Toys on Tap

Toys on Tap
  • 4.8 (49)
  • Hobbies
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast that interviews artists that make toys in the professional, independent, bootleg, and designer toy scenes!

  1. Ep. 283 Toys on Tap w/ SpaceBoiDega: Turning SpaceBoi Into a Toy Universe

    2h ago

    Ep. 283 Toys on Tap w/ SpaceBoiDega: Turning SpaceBoi Into a Toy Universe

    In this episode, Andrew, also known as Spaceboi, returns to Toys on Tap to talk about the evolution of Space Boi and the growing universe around the character. Since his last appearance, Spaceboi has expanded far beyond one figure. What started as different versions of Space Boi has grown into Space Girl, Space God, plushies, resin toys, sofubi, vehicles, mechs, blind bags, and large-scale booth displays that feel like their own world. We also dive into the realities of being an artist in a changing economy. He talks about shifting toward plushies, keychains, small resin toys, and useful accessories while still pushing bigger creative ideas forward. He also discusses the importance of trusted artist communities, honest feedback, and learning how to separate your ego from your work. All of this episode leads us to the upcoming Space God custom show at Indie Toy in Alhambra, featuring custom sofubi pieces from over 25 artists, new Space God colorways, blind bag plushies, and a full shop takeover. If you have ever wanted to see world building in action. Look no further! On Instagram: @spaceboidega Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMVsuiDuwYxfqoUY4G4ekQRm8lDREEhQ43xRmjH0H_2lv-Jw/viewform?usp=header Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    55 min
  2. Ep. 282 Toys on Tap w/ Quang Le: The Collector that built a sofubi community part 2

    Jun 29

    Ep. 282 Toys on Tap w/ Quang Le: The Collector that built a sofubi community part 2

    In part two of this conversation, Quang Le shares the story behind the creation and evolution of Creature Bazaar. After years spent collecting toys, building relationships, and learning the industry from the inside, Quang and Brandon turned an idea into one of the most recognizable names in the sofubi community. Quang discusses traveling throughout Japan to meet artists where they lived, launching Creature Bazaar, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, transforming into a web store almost overnight, and eventually helping grow events like SummerSlime into community staples. More than anything, this episode explores what it means to build something that lasts. Rather than chasing growth for growth’s sake, Creature Bazaar has focused on relationships, history, and creating experiences that bring collectors and artists together. Whether you’re a toy maker, collector, or creative entrepreneur, Quang’s perspective on community building, adapting through change, and playing the long game offers valuable lessons far beyond designer toys. On Instagram: @photosalaquang On Instagram: @creature_bazaar Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    49 min
  3. Ep. 281 Toys on Tap w/ Quang Le: The Collector that built a sofubi community part 1

    Jun 22

    Ep. 281 Toys on Tap w/ Quang Le: The Collector that built a sofubi community part 1

    Quang Le joins the show for part one of a two-part conversation about collecting, creativity, and the foundation that eventually led to Creature Bazaar. Before Creature Bazaar and SummerSlime, Quang was a lifelong toy collector shaped by Ninja Turtles, Transformers, Japanese robot cartoons, Asian market imports, punk shows, D&D, photography, fashion, and underground art culture. We talk about his early connection to toys, touring with The Aquabats, working in photography and fashion, discovering Japanese soft vinyl through Giant Robot and Super7, and eventually finding himself surrounded by artists, collectors, and makers who would help shape the modern sofubi scene. This episode is about community before business, collecting before creating, and the relationships that quietly build something bigger. On Instagram: @photosalaquang On Instagram: @creature_bazaar Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    54 min
  4. Ep. 280 Toys on Tap w/ Mike Die:The Creator Behind Rock Protectors

    Jun 15

    Ep. 280 Toys on Tap w/ Mike Die:The Creator Behind Rock Protectors

    Mike Die joins the show to share the journey that led him from New York graffiti artist to creator of the Rock Protectors toy line. Growing up surrounded by He-Man, Battle Beasts, Transformers, and Ninja Turtles, Mike always dreamed of making toys. After years spent in graffiti, custom Dunnys, street art, and enamel pins, he eventually found his way back to action figures through 3D printing and character design. Today, the Rock Protectors have become one of the most recognizable independent toy lines online, blending fantasy storytelling, retro toy influences, and modern creator culture into something completely unique. We talk about: Toy collecting in the 80s and 90sGraffiti and street artKidrobot's impact on designer toysCustom vinyl and resin figuresThe enamel pin explosionBuilding a toy universe from scratchSelling independent action figuresZolocon and toy conventionsCommunity in the toy worldFuture graphic novel plansA great conversation about creativity, persistence, and making the toys you wish existed. On Instagram: @mikedie Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    50 min
  5. Ep. 279 Toys on Tap w/ Sio Pio: The Toy Designer Reinventing Himself

    Jun 8

    Ep. 279 Toys on Tap w/ Sio Pio: The Toy Designer Reinventing Himself

    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.pio Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    1h 3m
  6. Ep. 278 Toys on Tap w/ Motley Miscreations: From Battle Beasts to Making Toys for Collectors

    Jun 1

    Ep. 278 Toys on Tap w/ Motley Miscreations: From Battle Beasts to Making Toys for Collectors

    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: @motleymiscreations Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    1h 9m
  7. Ep. 277 Toys on Tap w/ Mimor Toys: The DIY Sofubi Artist Changing the Toy Scene

    May 25

    Ep. 277 Toys on Tap w/ Mimor Toys: The DIY Sofubi Artist Changing the Toy Scene

    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.toys Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin: Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    1h 6m
  8. Ep. 276 Toys on Tap w/ Zander Miner Toys: How This RISD Graduate Became a Toy Designer

    May 18

    Ep. 276 Toys on Tap w/ Zander Miner Toys: How This RISD Graduate Became a Toy Designer

    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.toys Thanks to Our Supporters Rate & 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 Along Instagram:@toysontapLinkedin:Abraham MustoFacebook:@toysontapYoutube:@Toysontap

    52 min
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4.8
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

A podcast that interviews artists that make toys in the professional, independent, bootleg, and designer toy scenes!

Information

  • Creator
    Toys on Tap
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Abraham Musto 2021
  • Show Website
    Toys on Tap

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