We love UGLYDOLL. We wanted to find out a little more about who was behind these zany and loveable characters. UGLYDOLL Co-Creator, David Horvath took a few minutes to talk to us about UFOs and what UGLY means. New to UGLYDOLL? Visit www.uglydolls.com and meet the UGLYS.
What is your “job” title?
Our job title is “no job” but what we really do is create all things you see regarding Uglydoll, including all of the toys, books, stationery, apparel, and other fun things.
What childhood hobbies did you have? And have you always loved toys?
Sun-Min and I love telling stories. We love to tell stories through toys and books. My childhood hobby was drawing UFOs in the math test answer column. I got an F-, but was I wrong? Sometimes to do right, you have to be willing to be wrong. Something like that.
What is your artistic upbringing?
None! My father was in advertising and my mother was a designer at Mattel when I was little, only she was never ever allowed to show us or to even tell us what she was working on, and advertising….well you know. I learned all I know about toys by working at a boutique toy shop in LA long ago when there were special mom and pop shops everywhere. Sun-Min was the first in her family as far as art goes, but everyone in her family is very smart. Well surprise, now I am in the family too! So now they have some leap before you look mix in there…
How did Uglydoll come about? And why are they called Uglydoll?
Well, first you have to ask yourself what Ugly means. To us, UGLY means unique, special, and real. Those little twists and turns which make us who we are, found both inside and out, are to be celebrated, not hidden or surgically altered/brainwashed out of you! That’s who you are and we need you to be you! So the Uglydoll guys are just being themselves, like you do most of the time when you’re all alone in the car signing. As you drive by our house on the way to work. Every day. Over and over.
How independent is Uglydoll? Will we see them sold in Target and at larger chain stores?
Uglydoll is everywhere YOU go! As long as you go to very special places. Aha but what does special mean? Hey its up to YOU to keep special special, we just make funny pictures and toys.
How do you come up with the individual names for the Uglydoll characters?
Much like how your parents came up with your name, only we spend hours on ours.
Who is Uglydoll geared towards?
That’s what’s best about Uglydolls perhaps? Because we don’t gear them towards anything. No gears. Just make and make happy.
What is your favorite Uglydoll character?
Can’t tell you, he comes out in 2011.
Any plans to create an Uglydoll cartoon or comic strip?
We LOVE making books! We’ve published over 10 of Uglydoll books! More on the way!
Is it hard juggling career and family life?
No. Family comes first and we have no career. My publisher and warehouse manager are both very angry, but also the BEST!
What advice would you give to people who need that extra push to follow through with their ideas?
You don’t need a push. You need to be quiet.
Shut it! That’s correct.
Stop telling us about this plan or that plan.
Shhh!! Zip it! When you tell us, the odds of doing it go WAY down.
Down to zero actually.
Don’t tell a soul…but SHOW everyone when you’re done.
….open the magazine to page 17 and show us.
Actually, don’t show us. We’ll see it.
If you have to show us, it means we didn’t see it and you have to try again.
So be quiet.
Just finish it.
Then shut up and get back to work.
What advice do you have for parents as far as supporting their children’s artistic talents?
If you really want to support their artistic talents, then stop saying how great
their drawing is. Of course, it’s great, they MADE it, which is a lot more than
you’re doing Mr. I need a push!
Kids work their TOOSHY off at art.
Instead, please grow their artistic mind when they are away from the paper.
I guess? How you do that? Wow I dunno? Any advice?
I have to say that to avoid blogger hate comments.
Anything new in the works?
You’ll see!
8 comments
My kids have been BEGGING us for UGLY Dolls for years now. My daughter especially. These are not just for little kids but also teens too. Even at 13 my daughter still wants one.
I think they are adorable little critters/creatures. I wish they were easier to find in the store. Mostly we see them online.
That is pretty cool that you were able to interview him. He sounds like he has a great sense of humor. I love what he said about don’t tell people – SHOW them. That is great words of advice.
Great interview. Thanks!
These are so neat!! We have some of the books. I can’t wait till the dolls come out!
Bobbie (OneScrappyMom) recently posted…Healthy Travel Companion
I’ve never heard of these but it’s cool getting an insight behind the process of it all etc. 🙂
Matthew recently posted…Amazon Gift Card Giveaway 4 Winners
Great interview! Those look like some great dolls 🙂
Shop with Me Mama recently posted…There’s Something Under the Bed! Book Review
David seems like a cool dude…but then again he makes Uglydolls…of course he’d be cool! Great interview!
Sarah recently posted…Kenmore and “Me” Time
What follows is an existentialist pilgrimage as David searches for love, himself and, ultimately, his creator. Troy Toy
this is so excellent to know
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I love uglydolls. Our family has tons of them. Keep on makin them!!!!