Farewell Phantom. It Was Good While It Lasted

Well, I've given it some serious thought, and I have decided to abandon the Phantom mold. After making over a hundred, I've run into so many problems with it that it's just more trouble than it's worth. For every ten that come out perfectly, there are 30 that are junk. Being a perfectionist, I just can't (and won't) let these get into anyone's hands. I will just consider it a sunk cost.

The good news is that I intend to learn from this experience, and expect to have a new improved Phantom sculpt out in the near future (possibly with a new name). Not only that, but many, many other new figure sculpts (all in different colorways) in the line as well. The thought of this is very exciting, and I can't wait to start, but not until after I complete my current illustration project first (one thing at a time)!

Also, for those of you that nabbed one of the earlier Phantom figures...consider yourself lucky. Not only were those made in extremely limited numbers, but that sculpt will never be used again.

See you soon!

A Sneak Peak of Things to Come

Here is a sneak peak of some exciting things to come.

I've been experimenting with my Phantom and Octoblot toys in new colors/mixes and materials (plastic, clear resin, even soft gummy rubber). I should have many more colorways released soon. Maybe even a new figure sculpt as well (a new playmate for Phantom and Octoblot to hang with).

I am also currently working on a brand new series when I have any free time (which isn't very often)...here is a shot of some of the pen and ink work so far. I am shooting for a series of 8-10 pieces. Can you say Sanrio parody? Hah!

My Gratitude Monster from Miro

Look what Miro drew for me. Cool, huh?

Who is Miro, you might ask? Well, he is my friend, and the son of my former employer and mentor. Here's a little bit about them:

Meet Lainie, 44, single mother, ex- business owner, artist, designer, writer, creative thinker, activist, liberal, dog lover, culture-jammer, costume wearing instigating human being who is currently exploring the world with her 11 year old son, a bright lad named Miro.

Meet Miro, 11 years wise, not super athletic and prefers fiddling with all things tech. He likes bricks, card tricks, wearing a cape and playing RPG’s. He’s uber intelligent, charming, articulate and funny. He’ll engage you in his fantastic imaginative worlds, surprise jump on your shoulders for the occasional piggy back ride while telling you a library of “…a guy walks into a bar…” jokes.

That’s us and together, we have hit the road on an open-ended journey around the planet.

To read more about the adventures of Lainie and Miro, you should totally go to their site at www.raisingmiro.com.