We’re back with more behind-the-scenes info about our new Terminator 2 Minimates line, this time discussing the Minimate design process with renowned artist DSTUriel! Check out the full story to learn what challenges movie-based Minimates face and how your favorite characters make the jump from real people to Minimates!

In a recent conversation I was asked to contrast the creative process for designing Minimates based on comic book properties with the process for movie properties. Now I enjoy drawing Minimates from all different sources, but I had to admit that the movie Minimates are thus far the more challenging category.

I found it interesting to contemplate the fundamental differences between the two. For example, when drawing the Marvel Minimates there is more creative freedom since the characters need to fit a certain look or archetype which is both general and subjective. Compare that to a movie Minimate based on reality and the very specific details found in the source material. This is perfectly illustrated by Wolverine from the comics and Wolverine as portrayed by Hugh Jackman. One is based on the Marvel icon of berserker rage made flesh (and adamantium) and the other one is basically the portrait of Mr. Jackman on a two-inch block figure. Many a times I had to erase the little fangs I sometimes give Logan when he snarls from Mr. Jackman’s likeness.

Similarly, when we had to translate all the strength and presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger into a two-inch tall Terminator… that was a challenge indeed. He needed to look and feel tall, dangerous and heroic but also retain Arnold’s likeness. Then there was the issue of time, as in aging. I mean, Terminators don’t age but we had to make Arnold from T1 look different from Arnold from T2 - even if just slightly. So there I was with a magnifying glass, poring over the reference, counting wrinkles and looking for man’s cosmetic bane; his hairline. Sometimes I feel a tinge of embarrassment when I have to scrutinize any given actor so closely since the things you first notice are both funny and sobering. It’s like rediscovering that they are actually human beings and not grown from the Hollywood character labs.

Aside from the challenges of blending caricature and portraiture, I feel fortunate to be able to see these movies again and also get an inside look at what went into making them, especially when we get all the juicy reference shots from the movie studios and swear (and sign) all kinds of oaths of secrecy.

More often than not I get a new sense of respect and awe, seeing how a certain scene was accomplished and what went into it. I also get to see details again that might have escaped me since the first viewing. Like the fact that General John Connor (flash forward) is wearing the same wristband that Sarah Connor wore, or that Sarah Connor was wearing the same green trench coat that belonged to John’s father to conceal her weapons. It’s awesome to be able to rediscover these movies.

But getting back to the topic, I think that ultimately the movie properties will always be more challenging to do since everything about a movie is etched ‘in stone’ and it’s the job of the artist to mirror that universe accurately, even when stylized. And then you have the approval process on top of that, which can be daunting. But after all is said and done, there is always a great sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and youthful excitement when I see the end result - be it the finished Minimate, awesome packaging or the kool posters we get to do. I think the posters are sort of my favorite part because I get to work with Barry on these and he’s such an amazing artist and colorist and it feels like I’m getting a surprise each time, plus I get something to hang on my wall, hehehe!

Come back for Part 3 of our Behind-the-Scenes look at the Terminator 2 Minimates line and find out more about the design process with DSTBarry!

Read Part 1

Read Part 3