Tony Coppolillo (SioPio) joins the show to share his incredible creative journey from architecture student to Hollywood movie poster artist, visual effects professional, and independent toy creator.Over the course of his career, Tony has contributed to major film campaigns, worked in visual effects, taught 3D design, and eventually discovered a passion for bringing his own characters and ideas into the physical world through 3D printing and toy design.We talk about:Movie poster productionWorking on blockbuster filmsBurnout in creative industriesLearning 3D printingDesignerCon experiencesBuilding the SioPio brandThe creation of NubsToy manufacturing realitiesCreativity after 50Why community keeps creators goingIf you've ever wondered what it takes to keep reinventing yourself as an artist, this episode is packed with wisdom and perspective.On Instagram: @sio.pioThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!Subscribe and Follow AlongInstagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

Brandon of Motley Miscreations joins the show to discuss his journey from childhood toy collector to professional sculptor, resin caster, and independent toy maker.Growing up with Battle Beasts, TMNT, Batman, comics, and video games, Brandon always had a passion for art and creativity. After studying fine art, working in illustration and video games, and eventually discovering the designer toy scene, he began creating his own original toys and building the brand now known as Motley Miscreations.In this episode we discuss:Childhood toy obsessionsThe rise of Image ComicsArt school experiencesWorking in the video game industryLearning digital sculptingResin casting and mold makingBuilding a toy business from scratchDesignerCon lessons and collector cultureCommunity over competitionUpcoming dinosaur, cryptid, and original toy projectsThis conversation is a fantastic look at the dedication, craftsmanship, and persistence required to succeed in the modern art toy world.On Instagram: @motleymiscreationsThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!Subscribe and Follow AlongInstagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

Mimor Toys steps on the stage to talk about handmade soft vinyl toys, learning sofubi production from scratch, and building an entirely analog toy-making process out of a garage in Southern California.Inspired by Kidrobot, Dunnys, Webkinz, Club Penguin, and DIY maker culture, Mimor grew up obsessed with toys as art objects before eventually teaching themself mold making, welding, electroplating, and vinyl production.In this episode, they talk through:Growing up around designer toysThe influence of Kidrobot and collectible cultureMaking plush toys, costumes, props, and drag outfitsLearning sofubi production at homeSafety, chemicals, and the reality of DIY vinyl productionCollected Con and selling out their first handmade soft vinyl toysCommunity, kindness, and inclusivity in the toy sceneBuilding larger vinyl toys and future ambitionsThis is one of the deepest behind-the-scenes conversations we’ve had about handmade sofubi production and independent toy artistry.On Instagram: @mimor.toysThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!Subscribe and Follow AlongInstagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

Toy designer and illustrator Zander Miner joins the show to talk about turning original characters into collectible toys.Inspired by cartoons like Adventure Time, Gravity Falls, Teen Titans, and Regular Show, Zander grew up wanting to become an animator and artist. After studying illustration at RISD, he eventually discovered toy design and began sculpting his own original figures, including Orion, Bleb, and Carl the Crab.In this episode, we discuss:Growing up surrounded by cartoons and character designStudying illustration and concept artLearning sculpting and 3D printingMaking his first production toyBuilding original IP and storytelling through toysTabling at conventions for the first timeThe supportive nature of the toy sceneBalancing freelancing, art, and toy productionThis episode is a deep dive into creativity, persistence, and finding your artistic voice through toys.On Instagram: @zander.miner.toysThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!Subscribe and Follow AlongInstagram:@toysontapLinkedin:Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

Toy maker and sculptor Ehimo joins the show to talk about his journey from vintage toy collector to internationally recognized independent creator.Growing up in Spain surrounded by TMNT, Street Sharks, Warhammer, and role-playing games, Ehimo developed an obsession with toys and miniature painting early on. That passion eventually evolved into custom figures, bootlegs, sculpting, and fully original toy designs.In this episode, we discuss:Collecting vintage toys in EuropeThe influence of Warhammer and tabletop gamingDiscovering underground toy cultureLearning traditional and digital sculptingMaking bootlegs and custom toysThe importance of preserving the feeling of 90s action figuresHis recent skeletal TMNT-inspired designsThe dream of creating toys that feel “real” and accessible to collectorsThis episode is a deep dive into nostalgia, creativity, and the passion that drives independent toy makers.On Instagram: @ehimo_adventuresThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Thanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!Subscribe and Follow AlongInstagram:@toysontapLinkedin:Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

Danny and Esther join the show to share the story behind their original toy line and upcoming Kickstarter.Danny, a longtime artist who has worked on major animated films, opens up about a difficult moment in his career that led him back to creating for himself. What started as a personal reset quickly turned into a full lineup of original characters, world-building, and eventually physical toy prototypes.Esther shares her role as both creative partner and driving force behind the project, balancing family, career, and helping bring the vision to life.Together, they walk through the realities of launching a toy line, from early sketches to production, storytelling, and preparing for Kickstarter.This episode is about creativity, partnership, and building something meaningful from the ground up.On Instagram: @gum_it_up_makersThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Thanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

Jeff from Kaleo Legends joins the show to talk about creating a new kind of action figure line rooted in biblical inspiration, mythology, and storytelling.We dive into his journey from youth ministry to working at Mezco, and eventually taking the leap to build his own toy company. Jeff shares the challenges of entering a niche that barely exists, navigating production costs, and preparing for a Kickstarter launch.We also explore how theology, ancient narratives, and creative design come together to form something entirely new in the collectible space.This episode is about risk, creativity, and building something where there’s no clear roadmap.On Instagram: @kaleo_legendsThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Thanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

Sergey Safonov joins the show to share a completely different path into the world of character design and art toys.Growing up in the Soviet Union with limited access to toys and pop culture, Sergey developed a unique creative voice rooted in storytelling and original character creation. From early internet art collectives to building his own toy line, he walks through how his work evolved into deeply narrative-driven design.We talk about his approach to world-building, creating original IP without nostalgia, and the challenges of producing toys while being disconnected from the global scene.This episode offers a rare perspective on creativity, culture, and what it really means to build something original.On Instagram: @sergeysafonovThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

Chris and Alex from Seismic Toys join the show to talk about building a licensed toy company from the ground up.From meeting at G-Fest to producing officially licensed Ultraman and Astro Boy figures, they break down what it actually takes to move from collector to creator. We dive into their first toy launch, the challenges of working with factories, and the reality of scaling a toy business.They also share the story behind their Kickstarter for The Last Dinosaur, including an 8-month hunt to track down the licensing rights and why blind box toys aren’t as easy as they seem.This episode is packed with real insight for anyone serious about making toys.On Instagram: @seismictoysThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

Hakon Collectibles is doing something most people wouldn’t even attempt, building a designer toy scene in Scotland where there is much of one. In this episode, we talk about his journey from growing up on Ghostbusters and Ninja Turtles to spending 12 years teaching kids how to rollerblade… all while slowly developing his path into graphic design, streetwear, and eventually resin toys.We get into the realities of making toys, the mistakes artists make when starting out, and what it actually takes to open a shop that supports over 30 independent creators.This episode is about persistence, creativity, and choosing to build something—even when there’s no clear roadmap.On Instagram: @hakoncollectiblesThis Episode is Sponsored by: Empire Blisters – Your go-to source for blister packaging! With 19+ styles and bundle deals, they’ve got everything you need to make your toys shine. Use code TOYSONTAP10 at checkout for 10% off. Patreon members get 20% off another reason to join!Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontapThanks to Our SupportersRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!