ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected

Many moons ago, when ToyCyte first kicked off, Jeremi Rimel contacted me with his Think-UP Do-It-Yourself Bust. He sent me a Think-UP, we chatted about some things and then we lost touch. In the meantime, busts got big. (Get your minds out of the gutter: I’m talking vinyl, not silicone.) Frank Kozik made a bushel of ‘em. Kaws got in on the action. Then, recently I saw Doktor A’s Think-UP creation at the Monster Art Rally, Jeremi got back in touch, and here’s the lost interview (now found), right in time for Halloween.

Think-UP is produced by Jeremi’s company, Miscreation Toys. The white vinyl busts are 8 inches tall and come in standard and “with tentacles” editions. Master monster-makers like Bob Conge have customized this unique platform. The humanoid head/creature base is ripe for the rendering. Need ideas? Check out the Miscreation Toys Think-UP Flickr community here. You can find Think-UPs at many fine toy retailers like: Tainted Visions, ToyQube and Red Hot Robot. Would be awesome to see a local show of Think-UPs (hint, hint). Now without further ado, here’s Jeremi…and Happy Halloween.

Bob Conge's Think-Up (And Other Creations)

ToyCyte: Did you have any formal art training?

JEREMI RIMEL: Come to think of it I haven’t, and thats not a very good statement to have on your sleeve when your trying to make a living in art. Growing up I’ve picked up on some customizing techniques through my brother but other than that I’ve learned on my own without any art schooling.

What made you decide to create a DIY toy?
I felt a DIY platform would be a good place to start, I love customizing toys and just wanted to share the craft with other artists.

Think-UP Creature Edition

What materials do you use when creating your own custom Think-UPs?

There’s many ways you can customize Think-UP: I use acrylic paints mixed with a little water and acrylic-enamel paints for fine details. Other materials include: exacto knife, super-glue, fine-grade sandpaper, heat-gun, doll eyes, Apoxie Sculpt by Aves (those guys should sponsor me!) Spray paints that adhere to vinyls are great too, I would suggest spray paints like Plasticote or Testors Pactra Racing Finish. I also use thinned-out acrylic enamel paints with an airbrush which works great when using frisket stencils.

Ocular Confusion by Miscreation Toys

Walk us through the process of the Think-UP’s creation, from inspiration to production.

Think-UP was inspired by the love of customizing for the most part, The skull is kind of a vinyl take on sugar skulls of Mexican tradition which are skulls that are decorated to celebrate Day of the Dead, I love the idea and appreciate it. When I decided to create my first toy, I took out my savings to fund the process, got my designs ready and approached many companies/factories until I got the right quote. Then it was just a matter of back and fourth e-mails with alterations and approvals for a couple weeks with my factory of choice. I finalized the packaging, and then it was produced and on its way to DKE Toys for distribution.

Tin Nose by Doktor A

What are the pros and cons of running your own independent toy company?

The great thing about it is the experience of creating and producing something independently from start to finish; seeing a simple idea turn into a reality was really fun for me. I also love seeing what other artists do with Think-UP; its very rewarding. The major cons have to deal with advertising and promotion, an ad in any major art magazine is a lot more than you think! Arrrgh! But everything is still pretty fun!

Think-UP Bust by Leecifer

If you could have any artist customize a Think-UP, who would you choose?

I would want the artist reading this who hasn’t ever customized an art toy before to try one out. There’s plenty of undiscovered talent out there, surprises are the best.

How did you get involved in last year’s Say Whaaat!! project?

I got an e-mail from an artist named Daniel Barojas who was responsible for putting the show together. He asked me to help sponsor, and I gladly accepted. I sent out some Think-UP busts to go along with other toys from his sponsors that were then distributed to many artists in the DC area for the 100% charity event. There needs to be more people like Daniel out there in the world because the little custom toy show he put together brought in enough money to produce about 5000 meals through “The Capital Area Food Bank” that season for families in need.

What/Who are some of your inspirations (ie. bands, movies, etc.)

Growing up I’ve always felt like an outsider, naturally an introvert. I guess I’ve had an awkward childhood and a strange outlook on life, my interests would always wander to whats weird and unusual. Horror, nightmares, and death have always been an inspiration somehow. I like Troma movies and anything Tim Burton or Clive Barker. I listen to a lot of darker music, 80’s, deathrock, I would say goth-music but I hate using the word goth! The Cure, Cocteau Twins, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Voltaire, Rasputina, and most recently I discovered bands Bella Morte and Synthetic Division out of Charlottesville. (Look them up!)

What toys do you collect?

I collect a little of everything, I’m a big fan of 80’s toys! Garbage Pail Kids, Inhumanoids, Muscle Things. if you walked around my place you might see a Mega munny by Kidrobot, some Hellraiser model kits, Tortured Souls, a life-size Gremlin, a few Autopsy Baby Dolls, Runaway Brain by Span of Sunset, Skwak by Mindstyle, and many customs including The Maxx, Faun of Pan’s Labyrinth, and odd original creations. I’m looking forward to the new He-man toyline and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) action figures.

What’s next for you?

I will have a few pieces on auction at the Chiller Theater Charity Auction in NJ on the last day of the event. I might do a horror related art wall piece cast in resin produced in small quantities before I do another vinyl toy. I’m also looking for a good venue to host a custom contest Think-Up event.