Wacky Packages Forum

General Discusions about Artists & Illustrators => Artists & Illustrators => Topic started by: Sam Gambino on August 08, 2012, 10:27:30 PM

Title: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 08, 2012, 10:27:30 PM
I'm new to the forum here, but I loved Wacky Packages way back starting in 1974 for me.  I grew up south of Detroit and used to get them at places like Sam's Beer Store and the Short Stop in Lincoln Park, Michigan.  I wish I still had the same ones from when I was a kid.  However, I'm pleased to have just finished a couple of paintings this year for series 9 and one for the postcard series.  I painted "Sprout" and "Dribbles and Spits."  Thanks for looking!


(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Sprout.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/DnS.jpg)
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: sco(o)t on August 09, 2012, 03:27:37 AM
I'm new to the forum here, but I loved Wacky Packages way back starting in 1974 for me.  I grew up south of Detroit and used to get them at places like Sam's Beer Store and the Short Stop in Lincoln Park, Michigan.  I wish I still had the same ones from when I was a kid.  However, I'm pleased to have just finished a couple of paintings this year for series 9 and one for the postcard series.  I painted "Sprout" and "Dribbles and Spits."  Thanks for looking!


(http://s11.postimage.org/ov6a4qsgv/Sprout.jpg)

(http://s11.postimage.org/dk3mgdllr/Dn_S.jpg)


Sam, Welcome to the forum! I'm sure we all anticipate seeing further titles from you. It must be extremely cool to become involved with the creation of something you enjoyed so much as a kid.
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Rabid Shaver on August 09, 2012, 04:29:35 AM
Hi Sam ....welcome to the Forum!.....Great job,  My Wife Love's the Dribbles and Spits, LOL  :cool2:
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: DrSushi on August 09, 2012, 06:05:07 AM
Welcome to the forum, Sam! I love the character on Sprouts, nice work.

I grew up in Allen Park, Michigan and worked part-time through much of high school and college at the Sibley's Shoes in Lincoln Park (at Southfield and Dix - which reminds me of one of the best burns I heard in high school - "You're just like Southfield, always running into Dix).
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 09, 2012, 10:25:28 AM
Thanks so much for the kind words, and it's great to meet you Sco(o)t, Rabid Shaver and Dr. Sushi!  Sco(o)t - I'm pleased to have contributed to these and hope to continue. Those Wacky Packages from back then created lots of great memories, and the images have been stuck in my mind ever since.  Rabid Shaver - I'm glad that your wife likes Dribbles and Spits!  Hey Dr. Sushi - It's great to hear from someone from my old stomping grounds!  I'd never heard that saying about Dix and Southfield, but I have great memories of being dragged in and out of those stores as a young kid, especially around Christmas time!  I remember going into Cunningham Drug Store there and testing our old TV tubes to see if we needed replacements.  It was a different world!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: BumChex on August 09, 2012, 11:12:23 AM
HI Sam and Welcome to the forum. I mentioned your name in the Mars Attacks thread under non-sport category.
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: DrSushi on August 09, 2012, 11:27:41 AM
Thanks so much for the kind words, and it's great to meet you Sco(o)t, Rabid Shaver and Dr. Sushi!  Sco(o)t - I'm pleased to have contributed to these and hope to continue. Those Wacky Packages from back then created lots of great memories, and the images have been stuck in my mind ever since.  Rabid Shaver - I'm glad that your wife likes Dribbles and Spits!  Hey Dr. Sushi - It's great to hear from someone from my old stomping grounds!  I'd never heard that saying about Dix and Southfield, but I have great memories of being dragged in and out of those stores as a young kid, especially around Christmas time!  I remember going into Cunningham Drug Store there and testing our old TV tubes to see if we needed replacements.  It was a different world!

I just looked it up, and they are planning to tear down most of the Lincoln Park Shopping Center (but not the Sears, apparently) to make way for a Walmart. I guess the mall has had low occupancy for quite a while.
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Duznt on August 09, 2012, 01:34:41 PM
I'm new to the forum here, but I loved Wacky Packages way back starting in 1974 for me.  I grew up south of Detroit and used to get them at places like Sam's Beer Store and the Short Stop in Lincoln Park, Michigan.  I wish I still had the same ones from when I was a kid.  However, I'm pleased to have just finished a couple of paintings this year for series 9 and one for the postcard series.  I painted "Sprout" and "Dribbles and Spits."  Thanks for looking!

Beautiful job on the plastic Sprout bottle!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 09, 2012, 11:16:51 PM
Hi BumChex-  Thanks so much!  It's great to be here.  I'll go check out your post concerning Mars Attacks.  I'm still trying to learn my way around the forum!  :)  I've been looking for a way to get a little picture by my name, and just figured it out!

Hey, Dr Sushi-  The last time I was up there, it looked kind of desolate over there which was a little sad to me.  I moved away in 1991, but have visited there fairly regularly since my parents and brothers all still live in the area.

Hey Duznt-  Thank you for the kind words!  I used Sign Painter's 1-Shot enamel on these which is really the paint I use exclusively since I started out as a pinstriper and signpainter (which I still do both).  I'm comfortable with the color choices, so I haven't ventured out and used any other kinds of paint to speak of.
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Ruffs on August 10, 2012, 10:27:58 AM
I'm new to the forum here, but I loved Wacky Packages way back starting in 1974 for me.  I grew up south of Detroit and used to get them at places like Sam's Beer Store and the Short Stop in Lincoln Park, Michigan.  I wish I still had the same ones from when I was a kid.  However, I'm pleased to have just finished a couple of paintings this year for series 9 and one for the postcard series.  I painted "Sprout" and "Dribbles and Spits."  Thanks for looking!


(http://s11.postimage.org/ov6a4qsgv/Sprout.jpg)

(http://s11.postimage.org/dk3mgdllr/Dn_S.jpg)

Hi Sam Welcome & I'm sure you can get alot of great infomation here at the Forum as I have. I'm glad the artists are on the Forum as we all get a glimpse into their world. I started collecting Wackys in 1967 but dont have any originals. In 1973 I saw packs & said to a buddy I collected these years ago & started buying until 75. Somewhere around 1992 I went to a collectible store & saw a few cards on the counter & the owner said some of the cards have value so I got into the hobby again building sets of diecuts, original 1 - 16 etc. so I have been collecting since. OK thats enough from me so welcome !!!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Zenergizer on August 10, 2012, 10:47:18 AM
Welcome Sam!  And nice work on the recent drawings!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 10, 2012, 01:19:02 PM
Very nice to meet you, Ruffs!  I saved quite a bit of stuff from when I was a kid, but strangely, somehow my old Wacky Packages got away from me.  I can't understand how, because I used to love those things!  I think they may have gotten lost when we moved or something beyond my control!  Anyhow, thanks for saying hello!

Hey Zenergizer - Great to see you here, and thanks so much for the kind words!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Playbug on August 13, 2012, 06:46:54 PM
Very nice to meet you, Ruffs!  I saved quite a bit of stuff from when I was a kid, but strangely, somehow my old Wacky Packages got away from me.  I can't understand how, because I used to love those things!  I think they may have gotten lost when we moved or something beyond my control!  Anyhow, thanks for saying hello!

Hey Zenergizer - Great to see you here, and thanks so much for the kind words!

Hey welcome to the forum Sam, I love that guy on the Sprout bottle. Reminds me of the original style characters that you used to see on the 70's wacky's. Great Wacky - Nice work !!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 14, 2012, 08:49:58 PM
Hey Playbug-  Thanks so much!  It seems like I tend to gravitate toward bug eyes, no chin and lots of stress marks on the face.  I appreciate the kind words!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Crust on August 15, 2012, 11:44:26 AM
Welcome too the forum! Nice job on the Wackys!!! Its pretty cool for me too be able too talk to the artist!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Campy on August 15, 2012, 12:10:27 PM
Welcome to the Forum, Nice work on the paintings!!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 16, 2012, 07:01:24 AM
Thanks, Crust and Campy!  It's great to talk to you and other "Wacky" freaks too.  I appreciate your kind words!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: deadpresidentsvisa on August 16, 2012, 07:40:00 AM
                   "Allow myself to introduce, myself"  ???                Hey  DPV  welcome           numerous artists have made art for me as you probably know
                                                 "For a fee i'll be happy to be your"..........................                                           artist
                                                                                        Dirty deeds and their done dirt cheap
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 20, 2012, 07:31:25 PM
                  "Allow myself to introduce, myself"  ???                Hey  DPV  welcome           numerous artists have made art for me as you probably know
                                                 "For a fee i'll be happy to be your"..........................                                           artist
                                                                                        Dirty deeds and their done dirt cheap

Absolutely!
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Smokin Joe on August 25, 2012, 12:18:19 AM
Hey Sam... welcome to our Wacky world. Short Stop!!!  I haven't thought of them in decades. They were last on my Wacky collecting list of suppliers back in '74 because they charged 7 cents per pack!!!  Just down the road was Woodfield pharmacy (I grew up in Farmington Hills) who charged the normal 5 cents per pack.
Back then that was quite the difference. I'd usually buy 5 to 10 packs at at time. I was frugal and didn't see the value in duplicates. I do still have all my original stickers from then... (and as many dplicates as my quarters will buy these days).

   Michigan seems to be a mecca of Wacky lore... and growing as the birth place of Wacky artists.

        Smokin' Joe
Title: Re: Introducing myself....
Post by: Sam Gambino on August 27, 2012, 05:09:01 PM
Hey Smokin' Joe!  It's great to meet you!  Excellent work you do.  I didn't know that you were from Michigan too.  What a great place that was to grow up.  I live down south by the Gulf now, but there was nothing like those days in the '70's growing up in the Detroit area.  Wacky's were a major part of my childhood.  I can look at a jar of Ovaltine, and to this day, I think "Evil Time!" 
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on December 10, 2012, 11:00:51 PM
Just wanted to post my Necko piece from the 2012 Halloween Postcard series for documentation purposes here.  Thanks for looking!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Necko.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: DrSushi on December 11, 2012, 07:03:15 AM
Just wanted to post my Necko piece from the 2012 Halloween Postcard series for documentation purposes here.  Thanks for looking!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Necko.jpg)

Nice work, love the vampire!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on December 11, 2012, 08:23:28 AM
Just wanted to post my Necko piece from the 2012 Halloween Postcard series for documentation purposes here.  Thanks for looking!


It's in my closet waiting to get framed and matted.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: deadpresidentsvisa on December 11, 2012, 08:30:39 AM
It's in my closet waiting to get framed and matted.
GET IT MATTED FIRST!!!!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: sco(o)t on December 11, 2012, 08:45:26 AM
It's in my closet waiting to get framed and matted.

I already falsely implicated it in a murder with planted evidence so you can skip getting it framed.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: ratchet007 on December 11, 2012, 12:21:29 PM
Just wanted to post my Necko piece from the 2012 Halloween Postcard series for documentation purposes here.  Thanks for looking!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Necko.jpg)
Love the two fang puncture marks in the wrapper. Nice touch!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on December 11, 2012, 11:45:55 PM
Thanks so much for the kind words, everyone!  BumChex - You own the actual piece?  I saw it on ebay not long ago.  I'm glad it has a good home!  Maybe post a pic of the old boy when he's matted?  :)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: MadMike on December 11, 2012, 11:54:28 PM
Those are some great pieces of art Sam.  Keep up the great work and hope you continue to treat us to some great art on future series.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on December 12, 2012, 07:08:54 AM
Hey MadMike-  I really appreciate the kind words!  I'm glad to do as many paintings as Topps will have me to do.  I have a few more in series 10...  Thanks again!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on December 12, 2012, 07:17:17 AM
Thanks so much for the kind words, everyone!  BumChex - You own the actual piece?  I saw it on ebay not long ago.  I'm glad it has a good home!  Maybe post a pic of the old boy when he's matted?  :)
Yes sir! It might be a little while before it's framed.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on December 12, 2012, 08:49:16 AM
Thanks, BumChex!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Playbug on December 17, 2012, 08:33:00 AM
Just wanted to post my Necko piece from the 2012 Halloween Postcard series for documentation purposes here.  Thanks for looking!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Necko.jpg)

Love this one, it's got that classic Wacky feel to it. Great work !
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on December 17, 2012, 09:54:30 PM
Hey Playbug-  Thanks so much!  I appreciate the kind words.  With most of my artwork, I do try to achieve a vintage look and feel, so your comment says that I'm approaching what I mentally set out to do.   :)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: dth1971 on January 31, 2013, 06:43:48 PM
I think Necko never made the 2012 Wacky Halloween Postcard cut.

And Sam: Did you do any designs for the upcoming Wacky Packages ANS10?
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on January 31, 2013, 09:05:37 PM
I think Necko never made the 2012 Wacky Halloween Postcard cut.

And Sam: Did you do any designs for the upcoming Wacky Packages ANS10?

It was the bonus card.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Go_Bum on February 02, 2013, 08:51:44 AM
I think Necko never made the 2012 Wacky Halloween Postcard cut.

And Sam: Did you do any designs for the upcoming Wacky Packages ANS10?


It was also an artist bio card.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on February 17, 2013, 10:54:41 PM
I think Necko never made the 2012 Wacky Halloween Postcard cut.

And Sam: Did you do any designs for the upcoming Wacky Packages ANS10?

Hi dth1971-

I'm sorry for the delay seeing your question.  Yes, I did four paintings for ANS10.  I'm like a kid again waiting for these to come out.  I'll post the pieces here when they're released.  Thanks for asking!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on March 13, 2013, 07:13:28 PM
Now that ANS10 has been released, I thought I'd go ahead and post my paintings here to document.  I had a great time painting these!  Thanks for looking!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/LOM.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/ChiaP.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/PullP.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/JackS.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on March 13, 2013, 07:42:39 PM
Now that ANS10 has been released, I thought I'd go ahead and post my paintings here to document.  I had a great time painting these!  Thanks for looking!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/LOM.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/ChiaP.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/PullP.jpg)

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/JackS.jpg)

Sam, great job! I love all 4 and I would tell you if I didn't like one..LOL
Did you come up with the concept or did you just paint them? Regardless they are great. I really like Jack Stinks. I'm not a real fan of their jerky and I agree..HaHa
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on March 13, 2013, 07:55:23 PM
Thanks so much for your kind words, BumChex!  I'm glad that you like them!  I just painted these and cannot take credit for the gags.  All that I've painted so far have been gags that were written by others.  I'm working on a design now that is a gag of mine though.  I'm pleased to have had a gag accepted!  :)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on March 13, 2013, 07:56:56 PM
Thanks so much for your kind words, BumChex!  I'm glad that you like them!  I just painted these and cannot take credit for the gags.  All that I've painted so far have been gags that were written by others.  I'm working on a design now that is a gag of mine though.  I'm pleased to have had a gag accepted!  :)

Which one was accepted?
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on March 13, 2013, 07:59:35 PM
BTW you nailed the Chia Pest box. It's awesome! Some cam be a plain obvious box but this looks like the real product. People are always opening boxes to check out the content and with the bend on the top is totally real. I love it!
Also, I love the fact that you don't paste your letters like other artists have done. To me, this is so much better.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on March 13, 2013, 09:04:40 PM
I appreciate that!  I'm glad that you noticed about the lettering.  I started as a sign painter in '86, so it's heresy in my eyes not to paint the letters!  :)  The painted letters have little inconsistencies that the other letters don't have, but I like to think it as "charm" or "mojo."

Also, I would be posting progress pics and blabbing the name of the next piece all over the web if I could, but I'm not allowed to reveal the project or subject matter until the release of the series.  That's why earlier, I said how I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas for these cards to come out!   

Again, thanks for the kind words!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on March 13, 2013, 09:21:58 PM
I appreciate that!  I'm glad that you noticed about the lettering.  I started as a sign painter in '86, so it's heresy in my eyes not to paint the letters!  :)  The painted letters have little inconsistencies that the other letters don't have, but I like to think it as "charm" or "mojo."

Also, I would be posting progress pics and blabbing the name of the next piece all over the web if I could, but I'm not allowed to reveal the project or subject matter until the release of the series.  That's why earlier, I said how I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas for these cards to come out!   

Again, thanks for the kind words!

Sam, you nailed it. In the past others were using paste on lettering. Add this to your resume. I think, as a collector, this is important. I own a few pieces of art that has some paste on lettering and feel kinda duped. Maybe that's my own hang up but it sometimes bothers me. I think painted lettering is huge compare to some others.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on March 13, 2013, 10:00:11 PM
Well, you're a guy after my own heart then!  My dad would agree too.  He'll be 73 in a few days, and he started lettering and pinstriping cars in 1956.  We both get on the phone and talk about how much we like hand-lettered race cars as opposed to cars today that mostly use vinyl numbers.  We used to letter a ton of oval cars in the Detroit area.  I live away from there now, but that doesn't keep us from getting on the phone and belly-aching about how good the good old days were!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on March 13, 2013, 10:09:11 PM
Well, you're a guy after my own heart then!  My dad would agree too.  He'll be 73 in a few days, and he started lettering and pinstriping cars in 1956.  We both get on the phone and talk about how much we like hand-lettered race cars as opposed to cars today that mostly use vinyl numbers.  We used to letter a ton of oval cars in the Detroit area.  I live away from there now, but that doesn't keep us from getting on the phone and belly-aching about how good the good old days were!

Seriously, I think painted letters is huge. It, in itself, is an art form.. For some reason other artists can't get past that. I know the reasons but can't get past that as an art collector. I'm always weary of a new art pieces. It shouldn't be this way but that is how I feel
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on March 13, 2013, 11:36:29 PM
One thing about that for me is that it's easier for me to paint all of the lettering if I make the piece larger.  11x14 is the smallest I usually go with the board on these.  Any smaller, and the lettering seems to suffer.  Sprout was 18 or 20" tall.  These new ones weren't quite that big though...
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: MadMike on March 25, 2013, 10:43:45 PM
Sam, I just pulled a sketch card  that you drew.  I got it out of a pack I recently purchased off the Topps website.  I bought 3 boxes with 16 packs each and pulled my first sketch card from the wild.

It is a Con Flakes sketch card.  It will look nice in my collection. Thanks for the nice artwork.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Soremel on March 26, 2013, 10:09:40 AM
Well, you're a guy after my own heart then!  My dad would agree too.  He'll be 73 in a few days, and he started lettering and pinstriping cars in 1956.  We both get on the phone and talk about how much we like hand-lettered race cars as opposed to cars today that mostly use vinyl numbers.  We used to letter a ton of oval cars in the Detroit area.  I live away from there now, but that doesn't keep us from getting on the phone and belly-aching about how good the good old days were!

I feel the same way regarding lettering, especially vehicle lettering. I started hand lettering trucks and vans back in '82 and there is definitely a sense of accomplishment when you finish a lettering & striping job with 1-Shot enamel and French Master (or Langnickel) brushes! Sure, it may take ten times longer, but it's an art form. Good to hear someone else reflect on the good old days of lead-based paint & turps!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: JasonLiebig on March 26, 2013, 11:45:14 AM
LOVE hand lettering on art. 

Back when I was at Marvel in the late 1990's, we did a month-long event called "Flashback" that was to flashback every title to the point in time a month before the Marvel Universe officially launched (before the Fantastic Four launched their rocket and got their powers). 

[By this point in time, all of our lettering and ballooning was done digitally, after the art boards had been scanned.]

Adam Kubert was doing Hulk at the time, and he hand-lettered about a third of his issue (hell, maybe he actually did all of it), but it was funny how delighted all of editorial was, walking into Bobbie Chase's office to see the pages (which were actually really lovely in other respects), but just to see lettering on the page was so awesome. 

The fact that pages almost never have lettering done by hand, on the boards anymore, makes original comic artwork a little sad, in my opinion. 

[Final note:   I should point out that even though he was already the son of the legendary Joe Kubert, Adam Kubert started out as a letterer before eventually growing into one of the top pencillers in the biz.  So his lettering in that issue was top-notch.]
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Soremel on March 26, 2013, 03:09:21 PM
Seriously, I think painted letters is huge. It, in itself, is an art form.. For some reason other artists can't get past that. I know the reasons but can't get past that as an art collector. I'm always weary of a new art pieces. It shouldn't be this way but that is how I feel

Aside from packaging accuracy, and character details, I put a lot of time into the lettering. Sometimes it's a pain in the back (literally!), but it brings a sense of "purist" satisfaction when the painting's done and you know that you really worked hard to get the end results.

Out of the eight Wacky Package paintings I did for Topps, the only one that had dry transfer lettering on it was "Quicker Goatmeal" (bottom line of black text). I was so paranoid that it would chip off after it was sold that I sprayed a coat of matte gesso over it to "lock" the letters to the painting!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Joe G. on March 26, 2013, 03:59:53 PM
The question of rub on lettering for small text for me has to do with how well it is done.  I'd rather see clean, well integrated printed text than sloppy painted text.  In terms of being a purist, all the 16 original series used letraset, which is equivalent to today's printed text.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on March 26, 2013, 04:53:36 PM
The question of rub on lettering for small text for me has to do with how well it is done.  I'd rather see clean, well integrated printed text than sloppy painted text.  In terms of being a purist, all the 16 original series used letraset, which is equivalent to today's printed text.

When you get in a piece of art and the lettering is pulling away it kinda sucks. I know its tough and not every artists have good penmanship.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Soremel on March 26, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
The question of rub on lettering for small text for me has to do with how well it is done.  I'd rather see clean, well integrated printed text than sloppy painted text.  In terms of being a purist, all the 16 original series used letraset, which is equivalent to today's printed text.

I agree with you regarding well executed rub on letters. Most of the paintings that have them were done very well with attention to centering and font sizes. When I use the purist term, I'm referring to the original 1st & 2nd series, which, to the best of my knowledge, were totally hand-painted (and airbrushed).

"Suffertone" and "Copperbone" are good examples of how rub on lettering can hinder a layout. For some reason, the text at the bottom seems to be a couple of point sizes too large and start to trail off of the packaging.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Soremel on March 26, 2013, 08:02:32 PM
Hey Sam! Sorry I hijacked this post a little earlier! (I get carried away when it comes to lettering!)

I absolutely love "Chia Pest"! Awesome package rendering and character detail!  :great:
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on March 31, 2013, 12:46:08 AM
Hey MadMike-  Thanks so much for your kind words!  I'm glad that you like the sketch card.  I usually go into a slight panic at some point while doing those, just hoping I get them done in time!

Hey Jason- Comic lettering is a true art form, I agree.  I came up doing sign painting, and tried doing comic lettering with pen and ink and found that to me, it's quite a bit different and difficult.  Those guys amaze me!  It's not easy to do that lettering and make it look right!

Hey Soremel-  No problem at all!  I don't think you hijacked it anyhow.  It's all good input!  Thanks for the kind words about Chia Pest too.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on September 27, 2013, 08:10:46 AM
I just wanted to post the Wacky ANS11 paintings I did.  I can't take credit for the gags here, but must say that I was very pleased that I was given the opportunity to paint a mischievous primate!

(http://samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/SP.jpg)


(http://samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/CB.jpg)

Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Joe G. on October 06, 2013, 01:16:41 PM
Sam, your work is exceptional.  The colors and compositions are wonderful. 
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on October 07, 2013, 08:44:16 PM
Thank you, Joe -  You did some awesome work on this series yourself!  Keep up the fine work!  :)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Alexeirex on October 08, 2013, 01:07:57 AM
I just wanted to post the Wacky ANS11 paintings I did.  I can't take credit for the gags here, but must say that I was very pleased that I was given the opportunity to paint a mischievous primate!

(http://samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/SP.jpg)


(http://samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/CB.jpg)



The ape with the tophat and monocle is one of my favorite images in the ANS11 series - and his actions just make me laugh...
A
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 05, 2013, 01:26:08 PM
Thanks for the kind words, Alexeirex - I'm always happy to paint a monkey/gorilla/ape of any kind!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 11, 2013, 09:30:26 PM
Here's my Marrow Cup painting for the Halloween 2013 Wacky Postcard set....
(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/MarrowC.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Joe G. on November 11, 2013, 10:10:15 PM
Sam, that is one superb Wacky!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 12, 2013, 12:07:25 AM
Thank you, Joe!  I always appreciate your kind words.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: ratchet007 on November 12, 2013, 12:33:51 PM
Here's my Marrow Cup painting for the Halloween 2013 Wacky Postcard set....
(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/MarrowC.jpg)


My favorite of the new postcards. Well done Sam.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Fanatical_and_Sickly on November 12, 2013, 05:04:46 PM
Here's my Marrow Cup painting for the Halloween 2013 Wacky Postcard set....

having one eyeball makes it super creepy.
how did it get there? is it flesh and humour? maybe it's a glass eye? but mostly, why is it looking at me???
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 12, 2013, 06:39:59 PM
Thanks so much for the very kind words, ratchet007 and Fanatical and Sickly!  This is the first published Wacky of mine that I also wrote the gag for, so I'm proud of that.  As for the one eye, "the world may never know......"   ;)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: dth1971 on November 13, 2013, 08:27:56 PM
Sam: Are you planning any possible ANS12 entries?
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 13, 2013, 09:05:58 PM
Hi dth1971-

I haven't gotten the go ahead or concepts yet, but it's pretty early to tell right now.  I'm always game to do them.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Zenergizer on November 14, 2013, 08:23:39 AM
great work as always, Sam!  I look forward to much, much more from you!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 14, 2013, 12:34:09 PM
Thanks so much, Zenergizer!  I appreciate your kind words.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 15, 2013, 11:14:58 PM
Here's another one of my Wacky Package paintings from 2012.  I painted it at 16"x20" enamel on masonite.  I just noticed that Topps Vault listed it on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350925978703?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/OP.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: FourRoses on November 19, 2013, 10:13:29 AM
From what I've seen I do enjoy Gambino's work. Quite a few of the sketches (including one ANS 10 I pulled) are short, sweet and simple and to the point.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 19, 2013, 07:01:30 PM
Thanks so much for the kind words, FourRoses -  I do enjoy that kind of comment!   :)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on November 19, 2013, 07:10:36 PM
From what I've seen I do enjoy Gambino's work. Quite a few of the sketches (including one ANS 10 I pulled) are short, sweet and simple and to the point.

Don't tell him that. Then he might think he's doing fine :] we have to beat him down so he brings his 'A' game with the next series :-*
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: ratchet007 on November 20, 2013, 11:12:26 AM
Don't tell him that. Then he might think he's doing fine :] we have to beat him down so he brings his 'A' game with the next series :-*

I think Sam might have a pretty good idea of what we as collectors would like to see as far as sketches go.   ;)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 22, 2013, 10:26:53 AM
Yes, I think we all need a good, hard, swift kick in the stomach from time to time just to make certain that we don't get mediocre.   ;)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on November 22, 2013, 09:47:10 PM
Yes, I think we all need a good, hard, swift kick in the stomach from time to time just to make certain that we don't get mediocre.   ;)

The thing is that artists can slack off with sketches but it only hurts them in the long run. People remember.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on November 23, 2013, 04:57:08 PM
From what I've seen I do enjoy Gambino's work. Quite a few of the sketches (including one ANS 10 I pulled) are short, sweet and simple and to the point.

Thanks for the compliments, by the way, FourRoses and ratchet007!  I appreciate the kind words.  :)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: FourRoses on November 26, 2013, 06:39:59 AM
Maybe I have a future in endorsements as I received two quotes.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: RaMpB on November 30, 2013, 04:48:12 AM
The theif's face is priceless!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on December 02, 2013, 06:44:18 PM
Thank you, RaMpB!  I painted his face to have the same look as though he was wearing pantyhose over his head.  I always thought that the "hose-over-the-face" look was a winning look for any criminal...
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: RaMpB on December 05, 2013, 07:48:02 PM
That's hysterical!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on June 04, 2015, 06:29:05 AM
Here are my 4 new designs for Wacky Packages 2015.  My Ocean Prey art is also included in this series:

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/SlimeF.jpg)
(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/SHells.jpg)
(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Brdn.jpg)
(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/DigT.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: koduck on June 04, 2015, 08:36:58 AM
Here are my 4 new designs for Wacky Packages 2015.  My Ocean Prey art is also included in this series:


Fantastic art and gags! Love the Digits or Toes! Bravissimo!!!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Joe G. on June 04, 2015, 10:26:07 AM
Sam, congrats, wonderful work as always and 5 gags in the series that's really fantastic! 
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: FourRoses on June 04, 2015, 10:30:28 AM
Those four look great. Going through the packs today I found out how much I really enjoy this series more so than in recent memory.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on June 04, 2015, 10:49:45 PM
Thanks so much for the very kind words, Neil, Joe and FourRoses!  As an artist, it means a lot.  The Ocean Prey gag was not mine, but was actually the first Wacky Package painting I ever did. Burden, Slime Fast, Snack Hells and Digits or Toes were all my gags.  Also, from what I've seen, I'm liking this new series very much too!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: FourRoses on June 05, 2015, 10:02:35 AM
Burden takes me back to the 1985 series when I became more aware (and able to buy my own) and wanting of Wacky Packages.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: BumChex on June 06, 2015, 08:43:49 PM
I love the art for the Burdens milk plastic jug. Really nice!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Zenergizer on June 07, 2015, 04:23:40 PM
Beautiful work, Sam!  Especially love Burden with the "exhausted" and "not quite one gallon" lines!

Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on June 08, 2015, 06:44:57 AM
Thanks so much, FourRoses, BumChex and Zenergizer!  I appreciate the kind compliments.  I've always loved Elsie the cow, so I jumped at the chance to actually do a Wacky Package based on her.  I'm glad that you like that one.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on October 12, 2016, 01:51:52 PM
Here's a new Wacky-styled piece I recently painted.  Not an official Topps Wacky Package, but as a fan/artist of Wackys and a Svengoolie fan, I hadta!

(http://www.samgambino.com/w%20assets/WackyP/Sven.jpg)
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Joe G. on October 12, 2016, 02:01:53 PM
Sam, it's awesome!  Beautiful colors, very classic feel and all painted text!  They're not really doing that on official Wackys these days.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: NationalSpittoon on October 12, 2016, 02:59:27 PM
I like.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: RawGoo on October 13, 2016, 03:28:12 AM
Sam, it's awesome!  Beautiful colors, very classic feel and all painted text!  They're not really doing that on official Wackys these days.

That's a really nice Wacky!  And I also prefer the painted text.
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: vahsurfer on October 15, 2016, 06:08:51 AM
AWESOME SammyG!
Title: Re: Sam Gambino
Post by: Sam Gambino on October 15, 2016, 10:41:24 PM
Thanks so much, Joe, National Spittoon, Raw Goo and vahsurfer!  I really appreciate your kind words!  I'm a diehard "sign painter" artist anyhow, so I always prefer the painted text too.  I'll do the text digitally if that is required, but painted just seems to have more artistic quality to me.  Also, Svengoolie showed this piece on the show tonight.  It made my weekend for my daughter to hear him mention her old dad.  :)  I guess I'm still a big kid and Svengoolie "nerd"!