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Research and Ideation (or Sketching)
This "Commando or Trooper" illustration was signed and dated September 2nd, 1981 by Ron Rudat. Ron labeled XXX
Ron helped develop the process for creating action figures at Hasbro. The artists that followed Ron used the methods that he established to ensure a consistent look across the brand and smooth collaboration across departments. The first step in the design process was R&D brainstorming sessions. Once Ron left those meetings he was free to begin research and ideation, or sketching, for each of the characters he wanted to develop. Ron would complete a handful of sketches of each character and review those with the G.I. Joe Product Manager (Kirk Bozigian filled this role for the first several years). They would go through several sketch revision cycles before arriving at the final design of the figure. Then a final pencils illustration would be created. Accessories were developed concurrently with the figure throughout the sketching phase. Once the final pencils were locked in, Ron would photocopy that illustration and create several color options using markers. These are referred to as color studies. Marketing would select the winning color study. Below are some behind the scenes looks at several figures that Ron contributed to from 1982-1994.
Ron helped develop the process for creating action figures at Hasbro. The artists that followed Ron used the methods that he established to ensure a consistent look across the brand and smooth collaboration across departments. The first step in the design process was R&D brainstorming sessions. Once Ron left those meetings he was free to begin research and ideation, or sketching, for each of the characters he wanted to develop. Ron would complete a handful of sketches of each character and review those with the G.I. Joe Product Manager (Kirk Bozigian filled this role for the first several years). They would go through several sketch revision cycles before arriving at the final design of the figure. Then a final pencils illustration would be created. Accessories were developed concurrently with the figure throughout the sketching phase. Once the final pencils were locked in, Ron would photocopy that illustration and create several color options using markers. These are referred to as color studies. Marketing would select the winning color study. Below are some behind the scenes looks at several figures that Ron contributed to from 1982-1994.
Presentation Art
Once Ron and the Product Manager had arrived at a design they were happy with, it was time to sell that concept through to senior management. To do so, they created presentation art, a more refined illustration with full rendering and shaded colors.
This presentation art was also shown in meetings with costing people, engineering, and even retailers. Early on, Ron created figure presentation art (see Ace, below). As the line grew and his responsibilities multiplied this task was assigned to other artists (most notably George Woodbridge and Dave Dorman).
This presentation art was also shown in meetings with costing people, engineering, and even retailers. Early on, Ron created figure presentation art (see Ace, below). As the line grew and his responsibilities multiplied this task was assigned to other artists (most notably George Woodbridge and Dave Dorman).
Figure Sculpture Sheet (of Control Art)
Once management had bought into the design, Ron would get back to work creating figure sculpture sheets (also known as control art). These sheets showed views from the front and back and from both sides with the arms removed. Some revisions were still made at this point, as can be seen in the Snow Serpent samples below (he was called Cobra Arctic Stormer at the time). Once completed, these sheets were shared with the sculptors that were tasked with creating the figures. Ron would work closely with the engineers when working on a vehicle, or with the sculptors when working on a figure, to ensure sure that the final product achieved his vision.
Figure Reference System (or Color Chart)
Once the Figure Sculpture Sheets were done and fabrication was underway, Ron would create a figure reference system (also known as a color chart). These charts showed: what color plastic every part of the figure should be molded in (grey accessories and aluminum figure for the Snow Serpent), where any logos or patches should be printed (Cobra logo on the upper left arm front for the Snow Serpent), and where spray ops should be applied and what colors to use (white, blue and black for the Snow Serpent). These color charts also included pantone samples and a column for comments/revisions. These charts were created to help guide the manufacturing partners in the Orient and were incredibility detailed to help avoid mistakes. Before sending anything out Ron would work with costing people to make sure he was within budget.
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TV journalist Mike Leonard is a Providence College graduate. He was a Senior when Kirk Bozigian was a freshman. Kirk recalled him playing hockey at the Providence. Kirk also confirmed that Mike Leonard created several television reports on G.I.Joe while he was on NBC, and that he was the inspiration for the Scoop character.
Creator Commentary
Unadorned Package Art
The painting above was created by Doug Hart, internal illustrator in Hasbro's art department.
Production: 1989 Scoop: Combat Information Specialist
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Includes: Hi-Tech camera, pistol, satellite relay station backpack, hose, helmet, microphone
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