It’s a bit late, but here it is! A Vinylmation Custom giveaway! I’ve always wanted to give back to all you guys for the amazing support I’ve received over the years. This is my answer to the debt I have placed myself in with you all.

To enter, visit: http://www.keithlapinig.com/giveaway.shtml

I’d like to share with all of you one of the presents I gave to a friend.

Created on Adobe Illustrator. One of his favorite princesses is Rapunzel, so I took Flynn Rider out of the picture and paired him up with her. I actually have another one of these in the works (another friend with a different character).

That is all I have to share for now! I’ll see you all in 2012!

While this post will really go into the details of Thanksgiving Day, I’d just like to point out that the entire month of November was like a dream for me. I had countless interviews with various newspapers and channels. Who would have ever thought that anyone really cared what I had to say? On top of that, I met dozens of amazing people (networking opportunities!).

The real adventure started when my family and I departed for the city the day before Thanksgiving. We arrived at the Affinia Hotel, the official hotel partner of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With that information in mind, I tried to scout for the parade celebrities in the lobby on my spare time. Unfortunately, my few attempts were unfruitful.

Upon walking into the Affiinia Hotel, I was greeted by images of the other 84 elf finalists on the floor. These decals actually made a trail leading up to a large stand-up of my winning design, Gazer, at the front desk.

Later that Wednesday night, my family and I ventured to the Balloon Inflation ceremony. I got to see my very own creation pinned to the ground in a net like he was captured! When your evening starts off like that, you know it’s going to be a fun night! Besides seeing my own balloon, it was cool to see all the other balloons being inflated and lined up on 81st Street (and 77th).

Right after the Balloon Inflation, I made my way to the Macy’s Sponsor Party. It was extremely flattering to see yet another stand-up of Gazer greeting each guest before walking into the actual party. Also, the original figure I had painted was on display! As we walked into the actual party room, there was an entire wall of popcorn just for picking. It was also an open bar! Don’t worry though, our night was still completely family-oriented. In fact, everyone that knows me knows I hate the taste of alcohol. Overall the entire party a lot of fun for all my friends and me. From making flipbooks to photobooth pics, there were many activities to keep us busy. I also ended the night with a late-night showing of the Muppets movie with my best friend! Who cares if I had to wake up the next day at 4:30AM?

Just a few hours after watching the Muppets movie, it was time for the big moment! My family and I strolled a few blocks up to the Macy’s Herald Square location. I won’t rehash on all of the events you were able to see on TV for yourself, but I can tell you it was definitely a day I will not forget. I was lucky and fortunate enough to be seated next to both Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter. Tim Burton, as you know, was celebrating the very same thing I was that day – the maiden voyage of our very own balloon designs! The only difference between Tim and I is that he is a somebody, and I am a nobody.

I still can’t believe that I was there to share that momentous event with him and his family when his balloon came around the street corner. How many people get to say that? And when my balloon was the next to enter 34th Street..? It was not only a joy to share this with my family but also Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter! Tim Burton tapped me on the leg and pointed it out to me as Gazer floated towards us. I’m sorry, but who else can say that, too? Macy’s, you’ve done so much for me this year. You’ve created so many memories for me that will last for a lifetime.

So to Macy’s and all of the fans of Gazer that voted for him – once again (for the hundredth time)…
…thank you.

Earlier last week, I was invited by Macy’s to their new Parade Studio in Moonachie, NJ to see my original design, Gazer the Elf, for the very first time as its final balloon product.

The obvious word to describe my experience at their studios is “surreal.” Although cliché and expected, that word is the only way I can really encompass my entire day at Macy’s. I can’t even say that this was an immediate dream of mine that has ever crossed my mind simply because the idea of having your own Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon is so far fetched. Instead, this achievement goes beyond my dreams, and I’m thankful for it every single day. I cannot thank Macy’s enough for making this the best year ever.

After I first saw my balloon at the Parade Studios, I had a permanent smile on my face for the rest of the day. The creative team at Macy’s did an excellent job of replicating my original design onto the balloon platform. I was surprised to see every detail from the gradient paint application to the placement of each individual star completely accurate to my original 9″ model toy. Floating right above me was an exact replica of my original character, Gazer, waiting to make its debut for the entire world. I couldn’t believe that my creation would be flying down the streets of New York on the same stage as Buzz Lightyear, Mickey Mouse, Pikachu, and more! The creators of these characters are people whom I idolize and respect. I really don’t know how to sum up all of my thoughts and emotions when I reflect on this very idea.

Besides seeing my balloon, I had an amazing day freely roaming around the Macy’s Studios. The entire place was an artist’s dream with supplies in every corner. Seriously, it was! They had shelves dedicated to buckets of just glitter. I also got to see all of the models and clay sculptures used to help make this year’s new balloons possible. All of the artists are very lucky to work there, and they were nothing but nice and supportive to me. I really did feel like a part of the Macy’s family from beginning to end with my day at their studio.

With this addition of the blog, I can properly marry all areas of my internet life into one place. Whether it be professional artworks, life lessons, or silly occurrences in my life – you’ll find it right here. The timing of this release couldn’t have come at a better time, too! Just last Tuesday I took a visit to the Macy’s Parade Studios where I was able to witness Gazer, my Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon, for the first time.

Just incase you missed it, here is a video of my day at their studios:

I hope that video got you excited for the upcoming Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade because it’s going to be amazing!