Meet Jason Freeny, Custom Toy Sculptor

While in New York, we visited the home and workshop of Jason Freeny, an artist well-known in the custom toy community for his anatomical sculptures. Jason transforms inanimate characters, such as designer vinyl figures, into anatomical cutaways, revealing the imagined body parts under their plastic skin. Here, he explains and demonstrates his sculpting process.
Find more of Jason's work at his website, www.moistproduction.com/

[@tested]

Find more of Jason's work at his website, www.moistproduction.com/

[@greggarfunkel8799]

Adam Savage’s Tested y

[@highhoopz]

You guys do a great job, but there is way too much camera time on the interviewees faces and not so much on the objects and tools themselves, which makes it a bit monotonous at times.

[@101AirborneSGT]

question does he have permission from the companies to sell the likeness, or is there a specific clause witch allows him to use different companies brands?

[@jeffkunzeDotCom]

"I really like to look at what's on the inside of things" This is why art programs are so important. Prevent serial killers people, support the arts!

[@cody40hands]

Jason is actually such a talented dude. Just from his initial thought processes on and vision for the “what a robot would see” is such a simple yet genius idea.

[@haunt140]

I have two of Jason's pieces on my desk where I draw/paint. They were/are an invaluable investment as both a collector of other artists work, and as an inspiration to my own 80s/90s toy/cartoon inspired work... They pay creative dividends to this very day. if I'm stuck, or have sincerely aggravating art-block, I just have to pick up one of the pieces, roll it over in my hand, and my creativity clicks into place. Jason's SUPER underrated and I wish more of his work was shown alongside other modern sculptors.

[@osbely]

I wish I had a garage I could fuck around in. 😩

[@n8guy]

+osbely Any room will do.

[@aceaholic1]

i wish i had friends... I'm so lonely :(

[@xxXXxx-te2if]

i wish i had a job.... so i wouldnt have to spend all day reading stupid comments ; _ ;

[@JonathanR88823]

show more of the art/toys. Instead of showing him talking, show the his arts with a voice over. Tested would be so much better if they showcase the things they are talking about instead of just showing the people talking with just a 2 second clip of the objects. So annoying

[@jasonjason7537]

i think most of the questions they ask featured artists are pretty basic and dumb as well. the host, norm, can be irritating in combination with this.

[@DrewzyHD]

I hate Norm

[@kalevi5814]

Cant help you

[@macfarlaneandrea2]

Jonathan Redmon d

[@dingaming6403]

that right...too much seeing people than the art...talking talking and talk..why dont show they made the art...annoying..😠😠

[@STEEVEWES]

As a toy collector, I am very impressed by his work!

[@co1581]

STEEVEWES me too

[@shilohmustang]

I would love a Stitch, Toothless, a team of reindeer for christmas.... the list goes on. These are wicked awesome

[@madpickleslpsvids2527]

NO NOT TOOTHLESS PLZ DONT!!!!!

[@shilohmustang]

XD toothless would be awesome!

[@CineFix]

Love it!

[@tattben1207]

Jason freeney is awesome I like his style

[@andy23lion]

I love when they do episodes on people I actually know of or people that make me say "Oh so THIS is the person who makes those things I've seen all over the net!", prime example here.

[@melodychef]

What an interesting mix of toy, craft and science! He may not do this, but I would love getting an anatomical Mickey that you could take apart.

[@Ashley-no5fh]

Are people seriously saying this is creepy? I watched the entire video before reading the comments and my only thoughts were how insanely cool and talented his work is. I do not understand how you could be creeped out by the wonderful thing that is anatomy. Understanding and learning about and appreciating anatomy is awesome and not gross or creepy at all!

[@Kilalya]

I'm sure I've seen some of his stuff in 'High Fructose' if not, he belongs in that magazine, his style is perfect for it.

[@BroMonkey]

Incredible artist, wouldn't want to be left alone with him in a garage.

[@eatmoretoys]

Jason Freeny you rock dude. This is a cool interview. I love his work but have yet to buy any. I like his non dissected stuff. Shout outs to Nychos, Ron English, Kaws and anatomy kits.

[@pinkirahman8767]

Eatmoretoys

[@pinkirahman8767]

Eatmoretoys

[@rich1051414]

What is so cool about these is the skeletons add a level of realism to a toy that is markedly not realistic, especially since he lets the toy decide how the skeleton will turn out. Cool stuff.

[@djprogramer973]

I love his work.

[@Tippmann13]

Deviantart in living form. This literally amazes me. Such morbidly amazing work. Art is what you want it to be it can be pretty but it's not always pretty and I think that's what he's trying to do here.... Basically doing a reverse affect that people do when making surrealism and making it into a bit more of realism. I absolutely love that.

[@BadmanPictures]

love his style, so honest and open

[@lolaika]

Wow! Loved his work!!

[@socialwolf9779]

This is incredible! This person is so skilled.

[@burkencrocs]

I found this art a LONG LONG TIME ago, but I never knew the artist, I FOUND HIM NOW

[@BadmanPictures]

same!

[@alexandersillan8139]

I love Jason Freeny, he’s so good

[@AlutaShade]

I wish they had talked about how he got the license to re-sell this stuff. I'm sure there was a lot of paperwork and contracts that had to be filled out to be able to re-sell Disney and Pixar characters since it's all trademarked.

[@TheOpossum13]

Too bad they didn't talk about the painstaking paperwork...

[@shanekaylor9791]

+AlutaShade Custom figures are a pretty big thing. No licensing involved. They're one-off works of art sold to collectors, not something that's being mass produced.

[@capnskustomworks]

His work puts it into the realm of "Artistic Parody", which is an interesting subset of the copyright laws and pretty much allows him free reign. He's not producing his own copies of Intellectual Properties, but rather creating an Artistic Commentary upon them. It can get tricky though, and as always, if it comes to a legal challenge it's either back down or see who has the most expensive lawyers...

[@curiousdilettante396]

+AlutaShade I think one-offs are safe under the "artistic parody" clause that CapnsKustomWorks mentioned. But the rule of thumb I observe is that you don't wanna make too much money that the original trademark owners would feel that they're giving you a free ride. Case in point: Disney became aggressive and had lawyers write Etsy asking to remove all sellers' products that had Disney designs on their T-shirts.

[@capnskustomworks]

+curiousdilettante It's an even greyer area than that. I sell my work on Etsy, and Disney and many of the other "major" companies have their legal teams frequently, or constantly, combing for infringements. But there is no one mecanism for them to "contact Etsy" and have violations removed, they have to issue a DMCA takedown request for each individual item. That's the way the (US) law is written, and it's why many folks complain that Etsy doesn't remove violators, when in fact they have no power to do so, unless the IP holder follows the law very specifically to request it be done.

[@alexandersillan8139]

Love it. Please do more on Jason Freeny

[@suarez4489]

amazing job! Don't stop make that crazy customs!!! I love them!

[@BenEtherington]

There aren't many people on the internet who haven't seen one or other of Mr. Freeny's creations. I'm so glad you guys were able to get a peek in the workshop of such an iconic artist!

[@MrToxicB1izzard]

What's wrong with people in the comment section? Why is everyone saying this is creepy? Do you people realize you have bones and organs inside yourselves too, right? Was everybody here raised on top of a fucking rainbow?

[@SioxerNikita]

No I was raised under a rock :( It was a very painful experience... Well... In all seriousness, yeah, it is weird that people find it super creepy.

[@arbhall7572]

Yeah I dont get it either, I can see where a small 1-4 might get freaked out, but I can and have also see them take almost everything in stride, look for that 2 year old eating fish eyes video. He loves them! That should be more creepy than this, but I agree there are a lot of rainbow dwellers. We have cookies and shit.

[@MrToxicB1izzard]

Arbhall McDougall What's wrong with a kid eating fish eyes dude? Eyes are edible and fish is very healthy so I don't see how that is gross. The diet of humans changes around the world depending on the different environments people live in. For example, the are millions of people that eat insects and arachnids on a daily basis (in many cultures scorpions are considered a delicacy and are expensive as fuck). I'm sure you eat eggs don't you? You do realize that you fry an unborn chicken fetus on a pan and then eat it, don't you? That's basically eating hen placenta, and I'm sure that must gross a lot of people out.

[@arbhall7572]

I eat eyes too, sometimes nose (pickled of course) I love haggis and only enjoy eggs scrambled or in a cheese free omelette. The list of gross shit I eat is long and tiresome, and some of it I actually enjoyed. But other people around sure do make a lot of noise when Im experimenting with food.

[@thetoontastictoon1720]

MrToxic I know this is 2 yrs old but eggs =/= unborn fetus some eggs aren't even fertilized-

[@rob_boss]

Awesome, thanks tested! Been watching Jason since he started...very cool!

[@nomdeplume2213]

That gummy bear one is amazing. Pls do another vid with Jason and actually show his creations this time.

[@freekmol7484]

Love these ones, but also his other work like friendly fire and brick baby!

[@Tracy_AC]

Very cool work.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

that was really cool! Awesome maker!

[@WiZeR911]

YES! Been waiting for this one!

[@CodyMei]

this is sooooo cool. wanna try sculpting someday

[@7REDDRACO7]

this is how toys should always be made , completely realistic anatomies and internals throughout

[@ozzie7412]

the zombie Mario looked bad ass.

[@Alexandermovies]

i love this guy's work.

[@boat480]

wow, this is an amazing type of art!

[@DaveSlaz]

This is a great interview, i was following Jason before i subbed to tested a while back, his work is so imaginative and humorous, and even people are stealing his promo posters from lifts/elevators in Lag Vegas !! this is only a sign that people love your work Jason Freeny.

[@elcustomizador]

quedó GENIAL, muy buena chamba colega!

[@jabzilla21]

awesome! that is some pretty cool lookin art he makes

[@galangerron]

Thumbs up Sir. I wish I could see you working with Casper. just kidding. A great inspiration indeed.

[@genny0328]

Wow so talented and creative ! I want one!!!

[@gamrage]

I want a dissected Pokemon!!

[@TheStereo3000]

Really interesting. Good show.

[@TNotToys]

very interesting... thanks for the interview...

[@omaroskeno3314]

I wish I knew people as creative as this guy I love things like this it's so awsome

[@shakifur]

Awesome work! Thanks for sharing Tested!

[@artisannoteworthy]

I SO want those figures. . .

[@artfx9]

This guy is awesome. Been watching his creations on DA for a while now..

[@Sasha7N]

I love these spotlight videos you guys are doing now. Keep it up!

[@TheRobArc]

These are so awesome, you may have given me an idea for a friends birthday present thanks

[@growapair100]

would be awesome to see a full time-lapse of one of his creations

[@SlowlyGoSloth]

I hope that i can achieve what he has. I have a passion for sculpting pop-culture toy/statues as well and i would love to make it a career.

[@AdamHauger]

awesome.. love the black/white mario

[@calumryan6328]

Nice, I just got into sculpting and mold making, and Ive seen this guys work around a lot online.

[@Cybrus07]

Love them.

[@angietirado5917]

Mom: Jim honey what are you doing Jim : nothing just Dissecting my fish Mom: WHAT!!!!!

[@ilmina9976]

Prince The puppy ha

[@corporealghoul]

Love his work. I have his harley quinn, tazmanian devil, marvin the matian, and miniature balloon dog. As well some inspired piece; the chinese lucky cat and rubber duck.

[@etremelyinnpropiart6756]

this is really cool! keep up the good work.

[@adinabalan7463]

Amazing 😮

[@bubblegumfun4323]

cool ...so cool ......i love toys

[@bunnyfreakz]

You awesome , its inspired me to chase my dream to become toy maker

[@invinegod]

this guy came to my school and gave a speech. he's a cool guy

[@fooolsun4917]

That Hello Kitty fetus is amazing! I'd love to have that, just sitting there on my bathroom, or at the center of the dining table. It's really pretty and I bet it's a cool conversation starter.

[@blakeig7682]

OMG i used to have that type of mickey so i NEED this one

[@PaulSmith-pe1kh]

Amazing

[@smokahontas3127]

omg awesome!!

[@ytsu12]

So cool

[@jasonphillips4301]

Jason is the coolest ever

[@FluxDigital]

This is so awesome :)

[@NoChance797]

Check this mans basement!

[@13tapioca]

PaladinO that’s what I was thinking hahahaha

[@makkypak415]

Oh, so this is the guy who was making those pictures of those toys split. Cool

[@leoroam2770]

+Tested - I need you make a jack skeleton with his skeleton inside

[@siniestro0239]

Nice work but why is Astro Boy at 0:41 looking like hes about to clean the pipes?

[@SlobZombie]

A Street Shark would be rad to see Great video

[@royallopez69]

thats badass it looks legit like if pixar did show us how sullys skeleton was it would look just like that

[@stephenwatchesyoutube]

What does everyone think of the volatility on these? I bought a few and a couple Funko Pops all for around $20 each. Hoping to make big flips

[@Tupster]

Not sure what it is, but I enjoyed this interview a lot more than others done by Norm. I kind of figured since you guys have been doing this for years that you were set in your ways, but if this is an improvement, please continue to do more like this.

[@moritz241]

Love his work for KAWS and for KID ROBOT.

[@juliusecuador]

i love them

[@dweebles6890]

Cool!

[@galacliva]

Ain't gonna lie.. I Want that Mario one!

[@TheAndreicek]

I have to say that Tested looks like a high production show more and more :)

[@tardmunkie]

Its pretty awesome and ingenious. I wish he could do this to a Gundam.

[@KnightFuryPro]

i want one now

[@josephjoestar5444]

Anyone know the two part clay he uses. Trying to mold missing parts for my figures

[@irazrirazr]

cool!

[@KevinDicop]

Reminds me Nychos The Weird Street Art, really interesting !

[@timhanrahan6177]

This isn't creepy its fascinating - no - just me?

[@xeroxroxin1416]

TAKE MY MONEY I WANT EVERYTHING

[@GamerNoobHawk]

i wana buy some of his things i hope he sells them

[@ghosthead84]

Wish I could of afford his Stay Puft sculpt.

[@BAELYBAE]

they are both so nervous

[@heyitskaraa9887]

Norm is always like this, he's not nervous, but I don't know about the other guy, but to me he doesn't look nervous.

[@heartlessm4986]

Real talk that shit is fire

[@EggRoll12]

so if using sculpey... you have to bake it so how wont the model met or deform?

[@jeffdroog]

There's no way this guy isn't on several government agency watch lists lol