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 armed with markers, paint brushes and glue guns to transform blank which were auctioned by The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Starwars.com chats with artist Trisha Gum (Art Department Coordinator/Paper Artist at ShadowMachine for Robot Chicken) about her process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Muggs figure into a special tribute to Darth Kitty.
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back charity art project?
As an artist it's always good to keep yourself challenged with new projects. This project was great because you were given a chance to step outside the box you normally work in to challenge yourself with new concepts, shapes and materials.
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Muggs art piece?
I chose Darth Kitty because he was my favorite character in Robot Chicken: Star Wars II!
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
I am a paper artist, so I originally tried to construct my Mighty Mugg entirely out of paper. With such a short deadline, I started to broaden my materials when I realized paper was challenging to work with in this way. The face, bottom component of the helmet and control chest plate of Darth Kitty is still constructed out of paper, but I had to use other materials for the fur, lightsaber and over all form of the helmet.
What were some of the challenges you faced while making your art piece?
Working with new materials, though extremely fun, can be a challenge because there is a bit of a learning curve.
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
It's fun for everyone to see individual artistic takes on characters we all know and love.
Read more in-depth coverage on The Empire Muggs Back.
