NECA + TMNT
I’ve been contributing in a number of ways to NECA’s ongoing projects, including their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon action figure line. My work involves designing both familiar characters that fans of the original TMNT cartoon series will recognize and all-new character designs that fit seamlessly into that same world. Alongside a talented team of artists, I also create package illustrations that become an iconic part of the presentation, with dynamic poses that express each character’s unique personality.
Toy design
When I was given the opportunity to expand the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line, which began in 2019, I was tasked with creating new characters beyond those from the original cartoon. This "what-if" approach allowed me to develop characters that could have seamlessly fit into the original series. My collaborative approach with the NECA team was key in producing designs that resonated with fans.
Dark Leonardo
For Dark Leonardo, the concept was built around the idea that Shredder had gained mind control over Leonardo, turning him to the dark side. Working closely with brand director Trevor Zammit, we explored the character’s design, which was inspired by both the original cartoon and 80s punk influences. Starting with Trevor’s initial concepts, we refined the design to create a figure that showcases a clear evolution from the initial sketches to the finished piece.
New York Comic Con Reveal
The excitement for Dark Leonardo grew even more when I learned from brand manager Blaine Rodenbaugh that NECA and IDW were partnering to bring our original character design into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures comic. This partnership brought Dark Leo to life beyond the toy line, with writer Erik Burnham and illustrator Sarah Myer giving him a new dimension. To top it off, I discovered that my 2nd cousin, Thea Cheuk, was the editor on the issue, adding a personal connection to the project. For the official reveal, I was invited to attend NYCC 2024 as a special guest at the NECA booth.
Space Donatello & Samurai Michelangelo
This 2-pack marks the first official characters from the "what-if" expanded cartoon line. These figures imagined Donatello and Michelangelo embarking on various adventures, each dressed in an appropriate costume for their respective journeys. The design drew inspiration not only from the original TMNT cartoon series but also from past TMNT toys, blending both influences into fresh new takes on the iconic characters. True to NECA’s style, each figure was packed with a selection of accessories, along with a few hidden easter egg references for fans to uncover.
The process for designing Space Adventure Donatello and Samurai Michelangelo began with initial sketches, pulling references from multiple episodes of the original TMNT cartoon series. I was intentional about selecting elements that would help the characters feel grounded in the universe, ensuring their designs were consistent with the look and feel of the show. Beyond the visual design, I also had to consider the engineering aspects of the toys, such as articulation, deco and color application, and materials used in manufacturing. One exciting aspect of these figures was the ability to swap heads and hands with other figures in the line, offering collectors some customization options. I made sure to grab four sets myself to complete all four brothers in their adventure costumes.
The Hunt
There’s something about seeing the product on shelves that I’ll never get over. This was the first officially licensed product I had a hand in, so it was an exciting moment when I finally found it in stores. Like most things in this line, it quickly became highly sought after, making it a challenge to track down— but that's the thrill of being a toy collector, isn't it?
PACKAGE ILLUSTRATION
For many collectors, the packaging is just as important as the figure itself, playing a crucial role in the overall collecting experience. As part of the NECA design team, I give the same level of care to the packaging as I do to the figures, ensuring the presentation is as dynamic as the toys themselves. I focus on expressive poses in my illustrations, making them an iconic part of the product and capturing each character’s personality. Below is a selection of products I’ve had the pleasure of contributing package illustrations to.
Select Package Illustration
CREDITS
Client: NECA
Director: Randy Falk, Trevor Zammit
Partners: Nickelodeon, Viacom
Roles: Toy Design, Illustration
Tools: Procreate, Adobe Illustrator
