Crew I have the pleasure of bringing you an interview from the winner of kidrobot's Munnyworld Contest and newest addition to the Dunny artist line-up, here is the 34th installment of the CTU's interview series...

Presenting the CTU's Dirty Dozen featuring: Sergio Mancini



1. What name do you go by and why?

I have no nickname, but I adopted "Mancini" in honor of my dear mother, who passed away last year.

2. Why did you get into toy design/making?

It took me a while to find myself in a design activity that satisfies me. As I work as a graphic designer and editorial illustrator, I could never impose my true freedom of expression. In the designer toys field I have the freedom to do what I want, only being careful to not be politically incorrect.



3. What influences / motivates your work the most?

I like the unusual. I always try to create a character with some altered personality,feeling, interesting concept or a crazy idea.

4. What is your favorite platform to work with?

I would not say I have a favorite because I like almost all of them. I just customized more in the Dunny / Qee family because they are easier to purchase here in Brazil.



5. What tools of the trade do you use?

I work mainly with acrylic paint. I like the Winsor & Newton and Liquitex brands (I've recently bought some Gold to test, but I believe they are as good or better). I use a Badger airbrush and W&N brushes. I have all the equipment for the production of resin toys as well, but lately I haven't produced as much as I'd like.

6. Do you have any formal arts training?

No, I'm self-taught. I only took some technical classes in graphic and interior design, but as a curious person as I am, I've always learnt more researching and testing.




7.What other artistic mediums do you dabble in?

I was out of the artistic field for many years, because I worked in printing companies — which did not allow me to be always active. About 4 years from now I have tried to merge my activities with toys and sculpture. Unfortunately, I still can not live only doing toys, but I intend to be full time focused on art, painting, making resin pieces or anything related.


8. Who are your favorite artists?

Frankly, I like hundreds of artists, because I appreciate most styles. It would be unfair to quote a few dozen, but I can say that my early inspirations came from illustrators such as Mort Drucker, Hajime Sorayama, and Norman Rockwell, among others.



9.Who or what pieces do you collect?

It's hard to collect toys here in Brazil (unless you are well paid, ahah), due to high shipping and customs fees. Incidentally, this explains the fact that there are not many designer toys artists here. Most of my toys are Dunnys, but I have some others that I got on eBay or in the forums. I have holy grails, like a Paw!, a KAWS or a Squadt.

10. What piece are you most proud of?

I was always proud of what I did last, and always think the previous productions could be improved in some details. I have a special appreciation for my Samba Qee, which was one of my first customs and was based on a Brazilian character. I've recently managed to get it back (from the guys that organized an expo about 2 years ago to sell it, along with other pieces from different artists, but that have never sold any of them and didn't return the customs to their rightful owners). I would not sell that guy today.



11.Do you have any shows or exhibitions in the works?

Not yet, because I'm not as prolific as I wish to be, and most of my works are commissioned pieces. I've only been part in some group exhibitions, but they are also rare. Of course, I intend to do a solo show (or with my friends from the Red Mutuca Studios), when I have a good amount of pieces.

12. Do you take commissions?

Of course, always! Although my life is a bit busy lately since the contest, I always try to please everyone, even though it may take several months.

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The Custom Toy Union would like to thank Sergio Mancini for his time and for sharing his work with us.

You can see more of Sergio's work here:

http://www.redmutuca.com
http://www.bananasuicida.com.br

Big fan of your work. Glad to see you get more recognition

Tks CTU crew! tks Bryan!

Nice interview! I am a big fan as well.

More than well deserved, a stunningly clever piece from a great guy.

It was a great idea executed perfectly. And that Chuckboy is insanely cool