GET SCHOOLED: creating creature culture with derrick hodgson

You guys have probably seen Derrick Hodgson’s characters hanging out in sticker or graffiti form on electrical boxes around the city, or maybe you caught his mixed media show or vinyl toys at Magic Pony. Well next Saturday the Rich Media Institute is hosting a workshop that will give you an opportunity to learn about his creative process and experience in the designer toy biz and work with him to turn your own doodles into a 3-D toy.

Read on for more info…

The Rich Media Institute Presents “Creating Creature Culture” A Workshop With Artist/Illustrator Derrick Hodgson

Learn How to Create Your Own Designer Toys
Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10 AM to 6 PM
Element 156 Building, 156 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

The Rich Media Institute (RMI) Toronto presents “Creating Creature Culture”, a one-day workshop with artist/illustrator Derrick Hodgson, Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 10 AM to 6 PM at the new Element 156 Building, 156 Augusta Avenue, in the heart of Kensington Market. Workshop attendees will learn how to turn character sketches into limited edition designer toys, one of the hottest trends in affordable art for sophisticated collectors. Visit Rich Media Institute for details or to register.

Derrick Hodgson produces toys as MDRL and with the Hoboyard Toy Collective. Working in mixed media, Derrick combines drawings, silkscreens, animations and toys, giving birth to a multitude of characters that include poppers, peepers, floaters, sprouts, spores, walkers, yetis and ghouls. He has exhibited in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Milan and Melbourne, and was the first Canadian artist to be recognized by Sony Creative. His character illustrations have been transformed into 3-D art figures and sold in gatcha-gatcha machines across Japan.

Designer toys is a term used to describe 3-D toys and other collectibles that are produced in limited editions and created by artists and designers. The modern designer vinyl toy originated in Asia where they are immensely popular. An example of designer toys is the Dunny series, produced by American company Kidrobot.

The “Creating Creature Culture” workshop includes a hands-on session with artist Derrick Hodgson along with helpful background information on the designer toy business. Cost is $79.00. Registration is limited. To secure your place, go to the Rich Media Institute or the FITC Store.

About The Rich Media Institute:
The Rich Media Institute is a training centre for designers, developers and marketers working in the rich media industry. RMI conducts training sessions in digital media design and technology, and organizes for-artists-by-artists workshops, providing training and inspiration for individuals engaged in culturally and technologically-relevant projects. RMI Toronto was founded by industry leader Shawn Pucknell, Director/Founder of FITC and producer of FITC Toronto: The Design and Technology Festival (April 20 - 22, 2008).