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 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 Nathan Hamill about his process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Muggs figure into a special tribute to the Death Star.
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Muggs art piece?
It was between a surly looking Ewok or the Death Star, which is what I decided upon. I liked the idea of a sort of walking terror. Its legs propel the unholiest creation in the galaxy. It's a cute representation of pure evil.
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
I first applied a coat of grey primer to the figure. Then with a pencil I sketched the panels and super laser area of the Death Star and started painting. I used acrylic paint. The last step was sealing it with Kamar varnish.
What were some of the challenges you faced while making your art piece?
Finding the right amount of detail for the surface of the space station. I wanted it to reflect my style and still stay, at least somewhat, true to the real thing. The Death Star really existed, right?
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back art project?
To give a group of artists, who are also Star Wars fans, the chance to use the entire canon to play with in this medium is really cool. We get to see characters, ships and scenes that may be too weird, abstract or "out there" for Hasbro to produce.
Please let me know if you'll have me for the "Muggnaughts" series. I'd love to do another.
Read more in-depth coverage on The Empire Muggs Back.
