Collectors and fans alike have a chance to own one-of-a-kind Star Wars art pieces while giving to a good cause with The Empire Muggs Back. Lucasfilm asked artists, comic book creators, toy designers, and celebrity fans to get out their markers, paint brushes and glue guns and transform blank Mighty Muggs (donated by Hasbro) into custom Star Wars art which will be auctioned by The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Starwars.com chats with artist Amy Pronovost about her process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Mugg into the Lepi smuggler named Jaxxon.
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back art project?
First off, it was for a really good cause. Make-A-Wish is one of my favorite charity organizations. Secondly, I've been eyeing the blank Muggs for a while and have wanted to customize one, so when I was offered a spot I jumped right on it!
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Mugg art piece?
I'm sure everyone would have expected me to paint an Ewok, but as there were already Ewok Muggs I decided to go for something a little different. Jaxxon came to mind because he's from the original Marvel comics, which means he's perfect for a comic convention. I have found people keep thinking he's Bucky O'Hare, and I have to remind them that Jaxxon predates Bucky. I didn't realize just how popular green space rabbits are!
What materials did you use? What was your step-by-step process?
I used acrylic, paper clay and marker for my Muggs. The first thing I did was start with some sketches on some blank Muggs diagrams to get a feel for how the character would look. Then I sketched on the Muggs, after priming. Next I sculpted a pair of ears out of paper clay and set them aside. I started by masking off the neck and wrist area so I could at least keep some of it crisp, and started painting.
The painting took a long time, and the green and the red were about 4-5 coats each. When the green was dry I glued and sculpted the ears onto the head, and used another 5 coats to get them to match. After that it was just a lot of fiddly detailing with a thin brush and a shaky hand. Other than some hindsight that I should have masked off the front of his suit to make it straighter, I think it turned out great.
What were some of the challenges you faced while making your art piece?
Even primed, the paint took multiple coats. I'm also used to working 2-D, not 3-D, and in watercolors as opposed to acrylics, so the whole thing was a challenge, but fun. I was also painting this around full time work, a commission, a freelance project and preparing to move across Canada!
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
Because they are awesome, different and one of a kind. I think these will appeal to people outside of the Star Wars fandom who collect vinyl toys, too. I also think people will love it because they can help Make-A-Wish!
The final Mighty Muggs art pieces will be on display at San Diego Comic-Con and on StarWars.com.
Stay tuned to StarWars.com for in-depth The Empire Muggs Back coverage, info on the online charity auction, Mighty Mugg crafting tips and artist profiles.
