Allard Design studio was created by myself John Allard in 1996 when I went from being solely an illustrator and moved into the world of sculpting. Since then ADS has been in business for over a decade producing prototype toy sculptures, custom sculptures, and Design Illustrations.
In the beginning I had been developing skills as a sculptor while creating resin model kits for small companies in the field of "garage kits". Primary was Soldat models and it's proprietor Bob Rioux who gave me my first opportunities to produce sculptures for sale. Through this medium I meet wonderfully talented people who were very instrumental in my developing skills and confidence. The legendary John Dennett an amazing sculptor, gave me the foundation I needed to proceed eventually into the world of toys, and because of John I was able to get my start working for Hasbro Toys Inc. Randy Bowen, Michael Cusanelli, Ian Coulter, Ken Ellis, Terry Webb, the late Jim Faulkes all had profound influences in my work and knowledge.
The main credit, though, goes to long time friend Scott Andrews of MASSFX who introduced me to the world of sculpting and special effects in 1992. Scott and I did some work together on some short films doing make-up and special effect work and then we collaborated on effects work for the feature length film "Next Stop Wonderland" a romantic comedy set in Boston. Four years after discovering sculpting, in 1996, I entered the world of toy making and never looked back.
I quickly learned to formulate wax and how to modify the mixtures to create custom blends. Wax being the key element in creating smooth finished sculptures for toys. Ken Ellis a master mold maker then trained me in the processes of silicone mold making and resin plastic casting. The late Barney Bright introduced me to his wonderful clay Castilene a wax based clay that worked ideally with silicone molds as it contains non of the sulfurs of ordinary oil based clays which react with silicone. Castilene has since been purchased by the world reknown clay manufacturer and supplier Chavant..
By my second year in the business I had already worked for such companies as Hasbro, Warner Bros., Ohio Art, and then later Toy Vault and Playing Mantis.The majority of my work was and has been coming from the local company Hasbro Toys Inc. For them I worked on Star Wars, Superman , Batman of DC Comics, G.I.Joe, Action Man, Jurassic park, Aliens, Planet of the Apes and much more. I also worked with the Disney group sculpting pieces for Monsters Inc., Playdoh creating molds for Bob the Builder, and PBS' Dragon Tails. As the years went by I was called upon for model building as well for my skills as a professional power carver, sculptor and plastic modeller all came into play. As an artist I have been very fortunate to have met many masters of multiple styles of art and loving anything "Art Related" picked up an array of information and lessons in multiple medias.
I truly enjoy creating custom work for people or companies because it allows Visions to see reality and that is very gratifying for me. Reliability is another key component to the commercial Artist and I try to be as reliable as humanly possible. I pride myself on meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality. I also enjoy creating one of a kind art for the miniature and doll collecting communities.
please view my Gallery and if you like what you see contact me for your next project and I will be happy to give you a fair quote and provide reliable, quality work.
Cheers~John
