Monster Bot Studio

Return with a Ring

2012-01-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Time to start up again! I have come back from my hiatus, which I had gotten married, seen relatives, and done the holiday round about. So now it's a new year and I am ready to get MonsterBot Studio going! This year I am going to push my Studio farther! Also as promised I will be doing video tutorials of my process for toy creation. The first project is "Drank" for the Art Love Magic's Underground Show happening February 11th at South Side on Lamar in Dallas. Video updates will happen on Fridays!

Video Blog!

2011-08-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

What does this button do?

After the UnderGround (A post show report)

2011-02-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

On February 12th was the annual Underground Art show held by the crew of Art Love Magic.
Underground is a chance for Dallas artist to come out and show off there skills in front of everyone! Being my first time I was amazed at how many people attended and just out right loved.............wait for it.............ISCREAM!

If you have been following my twitter (why not?) you would have had first look at this collaboration between myself and Mac IX aka Cody Phillips. ISCREAM is a diabolical ice cream treat that survives through his refrigerated robot body. During the show I was casting the different "Favors" for the ice cream head, while Mac IX applied his killer painting skills for the face.

ISCREAM at the MonsterBot Shop along with other items from the show.
Also for those interested hit up the flickr page to see the collection of progress shots from doodle to final figure! Enjoy!

Autumn Art Fest

2010-10-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and there are TONS of events happening all over. A lot has past by the time this post is up but there are still lots more going on like...

November 6th @ South Side on Lamar in the Janette Kennedy Gallery

Art of the Skate Board is an art action event benefiting Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. You have to buy tickets to join in the activities. This is my first year attending this event and already there are some great work to be seen...like my board Double Deck!

Next event is Kringle: An Art & Craft Show on Dec 11th at Pearl in down town Dallas. Check the twitter feed for the progress shots of those toys!

FAST!

2010-07-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July! If you had probably noticed leading up to the 4th my MonsterBot went up for sale in the shop. What I didn't expect was the overwhelming response to the figures! Mostly this was due the posting on Spanky Stokes blog. All 5 figures were gone overnight. Didn't even have time to post it here(sorry!). So I will be make move this time so check out the Twitter page for the progression of the next set of MonsterBots!

-Bulletin!
Be on the look out!
Free Toys will be left behind at special events! I will be posting the when and wheres on the Twitter feed along with a snap shop of it's surroundings. Free for the taking for anyone to stumble across! I have already done this once over at We Are 1976! Here is what was left behind at the store...

If you find any of my Free Toys send me a pic and I will post up on the site!
Happy Hunting!

Out and About

2010-06-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's a summer slow down. No new projects happen but the studio is repairing some toys for there owners before moving forward with the next phase of monsterbot studio. In other news, I have been heading out and taking in some gallery shows that have been happening around town.
First up was SOMETIMES solo show of Lisa Lindholm
I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the opening show but really great work. I like the contrast between what looked pixelated and what was more defined. I also got a good chuckle over the series of paintings(?) that are of maps with what looks like screen printed text on top. Most of the text was some remark about that place on the map.

I also attended the ROYGBIV two person show with Kasten Searles and Edward Ruiz. Very hip artwork from both artist. I believe this was Edwards first time showing off his light projection installations in a gallery space, very groovy. He let me have a sneak peek at some of the ideas he was working on, and I know they are only going to get more elaborate! Kasten's almost life sized work was very pop and had the over all feeling I was in high school again with the hot cool girls starring me down, which is good.

Finally I went to the Luck13 show featuring:Clint Scism, Ange Fitzgerald ,Mark Nelson ,Dan Colcer ,Cathryn Colcer ,Turner Vanblarcum ,Hellbilly Delux Hats ,Tyson Summers ,Joe Bowden Sr. ,Brittany Paige ,Daniel Perez ,JetArt ,Jeff Kiec
Big art show lot of artist tucked in every corning of the space. I have to say my favorites were Daniel Perez and Tyson Summers. Tyson's new work is a little bit more on the abstract side this time around which caught me off guard because I saw it from across the room and liked it. I don't normally like that type of stuff, but once I got up close to it and saw who it was it made perfect sense. Daniels work I always enjoy seeing because of his use of comics or iconic figures of the nerdy kind. What I was most surprised about was the painting of Admiral Ackbar has still not been sold. I saw in another show and could of sworn that it was bought up. This is a Kill piece of nerd art! Hopefully posting it here it will find a good home...and not tempt me any more...IT's A TRAP!

2010-05-26T11:45:00.001-07:00

On May 26 9pm Central Time the MonsterBot Studio Shop will open with New TOYS! Fresh from there shows in Dallas, and my toys shelves can't contain them any more. Give these guys a good home in your collection. As each figure is sold it will be replaced by another figure in that series. Thank you all very much for your support!

2010-05-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

MonsterMac Show is over. We had a great time and got to show off all our hard work! What was unexpected was me to leave with a new toy! Picture above with my Custom MonsterBot Munny and Colossus My little Pony is a custom Raffy done by Juliet Phillips(age 9). It's simply design look just right when juxtaposition to my figures, I had to take it home! Also shown for the first time was the finished Collaboration of MacIX and MonsterBot Studio Mega Munny and Tofu.

The studio is taking a break(?)from showing locally til the fall. In the mean time There needs to be some space made and some special projects needing some backing! TIME TO UNLEASH THE MONSTERBOT STUDIO STORE! Toys from both shows will be up for grabs! The Opening will be starting on Wednesday! See you then!

Monster Mac Custome Toy show @ Pearl At Commerce

2010-05-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

2 BAGS OF AWESOMENESS! It may contain toys or Broccoli. Be there to Find out on Friday May 14th! Free Drawing!

Upcoming and Current Events!

2010-05-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

Take Me to Your Art Show is still up over at Avenue Arts Venue for a limited time. It's only a short trip to then pop over at Fair Park to view the newest toys from MonsterBot Studio and Edward Ruiz. Go to the MonsterBot Flickr Page to check out what will be on display!

Special prizes are in store for the attendees of the Dallas Dr. Sketchy Session on May 1st where the session ending prizes are from MonsterBot Studio.

If you're in Lincoln, Nebraska, head on over to the Qeeology Art Show to check out my newest creation, Dirty Duck on Friday, May 7th at Marz Martini Bar.

Coming to the Pearl at Commerce (Upstairs Gallery) Friday, May 14th, for 1 night only is MonsterMac Custom Toy Show.

MonsterBot Studio has teamed up with toy customizer MacIX (Cody Phillips)

Toys Music, and Prizes. 7pm-9pm no cover!

As always, folks, don't forget to keep up to speed with MonsterBot Studio by following on Twitter: MonsterBot Toys

It's NEW!

2010-03-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

Patience pays off. I have expanded MonsterBot Studio to the new age. I have made a pact with myself to get out more and get more involved with the community. In doing so the Blog here will highlight some of the events I will be attending. The blog will, as always, be the detailed source for the latest MonsterBot Studio news/toys!
For the more about the process follow the studio on twitter! Check in on Tuesdays and Thursdays for latest progress shots of current toy making.
Also New is the MonsterBot Store! check it out!
Let me know what you think of these changes

Back in Action!

2010-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

The studio is back and already has produced some new work! The Colossus, is the newest peace to come from the studio since the big move. I was at Kettle Art Gallery for their "For the Love of Kettle" show on last Saturday. Here are some progress pics and as always more work to come!

I am a lazy artist series PART 2!

2009-12-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Studio is about 50% done-meaning all my stuff is in that room, just needs to sorted it out. So I am continuing with writing about my friends.
Also check out the interview about designer toys and Dallas with our friends
Edward and Nreazon! Art & Seek

I am going in order of who I have know the longest and next up is Mr. Gary Brickel (BrixPix). Little fact about me is that I am bad influence. Meeting me makes you do crazy things, like shutting off your T.V. and going out to places, or even worst… do something creative! When I was out of college I got my first job working in the “art department” of a big company. Boring as it was I brought in a Munny I was customizing to work on during my lunch break. This caught the eye of Gary Brickel who was fascinated by this “New Canvas.” It was downhill from there. His style is very Pop Art and has a lot of Retro imagery all done in a pen and ink cartoon style. The amount of detailed that goes into his work would make me nuts if I had to do it! Check out his site and follow him on twitter! http://brixpix.wordpress.com/ http://twitter.com/brixpix

I am one lazy artist

2009-11-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Studio is still not ready so I have nothing new to show or even talk about, so I would like to highlight some of my close artist friends for a bit. These people I know personally, and not only am I a friend but a fan of their work.

First up is Nick Orban. Wait a minute this guy doesn’t have any toys or even uses bright colors?!?! Yes, surprising I like this style as well. As an artist and an individual it’s always good to broaden your horizons and see something that is outside your norm. Nick and I go back a long time since College, and it been great watching his work evolve to what it is now. Since moving out to Seattle the subjects of his paintings have become land and city scapes. I have selected some of my personal favorites to show here, but you can see more at http://nickorban.com or even check out his blog http://nickorban.blogspot.com/

2009-10-23T10:54:00.001-07:00

Going part of a talk with other artist about sculpting and toy making and toy manufacturing. I think it is only open to members but if you have any questions about the toy making process feel free to contact me.

aw crackers.

2009-10-15T14:38:00.001-07:00

Yup, I am on my way to home ownership. So everything needs to be packed and ready to be moved out. A better studio is on the way with hopefully better updates.

Mystery Bag

2009-09-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

WOOOT! Mystery Bag TIME! Is it Money? Sandwiches? Dirt? Puppies? Stolen Organs? Toys?..... yeah it's toys. Come out to Ave Arts and enter to win some MonsterBot Swag! There has already been one winner from the 12th show now there can no must be... another winner!...oh yeah this is the bag you will get

Mex- i- pins

2009-09-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

New set! Come to the show and enter the drawing to win 1 Mexi pin, 1 Drip Drop, Blank Frugi, a set of paper toys (Space Ape, Sour Milk, Cannibal), and all in a MonsterBot Bag!

Sample

2009-09-14T20:15:00.001-07:00

Before I post the full pictures of the show I figure I give out a little taste.

High Gear!

2009-09-02T20:44:00.001-07:00

The latest toy show is coming up fast so the studio has been in overdrive to get everything ready! Here is a quick snap of what's to come!

September Show

2009-08-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Come out and see some of these awesome artists and there toys! A lot of fresh new stuff from around Texas and the world! Also see Monster Bot Studio's newly re-sculpted Frugi, the large and in charge Hurra-Kane, and the long awaited MonsterBot toy!

2009-07-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

MonsterBot's final sculpt.

Hurra-Kane part 2

2009-07-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

I have finished most of the sculpting for Hurra-Kane, now it sanding and smoothing time. I have used 2 types of clay creating this figure where the body is Sculpy Firm and the pouring rain is Castalien (I think that is how it's spelled). The reason I didn't just use Castalien for the whole figure is that have not gotten used to getting it as smooth as I want it. I use sanding sponges but it seems to clog them up quick. I hear you can smooth it with nylons but I haven't tried that out yet.

Ok the story behind Hurra-Kane: Living in Florida we were bombarded with hurricanes all through the late summer. When any of them started to get close all of a sudden they would be named. To me this made the hurricane more like a living thing or person. As most hurricanes go they all had bad temperaments, never happy, they just want to push you around. So that is what Hurra-Kane is about. It is the storm as a living creature with eyes in the center and sharp hands to slice and cut.

2009-07-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

I started the process of my newest figure Hurra-Kane. Must like a real hurricane it has been a disaster! First sculpt I loved it! Then I baked the first layer of clay and it exploded! The foam balls I was using expanded and broke the figure. So I have to get different foam balls (heat tested them) and start over. I started out not liking this one but it has grown on me and I think this one will be a much better. Once I get the figure sculpted more I will go into detail of it's story.

2009-06-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, this session is over. I got to the point where I have done a prime coat and there are still spots the need work before the molding process. This shouldn't take me much more time but it is getting late. I hope you have enjoy this process, it might not be as fun as the painting one done in March(?) but it is something that not a lot of people show... probably for a good reason, it is really boring! At least me sitting there doing it was. Check back next week for THE STORM!

2009-06-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have gotten pretty far with MonsterBot in this hour, but it is not his day to be worked on. Soon after dinner the sanding and cleaning of Frugi will continue.

2009-06-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Frugi is all Putty'ed up with a new set of mitts and more curves around the legs making Frugi less Boxy more organic. Next hour I will be working MonsterBot while the putty dries.

2009-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Plastic Surgery Time. Fill holes, smooth out parts, and rebuild hands (no more claws).

Hour 2

2009-06-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Finished the ruff sanding next is finer sanding...funny nobody shows this part of toy making the very tedious sanding.

2009-06-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

All Day Blog!

I will be working on Frugi2 all day today and posting the process of the new cleaner Frugi! Let the clean up begin with PINK!

2009-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Where have I been?
Well I had a tough time getting back into the studio after the Attack of the Designer Toy Show, and I made a promise that I would see a Doctor about my hearing loss. Well after some meds and diet changes later I have permanently lost 57% of my hearing in my right ear. During this process I wasn't feel all to creative so I picked up doing some toy customizing. Painting these figures will come much later than normal since I am now BACK and working on 2 new figures! Let me know what you think so far!

2009-05-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Just finished sculpting my Mini Munny that came with the Mini Munny Mobile. This was a give away at Madness Games and Comics in Plano last month. Got to sit down for a bit and work with some follow toy customizers like NREAZON, and another guy (I didn't get his business card or write down his name but he was very good!) I have an idea to build up the car in to a very Big Robot, but that will have to wait another day.

2009-05-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

After of Attack of the Designer Toy Show, Moster Bot Studio had to evict 2 of it's residents. While attending the show, they knocked down the "TOY SHOW" monsters and MexiPins.

Backwords

2009-04-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

I know it's a little bit in reverse but I just found some of my progress shots for the Frugi's and MexiPins. Currently the "Golden Idel" Frugi has a new home, as well as MexiPins El Gimpo, Capt. Cactus, Gold Demon, and El Smurfo. Also a Blank Krabby (on display inthe showcase) was picked up as well! Thank you very much again for those who came out and supported the show!

Attack of the Designer Toy Show!

2009-04-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Show was a big hit and I would like to thank everyone that came out to check out the Toys! I took some picture of some of the great Frugi Customs that were done for the show!

Mexi Pins

2009-03-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Working on each project a little bit at a time. Card for Mexi Pins

last post

2009-03-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

This will be the last post for the day. I am working on the long process of photo shop the figures in to place for the flyer. These posting were fun to do an I am looking forward to a time where I can do it again. Thank you for following!

3:30

2009-03-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Lunch break!

1:11am-Green

2009-03-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

movie playing Unearthly

Lets Paint! 11:37am

2009-03-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Painting Stages of the Toy Show
Movie playing in Background is The Atomic Brain!

9:30amfoil

2009-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Today the studio is going to be posting all day showing the process for the Attack of the Designer Toy show. Here the first set...

Attack of the Designer Toy Show

2009-02-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

Here is the first Mock-up of the up coming flyer for ATTACK OF THE DESIGNER TOY SHOW! or A.O.F.T.D.T.S. (or even shorter A.D.T.S.)The Text of "TOY SHOW" will be sculpted along with some parts of the city for this flyer. Progress shots to come

WTF is this?

2009-02-13T19:22:00.001-08:00

Well the studio has been busy. As part of the new year Monster Bot Studio will be posting a new illustration each month celebrating some holiday that month. So I drop the ball in showing in progress shot of this one, but the next month will be well documented.

2009-01-16T17:23:00.001-08:00

Introducing Frugi, the first blank figure from MonsterBot Studio! 3 customs done by Monster Bot Studio and will be showcase in April at Avenue Arts Venue. More info coming soon.

Drip Drops- DROPS!

2008-12-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

Check out the write-up from "ToysrEvil I like Toys" Blog
http://toysrevil.blogspot.com/2008/12/scott-higgins-drip-drops-holiday.html
Andy does a GREAT job with the posting of the Show and Pictures of the Figures. I can only hope to have such control with my pictures here on the Blog. If you are interested in purchasing any of the Drip Drops (all still available) Please write to MonsterBotStudio@gmail.com with your request. Each figure is $35.00 usd and if you sign up to follow MonsterBotStudio's Blog Shipping is FREE!

2008-12-19T11:12:00.001-08:00

The show where Drip Drop will be Dropping on.

Designer Toy Holiday Show!

2008-12-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

Well here is Drip Drop ready for the show. Selling for 35.00 usd this is the first in the Drip Drop Series. Also as you can see I have a very hard time controlling how the image show up on the blog. I am still working on it but it does not help that I do not have photo shop any more and I have to rely on illustrator for so much! I need a Blogger's class.

2008-12-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

Frugi update and another working project Mexipins.

2008-11-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

It's been a little heck-tic at Monster Bot Studio this last week. After getting accepted into a Custom Munny Show at Fling Gallery I had 2 weeks to build a new Munny for the Show. And the result it the above creation "Anatomunny" It will be on display at the Fing Gallery (2924 Main St. Dallas TX 75226) until Dec. 6 where there will be a Closing of the Munny Show and an Opening of their Ornament show. My other custom Munny (Munsterbot) will be there and OrganDonner Gang was there but sold shortly on the Opening day. So come and check out the show, or better yet come to the closing and check out all the great art!

2008-11-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

Since I missed last week here is an update of one of four projects going on at MonsterBot Studio. This is Drip-Drop. At this stage a majority of the sculpting is done and now it is time to clean it up for the molding and Casting. The clay is Monster Maker Brand clay which is the easiest to melt down and create a more natural drip effect. More progress shots and details about the figure to be posted on later dates.

First Show in the Big D!

2008-11-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

I heard it through the grapevine, well more like seeing a posting on an artist website... http://www.nreazon.com/ great artist can't wait to see more. That there is a Custom Munny show happening in Dallas's Deep Ellum. I got in contact with the Gallery's owner and he like my stuff and invited me to show there as well! The show is on Nov. 15th from 7pm to 11pm at Fling Gallery. My 2 other Munnys will be on display as well as my latest custom Munny! I have been spending the week working on it, and I hope to be finished with it by the time of the show. I always one up my self when it comes to customizing my Munny and this time it will take the cake! So Come On Down and See the My Latest Work! I will post my progress pictures after the show. I hope to see you there!

2008-10-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Besides creating Resin figures Monster Bot Studio will also come out with free paper toys as well! If you have noticed I have added a couple of new links to the side of the page such as Paper Craft X where I pick up most of my updates on new paper toys by other artist. I do not know how well this one will turn out printing from my Blog, but I would love to figure out how to make it a PDF link. If you want a PDF just drop me a line at Shiggins@c.ringling.edu and I will send you the file.

Frugi

2008-10-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

The latest figure (and first figure) to come out of Monster Bot Studio. Frugi is a chunky pollywog that came about when I first met Steve at Uberbot (www.uberbotonline.com). They had just started there 2nd Munny show when Steve brought up the idea of having his own blank figure. That figure never came to be, but the sketches brought about a whole slue of ideas such as the start of Frugi. I will post the process I am going though with Frugi up to the point of a Show happening in December. For now you see Frugi in the first sets as a Super Sculpy figure that will be molded and casted.

Starting a New

2008-10-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

It has been some since I have picked up my pencil and sketch book, and it has been a while since I have pulled out the block of clay and sculpt the figures and characters that I have always wanted. But now that is going to change. I have settled down in my new studio and it is time to share what I have been cooking up.
So this is the purpose of this blog is to share what I have been working on and hopefully here some feedback. I will also like to post about other artist and events going on.
So lets get Started!