Toys on Tap
Arts
About
A podcast that interviews artists that make toys in the professional, independent, bootleg, and designer toy scenes!
Episodes
- Ep. 275 Toys on Tap w/ Ehimo Adventures: How TMNT & Warhammer Created This Toy Maker
Ehimo Adventures joins Toys on Tap to discuss his journey from toy collector to independent toy maker and sculptor. He shares how his childhood influences, including TMNT and Warhammer, shaped his passion for toys, custom figures, and orig…
- Ep. 274 Toys on Tap w/ Gum it up Makers:The Real Story Behind Launching a Toy Kickstarter
Danny and Esther of Gum It Up Makers share the story behind their original toy line and upcoming Kickstarter. They discuss the creative process, partnership, and the realities of launching a toy line from concept to production.
- Ep. 273 Toys on Tap w/ Kaleo Legends:Turning Theology Into Action Figures
Jeff from Kaleo Legends shares his journey of creating unique action figures inspired by theology and mythology. He discusses the challenges of a niche market, production costs, and launching via Kickstarter.
- Ep. 272 Toys on Tap w/ Sergey Safonov:How Creativity Survives Without Influence
Sergey Safonov shares his journey into character design and art toys, detailing how he developed a unique creative voice in the Soviet Union. He discusses his approach to world-building, creating original intellectual property, and the cha…
- Ep. 271 Toys on Tap w/ Seismic Toys: From Fans to Licensed Toy Makers
Chris and Alex from Seismic Toys share their journey of creating a licensed toy company, detailing their experiences with official figure production, factory collaborations, and business scaling. They discuss their Kickstarter for The Last…
- Ep. 270 Toys on Tap w/ Hakon Collectibles: Creating a Toy Scene Where None Exists
In episode 270, Hakon Collectibles discusses his experience building a designer toy scene in Scotland, his personal journey into graphic design and toy making, and the challenges and realities of opening a shop that supports independent cr…
- Ep. 269 Toys on Tap w/ Ali Bate: Building a Toy Scene From Scratch in South Africa
In this episode of Toys on Tap, South African toy maker Ali Bates shares his journey of creating unique toys, including his bag-head figures and devil sculptures. He discusses building a toy scene from the ground up in South Africa, naviga…
- Ep. 268 Toys on Tap w/ Mutant Vinyl Hardcore Episode 3: Just Be Genuine
In the final episode of a three-part series, Rich from Mutant Vinyl Hardcore reflects on his decades in the sofubi scene. He shares insights on creativity, discipline, community, and the importance of authenticity for a sustainable career,…
- Ep. 267 Toys on Tap w/ Mutant Vinyl Hardcore Episode 2: The Business of Sofubi
In this episode of Toys on Tap, Rich of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore details the business aspects of sofubi, covering inventory management, pricing strategies, and the challenges of business growth. The discussion touches on the balance between a…
- Ep. 266 Toys on Tap w/ Mutant Vinyl Hardcore Episode 1: The Origin Story
This episode of Toys on Tap features Rich of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore, detailing his upbringing, early artistic inspirations like He-Man and G.I. Joe, and his path through various jobs before discovering toys and founding MVH.
- Ep. 265 Toys on Tap w/ Draculazer: Touring the World, Then Making Monsters
Toys on Tap Ep. 265 features Michael, aka Draculazer, detailing his evolution from a childhood toy collector to a prominent figure in the sofubi world. He shares experiences with Transformers, Marvel, collecting Japanese soft vinyl since 2…
- Ep. 264 Toys on Tap w/ Buya Toys: Trust the Pivot
Ron of Buya Toys shares his journey from gaming 3D artist to creating music-inspired toys in Thailand. The episode covers his pivot, the launch of Buya Toys, and overcoming challenges by trusting his instincts.
- Ep. 263 Toys on Tap w/ Merthewiz: From Sketch to Milk Carton
This episode features M+W discussing the creation and success of the Beefy Boy art toy, detailing its evolution from a sketch to a packaged product. They cover market strategies, convention experiences, and the development of the Southeast…
- Ep. 262 Toys on Tap w/Elwa: Designing Toys That Do Something
ELWA joins Toys on Tap to discuss his journey from drawing and video games to designing and 3D printing toys inspired by various influences. The episode covers painting with intention, creating toys with utility, and blending culture into…
- Ep. 261 Toys on Tap w/ Canary Customs:When Action Figures Become Fine Art
John from Canary Customs joins Toys on Tap to discuss transforming action figures into fine art using resin and traditional techniques. The conversation covers the creative process, the art world, and the value of DIY approaches in the fac…
- Ep. 260 Toys on Tap w/ Janky Toys: Making Art While the Ground Shifts
This episode features a candid conversation with Christopher of Janky Toys, discussing the challenges and realities of creating art amidst market shifts. They cover topics from personal struggles like job loss and burnout to industry chang…
- Ep. 259 Toys on Tap w/ GonKong Studios:From Tattoo Flash to Soft Vinyl
In episode 259 of Toys on Tap, Josh from Gong Kong Studios shares his path from childhood interests to soft vinyl toy creation. He details the challenges of toy production, including design scaling and factory navigation, and discusses con…
- Ep. 258 Toys on Tap w/ Nofubi Toys: Hong Kong, Kaiju, and the Quiet Build
This episode features Dan from Nofubi Toys, discussing how his Hong Kong upbringing and exposure to kaiju culture influenced his toy design career. The conversation covers sofubi, 3D printing, production methods, and market dynamics in Asi…
- Ep. 257 Toys on Tap w/ Akashik Records Toys: Ten Years Deep in the Indie Toy Grind
In episode 257 of Toys on Tap, Dave from Akashik Records Toys shares insights from a decade in the indie toy business, covering topics like Kaiju culture, business strategy, and the importance of originality over trends.
- Ep. 256 Toys on Tap w/ Spumoni Toys Co: Building Toys the Hard Way
Toys on Tap Episode 256 features Spumoni Toys Co., discussing the indie toy business, show culture, and the creation process. They cover topics from early influences and self-taught skills to Kickstarter, production challenges, and market…
- Ep. 255 Toys on Tap w/ MindSponge Toys: Toy Production in Full Swing
In this episode of Toys on Tap, MindSponge details his experiences in the art toy world, covering topics like production, sales, audience engagement, and maintaining artistic integrity. He also speaks about his personal journey of overcomi…
- Ep. 254 Toys on Tap w/ MUMBOT: Art, Toys, and Playing the Long Game
Toys on Tap features MUMBOT in an episode discussing the intersection of art, toys, and Web3, focusing on building a sustainable creative career. The conversation covers navigating art weeks, toy markets, community engagement, and upcoming…
- Ep. 253 Toys on Tap w/ Madworld Toys: From Needles to Kaiju: The Tattoo Artist Who Wouldn’t Stop Creating
Adam, known as Madworld Toys, shares his journey from 18 years of tattooing and a love for monsters to creating sofubi, spurred by a creative slump. He details the process of designing and producing his kaiju Eborath, inspired by sci-fi an…
- Ep. 252 Toys on Tap w/ Mecha Virus: Kaiju, Customs, and Comebacks
Mecha Virus joins Toys on Tap to discuss his evolution from Boston street art to kaiju customs and vinyl production. He shares insights on the DIY toy scene, his unique aesthetic, past production challenges, and his upcoming project, The W…
- Ep. 251 Toys on Tap w/ The Last Goldfish: From Museums to Mutant Fish Machines
This episode of Toys on Tap features Kelly Barfield, designer at Kid Robot and creator of The Last Goldfish. She discusses how museums influenced her work, her unique fish-themed toy empire, and her creative philosophy on making lasting ar…
- Ep. 250 Toys on Tap w/ Paul Kaiju: From Model Kits to Vinyl Legends
This episode of Toys on Tap features Paul Kaiju, detailing his evolution from model kits to influential sofubi artist. The discussion covers vinyl experiments, painting techniques, lessons from Goto-san's workshop, and the toy community.
- Ep. 249 Toys on Tap w/ Sebastián Gómez: From Chile to the Toy Shelf: a Journey in 3D Art and Nostalgia
Sebastián Gómez, a 3D artist and toy designer, shares his journey from Chile to the US, using art and toys to find his voice. He discusses his work with Disney and Mondo, and how his childhood passion evolved into a creative career.
- Ep. 248 Toys on Tap w/ Rick Kitagawa: Kaiju Coaching & Creative Courage
This episode features artist and toy designer Rick Kitagawa, creator of Kaiju Coaching. He explains how "inner monsters" can be used to foster creativity and discusses his journey blending art, anxiety, and empowerment to help creatives bu…
- Ep. 247 Toys on Tap w/ Theo Cane: From Battle Bars to Toy Shelves: The Rise of Slimehouse TV
Theo Cane shares his transition from battle rapping to creating Slimehouse TV, detailing his childhood influences on toy collecting and the strategies behind his YouTube channel's growth.
- Ep. 246Toys on Tap w/ David Coffman: The Secret Handshake Between Farm and Sofubi
David Coffman, artist behind Secret Handshake Toys, shares his transition from animation to toymaking, influenced by Saturday morning cartoons. He discusses social media's impact on collectors and the process of becoming a creator.
- Ep. 245 Toys on Tap w/ Chance Priest: Handcrafted Chaos: Inside Chance’s Toy Empire and bootleg toy Obsession
Chance Priest returns to Toys on Tap to discuss the evolution of his toy empire, covering his 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse, the creation of over 200 handcrafted figures, and the bootleg toy market. The episode explores his operational changes,…
- Ep. 244 Toys on Tap w/ Toy Monster Podcast: Toy Monster Origins: Tattoos, Toys & the Art of Nostalgia
In this episode of Toys on Tap, Chris and Nick from Toy Monster Podcast share how their childhood obsessions with toys influenced their careers as tattoo artists and podcasters. They discuss the emotional aspects of collecting, the realiti…
- Ep. 243 Toys on Tap:Bootlegs, Basslines & Resin Dreams: The World of Pope Toys
This episode features Christian of Pope Toys, discussing his evolution from toy collecting to resin casting, covering techniques, challenges, and his creative journey. The conversation touches on his experiences with music, stencil art, an…
- Ep. 242 Toys on Tap: From Punk to Kaiju: Paul’s Origin Story: Episode 1
This episode traces the origin story of toy maker Paul Kaiju, covering his childhood inspirations like Speed Racer and Japanese toys, his experiences with skateboarding and punk, and his initial foray into resin casting while working in ae…
- Ep. 241 Toys on Tap: Dinos, Mechs, and Making It Work: Tony Bui on Toy Design
Toys on Tap features toy designer Tony Bui discussing his creative path, from early inspirations to launching successful dino and mech toy lines. He shares insights on balancing art school and military service, transitioning to resin toys,…
- Ep. 240 Toys on Tap: From Avocados to Animation: Tony Mora’s Creative Grind
This episode features artist Tony Mora discussing his career path across animation, web design, and toy making. He shares insights on resilience, freelancing anxiety, and his transition to 3D printing and toy design, inspired by his early…
- Ep. 239 Toys on Tap w/Flaw Toys: Resin, Flaws, and the Road from Amsterdam to Thailand
Toys on Tap features Flaw Toys discussing their journey from the Netherlands to Thailand, transitioning from engineering to resin figure sculpting, and embracing imperfections in art. The episode covers artistic experiments, challenges in…
- Ep. 238 Toys on Tap w/Unlucky Toys, Big Moves: Joseph’s Journey to Japan
This episode features Joseph of Unlucky Toys, discussing his transition from graffiti art to resin and vinyl toy design. He shares insights on his upcoming move to Japan to engage with the soft vinyl scene, the importance of safety in resi…
- Ep. 237 Toys on Tap:From Dreams to Digital: Sculpting a Creative Life w/ More Horrific
This episode features digital sculptor Mark, who transformed a pandemic hobby using 'Dreams' into a career. He discusses balancing his passion with family and a full-time job as a news director, while collaborating with companies like Bott…
- Ep. 236 Toys on Tap: Inside Summer Slime – Building Community Through Art & Collaboration
This episode of Toys on Tap covers the Summer Slime event, highlighting its focus on community, art, and collaboration through features like a lottery buying system and curated music and food. Quang discusses the challenges of balancing co…
- Ep. 235 Toys on Tap: From Resin to RayGun: The Rise of RayGunWizard
Toys on Tap interviews RayGunWizard, detailing his journey from a childhood fascination with Godzilla and toy collecting to establishing a successful art career. The episode explores his artistic influences, the transition from resin hobby…
- Ep. 234 Toys on Tap: Inside the Mind of an artist and the Rise of Mind Sponge
Toys on Tap episode 234 delves into the artist behind Mind Sponge Toys, discussing the brand's unique blend of 80s nostalgia, street culture, and pop absurdity. The artist shares personal insights into his creative journey, overcoming chal…
- Ep. 233 Toys on Tap: Behind the Booths: ToyCon UK 2023 with Ben from Ko-Re Ko-Re
This episode features Ben from Ko-Re Ko-Re discussing ToyCon UK 2023, covering the event's capacity, international talent, and logistical challenges like crowd control in London. They also touch on the popularity of Labubu, Pop Mart's stra…
- Ep. 232 Toys on Tap: Popaganda Plastics: Ron English Unboxed 4th installment
In this episode of Toys on Tap, Ron English returns to discuss his "Popaganda Plastics" toy line. The conversation delves into his approach to creating toys with intense messaging and propaganda, referencing characters such as MC Supersize…
- Ep. 231 Toys on Tap: From Airbrush to Kaiju: The Art & Legacy of Mark Nagata
Toys on Tap features legendary artist and toy maker Mark Nagata, founder of Max Toy Company. Nagata discusses his career, from childhood interests in kaiju and airbrush art to illustration work and building his sofubi toy business with his…
- Ep. 230 Toys on Tap w/ Fabricio: From Brazil to Japan and back: Fabricio’s Journey Through Art, Animation, and Toys
This episode features Fabricio, a Brazilian 3D artist and toy designer. His journey includes animation in Japan and the creation of indie toys like his sofubi figure “Frank.”
- Ep. 229 Toys on Tap w/ Hints and Spices: Shane’s Global Toy Art Journey
Shane, the creator behind Hints and Spices, shares his journey in toy design, influenced by global culture and anime. He discusses his transition into industrial design, the challenges of the Australian art toy scene, and his ventures in i…
- Bonus Episode: Summer Slime: The Backyard Toy Show That Became a Movement
This episode of Toys on Tap discusses the Summer Slime toy event, hosted by Creature Bazaar. Quang shares the origin story, how Creature Bazaar stepped in to host, and the event's evolution into a community-focused gathering. It highlights…
- Ep. 228 Toys on Tap w/ Tolzar Toys: Ink & Vinyl: Michael Bogle’s Journey from Skin to Sofubi
Michael Bogle, the artist behind Tolsar Toys, shares his path from tattooing to designing large-scale kaiju figures. Inspired by New Orleans' gothic and dark fantasy elements, Bogle discusses the evolution of his character Kraju and his de…
- Ep. 227 Toys on Tap w/ MumBot
This episode features multidisciplinary artist MumBot, discussing her evolution from handmade toys to Web3, her creative process, and the challenges faced by indie creators.