Daily Mini Interview: Paper Miniatures by Jon Frier

Miniatures in Paper by Jon Frier

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IMG_5145How did you first get started making paper miniatures? Where does the interest stem from?

Oddly enough, my model-making stems more from an interest in (obsession with) aviation rather than my art background. I have a relative who is a WWII veteran. He was a Navy pilot and when I was younger, he told me about the planes he flew and all the experiences he had in the war. One day I was trying to figure out how to fold paper airplanes that looked like real planes, and I realized that I could do more than just fold the paper. I grabbed some cardboard and tape and scissors, and I made my first model plane. That was probably around 8th grade, and I’ve been honing the craft ever since. Until recently, I had only made model aircrafts.

untitled333What are you currently studying?

I am currently earning a BFA in Communication Design from Pratt Institute, with a focus on Graphic Design.

How have your studies at Pratt influenced your miniature designs?

The best thing about being at such a high caliber art and design college is that I am constantly surrounded by incredible people who are doing incredible things, both staff and students. Even if it isn’t miniature work specifically, I’m always learning about new techniques and processes from my peers. Also learning design and art from talented working professionals doesn’t hurt my craft either.

img_4122Do you have any favorite miniature projects you’ve created?

My favorite creations tend be the ones that allow me to try something new. It could be a new material, technique or subject matter. One of my favorites has to be the food cart. It was the first time I used digital printing and clay in my miniatures, and that opened the door to much smaller and more intricate works. I definitely want to do another one like it soon (possibly a newsstand).

Any new miniature paper designs in the works? 

I’m always thinking about what objects around me I can shrink. Lately, I have been working on some collaborative pieces with a couple of peers who do awesome small-scale clay models. I’m excited to show those off soon. I also had a lot of fun using light in my minis recently and I want to play more with that soon as well. My goal on that front is to somehow figure out how to make a tiny illuminated neon sign for a model. I have no idea how I’m going to do it.

IMG_5143What different materials do you use to make your miniatures?

I’ve probably tried everything you can imagine at some point. The work I do now is largely composed of Bristol paper, chipboard, clay and wire. The one thing I couldn’t make a mini without is glue (Locktite super glue is my best friend).

What is the most challenging aspect of working in small scale?

In short, hands and eyes. My hands are too big and my eyes are too weak.

img_4082Advice for beginner artists and designers?

Always be looking. When you’re walking around, look up, look down, look behind you. Look in places that seem like they have nothing to look at. Ask questions, talk to people. Inspiration is found at the oddest moments and in the oddest places. And then when that inspiration comes, make sure you have a notebook or sketchbook handy, or at least take a picture with your phone. Oh, and draw… a lot!

What inspires you?fullsizerender

Inspiration comes from the weirdest things. I have moments in my everyday life where I stop in my tracks and look at something and think, “I have to figure out how to make that tiny.” I’ve gotten in the habit of snapping pictures of all kinds of things that give me ideas.

Who inspires you?

Anyone that wastes his or her time doing art inspires me. But specifically: most of my professors, most of my peers and everyone who’s ever been featured on @dailymini.

IMG_5140What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen by another artist?

Baltimore is home to the American Visionary Art Museum. Part of their permanent collecting is a 16-foot long scale model of the Lusitania by Wayne Kusy made entirely out of toothpicks. It is incredible.

What appeals to you most about your work with miniatures?

My favorite part of making miniatures is problem solving. Every project presents new challenges and I enjoy the process of tinkering and experimenting to figure out the right material or tool for the job. It is also extremely satisfying to be able to shrink my world down and put it on a shelf. It’s almost like a super power. Sometimes I find myself staring at a building or a vending machine or something and thinking, “what tool could I use to make that thing the size of a golf ball?” It is a fun way to look at the world.

img_4041Upcoming projects or exhibitions planned?

I would love to exhibit my work somewhere, I just don’t have the connections yet.

Other activities you enjoy?

I’ve been doing a lot of animation lately. I’m taking an animation class as an elective and I spend a lot of my free time doing that. Besides that, I always draw. I can’t tell you how many sketchbooks are piled up in storage back home. And the guitar is good for relieving stress.

Jon Frier is a PrattComD student currently studying Graphic Design. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he now lives in Brooklyn, NY. Check out his portfolio on Behance, and see what he’s been making in miniature on Instagram!

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Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by FatalPotato

Miniatures by FatalPotato

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image1How did you first get started in miniatures? Where does the interest stem from?

When I was younger, I went through an elimination diet to identify any food allergies I might have had. I wasn’t allowed to eat most delicious things in the meantime. For a kid who could scarf down eight large dumplings as a baby, this was quite the bummer! My mom suggested that I express my appetite through a different medium. Being from an artsy family, she handed me a block of white Sculpey and out popped a miniature marshmallow! My dad later helped me sculpt a hamburger, effectively forging my love for little faux food. I was never interested in dolls or dollhouses… in fact, I took Barbies apart and made them into race cars. So, I just kept on making miniature foodstuffs because I thought they were just so darn cute.

Where did the name “FatalPotato” come from?

FatalPotato is the product of a silly middle school obsession with spuds. I wanted my shop name to be humorous yet slightly dark… the alternative was “AgitatoPotato.”

How long have you been creating minis?

On and off again since I was around five, so about 13 years now.

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What types of miniatures do you make and how has your work evolved?

I make realistic-style miniature food. I’ve always centered my art around food, so I’d say my work has evolved more in terms of technique rather than content. When I first started, I sculpted everything from memory; the only reference images of whatever food I wanted to make were in my head. My burgers and donuts were very basic in texture, color, and shape, almost cartoonish. I coated every mini in a thick layer of shiny glaze… I thought the plasticky look was *fabulous.* I later scoured cookbooks and Google images for more ideas and eventually replaced my supremely-glossy style with a realistic one.

image3Do you create and sell miniatures full-time?

Oh, I wish! Being a full-time student, I don’t have as much time for sculpting as I used to. I still try to keep a few minis available in my shop whenever I’m home from college (December and June-September).

What types of different materials do you use to make miniatures?

I use polymer clay as a base medium, followed by chalk pastels and/or acrylic paint for extra coloring, and sealed with matte or glossy glaze. I also use liquid clay for viscous foods and air dry clay for other textures. Organic material, like moss and wood, are handy as well.

Advice for beginner miniaturists?

Hmm… I would say the most important tip, as cheesy as it sounds, is to have patience! Progress will inevitably follow as long as you persevere and keep practicing your craft. Always keep an eye out for inspiration, but cherish and cultivate your own style, let it blossom. As a miniaturist, I find it super helpful to pay meticulous attention to the real version of whatever I’m making. Notice the shapes, the special textures, the particular gradients of color. That’s why I tend to peer at my food like an archaeologist examining an alien fossil… I like to observe all of the itsy-bitsy details that make it unique.

image2Tool or material you can’t live without?

Besides polymer clay, I couldn’t live without my trusty broken toothpick. It’s spiky on the broken end while the pointy end has accumulated years of paint and glue, making both ends excellent for food textures. Kinda gross, but so versatile!

Other activities you enjoy?

I enjoy dabbling in other artsy things, like drawing, painting, and photography. I love drawing skulls and creepy things especially, which is so in tune with my main hobby of cutesy, little food!

Anything else you would like to add? 

Thank you to everyone who has supported my miniature foods. I’m very grateful to be included in such a wonderful online art community!

Leah is based in Oregon and will soon be relocating to Rhode Island. To enjoy more of her FatalPotato creations, check out the FatalPotato website and FatalPotato Etsy shop. You can follow along daily on Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr and DeviantArt!

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