Squaredy Cats on WPIX 11 Morning News

 We were waiting as patiently as we could since we did this interview with Francesca Maxime around a month ago. It was finally produced, and aired on October 13 on the WPIX channel morning news Dunkin Donuts Studio On The Run segment.

Francesca and her production team made us feel very comfortable on the set, and Elaine did an amazing job explaining what Squaredy Cats are all about. We couldn't have been happier with how it turned out :)
They even flashed our Squaredy Cats Facebook page across the screen.

Francesca Maxime with Elaine de la Mata and Kurt Marquart, the inventors and designers of Squaredy Cats.

It seems everyone there had fun with the new plush line that's out now, and available at Toys R Us. Linda Church held, Tiger Lily, and Frances Rivera and Sukanya Krishnan really had a ball with a few others. Below you'll find a link to the broadcast piece, but directly below that check out what else we found. Someone posted a YouTube link of the team goofing off with the cats on the set, but we think it was terrific! How great that they had so much fun with our fun-loving toys.

Thank you to everyone at the WPIX Channel 11 Morning News in New York!

Here's a link to the embedded video below.

 

And here's the YouTube video of the fun banter.

Frances Rivera and Sukanya Krishnan a few of the Squaredy Cats.

Sukanya Krishnan holding Sandy (not squared to make waves) from series 2.

Sukanya Krishnan holding Honey (not squared to BEE smart) from series 1.

"Doing Their Own Thing"

We're on page 6 in the Art of Licensing supplement to License Global! They even used a picture of Giggles on the Table of Contents page :)

We're thrilled because we couldn't make it to Licensing Expo this year, but this magazine circulates through the show and will supplement two issues. We hope to make some new connections and find new deals. People are buzzing about Squaredy Cats!

Link to article.

Dora Links Doll

The new Dora Links Doll will being unveiled today on The View. Set your DVRs and TIVOs, or watch live.

Elaine played a role in the design and development of the Dora doll and her clothing. She did a ton of graphics for the site connected to the doll, and I contributed with some illustrations.

Go to doralinks.com when you buy the doll or just check it out now.

Sorry, we can't post a picture of the doll until it's officially announced, but I'll throw something up later.

Interviewed by Ruby Winkle

Meghan Killeen of Ruby Winkle interviewed me about Monkey Doodle Dandy this week.
I was a little late in sending images, so I hope she can still insert what I sent today. We are always so busy, and of course, working on this beautiful Saturday.

What a great feeling to know that what you might have to say is important to someone other than yourself!

Read the interview here.

Thanks for finding us, Meghan :)

Fisher Price badge

The day before we left for Licensing Expo in Vegas, we were invited by Fisher Price to their Vendor Fair. There, we got to have face time with some of the people we do work for; and we also get to meet new people for potential work. We had a portfolio, promotional material, and a table to greet Fisher Price designers and project managers.

I joked about their security at the time. We had to sign waivers promising not to discuss anything we saw (so, mum's the word), and we got badges on which we were to write our names. Only today, about two weeks later did I see the extent of their seriousness in their security when I found the badge in my bag. A time exposed ink "appeared" on my badge. Cool.

First Day at first Expo

Elaine and Kurt in the Monkey Doodle Dandy booth at our first Licensing Expo.

Kurt and the Squarey Monsters banner.

Elaine and the Wudjadoo banner.

The Jitterbutter banner and Betty Bones' skateboard concept.

The Squarey Monsters display.

Our first day of Licensing Expo went very well… even better than either of us had expected it could. We met manufacturers and producers from all over the world. Sometimes inventors had a product they thought would work well with our images. Sometimes an agency wanted to know what was available. There seems to be pretty even interest among all four of our properties, Jitterbutter GirlMonsters, Wudjadoo, Squarey Monsters and Squaredy Cats.

Today is the second day, and we don't know what to expect. We hope it can go half as well as it has already. I can't wait to see what the end result will be, and how these new connections will affect Monkey Doodle Dandy. 

We haven't figured out if our ad in Art of Licensing has sent anyone in our direction. It's possible, when everyone browses their papers from the show they can find us then. Not like we had many free moments yesterday. It seemed like someone was always stopping at our booth, and we're thankful for that! Even the heads of Tara Toy stopped by to say hello.

This booth is made for stompin'

Elaine and Kurt stand in the empty booth 1873 at their first Licensing Expo.

First order of business… hang the Monkey Doodle Dandy Banner!

Elaine and Stephanie assembling our shelves. Not sure where everything goes yet.

Elaine and Stephanie. All the banners are up.

Now we know where the Squarey Monsters are going, cut stickers for packets.

Last minute concept mock-ups to assemble.

Squarey Monsters await fame while Elaine goes through last minute portfolio changes.

We're pretty much finished setting up the booth for Licensing Expo. Booth 1873. We'll post more pictures showing the entire booth tomorrow when the union gets all the skids out of the way and the carpet is down. 

Also, great to note:

A google alert made me aware that our Exhibitor profile has been published at TMCnet.com.

Here's how it reads:

Company: Monkey Doodle Dandy Booth: 1873 Media Contact: Elaine de la Mata Phone: 718-398-2338/917-450-2483 E-mail: studio@monkeydoodledandy.com Web: monkeydoodledandy.com   Since 1998, Monkey Doodle Dandy, Inc. has developed properties for major companies including Scholastic, Nickelodeon, Fisher Price and Mattel. The Brooklyn-based art and design company is now expanding as a licensor, introducing its own brands Squarey Monsters, Squaredy Cats, Wudjadoo and GirlMonsters. Whether they're furry, fanged, or four-sided, these endearing creatures allow young consumers to express themselves with an individuality that resonates with their age group but still meets the approval of parents. For more information, visit www.monkeydoodledandy.com.

Donk, Bitzy and Clup are GO!

Kurt wearing Donk's Eyes.

Clup, Bitzy and Donk as plushies!

Terry cloth Squarey Monster, Bitzy… she's a bath buddy!

Terry cloth Squarey Monster, Donk… he's a bath buddy!

Plush Squarey Monster, Donk trying to use Kurt's mouse.

We are so excited to fly to Las Vegas for the Licensing Expo Sunday morning. We worked in the studio today for some last minute finishes. A few product mock-ups, labels and details for… YES! THREE MORE plush Squarey Monsters!
My brother-in-law has a tuxedo shop, and we hired his seamstress to work up Bitzy and Clup as pocket mouthed bath buddies and Donk as a plush pillow. I made simple patterns for reference, and Maria did a great job interpreting my mess :)
We printed some eyes on board to simulate plastic, and set up some labels for a mini-shampoo, soap bar, etc. to go in the mouths of the bath buddies.