701vBHYo/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BMotorhome%2B4c%2Bint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8PcDbZVLxA/VTkH12GOhYI/AAAAAAAABhY/ut-701vBHYo/s1600/FP%2BBrands-%2BMM%2BMotorhome%2B4c%2Bint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I didn't find out the ultimate fate of this particular concept for a few years, it being among several that were developed further internally using my work as a springboard of sorts. I almost forgot about it until I came across the renderings in my files and Googled for it.<br />
<br />
Here is how Mickey's Camper looked when it came out.<br />
It's clear the size and features went through some minor changes, but the exterior is virtually identical to my design.<br />
..I do like the added pull out awning;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HzyjB0fVnQ/VFOqs1bv6YI/AAAAAAAABM4/rCc_TPArAIQ/s1600/MM%2Bcamper%2Bext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HzyjB0fVnQ/VFOqs1bv6YI/AAAAAAAABM4/rCc_TPArAIQ/s1600/MM%2Bcamper%2Bext.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ0HiTMNHfA/VFOquMJbcCI/AAAAAAAABNI/VKnqdr1gFSc/s1600/MM%2Bcamper%2Bopen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ0HiTMNHfA/VFOquMJbcCI/AAAAAAAABNI/VKnqdr1gFSc/s1600/MM%2Bcamper%2Bopen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NI72QshROK8/VFOquH6MMYI/AAAAAAAABNM/0mea0qzRVb4/s1600/fisher-price-mickey-mouse-club-house-mickeys-camper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NI72QshROK8/VFOquH6MMYI/AAAAAAAABNM/0mea0qzRVb4/s1600/fisher-price-mickey-mouse-club-house-mickeys-camper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-74017117297586067742015-04-16T08:46:00.000-05:002018-04-07T05:47:27.036-05:00Playskool's Cool Crew vacuum<br />
Some years back I had the pleasure of working on Hasbro's 'Yard Crew' and 'Cool Crew' toys. These anthropomorphized role-play tools were a successful line for Playskool, and I had a lot of fun coming up with ways to style common objects like flashlights, leaf blowers, and lawnmowers into animated characters.<br />
<br />
One of the many items in the line was a vacuum cleaner. At that point there
was nothing defined so I explored a handful of looks and types of
vacuums, providing some range from which to choose. The important features required were common throughout the designs; <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opjPGOHZucs/VS-2qwd7TGI/AAAAAAAABfI/WSuB74W3yF0/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opjPGOHZucs/VS-2qwd7TGI/AAAAAAAABfI/WSuB74W3yF0/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BA.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7Am5PgmcsQ/VS-2rUPUD-I/AAAAAAAABfQ/ELyilQJVoR4/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7Am5PgmcsQ/VS-2rUPUD-I/AAAAAAAABfQ/ELyilQJVoR4/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BB.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ja_EIo1loHs/VS-2rjHN12I/AAAAAAAABfc/IA3Y-LtEMoM/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ja_EIo1loHs/VS-2rjHN12I/AAAAAAAABfc/IA3Y-LtEMoM/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BC.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUvF0dqaLds/VS-2sjsNFBI/AAAAAAAABfs/o1576E8uza4/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUvF0dqaLds/VS-2sjsNFBI/AAAAAAAABfs/o1576E8uza4/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BD.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSGLNYOp9Q/VS_IeBi1HAI/AAAAAAAABg0/Ic6wAgCcHLY/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2BVacuum%2BE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2iSGLNYOp9Q/VS_IeBi1HAI/AAAAAAAABg0/Ic6wAgCcHLY/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2BVacuum%2BE.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaI9XEG0B5A/VS-2sYqr33I/AAAAAAAABfo/Prq2cGaGdoQ/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaI9XEG0B5A/VS-2sYqr33I/AAAAAAAABfo/Prq2cGaGdoQ/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2BF.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Taking the best elements of the upright style and making some tweaks to the characters' faces I generated a tighter version which was rendered for presentation;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbt7Dyck5Y4/VS_IesGnDgI/AAAAAAAABg4/8b0O18rMR9A/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2Bbw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbt7Dyck5Y4/VS_IesGnDgI/AAAAAAAABg4/8b0O18rMR9A/s1600/Playskool-%2BCool%2BCrew%2Bvacuum%2Bbw.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7zmZp4P3G0/VS-6GCyBO1I/AAAAAAAABgc/GzJIU4hR4V4/s1600/Playskool-%2BCC%2Bvacuum%2BG%2B4c%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7zmZp4P3G0/VS-6GCyBO1I/AAAAAAAABgc/GzJIU4hR4V4/s1600/Playskool-%2BCC%2Bvacuum%2BG%2B4c%2Bcopy.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the vacuum as it was produced by Playskool. Since then it has gone through a couple of color changes, even being completely redesigned for newer generations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qeImPNWx4Jc/VS-6FjqF83I/AAAAAAAABgU/tNA3tMF1KfQ/s1600/Playskool-%2Bcool%2Bcrew%2BVacuum%2Bredux%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qeImPNWx4Jc/VS-6FjqF83I/AAAAAAAABgU/tNA3tMF1KfQ/s1600/Playskool-%2Bcool%2Bcrew%2BVacuum%2Bredux%2Bcopy.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-26794591977936211302014-12-10T08:13:00.000-06:002018-04-07T05:52:03.925-05:00The Doc McStuffins 'Doc Is In' talking playsetIn an October 2014 TIME article covering the <a href="http://time.com/3089384/influential-toys/" target="_blank">13 most influential toys of All Time</a>, Disney's <b>Doc McStuffins</b> toys were listed among the perennial classics. Somewhat surprising, considering the other toys listed.<br />
<br />
While the relatively recent character of <b>Doc McStuffins</b> may not be as indelibly etched in our pop culture as Disney's Winnie the Pooh (yet), or the toy line as iconic and generation-spanning as Barbie, the children's show has still made a tremendous impact on its audience and the widely popular toys have become big sellers.<br />
One of the major producers of the <b>Doc McStuffins</b> line of toys for Disney is Just Play, and a few years ago I was called in to help them create their 'Doc Is In' playset.<br />
<br />
For what it's worth, in instances like this I'm usually provided a starting list of features to be included, and/or some basic play pattern. More specifically style guide reference helps get the character figures right, and lots of screen captures of the shows' backgrounds were essential in getting those details integrated into the design. <br />
<br />
Anyway, here's where it all started, with 3/4 view pencil roughs of the interior and exterior;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEMVMiBtnWI/VF0yp16a3eI/AAAAAAAABaU/6No5ck1TihM/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bext%2Bpencil.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEMVMiBtnWI/VF0yp16a3eI/AAAAAAAABaU/6No5ck1TihM/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bext%2Bpencil.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMRUazUYlzA/VF0yp3J0NaI/AAAAAAAABaY/Cp7yAEHjhC8/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2BHouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Bpencil.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMRUazUYlzA/VF0yp3J0NaI/AAAAAAAABaY/Cp7yAEHjhC8/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2BHouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Bpencil.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are the cleaned up versions;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7-Ek4rpZ3E/VF00jl-mifI/AAAAAAAABa4/z3W5I_qXXG4/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bext%2Bbw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M7-Ek4rpZ3E/VF00jl-mifI/AAAAAAAABa4/z3W5I_qXXG4/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bext%2Bbw.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhqvKq2pcX8/VF00jwU6dOI/AAAAAAAABa8/GsT95vK7Sy4/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Bbw.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RhqvKq2pcX8/VF00jwU6dOI/AAAAAAAABa8/GsT95vK7Sy4/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Bbw.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After reviewing the initial pass, various changes were discussed and quickly handled with some patches;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmK1az6k4hU/VIg04MDVGHI/AAAAAAAABbY/OOezlV5H_1g/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Brev-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmK1az6k4hU/VIg04MDVGHI/AAAAAAAABbY/OOezlV5H_1g/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Brev-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDY_PmD2j6w/VIg04ujxArI/AAAAAAAABbo/qbyFqcjzUdE/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Brev.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDY_PmD2j6w/VIg04ujxArI/AAAAAAAABbo/qbyFqcjzUdE/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Brev.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3dosJH8KLI/VIg04DrT2iI/AAAAAAAABbc/MKdMR0KJ3_g/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Brev-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3dosJH8KLI/VIg04DrT2iI/AAAAAAAABbc/MKdMR0KJ3_g/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2Brev-2.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
... The doctor bag elevator idea was nixed for a more typical balcony lift.<br />
<br />
The 'hot spot' where either the exam table or bed plugged in changed from wood texture to the puzzle cut.<br />
<br />
The reception desk changed to a more curvy design. ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iM2r97NjvwY/VIhSutp8LkI/AAAAAAAABck/EQzD-R29Qcs/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iM2r97NjvwY/VIhSutp8LkI/AAAAAAAABck/EQzD-R29Qcs/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Having all changes done and everything approved, the exterior view was revised accordingly and both were rendered up for presentation.<br />
Here is how those turned out;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvJZzRBNkYo/VIg017ChQBI/AAAAAAAABbQ/kGNnal8uFIw/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bext%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvJZzRBNkYo/VIg017ChQBI/AAAAAAAABbQ/kGNnal8uFIw/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bext%2B4c.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NxsMlsX1IM/VIg03wByqJI/AAAAAAAABbg/T2vPCd3pMPA/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2B4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NxsMlsX1IM/VIg03wByqJI/AAAAAAAABbg/T2vPCd3pMPA/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BMcStuffins%2Bhouse%2Bset%2Bint%2B4c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the actual playset as produced by the people at Just Play toys;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51GWlHEHKKg/VIg21CF_ZMI/AAAAAAAABcM/VFaIskGufwI/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BDoc%2BMcStuffins%2BClinic%2Bext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-51GWlHEHKKg/VIg21CF_ZMI/AAAAAAAABcM/VFaIskGufwI/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BDoc%2BMcStuffins%2BClinic%2Bext.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo4AF-BlzNU/VIg21QF36tI/AAAAAAAABcQ/u97zEMu0JWI/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BDoc%2BMcStuffins%2BClinic%2BPlayhouse%2Bint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo4AF-BlzNU/VIg21QF36tI/AAAAAAAABcQ/u97zEMu0JWI/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BDoc%2BMcStuffins%2BClinic%2BPlayhouse%2Bint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR5X9vm-eTc/VIg2xwwQCCI/AAAAAAAABcE/PK2ib5P5AV0/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BDoc%2BMcStuffins%2Bset%2Bkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eR5X9vm-eTc/VIg2xwwQCCI/AAAAAAAABcE/PK2ib5P5AV0/s1600/Just%2BPlay-%2BDoc%2BMcStuffins%2Bset%2Bkids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1800999800"></span><span id="goog_1800999801"></span><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OTYl-hnnTDk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-15693353973461719292014-11-03T09:07:00.003-06:002018-04-07T05:56:52.718-05:00Mickey and Minnie Hot RodsA while back the folks at Kid Trax were working on a 6V ride-on quad for Mickey and Minnie Mouse. They sought to create something beyond a standard children's ride-on, something clearly reflecting a classic Mickey aesthetic and not something adapted from generic design, like a lunch box with a sticker. I was called in by the creatives at Disney Consumer Products to help them from the ground up in creating the look. <br />
<br />
Right from the start I was leaning toward a retro feel, taking cues from the 1950s coupes and souped up 40s models. Something that echoed the era of classic core Disney characters. .. Still, it wasn't a car in which to sit but a straddle rider, so the overall configuration would still resemble a typical modern quad. It offered some aesthetic challenges in exploring a range of looks from which to choose.<br />
<br />
Here are the initial rough sketches of some possibilities I came up with. The perennial Mickey ears are already apparent in the design, the 'gears' motif intentionally tying into the 'Mickey's Clubhouse' show aesthetic, a very popular Disney show at the time;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrKY-hcUBZA/VFoFZyMCWAI/AAAAAAAABZs/X6mXgQ--SSw/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrKY-hcUBZA/VFoFZyMCWAI/AAAAAAAABZs/X6mXgQ--SSw/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k8wsB49qWtM/VFVKGw8qx8I/AAAAAAAABXc/oa5msJ0qqU8/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ZiZnpAqzI/VFVKGUfGOQI/AAAAAAAABXU/HIxaxI3XSKk/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2ZiZnpAqzI/VFVKGUfGOQI/AAAAAAAABXU/HIxaxI3XSKk/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2pSDPloWps/VFVKGx5R2WI/AAAAAAAABXY/SHaYGcNPb0M/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2pSDPloWps/VFVKGx5R2WI/AAAAAAAABXY/SHaYGcNPb0M/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGFEszdfAd8/VFVKIIrsVFI/AAAAAAAABXs/vDUJBy2dOig/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GGFEszdfAd8/VFVKIIrsVFI/AAAAAAAABXs/vDUJBy2dOig/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRLe6BAXzo8/VFVKIUWwqvI/AAAAAAAABXw/Q1fuyfcN_MI/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRLe6BAXzo8/VFVKIUWwqvI/AAAAAAAABXw/Q1fuyfcN_MI/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquad%2BE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They did like the old hot rod coupe look, leaning toward C and D the most, C being the final choice.<br />
The next step was to tighten it up and create the Minnie version.<br />
.. Ending up with this;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NmfNfn6dYM/VFeghUYQpsI/AAAAAAAABZI/n08rq1beTS4/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NmfNfn6dYM/VFeghUYQpsI/AAAAAAAABZI/n08rq1beTS4/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BaZu4IiZFU/VFVKvviOpQI/AAAAAAAABX8/odHauhLc6Y8/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BaZu4IiZFU/VFVKvviOpQI/AAAAAAAABX8/odHauhLc6Y8/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0m_kZnicVg/VFVKvgbqmOI/AAAAAAAABYA/vHx2XipjYfs/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads%2B4c%2Bbreaks%2BC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0m_kZnicVg/VFVKvgbqmOI/AAAAAAAABYA/vHx2XipjYfs/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads%2B4c%2Bbreaks%2BC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In this post-modern era of 26" rims and thin rubber, I found myself reveling in the notion of big fat white-walls and chrome hubs.<br />
Decidedly old school.<br />
<br />
<br />
.. This is another one of those cool projects where the final product ended up looking virtually identical to my work (Well done, Kid Trax!). Again, it's uncommon, as often so many hands are involved in creating and producing toys, so it's very satisfying and I take it as a complement. On a more practical and professional level I view these as an example of design efficacy and good communication.<br />
Hopefully my colleagues and contacts see it as another good reason to call on me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAkNo1U6Wd4/VFVLcSwxFiI/AAAAAAAABYU/4VKzs-oz4kQ/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Bkid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gou7We1I91M/VFeiTbntdlI/AAAAAAAABZU/hbkv5HtjhmM/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Bkid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gou7We1I91M/VFeiTbntdlI/AAAAAAAABZU/hbkv5HtjhmM/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Bkid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kJu3Bsms1w/VFeiTsMhZ6I/AAAAAAAABZY/xzLCl01ien4/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kJu3Bsms1w/VFeiTsMhZ6I/AAAAAAAABZY/xzLCl01ien4/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAkNo1U6Wd4/VFVLcSwxFiI/AAAAAAAABYU/4VKzs-oz4kQ/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Bkid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KD_FSm7bbag/VFVLcXA8stI/AAAAAAAABYQ/7ujQIbQ6GV0/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C2z3k3NCvM/VFVLcJZyYbI/AAAAAAAABYM/DkDp0g-Zgys/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Brear%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_C2z3k3NCvM/VFVLcJZyYbI/AAAAAAAABYM/DkDp0g-Zgys/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Brear%2Bview.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY5Q2SuixWE/VFVLcgBk4UI/AAAAAAAABYo/ehCJnh7TuJ0/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMinnie%2Bkid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sY5Q2SuixWE/VFVLcgBk4UI/AAAAAAAABYo/ehCJnh7TuJ0/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMinnie%2Bkid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbK4Sq-3C8U/VFVLcwOTtsI/AAAAAAAABYc/fUGWtsesLLU/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMinnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QbK4Sq-3C8U/VFVLcwOTtsI/AAAAAAAABYc/fUGWtsesLLU/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMinnie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6q0rclC_BWI/VFVNv4ICGJI/AAAAAAAABY4/wAvleTgo-2s/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMinnie%2Brear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6q0rclC_BWI/VFVNv4ICGJI/AAAAAAAABY4/wAvleTgo-2s/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMinnie%2Brear.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KD_FSm7bbag%2FVFVLcXA8stI%2FAAAAAAAABYQ%2F7ujQIbQ6GV0%2Fs1600%2FDisney-%252BPower%252BWheels%252BMickey.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KD_FSm7bbag/VFVLcXA8stI/AAAAAAAABYQ/7ujQIbQ6GV0/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_BaZu4IiZFU%2FVFVKvviOpQI%2FAAAAAAAABX8%2FodHauhLc6Y8%2Fs1600%2FDisney-%252BMM%252Bquads.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BaZu4IiZFU/VFVKvviOpQI/AAAAAAAABX8/odHauhLc6Y8/s1600/Disney-%2BMM%2Bquads.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-PAkNo1U6Wd4%2FVFVLcSwxFiI%2FAAAAAAAABYU%2F4VKzs-oz4kQ%2Fs1600%2FDisney-%252BPower%252BWheels%252BMickey%252Bkid.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAkNo1U6Wd4/VFVLcSwxFiI/AAAAAAAABYU/4VKzs-oz4kQ/s1600/Disney-%2BPower%2BWheels%2BMickey%2Bkid.jpg" -->Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-83510499851078452872013-03-11T08:36:00.000-05:002018-04-07T05:46:56.516-05:00Shake 'n Go DragstersThe 'Shake 'n Go' brand from Fisher-Price has been around for some years now, enjoying success as a line of vehicles that are simply shaken by hand to charge. No batteries are required to run them. Always a plus for parents, as well as being environmentally-friendly.<br />
As of this writing the Shake 'N Go brand has worked its way into fun vehicle and track play for Pixar's; Cars, Toy Story, and other licenses including Spongebob Squarepants and Thomas the Tank.<br />
<br />
..Whatever the license, its appeal as a brand is ultimately rooted in the fun simplicity of the mechanism and its endurance as a line seems indefinite. In its early stages, however, it wasn't quite so simple. In fact, when I was called in by Fisher-Price to help the design, it wasn't the cars that were shaken but a pretend 'impact wrench' that would then be used to wind up the vehicles. <br />
My role was in designing a fold-up drag race set that stored everything needed, including the 'Drill 'N Drive' tool used, which is what the concept was called.<br />
<br />
Here is the board I initially generated in illustrating the look and function of the Shake 'N Go drag set;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij0k367Rrr4/UHF6XcYS1wI/AAAAAAAAA-I/H4dCTIpuAM4/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Drill+n+Drive+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij0k367Rrr4/UHF6XcYS1wI/AAAAAAAAA-I/H4dCTIpuAM4/s320/Fisher+Price-+Drill+n+Drive+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8IKU37o2f8/UHF96_c7iRI/AAAAAAAAA-o/jBuS1C3mvAo/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Drill+n+Drive+rev+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8IKU37o2f8/UHF96_c7iRI/AAAAAAAAA-o/jBuS1C3mvAo/s320/Fisher+Price-+Drill+n+Drive+rev+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In this early form the cars were scaled smaller and had recessed lug nuts on the roof, which was where the impact wrench would charge up the cars. There were a couple of parts that popped up for play, and lanes of track that pulled out from the base, rolling up inside when closed for storage.<br />
<br />
Conceptually, it was pretty solid and I was eager to eventually see it in the toy stores.<br />
..But, always being ones to refine beyond 'cool', the creatives at Fisher-Price figured a way to eliminate the impact wrench entirely and embed the wind-up mechanism into the cars themselves. And while it required scaling the vehicles a little larger, it ultimately made the play even simpler and more self-contained.<br />
Many months had passed when I was tapped again to generate what would be this final drawing revisiting the original concept, now officially the <b>'Shake 'N Go' Dragsters</b>;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UC7brymfANk/UHGCma-JA1I/AAAAAAAAA_I/uqhB5VwdGvI/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Shake+n+drag+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UC7brymfANk/UHGCma-JA1I/AAAAAAAAA_I/uqhB5VwdGvI/s320/Fisher+Price-+Shake+n+drag+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
..and here is what it looked like when it was produced by Fisher-Price;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYjm1WxvBxc/UHGDCQBXK9I/AAAAAAAAA_U/Oteq_7NUpow/s1600/FP-+ShakenGo+Dragster+carry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYjm1WxvBxc/UHGDCQBXK9I/AAAAAAAAA_U/Oteq_7NUpow/s320/FP-+ShakenGo+Dragster+carry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0gG5PJuf6E/UHGDDG7YFuI/AAAAAAAAA_c/f-Y4Nyk2ArU/s1600/FP-+ShakenGo+Dragsters+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0gG5PJuf6E/UHGDDG7YFuI/AAAAAAAAA_c/f-Y4Nyk2ArU/s320/FP-+ShakenGo+Dragsters+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfbyGZDSMsk/UHGDDvTTn_I/AAAAAAAAA_k/6OpEeKk-KfI/s1600/FP-+ShakenGo+Dragsters+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfbyGZDSMsk/UHGDDvTTn_I/AAAAAAAAA_k/6OpEeKk-KfI/s320/FP-+ShakenGo+Dragsters+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
YEAH! Check it out! ..<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Xv4aNQ4M8A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-72661148257352161842012-12-27T08:48:00.001-06:002018-04-07T05:47:45.852-05:00Rescue HeroesA while back I was brought in by the creatives at Fisher-Price to design some new items for their <b>Rescue Heroes</b> line. What made these extra fun at the time was the fact that my son was at the perfect age to enjoy Rescue Heroes and he already had some of the toys produced. <br />
<br />
The first project was designing an ambulance for the figures, intended as a counterpart to the Rescue Heroes firetruck which was a popular item in the vehicle line. Because of this, I had some reference for scale and volume, and it was supposed to look like it fit with the line, but I was given the latitude to create features and functions that would be unique to the vehicle.<br />
<br />
Here are the 4 designs I came up with, the features being called out;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ6ZWGcUM40/UGsGjIwBYXI/AAAAAAAAA8I/E8loVPj0OKw/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ6ZWGcUM40/UGsGjIwBYXI/AAAAAAAAA8I/E8loVPj0OKw/s320/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UtenvDVSq0/UGsGk15hMNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/lenyTChpkOo/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UtenvDVSq0/UGsGk15hMNI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/lenyTChpkOo/s320/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV0da9NIgPg/UGsGn5UyO6I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/rhXz6AIb6oU/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fV0da9NIgPg/UGsGn5UyO6I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/rhXz6AIb6oU/s320/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNoru_r5m1o/UGsGq2kIf2I/AAAAAAAAA8g/4FXlXRk30mE/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNoru_r5m1o/UGsGq2kIf2I/AAAAAAAAA8g/4FXlXRk30mE/s320/Fisher+Price-+Rescue+Heroes+ambulance+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The features and design they worked from mostly was 'A', ultimately producing this for the market;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WYfsMTTVwc/UGsHi63IMmI/AAAAAAAAA8o/OsBwujm1szU/s1600/FP-+RescueHeroes+Ambulance+pkg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WYfsMTTVwc/UGsHi63IMmI/AAAAAAAAA8o/OsBwujm1szU/s320/FP-+RescueHeroes+Ambulance+pkg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0AvAmGCCYE/UGsHjiAgZxI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Biw-d-jsCss/s1600/FP-+RescueHeroes+Ambulance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0AvAmGCCYE/UGsHjiAgZxI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Biw-d-jsCss/s320/FP-+RescueHeroes+Ambulance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up was designing 2 new characters for the figure line. These went pretty quickly, not going through a number of iterations typical in developing an action figure. In fact, the first passes were the designs they decided to run with for the renderings presented. And while they did go through some refinements along the way, they pretty closely resembled the characters I designed.<br />
<br />
At the time I was called in all they knew was they wanted a "mountain climber" and a "safari explorer". The gadget features, which are always integral to the Rescue Heroes play, were discussed and decided at the outset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvgH-AVGiPc/UGsLSnT64cI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/5iPF8AmgGug/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Resc+climber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvgH-AVGiPc/UGsLSnT64cI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/5iPF8AmgGug/s320/Fisher+Price-+Resc+climber.jpg" width="253" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pF6TVdkTpUM/UGsLPErJebI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/8-MzxgwwZok/s1600/Fisher+Price-+Resc+Safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pF6TVdkTpUM/UGsLPErJebI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/8-MzxgwwZok/s320/Fisher+Price-+Resc+Safari.jpg" width="253" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The names of these new characters came later, ultimately introduced in the Rescue Heroes line as; <b>Cliff Hanger</b> and <b>Seymour Wilde</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FZ-iSKPnH0/UGsL4ycV1WI/AAAAAAAAA9g/28CfBpiA6Cs/s1600/FP-+Rescue+Heroes+Cliff+Hanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FZ-iSKPnH0/UGsL4ycV1WI/AAAAAAAAA9g/28CfBpiA6Cs/s320/FP-+Rescue+Heroes+Cliff+Hanger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry7g-CVkisE/UGsL5usD-pI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2DrASCnSXi0/s1600/FP-+rescue+h+seymore+wilde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry7g-CVkisE/UGsL5usD-pI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2DrASCnSXi0/s320/FP-+rescue+h+seymore+wilde.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The expanding hang-glider backpack on Cliff remained, though the climbing claws were eliminated (perhaps too 'Wolverine'). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shooter held by Seymour Wilde launched the more appropriately-scaled capture net, not shown.</div>
<br />
Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-75376313852873515482012-11-20T08:00:00.000-06:002018-04-07T05:48:47.364-05:00Disney premiumsYears ago I did quite a share of steady concept work for the premiums market, or as they are also more commonly called; 'happy meal toys'. This was at a time when the premium market was much bigger, and the McDonald's corporate headquarters being located in Oakbrook, Illinois was one of its driving forces. The premiums market has always been competitive, and the toys themselves are a challenge to design. They have a very low price-point (typically costing around 35 cents each to produce), they have to offer immediate play, and the safety standards are often more stringent than other typical toys on the market. <br />
<br />
I've handled a lot of licenses for the premium market. From Smurfs to Snoopy, from Harry Potter to Hot Wheels. Usually I would start by brainstorming a bunch of rough concepts, sketching a thumbnail of just one toy and accompanying it with a written description explaining the rest of the line. Based on their feedback I would then work up more resolved drawings defining the toy line.<br />
Almost always there was some effort to design a connectable aspect to these, be it conceptually or literally. It created an extra level of play, but also an incentive to collect all of them.<br />
<br />
The following concepts were proposed for some Disney premiums. <br />
The first was done pretty early on for <b>Winnie the Pooh, </b>way back when I used to work entirely on the drawing board and rendering my work with Pantone markers;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVym1MxzdxY/UEtf3aY2UlI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/-HSb37Qe0mo/s1600/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JVym1MxzdxY/UEtf3aY2UlI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/-HSb37Qe0mo/s320/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Owl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD8MWtaD0yg/UEtf4A7ptJI/AAAAAAAAA1g/kOeYE3SJwpE/s1600/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Piglet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eD8MWtaD0yg/UEtf4A7ptJI/AAAAAAAAA1g/kOeYE3SJwpE/s320/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Piglet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxF5kTwtKWI/UEtf438KfUI/AAAAAAAAA1o/4Wj1nYHt3iw/s1600/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Pooh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxF5kTwtKWI/UEtf438KfUI/AAAAAAAAA1o/4Wj1nYHt3iw/s320/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Pooh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmWdq7HNCdw/UEtf517NqWI/AAAAAAAAA1w/G7OTxtW0rWo/s1600/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Tigger.jpg+" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OmWdq7HNCdw/UEtf517NqWI/AAAAAAAAA1w/G7OTxtW0rWo/s320/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+Tigger.jpg+" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is what the toys created when connected to form one set;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--byavf8pRfc/UEtgYx6NYYI/AAAAAAAAA14/FOsHDKx4rgU/s1600/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+assem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--byavf8pRfc/UEtgYx6NYYI/AAAAAAAAA14/FOsHDKx4rgU/s320/Pooh-+Tree+Premium-+assem.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is another series of premiums proposed for Disney's <b>101 Dalmatians</b> animated series, which premiered on the Disney Channel in 1996 and ran for 2 years. The concept here was for vehicles made up from 'loose parts' on the dalmatians property, each with its own unique track piece with a feature. Again, each premium offered some instant play, but when collected they could be assembled together for some sequential play;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uathoiecYHo/UEthG8Oh-4I/AAAAAAAAA2A/Qao87AMSCZA/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uathoiecYHo/UEthG8Oh-4I/AAAAAAAAA2A/Qao87AMSCZA/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNd7oTdeAoY/UEthIhHFfnI/AAAAAAAAA2I/K-rTtdFj8Tw/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eNd7oTdeAoY/UEthIhHFfnI/AAAAAAAAA2I/K-rTtdFj8Tw/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKLLvxWogd4/UEthKVcMXGI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/N9w3UQK-h1o/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKLLvxWogd4/UEthKVcMXGI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/N9w3UQK-h1o/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBpr8ygvwfc/UEthMI0dCyI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/raH3QEk53_g/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBpr8ygvwfc/UEthMI0dCyI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/raH3QEk53_g/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4mzhFI8Wq8/UEthN7_nLAI/AAAAAAAAA2g/x_fXEuQD1qM/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4mzhFI8Wq8/UEthN7_nLAI/AAAAAAAAA2g/x_fXEuQD1qM/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+E.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uK-VOEwe3M/UEthPgFLGQI/AAAAAAAAA2o/mwiQ-Xehrns/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_uK-VOEwe3M/UEthPgFLGQI/AAAAAAAAA2o/mwiQ-Xehrns/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnQl4szJJHE/UEthRipjpLI/AAAAAAAAA2w/OsT2bahT9iM/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xnQl4szJJHE/UEthRipjpLI/AAAAAAAAA2w/OsT2bahT9iM/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+G.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a sketch of the fully assembled set, creating a track that allows the character vehicles to roll through continuously;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXV5n9EtM_M/UEth5diOXeI/AAAAAAAAA24/LICsLC6nf6g/s1600/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXV5n9EtM_M/UEth5diOXeI/AAAAAAAAA24/LICsLC6nf6g/s320/Disney-+101+backyard+coaster+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-83614607723585276302012-10-16T18:22:00.001-05:002012-10-16T18:22:34.555-05:00more from the editorial yearsA while back I posted <a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2008/06/when-i-graduated-from-college-in-1985-i.html" target="_blank">some of my work</a> from when I created original illustrations for magazines and periodicals. Editorial art was my chosen field of aspiration upon graduating from college, and I did get published on occasion for the first 7 or 8 years that I actively pursued it, with occasional commissions from Playboy, Outside, National Lampoon, Crain's Business, The Atlantic Monthly, and others.<br />
Along the way, I supplemented the erratic income of this profession by freelancing in the advertising business, doing layout design, marker renderings, and some storyboarding. All of this while living in Philadelphia and regularly trekking up to New York to show my portfolio. eventually falling into designing product at Tyco Toys as a freelancer, it didn't take long until I stopped pursuing commissions altogether I just became so busy creating toys. Now it seems like another lifetime. <br />
<br />
This was before the advent of digital art and desktop computers in general, so everything I did was on the drawing board by hand. Some of my influences during this era were illustrators like Blair Drawson, Lane Smith, and I was also exploring some resist wet media with gouache and colored pencil. Looking back, I was trying to cultivate my own signature style so it was always evolving somewhat, but from 1987 until 1994 this was some of the work I was doing for the editorial world; <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5fCgx27llA/UEuQnD6sV2I/AAAAAAAAA5U/Ayk9zWjlCcI/s1600/Edison-+NatLam+Cousin+Leopold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5fCgx27llA/UEuQnD6sV2I/AAAAAAAAA5U/Ayk9zWjlCcI/s320/Edison-+NatLam+Cousin+Leopold.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Lampoon magazine - 1988</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfQfqB_wWkA/UEuQokQXcrI/AAAAAAAAA5c/iTRHvGLAD0A/s1600/Illus-+Board+Meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfQfqB_wWkA/UEuQokQXcrI/AAAAAAAAA5c/iTRHvGLAD0A/s320/Illus-+Board+Meeting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on business communication</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPzZEu10vSI/UEuQrz8vg9I/AAAAAAAAA5k/gVFXAzPexWo/s1600/Illus-+DNA+Charmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPzZEu10vSI/UEuQrz8vg9I/AAAAAAAAA5k/gVFXAzPexWo/s320/Illus-+DNA+Charmers.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on the dangers of genetic engineering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxNPZOsqT0A/UEuQvl8Sh3I/AAAAAAAAA54/MNL7YYAdMM0/s1600/Illus-+IQ+Games.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxNPZOsqT0A/UEuQvl8Sh3I/AAAAAAAAA54/MNL7YYAdMM0/s320/Illus-+IQ+Games.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on games that increase intelligence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7oTVSUyHD4/UEuQzPJoWCI/AAAAAAAAA6I/mxjx2WkfRWg/s1600/Illus-+Political+Puppet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7oTVSUyHD4/UEuQzPJoWCI/AAAAAAAAA6I/mxjx2WkfRWg/s320/Illus-+Political+Puppet.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on puppet politicians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83nWYvDYenU/UEuQ0lEHNTI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/ucYOCpdnP7M/s1600/Illus-+Roller+Coaster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83nWYvDYenU/UEuQ0lEHNTI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/ucYOCpdnP7M/s320/Illus-+Roller+Coaster.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">roller coaster dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJ_HFi3Bz0/UEuQ1py8tNI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/BT746NCw_Rs/s1600/Illus-+Talk+Listen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4jJ_HFi3Bz0/UEuQ1py8tNI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/BT746NCw_Rs/s320/Illus-+Talk+Listen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laSUck8SfJA/UEuQ3vp2DzI/AAAAAAAAA6g/3j5pcr46xyU/s1600/Illus-+Tax+Stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laSUck8SfJA/UEuQ3vp2DzI/AAAAAAAAA6g/3j5pcr46xyU/s320/Illus-+Tax+Stress.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on tax stress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uddo-asuLec/UEuQ5HE2P1I/AAAAAAAAA6o/07unNlUnZXo/s1600/Illus-+Waiter+Flirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uddo-asuLec/UEuQ5HE2P1I/AAAAAAAAA6o/07unNlUnZXo/s320/Illus-+Waiter+Flirt.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the flirting waiter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-62889577572512102272012-10-06T10:41:00.000-05:002018-04-07T06:11:32.019-05:00Max Steel: Extroyer Gorilla Attack!A few years ago I was tapped by the boys action team at Mattel to design a new creature for their Max Steel action figure line.<br />
I was already somewhat familiar with Max Steel, a brand unique to Mattel, but hadn't yet worked with him. Most of my experience up to that point was actually working with their Barbie line, certainly fun and creative experience, but Max Steel answered my desire to design for their boys action figures.<br />
<br />
Of course Max already existed and didn't need designing. My part was in creating a new creature based solely on their verbal description; a cross between sasquatch and a gorilla on steroids.<br />
It would need to look menacing, with huge fangs and purplish fur, oversized hands that would need to grapple (part of a necessary feature, shown), and completed with these crystal-like mutations that were literally growing from inside its body. All of this was thematically consistent with Max's arch nemesis; 'Extroyer' and the characters' ability to possess other living beings. The crystaline growths were an integral part of that mutation. <br />
<br />
The Extroyer Gorilla would eventually make its way into the Max Steel pantheon of characters and creatures. Take a look;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/ds_DJ2R2Sr0/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ds_DJ2R2Sr0&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ds_DJ2R2Sr0&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is the initial drawing I generated in illustrating the Extroyer gorilla attack and its grappling action feature;<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yM2vCbmZ-E8/UFhcAIKEJnI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ZoJkFw5gLkQ/s1600/Mattel-+MaxSteel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yM2vCbmZ-E8/UFhcAIKEJnI/AAAAAAAAA7U/ZoJkFw5gLkQ/s320/Mattel-+MaxSteel.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The decision was made by the creatives at Mattel to eliminate the bolo net and employ some hi-tech shackles instead.<br />
Here is the revised concept brought to final rendering for presentation;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvXOzEE7sG4/UFhb7c8bCwI/AAAAAAAAA7M/oE2mlQVL4-M/s1600/Mattel-+MaxSteel+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvXOzEE7sG4/UFhb7c8bCwI/AAAAAAAAA7M/oE2mlQVL4-M/s320/Mattel-+MaxSteel+color.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is how it looked when it was released to the toy market;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48Q0TVF49Dc/UFheVW1Yd0I/AAAAAAAAA7c/X8qolLHztXw/s1600/mattel-+max+steel+gorilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48Q0TVF49Dc/UFheVW1Yd0I/AAAAAAAAA7c/X8qolLHztXw/s320/mattel-+max+steel+gorilla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yerqM1Rm6ac/UFheV2OXNLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/lQKUCmkh9uo/s1600/mattel-+max+steel+xtroyer+gorila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yerqM1Rm6ac/UFheV2OXNLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/lQKUCmkh9uo/s1600/mattel-+max+steel+xtroyer+gorila.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-39536182641829088592012-10-02T08:00:00.000-05:002012-10-02T08:23:17.476-05:00the Apollo 11 telephoneUp until virtually everyone started using cel phones as the norm, novelty telephones really enjoyed a lot of popularity in the world of consumer electronics. <br />
While hard wired phones were standard items in homes and businesses, companies like Telemania made their mark in creating all kinds of wild and fun telephones tailored to all kinds of interests. Most of them were license driven, but not all. <a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2008/08/diner-phone.html" target="_blank">The </a><a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2008/08/diner-phone.html" target="_blank">diner phone that I designed</a> for them is just one example.<br />
<br />
In the late 1990s I was approached by MH Segan to design a telephone commemorating the Apollo 11 lunar mission.<br />
The basic design would have a small scale model of the historic landing event, complete with a little Neil Armstrong. This would all be on the phone base which would also be comprised of the dialing mechanism, some NASA type components and an engraved plaque. In early discussions it was decided the handset and cord would be typical of the period, but they wanted some styling exploration done for the rest. For one thing, touch-tone buttons were still relatively new in 1969 and they wanted to see some variations with and without the recently supplanted rotary mechanism. After drawing up all of the universal elements going into the design I worked up about 7 different approaches to the rest; <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjGbUvQP59g/UEuHNzZLTaI/AAAAAAAAA3U/7o7_UHQApLE/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjGbUvQP59g/UEuHNzZLTaI/AAAAAAAAA3U/7o7_UHQApLE/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BR4n5GUs__g/UEuHPn7RULI/AAAAAAAAA3c/0sbJg3cKmJY/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BR4n5GUs__g/UEuHPn7RULI/AAAAAAAAA3c/0sbJg3cKmJY/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht8kPw1o0J4/UEuHRSXJ5VI/AAAAAAAAA3k/Q_DTiDYoWvQ/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ht8kPw1o0J4/UEuHRSXJ5VI/AAAAAAAAA3k/Q_DTiDYoWvQ/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4L4diI5tlPU/UEuHTTv7EzI/AAAAAAAAA3s/RLDdwYAXk44/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4L4diI5tlPU/UEuHTTv7EzI/AAAAAAAAA3s/RLDdwYAXk44/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5q5oFPhcJHw/UEuJxC8srjI/AAAAAAAAA4M/qBjPHZ1WmyA/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5q5oFPhcJHw/UEuJxC8srjI/AAAAAAAAA4M/qBjPHZ1WmyA/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+E.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7gt8i18v-8/UEuHW1DSW6I/AAAAAAAAA38/JeBA9VgguvM/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7gt8i18v-8/UEuHW1DSW6I/AAAAAAAAA38/JeBA9VgguvM/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DW__7SxwzmY/UEuJyh4KbYI/AAAAAAAAA4U/nmHqEBwUVgM/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DW__7SxwzmY/UEuJyh4KbYI/AAAAAAAAA4U/nmHqEBwUVgM/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+G.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Having liked elements of both C and D, I was directed by Segan to work up one more drawing that would best represent all of the elements and qualities they wanted to see in the final;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW_VLZpRxu4/UEuMasR-vHI/AAAAAAAAA4w/1mkecyfjYWQ/s1600/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+b:w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW_VLZpRxu4/UEuMasR-vHI/AAAAAAAAA4w/1mkecyfjYWQ/s320/concept-+Apollo+11+phone+b:w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
..and here is the final rendering, classic black lacquer finish with chrome touches;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDpf3HuYDpo/UEuNl-mkhiI/AAAAAAAAA44/8sE2i1YSi1o/s1600/Concept-+Apollo+11+phone+4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iDpf3HuYDpo/UEuNl-mkhiI/AAAAAAAAA44/8sE2i1YSi1o/s320/Concept-+Apollo+11+phone+4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-91221161317000760312012-09-12T09:22:00.000-05:002018-04-07T05:55:00.152-05:00Jake & The Neverland Pirates<b>Jake & The Neverland Pirates</b> is an animated series produced by Disney that has been enjoying great audience and critical popularity since premiering in 2010. Conceptually spun from the classic story of <b>Peter Pan</b>, this show pits 3 young pirates (and their parrot; Skully) against the nefarious Captain Hook and Mr. Smee in the Neverland world. The Annie Award-winning show has garnered praise for its use of educational and musical elements.<br />
<br />
Whether for TV shows or full-length features, toy makers constantly compete for the opportunity of creating and producing the toys associated, especially if the property promises to be popular. And the more popular the better, as any enduring interest usually ensures continued product success. The licenses for Star Wars, classic Disney and Sesame Street characters are perfect examples, but there are many.<br />
Of course in the case of <i>new</i> properties it's not always a sure thing. Sometimes a show just doesn't hit, or a movie bombs at the box office, and the toys produced may not sell well as a result. <br />
<br />
My role in all of this often involves creating concepts for toy makers to show the licensor as examples of how their intellectual property might be handled. In these instances of 'pitching' for a license, the concepts don't start rough and go through typical stages of internal development. Toy makers just want to make a great winning impression with some solid product concepts, nothing definite but strong enough to secure the licensing rights. Once this happens breathing room has been created at the toy company for more refined internal development. Some of the concepts initially pitched may not get made, or they go through some changes on their way to becoming product. <br />
<br />
Jake & The Neverland Pirates is a recent example of my involvement in this dynamic process.<br />
It seems like only a few months ago that I was called in to put together these concepts pitched to Disney by Fisher-Price. At the time, and as is often the case, there wasn't much reference material available for outside creatives to work from. As a result, the look of some things are best guesses or even entirely invented. This always varies from license to license and while it can present its challenges it's always fun building off of someone else's creation. In some cases the licensor will like something I create enough to make it a toy, or even integrate the idea into a future episode. One example of this production design cross-pollination is the work I did years ago for <a href="http://edison-art.blogspot.com/2010/08/grouchland-vehicles.html" target="_blank">Elmo in Grouchland.</a><br />
<br />
Anyway, here are some of the initial <b>Jake & The Neverland Pirates</b> concepts pitched to Disney;<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0u0Uq9vTDjA/UEtLM64RyVI/AAAAAAAAA0I/2LizAZ3IoPg/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+characters+4c+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0u0Uq9vTDjA/UEtLM64RyVI/AAAAAAAAA0I/2LizAZ3IoPg/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+characters+4c+.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake & The Neverland Pirates: separate figures detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGyyO-kvIoo/UEtK1cdETaI/AAAAAAAAAzI/2-XdSZ-5_tE/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGyyO-kvIoo/UEtK1cdETaI/AAAAAAAAAzI/2-XdSZ-5_tE/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">small boat concept for Jake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b591IMOIC9Y/UEtLBPucaNI/AAAAAAAAAzo/2mdzgAMum6Q/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+Island+Clubhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b591IMOIC9Y/UEtLBPucaNI/AAAAAAAAAzo/2mdzgAMum6Q/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+Island+Clubhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Island clubhouse playset concept</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This concept for Captain Hook's ship employed a radio controlled feature (disguised as a treasure map) in addition to a number of other fun play elements. You can see a couple of design refinements as it went from line drawing to presentation rendering;</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEktSG3K2t4/UEtLLeMbE7I/AAAAAAAAA0A/Jx4L4XKYdRM/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+RC+Pirate+Ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vEktSG3K2t4/UEtLLeMbE7I/AAAAAAAAA0A/Jx4L4XKYdRM/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+RC+Pirate+Ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAQ8P56aL94/UEtLD3zgm2I/AAAAAAAAAzw/pyT7VyFiQyM/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+RC+Pirate+Ship+4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAQ8P56aL94/UEtLD3zgm2I/AAAAAAAAAzw/pyT7VyFiQyM/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+RC+Pirate+Ship+4c.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This other ship, meant for the young heroes, went through some further embellishments before making it into the presentation.<br />
The 2nd version illustrates the launching crocodile and other features that pop out of the port holes;<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kP-oIJAiKB0/UEtK6v1ldXI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rSOYenI90es/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+Bucky+ship+4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kP-oIJAiKB0/UEtK6v1ldXI/AAAAAAAAAzY/rSOYenI90es/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+Bucky+ship+4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEh56XA3Kcc/UEtK9uhemPI/AAAAAAAAAzg/I3305nZxGno/s1600/FP+Brands-+Jake+Bucky+ship+adds+4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEh56XA3Kcc/UEtK9uhemPI/AAAAAAAAAzg/I3305nZxGno/s320/FP+Brands-+Jake+Bucky+ship+adds+4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes, Fisher-Price <i>did</i> secure the toy license for Disney's<b> Jake & The Neverland Pirates</b>. The resulting toys are also doing very well. <br />
And although this item went though some changes along the way, it's pretty close to what came right out of the gate;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipg8kOz1mPg/UEtYhHYHWCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/zOQXC3myEpM/s1600/FP-+Jake+Pirates+Ship+pkg+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ipg8kOz1mPg/UEtYhHYHWCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/zOQXC3myEpM/s320/FP-+Jake+Pirates+Ship+pkg+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wYV1bk_bes/UEtYigfHvdI/AAAAAAAAA0s/_4HAmdpk3r8/s1600/FP-+Jake+pirates+pkg+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wYV1bk_bes/UEtYigfHvdI/AAAAAAAAA0s/_4HAmdpk3r8/s320/FP-+Jake+pirates+pkg+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TZ7FP7_Fdk/UEtYjfztKiI/AAAAAAAAA00/8hTRJSd4Wzc/s1600/FP-+jake+pirates+kid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TZ7FP7_Fdk/UEtYjfztKiI/AAAAAAAAA00/8hTRJSd4Wzc/s320/FP-+jake+pirates+kid1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMnFNp86qzc/UEtYj6NMMqI/AAAAAAAAA08/7upI76-WBbw/s1600/fp-+Jake+pirates+croc+feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMnFNp86qzc/UEtYj6NMMqI/AAAAAAAAA08/7upI76-WBbw/s320/fp-+Jake+pirates+croc+feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JsO8ijIgxXY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3102486428084917390.post-16630283497233041512012-09-11T06:41:00.002-05:002018-04-07T05:57:15.193-05:00Mickey's Magic Choo-ChooMickey Mouse and choo-choo trains have been associated since Disney first introduced Mickey in 1929. As a result of this iconic relationship there have been scores of Mickey Mouse choo-choo toys produced over the decades. Fisher-Price, founded in 1930, was one of the first toy companies to climb aboard.<br />
<br />
As was the case with most children's toys way back then, things were simpler. Nothing was battery operated, even plastic toys were decades away. These Mickey Mouse trains, produced by Fisher-Price, were pull-toys that made noise when rolled. pretty basic preschool play but also typical for the era;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcd84DpW3_s/UEn0bBQizUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/Gy1Ps3AB4cs/s1600/fp-+mickey+pull+train+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcd84DpW3_s/UEn0bBQizUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/Gy1Ps3AB4cs/s320/fp-+mickey+pull+train+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xDxpzP6LdcA/UEn0byyxKRI/AAAAAAAAAys/nhpTMUuhuYc/s1600/fp-+mickey+pull+train+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xDxpzP6LdcA/UEn0byyxKRI/AAAAAAAAAys/nhpTMUuhuYc/s320/fp-+mickey+pull+train+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
..Cut to present day Fisher-Price, and the popularity of <b>Mickey Mouse Clubhouse</b> on The Disney Channel. The computer animated series has a decidedly retro aesthetic, reminiscent of old school Disney. To me, it captures the same subtle appeal of the show <b>Rolie Polie Olie</b>, a show I enjoyed watching with my kids when they were tots. It was a very playful style and I enjoyed working on all of the toys that Fisher-Price ended up producing for the Mickey's Clubhouse line.<br />
The revisiting of Mickey's Choo-Choo was a part of that experience early on.<br />
<br />
The idea here was for a battery operated train with Mickey driving, but there was a new twist, which is actually an old cartoon gag brought to life; the idea of laying the track down as the train rolls forward. In this case, as the train rolled over the track each section would automatically be picked up and fed back up to the front. Frankly, I was glad that I didn't have to figure out exactly how to make this function, I was trusted with the simpler task of designing and styling the train, and its cars and accessories.<br />
<br />
It did go through some early sketch iterations, some of which went into these more refined drawings.<br />
The first deals with the main theme and mechanism, others address the track details, featured cars, and accessories;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVUYEapz7fo/UEny-Q0BhJI/AAAAAAAAAxY/ezvUwZeotpc/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WVUYEapz7fo/UEny-Q0BhJI/AAAAAAAAAxY/ezvUwZeotpc/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcZCbiqXSJ0/UEn0ALqtJAI/AAAAAAAAAyE/UXYlE3P67WU/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Track+layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jcZCbiqXSJ0/UEn0ALqtJAI/AAAAAAAAAyE/UXYlE3P67WU/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Track+layout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOZeOeIeVk/UEnzAshiDiI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ezSGPxo0RS8/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+Cars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_qOZeOeIeVk/UEnzAshiDiI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ezSGPxo0RS8/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+Cars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnKiBaL-TTk/UEnzGE8cNEI/AAAAAAAAAxo/S1fGjTM3Exw/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+main+4c+rev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lnKiBaL-TTk/UEnzGE8cNEI/AAAAAAAAAxo/S1fGjTM3Exw/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+main+4c+rev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xv6Fh8pu3o4/UEnzMK0JobI/AAAAAAAAAxw/LbU491N8Q8M/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+set+rev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xv6Fh8pu3o4/UEnzMK0JobI/AAAAAAAAAxw/LbU491N8Q8M/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+set+rev.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hckKQtRO9Nk/UEnzy6awEQI/AAAAAAAAAx8/sJxy-Q26Iug/s1600/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+main+4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hckKQtRO9Nk/UEnzy6awEQI/AAAAAAAAAx8/sJxy-Q26Iug/s320/FP+Brands-+MM+Train+main+4c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
..and in the end this is what the final product looked like;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dv6u25OqDjE/UEn0V-9Y7wI/AAAAAAAAAyM/MGiz28jMWzk/s1600/FP-+Mickey+Train+set+engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dv6u25OqDjE/UEn0V-9Y7wI/AAAAAAAAAyM/MGiz28jMWzk/s320/FP-+Mickey+Train+set+engine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6no1oQXPo/UEn0Y9r10eI/AAAAAAAAAyU/IOa3Bb3U9MI/s1600/FP-+Mickey+Train+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pm6no1oQXPo/UEn0Y9r10eI/AAAAAAAAAyU/IOa3Bb3U9MI/s320/FP-+Mickey+Train+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9T2MYSJNRYQ/UEn0ahpWKhI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WCah9CJLPWY/s1600/FP-+mickey+train+set+pkg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9T2MYSJNRYQ/UEn0ahpWKhI/AAAAAAAAAyc/WCah9CJLPWY/s320/FP-+mickey+train+set+pkg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The mechanism around this feature was a challenge to work out, but the end result truly does look magical.<br />
Take a look;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/y5V8zFL8p-w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Edison Girardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16628333932303875893noreply@blogger.com0