It's a new year, and with that comes a brand new feature on your favorite website. Welcome to the inauguration of Independent Design, where each week we will give you a peek of the work of some of the most talented custom and original artists in the vinyl toy and plush industry, as well as an interview to get to know more about them.
To have your artwork featured in galleries all over the country is truly an amazing thing, but to be able to accomplish something like that before you're able to even drive a car is definitely a bigger accomplishment. Trenton, the man behind Trenton M Studios, has had his work displayed in Miami, New York, and even his home state of Ohio, and has got quite a fan following (including myself), which is quite impressive for someone who only recently turned fifteen years old.
From paintings, to plush, and even custom vinyl, Trenton has got quite the portfolio, and is very eager to do more. Really puts myself to shame, considering I've had a blank dunny sitting on my shelf for about a year now decorated in nothing more than dust. Hit the jump to find out about Trenton's love of robots, what Trenton has in his own personal collection, and who some of his favorite artists are.
So how long have you been working in this sort of medium?
Well I always loved art but since the beginning of 2008 my style "improved" a bit. And I don't like to tie myself to one medium. I like to work with anything from plush, to paints, to vector art.
Yeah, I'm looking through your Flickr now and it's all quite impressive. What are some of your influences when it comes to creating a new piece?
I love all sorts of robots and futuristic things but I also like a lot of Victorian era things too. Like ornate borders. I find a lot of my robot characters in everyday things.
The robot pieces are definitely one of the things that stand out to me the most, especially your custom Dunnys that you have created. How long does it usually take you to complete a piece like the Carney-Bot 1, from concept to creation?
It really depends, I could do a 3" Dunny in just about 2 or 3 days if I put my mind to it and work hard. But that 8" Munny took about 5-7 days working about 1-2 hours per day. It takes so long because of the "antique" and dirty look I try to give to my art.
You definitely seem to enjoy that falling apart and breaking look, especially on the custom Dunnys. Any reasons why you prefer to work in that style?
I don't know, I've always loved the look of art that is old and decrepit. I don't know why I guess its just my style.
What are some of your favorite artists in the industry?
I like lots of different artists, but some of my favorite are people like Jesse LeDoux, Brandi Milne, Doktor A, MIST, and Banksy.
Banksy for the win! I have always been a big fan of his myself. I would say it is safe to assume that if you create custom vinyl toys you would be a collector of vinyl toys yourself. What are some of the favorites from your collection?
I only have a small collection, But some of my favorite pieces are my Bossy Bear, 5' Labbit, and New BOT MadL. All of witch I plan on customizing in the future.
Very nice. You've accomplished so much with your work, and being able to do so at such a young age is quite an achievement. Do you have any parting words of wisdom or inspiration for our readers looking to get their work featured in galleries around the country as well?
Just don't give up. And just try your best. But everyone in the industry I've come across have been nothing but nice to me. I have really been blessed.
And we definitely hope that you continue to be as well.
Thanks :D
Trenton has been featured here on the site last month during my coverage of Rivet's
Plush This! show, and meeting him in person and speaking to him briefly at the show is what inspired me to start this feature series. Trenton's work is truly a beautiful sight to behold, and I think it won't be long before we could see him getting more mainstream recognition.
Trenton is always making new and exciting pieces, some of which will be available for sale. If you're interested in purchasing one of his paintings or customs, you can check out his store
here or contact him through his
website. You can also find more recent updates to his work over on his
Flickr page. Check out his gallery for some of his own personal favorite pieces.
If you or someone you know is an independent artist who would like to be featured on Independent Design, send an email to Bryan@tomopop.com.
9:00 AM on 01.05.2009
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Bryan Coffee
DIY Zukie
Tekken Bishoujo Alisa Bosconovitch
Pobber Toys' Dr. Morkenstein Pajamas Ver.
Nendoroid Millhiore F. Biscotti
Good Smile Company's 1/4 Nanoha
Square Enix's Play Arts Kai Cyborg Ninja
Square Enix's Play Arts Kai Solid Snake
Video Banpresto's Super DX Celebi plush
Max Factory's Miku Append
Aegis ART WORKS Ver. by Alter
Throwback: figma R. Dorothy Wayneright
Marvel Bishoujo Statue Elektra
Togainu no Chi's Akira by Kotobukiya
Shining Hearts Rufina by Kotobukiya
Yamato's Ritual
[NSFW] Yamato's Luna
NECA's Evil Dead 2 series one
S.H. Figuarts Kamen Rider #2
Blazblue Jubei Plush
Goofy Grin Monsters
DIY Zukie
Tomocast 35: Listener Questions
