Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshall Ballantyne.
Marshall, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I consider myself a “Color Crafter”. A lot of my work is a melted mixture of graffiti, hip hop, and bright colors featured on Designer Toys.
I have always been fascinated with the arts since I was a kid. Eventually growing my strengths with airbrushing and spray painting, Having solo shows, and working for various companies, always custom painting. My most profound moment in my art career was when I was a male nanny, found and purchased two white DO-IT-YOURSELF or “DIY” toys to expose the child I was taking care of to a much fresher form of art. He didn’t enjoy them as much as I did.
I am a product of the ‘90’s – SNES, Game Boys, Pogs, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were my addiction and my work shows it. I love working with characters I relate to from video games and TV shows growing up. Since I tend to work with a majority of 3D figures now, I choose anything with fascinating “New School” or more “Stylized” cartoon shapes to start working from as a platform.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish there were more hours in the day!
That’s a great question I haven’t really asked myself… Hmmm.
– Don’t confuse movement with progress.
– Embrace failure
– Good is the enemy of greatness
– Embrace the future
I also wish I knew how to do my own accounting. 😉
RESISTANCE. Yeah, it happens to all of us I’d like to think. I try to think of myself as going the flow of water, or rather the path of least resistance, So if I have a block I don’t try to push through anymore, it tends to hurt my piece. I will usually switch to another piece which is on a different step, say I’ll move from painting to sculpting and try and work the creative block out that way. More recently I am trying to meditate, bike ride, or box, anything physical or outside since I’m usually cooped up inside when my creative blocks occur.
We’ve been impressed with Mr Mars Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I offer creative custom paint/ pinstriping/ graphic design / Murals / custom painting on guns, toys cars, or anything you can ask for!
The Leap. After making art my career it was just a matter of what medium, what was my character, what could I bring to the table? After the accidental success of my Bombers, I started to gain some traction and supporters and knew I could make some of what I
needed to, but I was very hesitant. I didn’t want to have to go back. I had the support from my amazing girlfriend and better half to
take the leap. Quit my last job 10 years months ago and everyday has been a blessing since. I call it the “snowball” effect, my time spent
working for someone else became worth more in my own hands, and things got bigger and bigger.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
My first production toy is being produced at the moment. I call him “Krush the Kan”. I know he’s my first of many but I think he’s
definitely my future for my own character. I also see C3 Shelves, a joint venture company becoming quite popular in the art realm
and galleries, as well as putting time towards making objects for other toy “Customizers” to use, and producing other artists’ toys
eventually. I see my artwork and graffiti on walls taking off into another realm with my SOLO CREW members as well.
Pricing:
- 100 + Minimum
- 50/ hr.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MrMarsStudios.com
- Instagram: @MrMarsstudios
- Facebook: / @ MrMarsStudios
- Youtube: @mrmarstudios
- Other: tik tok – @mrmarsstudios.com
