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Sneaking in that last interview before STGCC! Wetworks opens up!
It is with great surprise that, while I was doing prep work, no one had had actually sat Carlo Andrada Cacho, or better known as wetworks, down for a proper interview. His Instagram account is stuffed full of unbelievably stunning original work, derivatives and customs. There isn’t a single thing that comes out of his hands that I didn’t like, and yes, that even means all the Star Wars figures. It’s just so mind-blowing that I am tempted to pick up all his STGCC releases.
He has a Star Wars fetish with a dash of steam-punk/mecha obsession, and a lot of chibi/kawaii factor in his works that would fit right into Adventure Time. The versatility expressed in his figures is strung together by a whimsical note, often child-like and pregnant with narrative possibilities. It triggers thought and imagination _________________________________________________________________
Me: Tell us about yourself, Carlo, a basic introduction with all the in and outs. Did you feed yourself a diet of anime and cartoons to get into the game and just what are the biggest influences in your work? A lot of them seems to straddle two worlds, the East and the West. Your Foxy and Xin, which you are going to release at STGCC, is an example; it’s reminiscent of The Boy and The Beast, the anime movie, but less big eyes and more jawlines. What’s the deal with the vest-wearing grumpy bear?
wet: Yo! Ok firstly, thanks for having me here man and yes on that diet haha so I work for a toy company by trade while I do my own brand on the side and I guess I am influenced by pop culture in general. Foxy & Xin I would say are my favourite original characters and their story is vast, mysterious and exciting. Here's their intro:
Foxy & Xin are the products of a defunct world where the animal kingdom control on what's left to what once called the great "Gaia". Foxy is a moody teenage girl always trying to wreak havoc together with her gang of mischief on their small town. Xin is her personal bodyguard and her muscle when times are tough. The big gentle guy is a rescued panda from a traveling circus of freaks. Together they go out as a "pack" and hits the concrete jungle always looking for some new adventure.
Me: Ah. The classic rebel struggling to survive in a dystopian world setting. I'm pretty certain the story arc would include the discovery of a fate/purpose bigger than what, Foxy, the protagonist, had in her mind as she bumbles through life. When there's a vision behind the figures, it adds so much depth and they stop being just pretty toys. So, do you generally come up with the backstory first or just weave as you go along? What is the spark behind Foxy and Xin? Is Foxy an anthromorphic fox? Any Easter eggs in their design? Throw us a few tidbits!
wet: It depends sometimes I will start with a random sculpt and build the story as I go along, that's the beauty of what we do. My inspiration of Foxy is kooky my beautiful sheltie. At first I just want to make a figure of her then thought why not make a whole new universe. She is not anthropomorphic but more of "personification". She is sly and cunning.
Me:There's definitely very organic. Now to the next question. You said that you 'don't have any interviews that much is because I always turn them down haha, I'm the kinda artist who wants to stay in the background and conceptualize all day'. It's great that you are in it for the passion. Do you mind taking us through your conceptualising process? Is there a day/night preference, do you need to be isolated and removed from everything and everyone and what are some of the things you must have before you begin? JPK loves walks in the woods.
wet: I have no strict process or special ritual haha inspiration comes in many forms so if I see something interesting or thought of something worth remembering I'll just write it down on my phone perfect example is Xin, I remember seeing Ranma 1/2 (anime) somewhere and there was a giant panda so I thought why not give Foxy a partner, a gentle giant with a cool jacket.
Me: Besides the golden pair, you’re going to drop Gamergirl, another collaboration with Yoii, the first being Kidzilla which was launched last STGCC. Is this a sort of homage to the hikikomori Japanese culture, or are they just supernatural beings with ancient kaiju lineage? Between the two of you, who decides their outfits. I particularly love the neck warmer she’s wearing, with the disturb-at-your-own-risk ogre teeth sticking up. Judging from their eyes and inked demeanour, they must, at least, be from the same tribe. What’s the backstory behind them and their cool haircuts?
wet: Oh man Kidzilla and Gameragirl are Yoii (Anna Johnstone) original characters. She decides on everything from the design to their clothing and my main task is to make them and produce for you guys to enjoy :D She will be here for STGCC and I believe it's her first time in SG so please drop by our booth and blast her with questions and commissions :D
Me: Aw man. Looks like I have to direct this question at her later. Let's move on. Have you ever felt restricted when it comes to toy releases, in the sense that you have to consider what is commercially viable vs maintaining the integrity of your aesthetics. So far, you seem to have hit sold-out status with each release, so how much of a struggle is this for you, or do you consider yourself lucky that your style is so relatable and mass appealing? Does working in Comicave give you an advantage when it comes to understanding what the market wants? If truly, there are no restrictions, tell us the design that you would bring to life? Would it be something preposterously huge, like Soul of Chogokin types?
wet: Restricted? Not really. Maybe I'm just lucky that the pieces I make, like what you said, goes well not only with the masses but fellow artists and even toy producers too. I just started with the company actually but I've been doing my own stuff since 09, from doing custom 1/6 to finally moving to designer toys so yeah I have a pretty good understanding of the market. Man that Soul of Chogokin sounds awesome haha :D
Me: I believe there's going to be some of those awesomeness at the Bandai booth. Another collaboration you will be displaying is the Shinigami prototype (with Clogtwo). Straight away, Bleach and Soul Eaters go off in my head. I love the tiny details so far - the oversized scythe offset by the casual manner in which he sticks his hand into his pocket, the swirling clouds in the cavernous sockets, and of course, the geta on his feet which quietly marks his absolute dominance and control; anyone who can fight in those are truly masters. Is Shinigami a unique character or just a minion? Will he evolve out of his chibi form into Heuco Mundo or Asura?
wet: I can't reveal some stuff because these are all a work in progress but from what I know Shinigami is a unique figure from a line of cool characters by Clogtwo. I promise to let you know more as soon as I get ore to share ;)
Me: That's the second wall! Not that it's unexpected but I thought I could have won you over with the sincerity of my avalanche of questions! This isn't the first time you are attending STGCC but it's the first time you are exhibiting in your own booth (correct me if i am wrong). Definitely, this is a step up in making wetworks more visible with the locals. How excited are you and what additional goodies have you prepared, besides Foxy and Xin, Gamer Girl and Bobett? You have very limited runs, especially of Foxy and Xin, with the duo capping at only 10 pairs! Isn't casting a pain? Why don't you simply market the flawed pieces as special editions, like ripped jeans or something? And, let's just say, if Kidrobot wants to sign you on for a production figure, would you ever accept or is this just a hobby?
wet: Yes definitely my first and it's both exciting and nerve-raking! we have a new colourway of kidzilla and it's a perfect partner for gameragirl plus some cool posters and pins, oh and we will have some clogtwo and inkten merchandise as well! we don't have any flawed pieces or at least we try not to, I'm lucky that the one doing all the casting for me is a super talented fella and a good friend. These are 100% funded by me so I think that is the only restriction unlike big brands so I can only do limited quantities for now. KR? Hell yeah why not, that would be awesome actually :)
Me: Well, I think that with the convention happening tomorrow, everyone is getting hyped! I certainly can't wait to see your Foxy and Xin. Thank you for accepting the interview. Last bit as usual. Any words for fans?
wet: Super thank you for having me, and please do visit us at booth AA69 we have tons of awesome stuff and let's have a lovely chat, see you guys! _________________________________________________________________
Well guys, if you are in Singapore, you know which booth to hit to get all these wonderful figures. Booth AA69. If you're not, tough luck on the Bobett!
He has a Star Wars fetish with a dash of steam-punk/mecha obsession, and a lot of chibi/kawaii factor in his works that would fit right into Adventure Time. The versatility expressed in his figures is strung together by a whimsical note, often child-like and pregnant with narrative possibilities. It triggers thought and imagination _________________________________________________________________
Me: Tell us about yourself, Carlo, a basic introduction with all the in and outs. Did you feed yourself a diet of anime and cartoons to get into the game and just what are the biggest influences in your work? A lot of them seems to straddle two worlds, the East and the West. Your Foxy and Xin, which you are going to release at STGCC, is an example; it’s reminiscent of The Boy and The Beast, the anime movie, but less big eyes and more jawlines. What’s the deal with the vest-wearing grumpy bear?
wet: Yo! Ok firstly, thanks for having me here man and yes on that diet haha so I work for a toy company by trade while I do my own brand on the side and I guess I am influenced by pop culture in general. Foxy & Xin I would say are my favourite original characters and their story is vast, mysterious and exciting. Here's their intro:
Me: Ah. The classic rebel struggling to survive in a dystopian world setting. I'm pretty certain the story arc would include the discovery of a fate/purpose bigger than what, Foxy, the protagonist, had in her mind as she bumbles through life. When there's a vision behind the figures, it adds so much depth and they stop being just pretty toys. So, do you generally come up with the backstory first or just weave as you go along? What is the spark behind Foxy and Xin? Is Foxy an anthromorphic fox? Any Easter eggs in their design? Throw us a few tidbits!
wet: It depends sometimes I will start with a random sculpt and build the story as I go along, that's the beauty of what we do. My inspiration of Foxy is kooky my beautiful sheltie. At first I just want to make a figure of her then thought why not make a whole new universe. She is not anthropomorphic but more of "personification". She is sly and cunning.
Me:There's definitely very organic. Now to the next question. You said that you 'don't have any interviews that much is because I always turn them down haha, I'm the kinda artist who wants to stay in the background and conceptualize all day'. It's great that you are in it for the passion. Do you mind taking us through your conceptualising process? Is there a day/night preference, do you need to be isolated and removed from everything and everyone and what are some of the things you must have before you begin? JPK loves walks in the woods.
wet: I have no strict process or special ritual haha inspiration comes in many forms so if I see something interesting or thought of something worth remembering I'll just write it down on my phone perfect example is Xin, I remember seeing Ranma 1/2 (anime) somewhere and there was a giant panda so I thought why not give Foxy a partner, a gentle giant with a cool jacket.
Me: Besides the golden pair, you’re going to drop Gamergirl, another collaboration with Yoii, the first being Kidzilla which was launched last STGCC. Is this a sort of homage to the hikikomori Japanese culture, or are they just supernatural beings with ancient kaiju lineage? Between the two of you, who decides their outfits. I particularly love the neck warmer she’s wearing, with the disturb-at-your-own-risk ogre teeth sticking up. Judging from their eyes and inked demeanour, they must, at least, be from the same tribe. What’s the backstory behind them and their cool haircuts?
Me: Aw man. Looks like I have to direct this question at her later. Let's move on. Have you ever felt restricted when it comes to toy releases, in the sense that you have to consider what is commercially viable vs maintaining the integrity of your aesthetics. So far, you seem to have hit sold-out status with each release, so how much of a struggle is this for you, or do you consider yourself lucky that your style is so relatable and mass appealing? Does working in Comicave give you an advantage when it comes to understanding what the market wants? If truly, there are no restrictions, tell us the design that you would bring to life? Would it be something preposterously huge, like Soul of Chogokin types?
wet: Restricted? Not really. Maybe I'm just lucky that the pieces I make, like what you said, goes well not only with the masses but fellow artists and even toy producers too. I just started with the company actually but I've been doing my own stuff since 09, from doing custom 1/6 to finally moving to designer toys so yeah I have a pretty good understanding of the market. Man that Soul of Chogokin sounds awesome haha :D
Me: I believe there's going to be some of those awesomeness at the Bandai booth. Another collaboration you will be displaying is the Shinigami prototype (with Clogtwo). Straight away, Bleach and Soul Eaters go off in my head. I love the tiny details so far - the oversized scythe offset by the casual manner in which he sticks his hand into his pocket, the swirling clouds in the cavernous sockets, and of course, the geta on his feet which quietly marks his absolute dominance and control; anyone who can fight in those are truly masters. Is Shinigami a unique character or just a minion? Will he evolve out of his chibi form into Heuco Mundo or Asura?
wet: I can't reveal some stuff because these are all a work in progress but from what I know Shinigami is a unique figure from a line of cool characters by Clogtwo. I promise to let you know more as soon as I get ore to share ;)
Me: That's the second wall! Not that it's unexpected but I thought I could have won you over with the sincerity of my avalanche of questions! This isn't the first time you are attending STGCC but it's the first time you are exhibiting in your own booth (correct me if i am wrong). Definitely, this is a step up in making wetworks more visible with the locals. How excited are you and what additional goodies have you prepared, besides Foxy and Xin, Gamer Girl and Bobett? You have very limited runs, especially of Foxy and Xin, with the duo capping at only 10 pairs! Isn't casting a pain? Why don't you simply market the flawed pieces as special editions, like ripped jeans or something? And, let's just say, if Kidrobot wants to sign you on for a production figure, would you ever accept or is this just a hobby?
Me: Well, I think that with the convention happening tomorrow, everyone is getting hyped! I certainly can't wait to see your Foxy and Xin. Thank you for accepting the interview. Last bit as usual. Any words for fans?
wet: Super thank you for having me, and please do visit us at booth AA69 we have tons of awesome stuff and let's have a lovely chat, see you guys! _________________________________________________________________
Well guys, if you are in Singapore, you know which booth to hit to get all these wonderful figures. Booth AA69. If you're not, tough luck on the Bobett!
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