HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I'm travelling about 100 mph on a high speed train through the Northern part of France.  Reflecting on this year and dreaming about the possibilities that wait ahead in 2013.  I love this modern age in times like these.  When I was 15, I couldn't imagine the connections I would make by 38.  It's amazing.  This planet is amazing.  Being connected.

Reflections - 2012 was a big year for The Loyal Subjects.  A big year for growth, personally and business wise.  We began looking at our business in a different light.  Organization, connecting, image, vision, growth, expansion - all items we are defining.  2013 will be the beneficiary of our planning from the latter half of this year.  I finally get to accent the great properties and identities that captured my imagination; Transformers, G.I. JOE and Mr. Potato Head.  Each of these magical properties define certain periods of my life.  They are DNA, endemic, a very integral part of my creative development.  I am extremely excited about building out our brand with these fantastic characters and worlds.  

We produced a mountain of releases in 2012 - Large scale Sam Flores' Kid Dragon, Gary Baseman's Buckingham Warriors, Joe Ledbetter's Burger Bunnies, Mr. Bunny, our apparel line, Transformers, G.I. JOE, Laurie Lipton prints, Skate Decks, TLS x Coachella merchandise, art for Tender Greens restaurants, Inflatables and vuvuzelas for Diplo and Major Lazer!  Somehow I feel that we're just scratching the surface.  We travelled to the Philippines, Hong Kong and New York for special TLS events, releases and signings.  We had Sold Out releases at Designer Con.  Again, we're barely scratching the surface, that's what makes the prospects of 2013 so exciting.

What we learned in 2012 we will apply in 2013 - better customer service, a new website, more product, continuation of our high quality, limited edition collectibles, better shipping prices and increasing our brand profile so those who believe in us and those who support us can be proud to wear, follow, collect the TLS brand.  We promise to increase your experience and hopefully we can capture your imagination.

Here's to the triumphs of 2012 and here's to the growth, education and continued pursuit of being better for 2013 and beyond.  Carpe Diem.

A special thank you goes out to Joe Ledbetter, Gary Baseman, Sam Flores, Alex Pardee, Tara McPherson, Laurie Lipton, FriendsWithYou, Les Schettkoe, Sket-One, 123 Klan, Jon Burgerman, Jeremyville, Greg "Craola" Simkins, Erik Oberholtzer and the Tender Greens Family, Han Cholo, Truant Media, The Service Company, Royal Interactive, Guy Logan, Diplo, Mad Decent, Teamwrk Management, Melissa Fox,  Bruce Gedminas, Jim Crawford, Brandee Leonard, Jonathan Bird, Hasbro, Elizabeth Miller, Nancy Braga, Sharon Swanson, Susan Romero, Michael Verecchia, Secret Fresh, Big Boy Cheng, Yoyamart, Stephen and Gena Gerbier, Minty Fresh, Joel and Isabelle, Giorgia Ledbetter, Colette, Jed Carter, Tony Thaxton, Merch Graphics, Emam Abed, and all of our vendors, retailers, customers, supporters, followers and family!  It takes a Village.  We are thankful.

If I don't see you in Amsterdam on the 5th then I will see you soon!  For now, it's back to the French countryside.  Amazing if you think about the footsteps that have covered this land.  Unreal.  

Happy New Year.  Health, Wealth and Happiness to all of you!

IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT...

...AND I FEEL FINE!

Jan 5th.  Amsterdamn.  Minty Fresh.  Get it.

MR. BUNNY #2

Following up on the madness of a 24 hour Bunny love fest!  That was cool, right?  I'm fairly certain everyone was able to grab what they wanted.  If not from our site, from the host of amazing and awesome retailers who we love to call our polyamorous life partners.  We heard some very kind kudos being thrown out to the divine Rotofugi and My Plastic Heart.  It's great that the base  supports the pillars because without the pillars and without all of you, we're lost at sea.  We certainly feel challenged to create better pieces and we're definitely trying to evolve with all of your tastes.  Hopefully we all sail up stream together, in this case, to a Chaos Bunny paradise masterminded by Joe Ledbetter.  

Happy shopping, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and let's turn this motha out!

Pssst.  One last thought or tid bit of insider info.  There's a Bunny who jumped ship.  Last we heard he sailed off over the great Atlantic to a very liberal European port town to have a little fun.  Keep it Fresh.  Keep it Minty.  We may have to follow the trail.  Might get lost ourselves =)  If we do, don't bother sending help.  We'll be swimming mightily towards greener pastures.

www.theloyalsubjects.com

MR BUNNY. #2

$125.00

This Wednesday, Noon PST at 

www.theloyalsubjects.com

Also, check with your favorite retailers for availability -

BAIT, Yoyamart, Rotofugi, Minty Fresh...and more...

Ships before Christmas.

ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING

Wow, did that just happen?  Did Elvis really leave the building?  Did we start the morning with almost 100 Lava Bunnies and end up with a bunch of empty boxes, some crusty donuts, a lot of hand shakes and a bunch of smiling faces?  I think so.  I'm pretty sure that just happened.  Nice.  That feels good.  

Conventions are crazy, even the ones in your own backyard.  We're in Atwater Village and Designer Con is in Pasadena.  Maybe a 15 minute drive from our HQ.  Closeness to proximity doesn't matter, it's still chaos.  We're ripping apart the warehouse, bubble wrapping our fixtures, getting our samples ready, making sure our loyal customers are being communicated to, packing up 17' long trucks - it's a massive effort for just a 9 hour show.  And it's only 1 day.  And it's fun!  This is just the tip of the iceberg.  We have Toy Fair coming in February.  A secret release this January in Amsterdam.  Another secret release this coming March in Beijing.  Comic Con in San Diego!  It's nuts!!  And it's all Joe Ledbetter related!  More Nuts!  Side Note - You can never use enough emphatics.  Really, the good ole exclamation mark is king.  Simple, yet effective.  People are intuitive.  Intuition created the exclamation mark.  A perfect union of design and expression.

Enough of the side track crazy train.  Let's talk about Designer Con!  Everyone happy?  I know, not everyone but we will make it our mission for you to be stoked!  It's my goal to make sure that whoever lost out on this round will be included in the next.  We are democratic, we are loyal, you are our subjects and we are yours.  We're one in the same and we know it's you guys who make us tick.  It's you guys who prop us up and believe-you-me, we are grateful to our very core.  We are never lost on that point.  We were excited to meet our friends, familiar faces and new faces, all celebrating the return of Lava Bunny, Joe's first intro into the art toy scene way back, several years ago.  It's great that The Loyal Subjects were able to produce a very identifiable and unique design, one which has resonated with a really great core group.  Even greater, it's amazing the great group of collectors who have connected with Joe Ledbetter through the years. It truly is fantastic and everyone feels blessed to have the support from all of you.  Art with an impact.  Can't get any better, can you? 

Congratulations to all of you who were able to score one, meet Joe and have Joe sign your prized Bunny.  Congratulations to Joe Ledbetter for being fierce, dynamic and truly an all around great guy!  And for kicking so much butt last Saturday!  Let's keep the momentum going.  Word on the street is, there's another Bunny going up on the market.  Something about a leak Monday?  Perhaps it'll be on sale at www.theloyalsubjects.com on Wed?  So I've heard.  Keep them ears and peepers peeled.  we got your back!

jc

SIGNED KOSTOPOL WARRIORS

Do you like signed things?  I do.  How about from a famous artist who has three Emmys in their possession   Well, that sounds interesting.  How about if this artist is Gary Baseman and things bearing his signature historically go up in value?  I think that's a yes.  Also, his paintings sell anywhere between $7.5k - $35k.  I think that's a double yes.

The Loyal Subjects loves to give the gifts that keep on giving.  In this case;  Gary Baseman's Kostopol Warrior.  Signed!  Some with original art/doodles!  This is huge.  This is worth buying.  This is taking a piece of pop art home with you permanently.  What a deal!  So I bet you're asking yourself, "well, how do I get this?"  Easy.  Buy a Kostopol Warrior on www.theloyalsubjects.com and you'll probably be lucky enough to be one of the few people who gets an actual signed Kostopol Warrior.  I wish I had one =.(

Even though I own the company, I'm sure I'll have to wait just like everyone else to see if I can score a signed Gary Baseman piece.  Please FATES, look upon my meek existence mercifully and bless me with good fortune!  I think I'm trying to apply the "Secret".  I just asked the Universe for one.

How about you?  Will you ask the Universe for one?  If you do, the Universe will say in a large omnipresent voice "GO TO www.theloyalsubjects.com AND PURCHASE A KOSTOPOL WARRIOR.  GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE TO SUCCEED AND YOU'LL MAKE NEW FRIENDS."  I love that omnipresent voice.  It's so powerful.

Good luck!

The event recaps always take a second to recollect and document.  Trust us, it isn't a procrastination vice.  It seems that way since we're always a week or two post event before we're able to collect our thoughts and the pictures we want to share.

The Loyal Subjects had the opportunity a little more than a week ago to co-host a signing with the very generous brand, Bait.   We are certainly grateful for Bait's hospitality and the amazing job the Bait crew did organizing Gary Baseman's first Buckingham Warrior signing (the Kostopol Warrior).  I would personally like to thank Kevin Cao for bringing this together.

The Buckingham Warrior is a deeply personal project for Gary Baseman, and, we at The Loyal Subjects back his passion 100%.  The signing was fantastic.  There were fans from around the world and everyone who participated was satisfied - expectation met!  Below is an interview Gary gave to CNN reporter Chris Marrow.   Gary gives an intimate view inside a deeply personal experience. 

The Kostopol Warrior is $120.00 and available at www.theloyalsubjects.com (only 250 made).

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE.

SDCC 2012! TLS X GARY BASEMAN X BAIT - SIGNING!

Hello hungry, happy, hurried Comic Con folk!  It's that time of year again.  Get to looting the bountiful booty that comes funneling into the hallowed halls of the San Diego Convention Center - ripe with desire and intent to make some fans, followers and counter culture goers bonkers for these delicious offerings!

We know that you have your weekend mapped out.  We know that you have your cash counted for - more thorough than Wall Street Mavericks or Downtown Dans.  In this one prolific week(end), stimulus is afoot.  And, we thank you!  So we're giving you, the fans, something equally and boastfully rewarding.  What's that?  That's right!  Gary f'in Baseman!  We say it emphatically like that, with zeal, purpose and intent because Gary doesn't make it to San Diego all the time.  This is a once in three year cycle.  So, for one of our industries most influential and creative guiding lights to come available, I think we should all jump in line and wait to purchase, poach, or bask in some Baseman magic.

Gary will be signing the Kostopol Warrior - the 2nd Edition in the Buckingham Warrior Series.  This is Baseman's first public appearance with the BW.  This is a big deal.  If you've read up on the genesis of the Buckingham Warrior, it's laced with endemic Baseman DNA and is a representation of his past, present and future.  A reminder to those that in the face of tyranny, Virtue will stand, fight and eventually win.  Beside the historical relevance, The Kostopol Warrior is beautiful!  Dry brush deco, as if Gary painted these himself, adorns the figure.  The figure itself is 12" tall to the antler tips.  The box is a puzzle.  If you buy two, you can complete the Gary Baseman Buckingham Warrior painting that dresses the outside box.  Only $120.00 and an edition of 250.  Stop by the BAIT Booth, #4429, this Friday July 13th at 2p to grab this special collectible.  

See you there!

GARY BASEMAN'S BUCKINGHAM WARRIOR

The phrase "Art Toy" is interesting.  I remembered when it was coined.  It was Jim Crawford, Co-Founder of StrangeCo who first brought the term to life.  He did it because he was having a difficult time generalizing what we do.  It's art but it isn't so exclusive or inclusive.  It's a toy but it isn't really played with (to an extent) and it's less broad in notion.  So, he came up with a term that could describe what we do in pure dumb simplicity that is dually genius.  Art Toy.  And there it was.  It was a perfect term describing StrangeCo's product line since much or all of it derived from 2D art - be it paintings, fine art or pop art in much the "indie" realm - relatively what is considered "non-licensed" to those accustomed to stocking shelves with large evergreen brands like Star Wars, etc.  We all adopted that term - believing, what we do is a combination of art, design and product.  Specifically, product derived from art springing from similar wells - painters, fine artists, pop artists, etc. - both, in a scholastic, meaningful sense and a playful, less emphatic and didactic sense.  Cut to the chase.  Gary Baseman's Buckingham Warrior is a perfect example of 'Art Toy' in scope. The project is a non deliberate gesture in familiarity - picking up with The Loyal Subjects where the brilliant Critterbox left off.  If you don't remember Critterbox, you should.  They were brilliant in their approach.  The pieces were big, beautiful and had depth.  The Buckingham Warrior certainly has these inherent traits.

The Buckingham Warrior in Cliff's Notes:

The Buckingham Warrior is a deer named Buckingham.  An unusual deer.  He has three legs.   This three legged deer lives in the Wolyner Forest.  He is a living organism in symbiosis with the greater and vastly expansive mother to all...Nature.  Life is ideal.  Until the idyllic inertia was disrupted by a malevolent and greedy man.  This man (the Land Baron) saw the forest as a rich resource ripe for exploitation.  He and his henchmen marched into this otherwise peaceful domain and without conscious or compassion, started to destroy the forest.  Buckingham refused to submit to this painful reality.  He stood his ground and fought back.  In his struggle, Buckingham was decapitated by the evildoers.  In an act of other-wordly defiance, the deer grew several heads back, replacing the decapitated head.  Buckingham was unmovable in his righteous stand. 

The story itself is anecdotal, a fable in feel but the sentiment is rich in metaphor.  The story was inspired by Gary's own father who was a Holocaust Survivor.  The Buckingham Warrior embodies the spirit emboldened by strong value sets; Freedom, Respect, Dignity, Fairness, Bravery - and to a larger scope, including the delicacy of our own ecology.   Buckingham is a hero for the ages.

The first edition is Buckingham as the the deer living peacefully in the Wolyner Forest.  The figure boasts several points of articulation, accessories and the rich color palette that is signature to Gary Baseman.  The figure is packaged in a closed 4C box with a satin finish.  A gorgeous piece. 

The Buckingham Warrior will be available Wed, Feb 22nd 2012 at NOON PST on www.theloyalsubjects.com and select retailers for $115.00USD.  Edition - 400.

WORKING ON 2012

It's a new year.  We have over a dozen projects in the cooker right now.  Here's a quick little list:  Gary Baseman, Craola, Hasbro, FriendsWithYou, Joe Ledbetter and more!  It's been great organizing the year with our factory team in China.  Our partners are getting ready for the New Year - Year of the Dragon - I decided to pop in before everyone went on break to organize and smooth out the details.  First up - Joe Ledbetter - Burger Bunny Wood 10" collectible (expect color ways *hint hint*).  Next, Joe Ledbetter Bop Bag inflatable - Looks a lot like a 60" tall Burger which you can punch feverishly at pesky calories.  Also, Sam Flores 5' tall Kid Dragon (would it look good in gold?) - you'll find out!  Gary Baseman - the Buckingham Warrior - Wow!  This piece is epic.  10" tall of Baseman brilliance and coming this April (stay tuned for pics).  Next for this first quarter - remember Joe Ledbetter's Fire Cat?  Thought about ever owning a 50" tall one in fiberglass?  You'll find out this April/May.

We're in the airport now, leaving for Manila, Philippines where we'll join Joe and Big Boy from Secret Fresh.  I've been told the Burger Bunny had sold out days ago and the fans in Manila are going nuts awaiting Joe's arrival.  It feels good to be working with our team and retail partners, even though we're so far away from home, nonetheless, we still feel at home.  2012 is stacking up to be a great year and what greater way to kick it off than a 50 piece 10" tall Wood Bunny release starring Joe Ledbetter.  I'm happy to be here.  I'm happy for the experiences.  For the relationships.  For the opportunities.  Life is amazing.  Carpe Diem.

WRECKS AND DAZEY LAVA EDITION

To all the loyal Joe Ledbetter fans in this brilliant, fantastical world - Joe brings you yet another Lava Edition!  This one coming from Joe via Analog Playset.  Analog Playset is Tony Thaxton's project, drummer of Motion City Soundtrack.  Joe happens to be fans of the band and the band, fans of Joe.  Just so happens that Joe Ledbetter had created the key art for MCS' last studio album, 'My Dinosaur Life'.  The art centers around the Wrecks and Dazey characters - a loveable Tyrannosaurus Rex and his pollinating bee pal, Dazey.  Fitting and apropos Darwin statement, even if unintentional - out with the dinosaurs and in with new - i.e. the bee and it's pension for pollinating and redistributing opportunities for life.  Poignant.  See, there's a lot going on behind the doors of these artist's minds.  Just have to take a peek.

Wrecks and Dazey Lava Edition is an Edition of 99 and is available for $110.00.  A 6" set?  A "friggin" steal my delicious friends!  Now, there are only six pieces left.  So, HAPPY HUNTING!  Buy them HERE!

BUFF MONSTER - DESTROYER! EYES EDITION!

Ever wonder what it would be like to be chased in a creepy, secluded forest by a giant monster with multiple eyes, oozing pink goo out of it's pores, ready to spear you with a spiky and dangerous set of antlers?  Well, have you!  If you have, you need help.  And we have the right help for you!  Introducing the EYES Edition DESTROYER by Buff Monster!  It's hard to believe this guy is so evil since he's kind of cute.  But don't let his/her/its big ole' round baby head fool you!  He's got eyes on the back of his head...literally!  Check out those incisors too!  Creepy, vampire style.  This dude will; crush you, spear you, bite you and beat you in a staring contest any day!  How cool is that?!

This bad boy is only $110.00 and he is big!!  Almost 14" to the top of his antlers.  A Monster!  Only 250 of them made.  The perfect amount to find their way into 250 of your homes, waiting for that right time to come off that shelf and give you a proper and decent staring match!  Be gone and travel safely friends, for danger lurks and it has several retinas!

Buy him HERE!