I LOVE ALL THINGS CREATIVE

 

I am a prolific artist/designer, passionately creating characters, toys, books and more, all of which inspire creativity in kids of ALL ages.

Professionally creating cutting edge film and television graphics for over 20 years, for many of the industries best and brightest studios and agencies. Both as a freelance contractor and through my company Castleforte Group. View my animation reel on the Services page.

I LOVE ALL THINGS CREATIVE

 

I am a prolific artist/designer, passionately creating characters, toys, books and more, all of which inspire creativity in kids of ALL ages.

Professionally creating cutting edge film and television graphics for over 20 years, for many of the industries best and brightest studios and agencies. Both as a freelance contractor and through my company Castleforte Group. View my animation reel on the Services page.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Brian for some time and always find him to be one of the most enthusiastic creatives on earth! Working on projects together he is guaranteed to be organised and inspiring throughout.”
Ben O'Brien

Illustrator/Designer, Ben the Illustrator

“I worked with Brian, providing illustrations/paper toy designs for the book ‘Paper Toy Monsters’. Brian managed to gather together paper toy designers from around the globe to create this fantastic book. He is an inspiring creative director, designer, illustrator, paper engineer… animator, the list is just endless!  A very talented guy and a pleasure to work with”
Jennifer Bryan

Illustrator, Creaturekebab

“Brian’s design work is always fresh and professional. His commercial commissions respect and amplify product brand while maintaining his own unique aesthetic, which is a rare talent.”
Keith Kurman

President, Creative Director, Delta Twilight, Inc.

A FEW MORE THINGS ABOUT ME

 

A FEW MORE THINGS ABOUT ME

 

I am one of the first paper toy artists and one of the first published paper toy artists. I have been called “The Godfather of Paper Toys” by a few fellow paper toy artists. And I have to admit I kinda like that.

Anyway, back in 2006, I created a little anti-hero character by the name of NiceBunny, who fights for the rights of animals, people, and the environment – basically giving the oppressors of the world a hard lesson in tough love with his “Be Nice Or Else” methods. And in 2007 launched my first paper toy series featuring my NiceBunny character.  Anyone could download, print and build my toys for free. They were a huge hit.

After that, I released a new series called Hedkase, where I released a new toy every week for months. I also made the toy template available as a blank, allowing creative types to “skin” the toy with their own designs. That also spawned an “Artists’ Series” where I handpicked a dozen artists to customize my template. You wouldn’t believe how cool some of those turned out. Some of these toys will be available on this site, in the future – stay tuned.

After that, paper toys started popping up all over the web and I saw the need for a central hub where artists and fans could come together to find the latest toys and artists as well as to share and collaborate on all things paper toys. So I created NicePaperToys.com, the first and only paper toy social network. Now with around 6000 members and growing daily. NPT is super kid-friendly and quite active. Check it out, it’s completely free.

Eventually started to be known as NiceBunny myself, which became my artist handle for awhile. However, it was a bit confusing between NiceBunny the Artist and NiceBunny the character. So that’s when I opted to just go by Castleforte, which is what most people know me as anyway. Mostly I’m just happy to be done with the identity crises.
It was just in the nick of time too. I swear my ears, feet and two front teeth were starting to grow. Yikes!

That was about the time I was approached by the amazing Workman Publishing Co. requesting that I author and curate a book of Papertoy Monsters. This turned into an amazing book of 50 paper toys for kids of ALL ages, which is now available in four languages, And now have published a follow-up book of glow in the dark themed robots, called Papertoy Glowbots. You can check out these and other fine books I am proud to be featured in, on the Books page.

And my most current passion project is one that has been a lifetime in the making. CreatableMe.com is the love child of everything I have ever done and cared about throughout my life. Designed to Inspire and Empower Kids and their parents to be happier, healthier, more mindful and creative humans, via “Conscious Creativity Courses and Content.” Exciting Stuff for sure!

My favorite thing about these books is the inspiration, fun, and connection people get from them, especially the way they bring kids and adults together doing something so creative and different. Pretty rad. I have since had the honor of being included in a few other wonderful books, all of which you can check out on the Books page.

On a more personal note

 

I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, with about six years spent in Pittsburgh where I attended The Art Institute. Currently residing in Los Angeles, with my amazing fur-child, a super well behaved, well trained Lab/Akita mix named Soul. Soul is an awesome studio dog and travels with me often. Best dog ever.

So that’s about it for now. Always ready for the next big project, creative endeavor, new experience, whatever. Sign me up. I have a wellspring of love and passion to share with the world. Let’s do this.

Thanks for visiting, Be Well. 🙂

 

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