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今天说的是设计了我最喜欢的玩具之一的设计师，但同时他也恶搞了列宁和毛主席……所以请大家理性评价
Nationality: Human/Sol 3
Based in: Pacific Rim
Websites: frankkozik.net
Manufacturer: Kidrobot, ToysR
按惯例先从Wikipedia拖来他的介绍：
Frank Kozik was born in Madrid, Spain in 1962. At the age of 14 he moved to
the United States and settled in Austin, Texas. Credited with single handedly
reviving the "lost" art of the concert poster, Frank's creative career grew
largely out of his enthusiasm for Austin's growing underground rock scene in
the mid-eighties. Starting with black and white flyers for friends' bands posted
on telephone poles, his reputation grew as an artist whose work was graphically
compelling as well as culturally gripping.
His work is well known to devotees of album-cover art and concert flyer art.
He has produced artwork for musicians such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, George
Clinton, Green Day, Beck, The Offspring, The Melvins and many more.
Kozik is also heavily involved in the design and production of vinyl toys.
He has teamed up numerous times with such entities as Kid Robot, Toy2R and
others and is credited with such creations as Smorkin' Labbits, the Hate Dunny,
Dr. Bomb and more.
In 2006 Kozik signed a deal for licensed merchandise with Vernon CA, based
BC Ethic clothing. The Kozik collection can be found at botique clothing stores
and fine departments stores across the country.
简单总结下：
Frank Kozik 1962年出生于西班牙马德里，14岁时搬到了德克萨斯州的奥斯汀。他最初也是做一些海报设计。从最初为朋友的乐队制作的贴的电话亭里的小广告（……）开始，他作为一名艺术家声名雀起。同时Frank
Kozik也从事玩具的设计和生产。他与Kid Robot, Toy2R 以及其他的一些制造商有过无数的合作，创造了Smorkin' Labbits（这个就是我最喜欢的！）,
the Hate Dunny, Dr. Bomb等形象。
他的网站还是满帅的，很简单，但很爽快。
翻译个访问：
Q：名字
A：Frank Kozik
Q：出生地
A：西班牙
Q：你住在哪里
A：San Francisco, California
Q：你IPOD上有什么歌
A：我没有IPOD（耿直啊~~~）
Q：你设计的第一件玩具是什么，是什么触动了你？你是如何开始与BOUNTY HUNTER 和 KIDROBOT合作的？
A：适当的时间，适当的地点，以及我个人的一些联络（老爷子的回答还真简洁……可惜仿佛忘了回答第一个问题了……）
Q：你所购买过的最喜欢的东西是什么
A：眼睛
Q：你小时候最喜欢的玩具是什么
A：塑料兵人
Q：你是如何进入玩具设计的领域的
A：我一生都是个收集者，而现在我生活在我的梦想里。（这个回答我还真没怎么理解……）
Q：你收集东西吗
A：是的，我收集（怎么到这里就算回答完了……接着说啊……我郁闷……）
Q：是什么影响了你
A：恐惧，贪婪和饥渴（有层次啊……）
Q：描述下你的工作室
A：无聊（我暴汗……）
Q：如果你可以成为别人或是别的什么东西，你想做什么
A：一个大仙人掌（这个……）
Q：如果你可以设计一个别人已经做成了玩具，那会是什么（这个问题问的真BT）
A：Silly Putty(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silly_Putty)
（我也不完全清楚这个东西到底是什么）
Q：目前你最喜欢的自己的作品是什么
A：Dr. Bomb
Q：你最喜欢的PONTONE是什么
A：Red 032
Q：你是否受到日本文化的影响
A：是（不是很爽……）
Q：你喜欢什么
A：咖啡
Q：你厌恶的是什么
A：开车老按喇叭的人，以及车上的报警器
Q：你最疯狂的FAN的故事是什么
A：1998年，在大坂，有的人跪倒在地，泪流满面；有的人一边哀求一边把头往人行道上砸。（恐怖的日本人，而且我真没想到老爷子火到这地步了……）
Q：你不设计玩具的时候都做些什么
A：骑摩托车
Q：你最喜欢的摩托车是什么型号
A：Ducati 999R（特地看了下，的确很帅！）
上图上图~
（附一篇报道）
kidrobot's Labbit by Frank Kozik with Jager
With Labbit, Frank Kozik gives us a new take on a familiar face. Where the
usual Labbit is Snorkin' or rather smoking, this run is sweet and innocent.
The Snorkin' Labbit's younger sibling if you will. Instead of the butt hanging
out of the bunny's mouth, each toy comes with four accessories to mix and match.
Freebento.com thought these cuties were worth checking out and I agree.
The sculpt for the Labbit is basically the same as his near-do-well counterparts.
Nice smooth, round edges are what this sculpt is all about. The ears are even
a bulbous round form. It's all pretty symmetrical both from side to side and
front to back, except for the ears on the front. There is very little paint
apps with just the eyes and ever-present butthole being the only details (I
was glad to see the butt was still there). There are three big differences
from this toy and the older brothers. First the face is wide eyed and innocent
instead of the rough eyes we're used to. Also, this Labbit's forehead is missing
the "X" Kozik puts on most of his work. The second difference is the size.
These are five inches long which is a good bit smaller than the bone Labbits
and other Snorkin brethren. Finally, and most notably, are the accessories.
There is a round hole for the mouth which holds various things. The Labbit
shown comes with a pipe, pacifier, soda, and dynamite stick. But there are
also two more variants. One with a moustache, bubblegum bubble, ice cream cone,
and banana. And one with grass stem, gas mask, a popsicle, and hot dog. These
are definitely a lot cuter and more suitable for kids than other Kozik toys.
Plus, I can just see the customizer's mouths drooling over these already clean
white Labbits ready for their paint!
To me, Kozik seems to be poking fun at himself with these toys. It's possible
that he's at a point where collectors are thinking that all he can do is put
a cigarette in a toy's mouth and put an "X" on the forehead and call it done.
In response he creates the cutest toy he can, and succeeds quite well with
it. I think it is hilarious that he made these and while they are a fresh take
on an old hat, they are definitely Kozik and would make a nice addition to
a fan's collection as well as pull in new admirers.
Pick one of these cute Labbits up at Freebento.com. They also have a great
selection of Japanese toys and an ever growing Designer Toy section.
Frank Kozik is setting the toy world on fire! Check his site frankkozik.netsite
for all the info.
If you like to read about Designer Toys (who doesn't?) check out our page
that's full or reviews!
  
  
  
  
Anarchy Dunny $29.95
Frank Kozik - 8" Dr. Bomb US Corpsman $89.00
The 10" black Stealth Dr. Bomb (smorkin' version) from Frank Kozik is now in
stock. This sweet hunk of vinyl is limited to only 250 pieces! view
"25 Hours in Jeremyville", a very large 60 Inch Qee that Jeremyville
painted for some toy shows, and for an upcoming book project on Customisations.
This is the largest Qee figure by Toy 2R, which is an influential toy producer
based in Hong Kong. Others to paint a 60 inch Qee include Gary Baseman,
Frank Kozik, and Tim Biskup
60英寸啊！
这个……就是传说中的列宁……
COMING SOON!
 Kozik
Mini Mongers Big Jake Yellow 1:24
 Kozik
Mini Mongers Jerome Pink & GID Secret 1:??
 Kozik
Mini Mongers Jerome Pink & Brown 2:24
 Kozik
Mini Mongers Bob Green & Clear red 2:24
 Kozik
Mini Mongers Bob Yellow & Clear red 1:24
Designed by Frank Kozik. 这个系列我也很喜欢！但……吸烟是不好的！！！
Who needs friends when you have Mongers? Who indeed! This amazingly un-PC urban
vinyl mini fig set from Frank Kozik and Kidrobot freatures more than ten smorkin'
fools.
Sarge the Hand Grenade, Big Jake the Watermelon, Elwood the moonshine jug,
Lucius the Bone, Ramierez the banana, Herman the sausage, Bob the slug, Sam
& Pete the salt & pepper shakers, and of course Smokey the cigarette
all populate the world of mongers.
One or two mini figs per box.
Mongers are a blind box toy so you won't know which one you are
getting until you open it, but variants and mystery figures abound!
Price: $ 4.95 (� 4.31)
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Mad*l
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Artist Series 1 - Frank Kozik
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Artist Series Mad*L,
design by Frank Kozik.
Size: 5 1/2 inches
tall.
-Limited to 400
Pieces-
Each one comes hand numbered!
List Price: $40.00
Our Price: $32.99
(Sold Out)
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Artist Series 1 - Sket One
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Artist Series Mad*L,
design by Sket One.
Size: 5 1/2 inches
tall.
-Limited to 400
Pieces-
Each one comes hand numbered!
List Price: $40.00
Our Price: $32.99
(Sold
Out)
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Artist Series 1 - Mad*L
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Artist Series Mad*L,
design by Mad*L.
Size: 5 1/2 inches
tall.
-Limited to 400
Pieces-
Each one comes hand numbered!
List Price: $40.00
Our Price: $32.99
(Sold Out)
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Artist Series 1 - Chris Lee
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Artist Series Mad*L,
design by Chris Lee.
Size: 5 1/2 inches
tall.
-Limited to 400
Pieces-
Each one comes hand numbered!
List Price: $40.00
Our Price: $32.99
(Sold Out)
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Artist Series 1 - Mimic
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Artist Series Mad*L,
design by Mimic.
Size: 5 1/2 inches
tall.
-Limited to 400
Pieces-
Each one comes hand numbered!
List Price: $40.00
Our Price: $32.99
(Sold Out)
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Artist Series 1 - TADO
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Artist Series Mad*L,
design by TADO.
Size: 5 1/2 inches
tall.
-Limited to 400
Pieces-
Each one comes hand numbered!
-Sold Out-
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这个系列也很喜欢，帅！第一个是FRANK KOZIK设计的，但其他的也很不错，一起帖出来。
Frank Kozik - Circus Punk
By Frank Kozik Country: USA
$100.00
Frank Kozik - Hand made, stuffed, carnival-throwing-at-thing.
Each piece hand numbered and signed by Frank.
This rare piece is limited to 150.
个人很不喜欢的一个系列……
这个我就不多说了……汗……居然叫Mao Bust……瀑布汗……
BLOW UP DOLLS (aka BUDS) - A new blind assortment series from Jamungo! There
are 10 dynamite designs (get it?), including a chase figure designed by Frank
Kozik!
Western Designer Toys Other Western Frank Kozik Statue by Mike Leavitt
Here is the Frank Kozik statue made by Mike Leavitt... a one of a kind piece
created exclusively for the San Diego Comic Con event in 2006.
这个另类了……是别人把他设计成玩具咯……
还有这个（这老头子还满有人气诶）
收集资料的时候看到的一篇访问，太长懒得翻，感兴趣的自己看吧
Oct 18, 2005
Interview with Frank Kozik
Photography by Robert Arevalo
We learned of his name from our first day of collecting.
We have seen him in person a handful of times. We have purchased cases of his
toys. We have stood in awe of his designs. His name is Frank Kozik and although
a public figure in the toy world, he remains a mystery to many. However,
today Vinyl Pulse is pleased to bring you an interview with the man himself.
We would like to thank Frank for answering all of our pesky questions in record
time (less than an hour!). Finally, we would also like to thank the master
photographer behind our awesome photos, Robert Arevalo.
Most of our readers know you as Frank Kozik, the
artist behind the ultra cool vinyl toys such as the Labbits and the Smorkin’
Dunny. Yet prior to toy design, you were already the twisted genius of rock
& roll poster art. At one time you were an Air Force radar control technician.
Now tell us how in the world did you go from the Air Force to designing music
poster/album art to toy design?
Well, about 1 million years ago I got stationed in Austin, Texas, which
had a really vibrant punk scene ( around 1980). My first night out on the town
I saw a guy with green hair and was like “that’s a punker”!. I followed him
to the punk club and was immediately enraptured by it all. I then started doing
my little Xerox flyers etc, which led to all the rest. I always collected toys
and had been going over to Japan for years to do things and buy like, hello
kitty junk. Around 1997 or 1998 I saw a picture of the Kidhunter by BxH and
freaked out. Coolest toy I ever saw and it became my very first ‘official’
vinyl acquisition. Luckily my connections knew Hikaru so I was quickly hooked
up. He eventually released my first vinyl toy the Black Smorkin Labbit around
2001.
Your art carries a bit of shock to the viewer, but
never too much, just enough for the viewer to linger a bit and think about
it. From controversial pieces to warm and fuzzy ones, what is your development
process for a piece? You once said “I am not interested in having an artistic
style. I’m just interested in the end result.” What do you mean by that?
Almost all the designs over the years have primarily served either to amuse
myself or sell a product or idea. I tend to indulge in a bit of dark humor
usually. I don’t really over think the process and I tend to always just jam
out whatever takes my fancy.
Let’s talk about vinyl toys. What was your first vinyl toy design? How did
it happen? Were you pleased with the result?
It was the BXH Labbit and it came out perfect.
When did you decide to focus on toys exclusively?
About 4 years ago, I just knew it would blow up and realized that it was
a good financial thing as well. Ever since then it has been awesome. The toys
are like my most favorite thing I have ever been involved with. It’s like a
dream come true. The first 2 years was a learning curve and I was frustrated
a lot due to the false starts but now, it’s all working out perfect. I pretty
much can do and release whatever I want with a number of ‘top’ companies such
as Medicom, Kidrobot,Toy2R etc. all over the world.
When I Googled Frank Kozik, the first 10 hits were all about your music poster
art, do you think your background in the music poster art advanced or hindered
your toy designing career? Would you rather be remembered for your music poster
art or your toy design work?
It definitely helped, got my foot in the door, but I am really trying to
make toys that are their ‘own thing’ and have little or no connection to the
stuff I did for the music/lowbrow scene. I wanted a whole new vibe and scene,
and I believe it has happened I think, and it’s refreshing. I am basically
not a believer in an afterlife, so I really don’t care what posterity says.
I am enjoying making the toys NOW, that’s all that matters.
Man’s Ruin Record was your own recording label and according to Wikipedia,
its discography consisted of almost 200 releases. Tell us more about your days
with Man’s Ruin. What Music are you listening to these days? What were you
listening to 10 years ago? 20 years ago?
Man's Ruin was a label I started in 1995. We put out a million records etc.
It was fun for a while, then it sucked, so I yanked the plug in 2000 and retired
from music to do toys and paintings.
20 years ago? Black Sabbath and Punk
10 Years ago? Black Sabbath and Doom
today?Black Sabbath and talk radio,
Describe a typical day in the life of Frank Kozik.
shit shower and a shave; coffee and email; errands; paperwork; lunch;
Call Of Duty, UO ‘base assault’ multiplayer online game or 2; NAP; Work on
toys/sculpts/paintings; Dinner; Work on toys sculpts paintings; Hang out with
girlfriend; READ; sleep
Your packaging material often carries the slogan “Death to False Vinyl”.
What’s False Vinyl?
A catchy slogan?
You obviously have a huge toy collection and spend a lot of money on it. What
toys do you collect? Who are your favorite artists? What makes you drop
hundreds of dollars on a toy?
A lot of stuff but I tend NOT to collect 12” or ‘urbany hip hop/graff stuff’.
I like the more abstract/goofy toys. Heavy on Kaws, BXH,etc...everything really
but no Lau/So etc. It’s basically a sickness or some form of mental disease,
as far as I can figure and presently I’m all hooked on Secret Base. So now
I am spending hours a day swindling for it, at least I’m not addicted
to cocaine.
Rumor has it you travel to Japan quite often to shop for toys. What do you
buy there? What is it about Japanese toys that appeals to you?
I go 2-3 times a year for business and shopping. I buy whatever I see and
like. Sometimes I’ll have a specific goal and it generally works out well.
The Japanese are fascinated with your work. How did
that happen and why do you think they find your work so appealing?
Well, in the beginning I think they liked the fact I was using an ‘archaic
folk art technique’ (silkscreen) to do ‘modern things’. I also got along well
with the Japanese and it just became normal to spend more time there to do
projects. I like Japan a lot. It’s mellow.
What’s your take on the current vinyl toy scene in the United States? Have
we reached the peak of its popularity or do you think we are just at the tip
of the iceberg? With so many toys coming out recently, how do you keep your
designs new and fresh?
Tip of the iceberg. I think it will grow rapidly for another year or two
then it will level off as a permanent niche market. I think it’s a perfect
scenario where there’s both a hardcore collector scene AND popular appeal.
I also see a lot of very cool new toys all the time. I think it’s getting better
and better and as a collector I am excited.
I don’t know how ‘fresh’ my toys are but I am just doing stuff that appeals
to me personally and it happened that other people like it too. There’s a lot
of stuff releasing in the next year, lets see what happens!
Your toys are very collectable among fans and it always seems like there are
never enough to go around. Sold-out toys often end up on EBay, selling for
several times the original price. Does it surprise you that your toys are in
such high demand that people are willing to pay “an arm and a leg” for them?
As a collector yourself and an artist, is this a positive thing?
Yes, it fuels interest and makes my collection of plastic blobs seem more
‘valid’…..heehee. I also have ‘open editions’ so that anyone that wants say
a GID 10” Labbit will always be able to get it for the same price.
You are a fixture on the Kidrobot message boards. I can’t think of a
single artist who spends more time online connecting with collectors and his
fans. Do you feel that your presence and willingness to answer any and
all questions has increased your popularity? Have you noticed any noteworthy
trends in terms of recurring threads and such?
Yes to both, I have always been really ‘interactive’. In my previous
career I went to see bands almost every night as part of it. Being in this
toy scene, it’s an internet-based collective with occasional events, so I want
to be personally involved. I’m a collector and fan as well. I like trading
and selling and buying and obsessing. It interests me. Most toy people I have
met are really cool and it is firmly international. That’s cool.
On October 30th, the first of your 8” Dr. Bomb figures
will hit the market. Collectors seem to be eagerly anticipating Dr. Bomb.
You have indicated that you will also have 10” bombs being released monthly
for a year with a total of 25 different Dr. Bombs in a year and half.
That’s a lot of Dr. Bombs!! How do you plan to keep the interest going with
all the different versions of Dr. Bomb throughout the year? Do you see
Dr. Bomb as being one of your signature characters in the future?
It comes to 6000 pieces total, which is not a lot. I have sold way more
labbits for example. I like Dr Bomb because I feel it’s my first ‘pure’ toy
(like no connection to anything else) and hope it is be well received. I hope
Dr Bomb becomes a permanent ‘platform’ toy.
Toy collectors often express their preferences for original figures as opposed
to new releases of existing established platform toys. It seems like it’s a
challenge to get companies to approve an entirely new figure. Is this
the case? How long has Dr. Bomb been in development?
It is harder because of the costs. I like to do both platforms and uniques.
The platforms pave the way and make money to invest in the new sculpts which
in turn become platforms to fund the next round. It takes about 9-12 months
from incept to final product no matter what it is. I have had extra good luck
and little or no problems (except for 1 assjack) since the beginning. All the
companies I work with now have it totally together and the quality is going
up all the time as the manufactures learn the ropes. I also think my previous
experience in promotions in the music biz gives me a bit of an edge. I know
how to reveal the toys.
Let’s day dream for a minute, describe the toy you’d create if money wasn’t
an issue?
Probably a great big vehicle with working features crewed by Labbits. Like
a spaceship or a pirate boat about 4 foot long.
Life size characters would be nice as well. 5’ Dr bomb…
If you could keep only 5 toys, which would they be
and why?
1. Kaws 5yl companion-perfect form
2. BXH Labbit-my first release
3. Fiery Jack Elephant-my favorite vinyl toy of all time
4. BXH Kidhunter-my first collected piece
5. Dehara I love Pussy Monster in green with tentacles-too funny
The best thing about designing toys?
It’s fun
The worst or most challenging aspect of it?
Not inadvertently replicating a previous vibe
What do you have coming up next? Any plans for new toys that you can
share with our readers? Looking way ahead to SDCC ‘06, are you going to have
your own booth and exclusive toys?
Lots of new sculpts, a few CRAZY surprises that have been kept ultra-secret
and yes SDCC 06 a booth with LOTS of exclusives.
个人觉得这老爷子的东西还是不错的（虽然我一直喊他老爷子，但似乎也就45岁的样子……）而且看防谈也觉得是个很有个性的人。等我有米了一定去收那个抽烟兔！
不充点图，直接发怕有问题，请大家看了一定冷静……
这组似乎满有名的……
没理解他是怎么对我们的伟大领袖这么有热情的……欢迎知情人士予以披露……
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