Over the past few years, DT has followed the great journey Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig) has been taking with his his Scrap Kins childrens property.

What started out as a few sketches from Brian's childhood has turned into a NYC-based Creativity program for kids based on the adventures of a group of monsters that live in a recycling center and build their world out of the things we throw away.

For you parents and educators out there, after the jump find out about Brian's fantastic new book that will keep your children occupied for hours.

...And see how actress Brooke Shields got involved with The Scrapkins!

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In late April, I featured a TV News clip of Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars) talking about his Scrap Kins children's character property.

For all of you with kids out there and are doing some back to school shopping, Brian's "The Scrap Kins" recycled paper stationery is already on shelves in your neighborhood.  His pocket folders feature "Green Tips" on the back and his spiral themebooks give instructions for a recycled craft project kids can make using recyclables found at home.

Support Brian by choosing "Green" for your back to school supplies.

He has pocket folders ($1.29) and spiral themebooks ($2.49) at these stores nationwide: (Click on each name to locate a locate a store near you.)

• Rite Aid (They're also carrying Brian's soft lunchboxes).
• Albertsons
• ShopKo
  
• Duckwall-Alco

Brian's limited edition stationery is only in stores for a Limited Time through Labor Day, so get these collectibles before they're gone!

And this just in! Scrap Kins Recycled Plush dolls (made from recycled polyester (fabric spun from plastic PET bottles (soda & sports drink bottles) are planned for release in Spring 2010. Congrats Brian!

Follow Brian on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/ScrapKins

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Eco-advocate and illustrator, Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars) has combined his talents and passions to create The Scrap Kins, animated characters that live in a recycling center and build their world out of the things people throw away.

Over the past 2 years DT has been following Brian as he has been developing out the Scrap Kins and we are happy to report that he has not only had successful meeting with some major publishers, but his his characters will be on children's notebooks and folders in Rite Aid stores across the country in over 4900 stores!

In the recent Los Angeles news segment from above, Brian shows us how he teaches kids to use their imagination and turn household scraps into crafts.

Happy Earth Day everyone!

Visit Brian's website HERE

Follow Brian on his Twitter page HERE

More from my "Pinching PENNies" series

Find out HERE how Penn has been going green!

Did you like this article? You can get the latest articles at DuelingTampons.com in your email inbox each afternoon by entering your email address below. Your address will only be used for mailing you the articles, and each one will include a link so you can unsubscribe at any time.

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The deals keep coming for illustrator-author Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars) and his eco-friendly kids character property, The Scrap Kins.

If you recall from my previous posts , Brian created The Scrap Kins from his childhood drawings! The Scrap Kins are a group of creatures that live in a recycling center and build a world out of the things people discard. The Scrap Kins mission is to foster eco-awareness, promote recycling and encourage kids to use their imagination. The Scrap Kin's Do-It-Yourself resourcefulness empowers children to create and make a difference in their environment. (Ages 3-7)

He reportedly signing 3 new licensing deals with manufacturers (Aljan Corp, Some Publishing, and Lafayette Puzzle Company) to produce Scrap Kins back to school recycled paper stationery, sticker calendars, and puzzles. Keep an eye out for Scrap Kins kids products in stores in 2009!

Check out Brian's newly designed website at http://www.thescrapkins.com
(You can meet the characters, view our Green Tips, download desktop art & craft projects and order Scrap Kins organic tees and onesies.)

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As a result of the June Licensing International tradeshow in which Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig) participated (check out our posts here), Brian emailed me to let me know that The Scrap Kins have made their first major Licensing Deal!

From Brian, "We just signed a contract with Mighty Fine, an excellent Los Angeles based apparel company to produce T-shirts, sweatshirts and tops using The Scrap Kins artwork and characters. ...I'll keep you posted on details where and when product will hit stores. (Should be in a few months.)This is the first flag on the map for The Scrap Kins and we've got exciting things in the works."

Stay tuned for the launch of his 2nd animated short online this fall.

Click here to see his first short.

For more info about Brian, click here to check out his site!

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Another day, another Penn (undergrad) entrepreneur...

Three years ago Andrew White (C'08) started hand painting sneakers after summer of his freshman year. "It was a way for me to combine my passion for art, fashion and business (I'm in Wharton). I started driving around my town with shoes and wearing them everywhere to get people to buy them, " Andrew told me.

Before he knew it, Andrew started doing custom orders for friends and friends of friends. Soon his shoes were featured in the Penn fashion show over the past two years, and appeared in downtown Philadelphia's Topstitch (women's boutique clothing store) and Manhattan's Lower East Side's FAE ("First Among Equals" -a men's clothing boutique).

Now, Andrew's company "Last Laff" specializes in custom designed sneakers, jeans and other apparel, giving customers the ability to purchase personalized, contemporary and retro designed apparel.

Stay tuned because Andrew tells me he is expanding his business to accommodate a more "corporate feel".

Click here to check out Andrew's designs

Click here to check out other Penn illustrators

Any other Penn undergrad/alumni designers out there? Email me at matt@duelingtampons.com!

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Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig) wraps up a second successful exhibition at the Licensing International tradeshow, held in NYC, June 19-22nd.

"We had a great show. Our character property, The ScrapKins, an eco-friendly gang of recycling monsters based on my early childhood drawings received a lot of favorable attention. We World Premiered our first animated short this year and will continue to add more shorts online at our site the scrapkins.com. It's an exciting time. We're currently following up with several prospective partners in publishing, apparel, and paper goods."

Click here to watch Episode 1 of The Scrapkins!

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Rich Ross (C'83), President Disney Channel Worldwide, will be appearing at the Licensing International Expo 2007 (Javits Convention Center, NYC) tomorrow at 9:30 am, to announce new extensions to the Hannah Montana brand including a new fashion line, youth electronics and details about Miley Cyrus's (star of Hannah Montana) upcoming CD and concert tour.

Over the years (especially back in my college days), Rich had come to campus and given talks about getting into the business. A great resource for alumni coming to Los Angeles.

...Also, apearing at the Licensing International Expo on June 19-21 is illustrator Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars).


Brian will promote his children's property The Scrapkins at Booth #2138. ...What really happens to the stuff you throw away? Come see the silly and grossly imagined world of recycling from a child's perspective.

Brian brings over 10 years experience working in illustration and licensed product design. His mission is to create engaging and inspiring content for children that promotes an active imagination, positive self-image, and the silly joy of being a kid.

...I've known Brian since my Mask and Wig days and he is extremely creative and talented.

Any Penn alumni in the children's publishing world out there? Be sure to check out Brian's site!

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Great Penn talent continues to surface on the web from Kyle McGinnis (Eng, '08)!


Check out a video from his portfolio video here as well:

For more Penn videos, click here!

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Brian Yanish (C'95, Mask and Wig, Friars) will promote his children's properties Bludo and Friends and The Scrapkins at the 2007 Licensing International Show, Booth #2138 on June 19-21 at the Javitz Center in NYC.

Brian designs home decor and accessories for kids and is working as author/illustrator on several book projects for children.

Any Penn alumni in the children's publishing world out there? Be sure to check out Brian's site!

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