AW177 + Tenacious Toys “Rise of the Dragon” Custom 5″ Toy2R Mini Qee

Hey all!

Benny of Tenacious Toys (http://www.tenacioustoys.com) was kind enough to give me 3 Toy2R mini Qees to customize. Taking the iconic Toy2R Bear Qee to work on first, I created a new Chinese dragon on the front and the words Good Luck on the back. It has a monotone paint scheme of black, white and grey, but with a touch of bright red in it. I also coated it in a matte varnish, when I usually do all my custom toys in a gloss varnish.

I wanted to step away from my usual style of brightly colored, ‘all over’ complex designs and just step back and do something a bit simpler.

Some more pics can be viewed at my Flickr site: AW177 Flickr

This will be sold on the Tenacious Toys website at AW177 Rise of the Dragon so if you’re interested in purchasing it, go over there! Thanks all!

TOYSREVILs *I Like Toys* Blog: Circuit Death Package from AW177

TOYSREVILs *I Like Toys* Blog: Circuit Death Package from AW177: “Scored a swell package from AW177 aka Allen Wen this sunny Monday morning – featuring his new ‘ Circuit Death ‘ tee and a variety of pa…”

Gripes about being an artist at times!

For those that catch up on my work and read up on my blog about my latest news, I thank you for that. It’s definitely an honor that you come to my blog and take time to read about my news. So to those that like my art and work and support me, I thank you very much. Please do not hesitate to contact me just to talk, chat, ask for advice/help, etc., whatever you need, I’m more than willing to be here for you!

Aside from that, I don’t usually gripe on my blog but lately being an artist can be quite annoying. Sometimes you’ll have streaks of really cool stuff to work on, then you can get nothing, then back up again, then nothing, it’s like a roller coaster ride. At times I’ll get asked to design a toy and be really excited about it and throw my all into it, only to either have to wait and wait and HOPE it’ll be made one day or used at all. Or get rejected by just saying ‘it was not chosen’. Art is so subjective at times who knows what these companies want? I just keep doing my thing and if they ask me to submit designs, I’ll do so but if they don’t pick them, well it is what it is. But it just gets really frustrating.

Read more…

AW177 in Japan Cinema Presents: Creative Interviews Vol. I Magazine!

I was proud and honored to be a part of the first Japan Cinema Presents: Creative Interviews Vol. I magazine! Creative Interviews Volume I is a book that features interviews with Creative individuals who have been featured on JapanCinema.net. This volume is packed with all the advice you need to forge a successful career as a creative professional. Straight from the horses’ mouths, from taking those first steps to promoting yourself effectively, and managing your time and money – it’s all here. From photographers, comic book artists, contemporary artists, printmakers, and models — this essential book is from the makers of JapanCinema.net, the essential website for Asian culture & art.

Look for my section on art/toy/dunny customization in the first Japan Cinema interview book! Kidrobot, I think you owe me another one!

You can order yours here!

www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2282647

Chinese “Rice Bowl” Custom 3″ Dunny!

Hey all!

I’ve been away from the toy customizing game for a while now, think the last custom toy I did was back in October of 2010 for NYCC! However, I was invited to join a 30th Anniversary Dunny Trade, in celebration of artist Tim Munz’ (aka timself) 30th birthday.

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Win a FREE Limited Edition “Circuit Death” T-Shirt!

Hey all!

In celebration of the release of my limited edition “Circuit Death” t-shirt, I’ve decided to give one out for FREE just for liking my AW177 Facebook page!

Here’s how it works:
1) Go to Facebook/AW177
2) Click the “Like” button
3) In a week or so, I’ll select a random winner and send out a t-shirt package!

Simple no?

So let’s do this! I look forward to meeting you all! Thanks so much!