Designer Paper Craft

As a person who views Kidrobot as her own personal paradise, you can be sure that I've followed the development of the designer toy and vinyl art scene for a while now. I'm continually inspired by the wealth of amazing designs and whimsical, anthropomorphized characters which have transitioned from an urban medium and embraced this amazingly flexible new format.

With the market for such inventive, highly-collectible designer toys burgeoning it's not difficult to see why this design sensibility now encompasses vinyl figurines, plush toys, collectible capsule trinkets, and all manner of accessories. By targeting an older, design-saavy, yet inherently 'hip' demographic (who are at their core nostalgic for their old toys) these limited-release creations have claimed a sizable following. Online stores and boutiques in major cosmopolitan centers have begun to tailor to this growing trend and the prevalence of this design is consistently growing.

Yet the collectors are only one part of this subculture. Toy and figurine creation is proving to be an outlet for designers of all kinds, from those with a reputation in street art to seasoned artists like Gary Baseman (an illustrator you're probably familiar with). The general ease with which vinyl can be transformed into a limited edition creation, combined with the amazing response that it engenders has drawn in a wide gamut of designers who constantly push the boundaries of design.

In the spirit of the vinyl toy then, it is not surprising to see designers taking their creations into other mediums. Recently, I've begun to notice more and more instances of paper art around the web. With the ability to be freely distributed and very easily produced this newest wave of design is definitely gaining ground. What's more, this new format is helping to introduce even more individuals to this creative design realm.

Being one to adorn my desk and shelf space with all sorts of knick-knacks, this consistent introduction of great new paper creations is something I'm really excited about. What better than a completely unique and free paper kraft could there be to make one excited about design and its creation.

While websites and blogs like Paperkraft and Paper Forest have sprung up to document the newest introductions to this field, I figured I would include some of my favorites below.

Toypaper.co.uk is a recent website with a sleek Flash interface. As you parouse the various design categories you'll find a wide variety of fun pre-made and customizable paper monsters and series. With a photo, description, difficulty level and link to pdf download - it couldn't be easier to print and create your own desk buddy.

Readymech.com is a side project of Fwis, a graphic design group in Portland, Denver, Cupertino and Brooklyn. With an ever growing number of design series, Fwis enlists the help of various designers to create the sundry creatures that make up the readymech family. Again, the presentation remains very straightforward and you'll be sure to find a paper creature to suit your tastes. I for one love the four-armed Tenaclopse!

Loulou Illustrations features a number of really fun and colorful images, yet the shop transforms them into a selection of paper figures that are worth your time. While the badminton enthusiast (below) was the one that really caught my eye, there are a couple of other amusing designs including robots and a surfer - good times.

I knew I couldn't get anywhere without including this most amazing paper tribute to one of the best games of all time, Katamari Damacy. So while I have no idea how to even begin to decipher the Japanese characters all over this page -- that is indeed where you can find your very own Katamari prince paper figurine! As quite possibly the best paper kraft toy here, why not make your own to enlighten you in the ways of the katamari?

Found on Flickr, where it was created by the user buding, this is definitely a very close follow up to the Katamari prince. With a similar style and innate quirkiness, the Rabbit-man can easily become the stalwart defender of cool wherever you place him.

And finally, because Flickr really is the perfect resource for this sort of thing - groups like Paper Designer Toy and photo sets like PAPER TOY show off some of the best designs out there. The two of these are rather closely associated with Paper Possible and 100% Loading, which appears to be one of the larger groups through which designers have showcased their paper art. Check these out if you're interested in seeing some of the best custom paper designs out there - though, they unforunatley don't offer too much with regard to reproductions.

So with all of this inspiration I know I'll probably spend way more time than I should trying to put together paper creatures instead of writing my essays ... but who could resist? I'll definitely try to document their creation if I do or, if you feel inclined to make your own - let me know about it in the comments.

Tags: kidrobot, designer toys, vinyl art, Gary Baseman, paper art, paper kraft, Paperkraft, Paper Forest, Toypaper, Readymech, Loulou Illustrations, badminton enthusiast, Katamari Damacy, Katamari Prince, Rabbit-man, Paper Toy, Paper Possible, 100% Loading

Happy Easter

Easter has always been a holiday I have somewhat mixed feelings about. While the religious aspect of this time certainly has some significant personal weight at its forefront, I believe the moral dilemma it brings to other things ... namely Marshmallow Peeps, is not to be overlooked!

I've always loved eating Peeps - from munching down on their plump marshmallowy forms to enjoying that fine, yellow sugar that always sticks to your fingers or is leftover at the bottom of a finished box, making the whole endeavor so finger licking good. Besides, knowing you can use the microwave to blow Peeps up to massive proportions before they implode upon themselves, can even be justified as a creative act - pulling in kids (and college students) on their 3rd or 4th box as the prospect of merely decapitating them starts to wear off in novelty.

Yet, as with Teddy Grahams and Gummi Bears (perhaps too those Goldfish crackers that "smile back") there is always an element of sadistic cruelty in taking pleasure from chomping down on these gentle, marshmallow-based creatures. Usually I have no qualms about this ... but this year, I got an especially heart-wrenching box!


That's because this year my final box contained Peeps whose weepy chocolatey eyes implored me not to eat them! I realize this is simply a side effect of the mechanization of the Peep creation, yet adding this emotional level to my Easter sweets is not only uncalled for ... it makes me feel like a monster!

Don't cry little Peep!

You may have won this time sentimental-attachment-to-deliciously-defenseless-sugar-species, but just you wait until I get my hands on those marshmallow ghosts, they're already "dead" hence, no remorse! I suppose for the time being I'll just stick to my stash of Cadbury Creme Eggs and assorted Polish candies - oh, how I love the guilt free sugar trip that is the holiday season!

Also, if you want to see more photos of Peeps in and out their natural environment I highly recommend checking out the Peeps flickr group: Peeps-tastic! Featuring photos like the one below, which just made me crack up!

Tags: Peeps, Marshmallow Peeps, Just Born Inc., Easter, crying, moral, sentimental, Peeps-tastic!, flickr

History? I LOVE HISTORY!

Ok, so I realize I haven't posted for quite some time - and that a three month hiatus is probably not the best way to assure the blog's reader(s) of The Ostrich Egg's sheer vitality and true exciti-tude. But if I know one thing better than anything else, it's that an 'exclusive' and fascinating post will surely rejuvenate the spirits of this once ... flourishing ... persisting ... not nonliving blog. So what better way to brighten up the doldrums of winter than with a blog post on HISTORY!

Why history? Well, why not - posting clips of Mr. T and Ikea lamps really didn't seem to do anything for my blog-cred, so what do I have to lose? Admittedly, I accept the fact that history and wintertime fun have in the past appeared to be mutually exclusive. For a thorough documentation see the second season episode of The Simpsons, Bart Gets an F (check it out via peekvid.com). But even though the episode features one agonizing scene where Bart forces himself to study the American Revolution in a dark, dank basement while outside the town of Springfield is celebrating 'Snow Day - The Funnest Day in the History of Springfield' ... this post is really all about breaking those negative and all too true stereotypes. History really can be fun!


Alright, fine, so what can I do to convince you? It seems pretty clear that countless pages written by historians, sociologists, and philosophers throughout time have all harped on the importance of studying history. One of the most accessible arguments is neatly broken down by Peter N. Stearns of the American Historical Association (AHA) in an exposition titled Why Study History? In it he claims that history "should be studied because it is essential to individuals and to society, and because it harbors beauty." Furthermore he goes on to detail many of the functional aspects that this study provides both for the individual and society alike, aiding in the formation of fundamental skills that define who we are ... but I can sense that this approach isn't really helping my cause either. After all one can simply claim that this man is grossly biased in favor of history, why should anyone wanting an objective opinion listen to a man in AHA's pocket? (Not to be confused with Aha, New Wave originators of the 80s classic Take on Me)

So that leads me to Old Navy, and the reason for this blog post in the first place. As a company whose motto has been "Get Your Fash-On!" ever since it's ubiquitous commercial campaign in the summer and fall of 2006, one would doubt that Old Navy would be the harbinger of a new appreciation for history. And yet, even three years after their last round of catchy advertisements, one phrase remains etched deep in my psyche, and that of my peers (I would assume): "History? I LOVE History!" In what was one of the most generation defining commercials of my time, the Old Navy 'History' commercial remains, in my opinion, the most successful pro-history campaign ever unleashed on the youth of America. While other groups have tried to combine the appeal of pop culture, design, and youth-centric adverts, none have been nearly as effective as Old Navy with this regard. See for yourself, and just try to deny the effectiveness of this advertisement ...



In all reality, this commercial really is the perfect vehicle for history education. The shrill, exuberant cries of the young college student reverberate as easily through the silent lecture hall as through our minds, while the effectiveness of this technique ensures that the words will become permanently lodged there (next to other unforgiving slogans). Furthermore, the fact that the student's rant appears to be evoked just as easily by Old Navy's back to school sale as by the prospect of studying history, the commercial itself makes the idea of being passionate about something like history accessible to all (though for some it may also require the consumption of ungoldy amounts of caffeine in preparation for a midterm). The very fact that multitudes of students have gone on to study history after viewing the commercial, and continue to do so even years later, makes my point all the more valid!

If you still aren't convinced by my random correlations, just listen to this: Old Navy isn't the only on to have picked up the model of catchy advertising in order to indoctrinating the youth with messages of history's virtues. While none can hold a candle up to the brilliance of the original, the popularity of this approach has clearly spurred others to try and follow suit.

Catchy slogans, reverse psychology, and the sex appeal of Napoleon Bonaparte - who could refuse?

Artist Eduardo Recife (www.eduardorecife.com), whose style and creative influence I greatly admire has lent his expertise to the development of a promo for the upcoming HBO series, Assume the Position. The premise of the show is formed around the supposition that most of our notions about historical fact are in reality based on popular culture, and it is our job as inquisitive students of history to vocally question and debunk hearsay. Robert Whul, the man charged with reformatting the common student's approach to history, is the most vocal figure present in the college classroom setting picked for the show. A couple of seconds into the promo, as his booming voice fills the lecture hall, the excitement of discovery present in the subtleties of his tone - I can't help but bring myself back to those simple beginnings when $20 capris were all that it took to get one so worked up over history.

The promo which you can check out in a 40 second and 60 second format, is really a clear sign that the youth, nurtured by Old Navy commercials of yore, have grown up to be actual college students, deserving of more mature historically infused advertisements and pop-culturally savvy programming.

I for one will keep the tradition started all those years ago by Old Navy strong, and my love for history will forever ring out, in the immortal words of that annoying girl: "...Something happens... Then something else happens! It's so sequential! Thanks... first guy! For writing history down! ...LET'S STUDY!" And I'm pretty positive others see it that way too.

Illinois delegation at National History Day 2006
See more of NHD on my Flickr photoset

Tags: advertising, AHA, American Historical Association, Assume The Position, Commercial, Eduardo Recife, HBO, History, I LOVE History, National History Day, Old Navy, Peter Stearns, Simpsons, Take On Me

Rabbit by Run Wrake

I know I haven't posted for a while, what with school and everything, and yes I do feel guilty about that. But believe me, I have procrastinated enough to find a lot of good material to cover over the next week!

So, in the hope of feigning the semblance of connections to past entries I think I'm going to work off of that image of the vintage Halloween card I posted about three weeks ago. It really is pretty neat looking ... with the pumpkin ... and the scared children ... and I suppose it could be seen as presenting some sort of moral notions of ... um ... not messing with pumpkins ... and ultimately it has that interesting art sensibility that the 1950s were privy to.


But yeah, it was this interesting art style that really brought to mind a rather bizarre and yet ultimately somewhat satisfying animation that I happened upon the other day over at YouTube. Employing this classic style the animation resonates with the look of an early reading primer, yet in combination with an unusual narrative progression this animation really does become remarkable.

The short synopsis reads as: A selection of 1950s educational stickers, discovered in a provincial junkshop twenty years ago, provide the ingredients for this adult fairytale. When a boy and girl find an idol in the stomach of a rabbit, its magical abilities lead to riches, but for how long? But hey, honestly, you should check this thing out for yourself, it really is something else.

Now the facts ... as you sit and process what you just witnessed. The short film was directed by none other than Run Wrake, who has a number of amazing works available on his website including illustrations and commissions by MTV and different music artists. Working with Channel 4, this fascinating work was commissioned by 'animate!' (the home of some amazing experimental works that definitely should not be missed). The animate! website has a wealth of background information on all of the animations that it supports, and the Rabbit information page has everything from stills to concept work and storyboards. So yeah!

And the moral of this story: don't trust golden idols who convince you to make blog posts at three in the morning ~

Tags: Video, YouTube, Rabbit, Run Wrake, animate!, animation, vintage, 1950s

This is Halloween

Ah, yes - it's finally Halloween - that amazing end of October event which always brings back fond memories of running down the block with a zealous greed for sugar, causing havoc for my parents all night long until finally settling down to sort out mounds of sweets in front of the television (while watching the latest Simpsons Treehouse of Horror). Now that I'm in college there is definitely an element of nostalgia when considering that its way more difficult to to justify trick-or-treating, but the internet is always there to help bring about the right mindset. Thats why in looking about the internets I've managed to find some rather interesting spooky tid-bits.

(source, Flickr Vintage Halloween Pool)

First off, it goes without saying that watching the Nightmare Before Christmas is the quintessential Halloween experience - not only is it a great movie for any time of the year but playing it to excess on Halloween can totally be justified. A great video was posted up on YouTube of the latest iteration of the 'This is Halloween' tune done by Marilyn Manson for the 3D release of this cult classic. While it preserves the original nature of the song, introducing the Manson flavor really does add that extra freaky factor to it. Of course, checking out the Panic! At The Disco cover of the song (mp3) as well as the original Danny Elfman score (mp3) will have you feeling that Halloween spirit in no time.

Moving on from the stop motion animated goodness of Nightmare, I found 3D animation short in the same sort of neat Halloween vein. Created by Digital Kitchen this quick animation draws you in to a Halloween Dream with a really catchy soundtrack. Apparently its been utilized as part of Screenvision's Halloween-themed movie preshow, dubbed SCREAMvision so you might've seen it in theaters - Not bad.

Seeing as this has really become more of an animated tribute to Halloween, why add another throwback to stop-motion animation? The magic of Halloween themed peeps comes across in this random, yet amazing, quick flick. I really have to try me some of those zombified peeps.

If your desire for Halloween saturated goodness hasn't been satiated yet, check out X-Entertainment Blog, a great place for blurbs on 80s toys, random advertising, and of course, at this time of the year, the home of the Halloween Countdown!

And remember, don't be a Hallowe'en grinch(ette) when the tick-or-treaters come by or else the Freaky Flying-Pumpkin Commandeering Witch will come for you and all of that hoarded candy you thought you could keep for yourself.

Tags: Halloween, Vintage, Nightmare Before Christmas, Marilyn Manson, Panic! At The Disco, Danny Elfman, Halloween Dream, Stop Motion Animation, Peeps, X-Entertainment Blog