brooklyn Archives - dailymini®

Daily Mini Interview: Mighty Oak Brings Miniature Sets to Life for HGTV and Sherwin-Williams

June 24, 2018June 25, 2018 admin

Mighty Oak’s Miniature Sets for HGTV and Sherwin-Williams

Interview with Emily Collins, Creative Director at Mighty Oak

Tell us a bit about your recent collaboration with HGTV and Sherwin-Williams.

Our team created a series of miniature rooms inspired by the 2018 Sherwin-Williams color collection. Each room was modeled to look like a contemporary living space, with details as tiny as half-inch shampoo bottles crafted by hand.

How many rooms did you create, and how are they distinct from one another?

We created 7 rooms in total. Each unique room showcases a living space, including a bathroom, kitchen, 2 living rooms, a bedroom, and a sun room. They range in style, from minimalist decor, to plant-filled lounges, rustic interiors, and even a seaside-aesthetic.

How many team members helped to bring this project to life?

Our team was made up of 11 creatives, including our producer and director, animators, fabricators, and post-production crew. We worked closely with our clients to ensure that each room represented their new color line in the way they imagined.

What was your team’s favorite room to create?

Everyone seems to have their own favorite! My personal favorite was the Minimalist Danish Living Room because it feels the most realistic. It looks life-size to me in camera before you see the hand reveal the scale.

What was the most challenging room to create?

The kitchen cabinetry was probably the most challenging to create because there were so many angles and lines to consider! The artist Sam Shumway had to delicately measure and craft each individual cabinet to make sure everything lined up properly.

The shower in the bathroom was another challenging custom build, but artist Hillary Barton did a great job. The shower door is actually functional, and could slide open and closed which was exciting to see in action.

About how many miniatures did your team create by hand?

The team created about 70% of the pieces by hand including the couches, bed, shower, wall paintings, contemporary chair, tables, dressers, planters, and… I could go on. We’re lucky to have a skilled team that specializes in crafting miniatures, as stop-motion animation often calls for it.

Where did you source some of the miniature home décor and accessories from?

The few pieces that we did source came from Amazon, Tiny Doll House on the Upper East Side in NYC and our very own studio. My business partner Michaela Olsen has been collecting miniature vintage dollhouse furniture for a long time that we were able to use.

We also sourced all of the wood flooring from my husband’s company, Tri-Lox, which sources sustainable lumber to create custom designs. A lot of the flooring and some of the furniture is made out of Redwood that previously was part of NYC water towers!

Did you have to use a special paintbrush to create the wall art?

We used very thin-tipped brushes!

What did you learn about miniatures along the way?

I learned that it is wise to think in 1:12 scale as much as possible, as that is the easiest size to source! I also learned that I love miniatures very much. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a contemporary scene, room, piece of furniture or plant at a tiny scale.

What did you learn about interior design through this collaboration?

I learned that when I design my future home, I will mock-up my plans first in Photoshop, as we did with these rooms. It’s a great way to plan out a space. Most retailers have photos of their furniture from various angles, so it’s possible to grab an image and resize, and angle it to fit your mock-up.

What other services does Mighty Oak offer?

We specialize in hand-made design, crafting items out of paper, clay, wood, textiles, and even food. We primarily work in stop-motion animation, but also offer a lot of options for hand-drawn animation, illustration, and motion graphics.

Our full-time team of 7 employees with about 40 specialized subcontractors to offer services that blend art, branding, and design. This hybrid of strengths makes our work unique.

What’s next from Mighty Oak?

As we continue to create mini worlds for brands, we’re also starting to work more with TV networks like HBO and Netflix, which is really exciting! We’re also expanding our services to consumers directly, creating hand-crafted video games, .gifs, stickers, and templates that anyone can easily download and use. But you can see how we’re making all of this on our Instagram or brand new YouTube channel, where we’ll be posting behind-the-scenes videos of our process.

If any mini-makers want to collaborate — Instagram is the best place to find us!

The Mighty Oak studio is located in Red Hook, Brooklyn. They’re on the lookout for talented makers, so feel free to get in touch to learn more! Check out their latest projects on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo. And make sure to read more about their extensive project portfolio on the Mighty Oak site.

Daily Mini Interview: Paper Miniatures by Jon Frier

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 admin

Miniatures in Paper by Jon Frier

| Portfolio | Instagram |

How 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.

What 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.

Do 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.

What 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.

Advice 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?

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.

What 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.

Upcoming 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!

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Phillip Nuveen

July 22, 2015July 22, 2015 admin

Miniatures by Phillip Nuveen

| Website | Instagram | Etsy |

How did you transition from art and design into miniatures?

I’m a really creative individual, so my entire life is art and design. I work and create in so many mediums which I think is extremely helpful to my miniature work. So the transition is fluid and always happening.

Where does your interest in miniature stem from?

I absolutely love architecture. I love all art and design but buildings and interiors hold a special place in my heart. Everything is connected, of course, when it comes to aesthetic mediums. When I was a teenager I wanted to be an architect, but I was bad at certain types of math. My brain just doesn’t understand numbers. I excelled in geometry, but that’s about it. Which makes sense to me now because my mind works in a very visual way. I think in shapes and images. I’ll get an idea for a miniature, picture it my mind, build it in my mind and then execute in real life. I very rarely have to sketch out a concept. So not having the proper training to be an architect, I decided to start making the models to show the world that I can imagine beautiful buildings and interiors! Even though they are a scale version.

How has your work in miniature evolved?

Two years ago, I first embarked on an at-home project to make myself a miniature apartment. I gathered raw materials and just started from scratch. With each new miniature, it pushes my skills and perfectionist qualities further. I’m always hunting and keeping my eyes open for new materials.

The first few models I made were of a Mies van der Rohe inspired aesthetic. My mantra is “Less is more,” and I’m really into minimalism and modernity. So, the past few structures I’ve made have become more organic in shape, mainly drawing inspiration from my favorite architects Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid.

What materials do you use to make your miniatures?

It’s really all about the materials. An artist is only as good as his materials, right? Well, at the few art supplies stores left in NYC, I’m a regular! My basic building supplies are foamcore, balsa wood, crescent board, and acrylic sheets of plastic. There are a few different adhesives I’ve narrowed down that work best for me. I also use acrylic paint and decorative wooden surfaces, which I generally just print out from the Internet. I have my BFA in visual communications from Columbia College Chicago, where I studied design. Having developed design software capabilities allows me to design all kinds of things: book jackets, magazines, computers screens, framed art work images, decals, unique surfaces, miniature packaging, shopping bags, and more. Which all really bring a miniature space to life.

What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?

I’m honestly so obsessed with miniatures and models that I’ve seen too much to narrow it down! I feel that the art form is having a real resurgence and will be in the spotlight for a while, or at least I’m hoping it will!

Advice for beginner artists?

Take your time while creating and working. The more perfect you get it, the better it looks and photographs!

Why miniatures?

I just am in love with architecture and I started miniature work because it’s a way for me to show my ideas and concepts, rather than just using drawings or CAD renderings. Plus, I think the skills are the most impressive part. It’s one thing to have an idea for a structure, but then to actually craft it from raw materials and to be able to hold it and show it is my favorite part.

What’s to come from Phillip Nuveen?

As always, I’m trying to land larger freelance projects highlighting my miniature work or the other mediums I work in. I just did a fantastic series of miniatures for a large well known furniture brand to be used in an advertising campaign. The miniatures came out amazingly, they really pushed me outside my comfort zone and I’m very proud of them. However, the campaign is put on hold so I can’t show photos of the miniatures – so disappointing! I’m always thinking up new designs and updating my website and Instagram with fresh work!

What do you want miniature fans to know about you?

I would just like to thank everyone that is a part of the miniature art world. I really enjoy playing with scale and working in miniature. We all have to stick together and share our ideas and work to keep the medium alive!

Phillip Nuveen currently lives in Brooklyn, NYC. His impeccably designed and executed miniatures can be viewed on his website or on Instagram. Shop Phillip Nuveen miniatures now on Etsy!

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Jul 29, 2015 at 11:32am PDT

Daily Mini Interview: Miniatures by Ryan McAmis

July 7, 2015July 7, 2015 admin

Miniature Cathedral by Ryan McAmis

| Website | Instagram |

Describe your background in the arts.

I studied Communications Design at Pratt Institute, with a focus on Illustration. I also took a lot of painting classes there. I often spend time working on design projects, paintings, drawings, miniatures, music, and more. As far as picking a favorite, it really depends on what I’m into at the moment. For example, I’ll be really focused on illustration, then I’ll burn out and I’ll switch over to piano for week or so. When I’m hitting a wall there, I’ll work on the miniature cathedral. I have to say though, that the cathedral is the most relaxing and enjoyable. Drawing and piano tend to stress me out more.

What’s your process when creating works of art?

I wish I had a set process—I’d probably be more productive. As far as the miniature cathedral, I start with a lot of research, followed by some sketches until I get a rough idea. Then I’ll do some scale vector drawings on the computer and get the proportions and measurements right. Once my plans are all set, I’ll start building the final pieces.

Where did the idea for your cathedral project stem from?

When I was a child I was obsessed with architecture and especially old cathedrals. I would spend all of my free time drawing from books on art history and architecture. I eventually started building models of cathedrals out of sugar cubes. Sometime around the 7th grade, I discovered foamcore. I would spend several months on these models. This went on through high school, until I went away to college. Now 20 years later, I decided to pick it up again as an adult and apply what I know now as far as techniques, materials and new technology available.

What different types of materials have contributed to the construction of your cathedral project?

For example, let’s take one of the Gothic windows. In order to make this window, I use various materials to get the right textures. It can range from wood to clay and acrylic, even treated paper. Some pieces look best hand cut, some are better laser cut, whatever it takes to get the most perfect and realistic detail. Then I glue all these elements together and make a master Gothic window. The next step is to make a silicon mold of it, which I then use to cast multiple pieces in white plastic. Once the cast plastic windows are ready, I hand paint them. This is pretty much the same process for all the pieces for my cathedral, everything is eventually cast in white plastic and hand painted in the end.

Do you have plans to exhibit the work upon completion?

I haven’t thought about it yet. The cathedral project is probably going to take about 5 years to complete. Unfortunately, I only get to work on it in my spare time. I work crazy long hours as an illustrator and graphic designer, so I can only squeeze in time early in the morning before work or late at night when I get home.

Does the cathedral piece have any secret chambers or hidden gems within it?

Recently my cat Leo passed away at the age of 22. I kept one of his fangs that fell out a couple months before he died as well as a bundle of his whiskers and lock of his hair, all of which I interred into one of the funerary wall monuments in the cathedral. So kitty has a little resting place in there. I do plan to add more secret things. I would love to figure out how to make a functioning gargoyle system so that if I pour a glass of water on the roof it runs off and drains out of the mouths of tiny gargoyles.

What’s your favorite period of art history?

I’m really attracted to the austerity and simplicity of the early Renaissance, before it got it really extravagant. I love Fra Angelico, in fact the backgrounds of his paintings, the architectural elements and interiors that his subjects inhabit are big influences on the design of my cathedral. Giotto as well. His architectural backgrounds are really influential.

On the other hand, I’m also a huge fan of 20th century to present day art. Clyfford Still, Helen Frankenthaler, Louise Bourgeois as well as illustrators such as Saul Steinberg and Jan Lenica.

Advice for beginner artists?

Stay relaxed and don’t take yourself too seriously. Play around with the materials. The best breakthroughs usually come by accident.

Tool or material you can’t live without?

Smooth-On mold making and casting materials. I also can’t live without my computer. I do all my designs on the computer first. Rounds and rounds of designs until I get it right, then I build the real thing.

Why miniatures?

I’m able to build something I would never be able to build in real life.

To follow along on Ryan’s many mini adventures (and to see how the miniature cathedral turns out!), visit his website or check him out on Instagram.

A photo posted by The Daily Miniature (@dailymini) on Jul 17, 2015 at 9:21am PDT