Toys on Tap

Toys on Tap

by Toys on Tap
DesignHobbies
Ep. 285 Toys on Tap w/ Chogrin: The Artist Behind the Guru
Illustrator, toy designer, filmmaker, and lifelong storyteller Chogrin joins Toys on Tap to trace a creative journey shaped by two cultures and an unstoppable love of characters. Growing up in Ecuador, Chogrin absorbed everything from Super Sentai and Japanese heroes to Ghostbusters, Ninja Turtles, and classic rubber-hose animation. After moving to the United States and starting over, he turned that mix of influences into a career that led from Cartoon Network to Adventure Time, gallery shows, designer toys, filmmaking, and Magic: The Gathering. We talk about: • Rebuilding his childhood toy collection • Working behind the scenes on Adventure Time • Finding his voice through illustration • Turning art-show ideas into 3D objects • Creating Guru del Toro and his “Guru” toy series • Designing toys inspired by TMNT and Jurassic Park • Opening your own doors instead of waiting • His next short film, Sector 1218 This episode is a fast, inspiring look at what happens when curiosity, persistence, and genuine fandom collide. On Instagram: @chogrin 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! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jul 20, 2026
57:53
Ep. 284 Toys on Tap w/ M.U.D. Toys: Mad Ugly Dudes Make Killer Toys
Explicit
Steven Nunes, aka Steve Beef the “Sofubi Shy Guy", joins Toys on Tap to talk horror, collecting, and the creation of M.U.D. Toys. Steven traces his obsession from Ninja Turtles, Goosebumps, vintage masks, and early sofubi discoveries in New York to partnering with longtime friend and turning their monster ideas into Japanese vinyl. We talk about: • Discovering sofubi at the Mishka store • Collecting NAG, Super7, masks, VHS, and sneakers • Photography, tattoo shops, and creative influence • Living with anxiety and agoraphobia • Launching M.U.D. Toys • Creating Barfy, Grim Bones, and Grim Oni • Hand sculpting vs. digital sculpting • Collaborations and community support • Clothing and accessories for toys • What M.U.D. Toys is making next This episode is funny, honest, and packed with monster-toy energy. Steven proves you do not need to have everything figured out, or be the loudest person in the room to make something unforgettable. On Instagram: @m.u.d.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! Empire Blisters: If you are looking for blisters for vintage toys or new bootleg figures head over to https://www.empireblisters.com and use code TOYSONTAP10 for 10% off Subscribe and Follow Along Instagram:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jul 13, 2026
1:02:16
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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jul 6, 2026
54:33
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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jun 29, 2026
49:04
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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jun 22, 2026
53:37
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 90s Graffiti and street art Kidrobot's impact on designer toys Custom vinyl and resin figures The enamel pin explosion Building a toy universe from scratch Selling independent action figures Zolocon and toy conventions Community in the toy world Future graphic novel plans A 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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jun 15, 2026
50:12
Ep. 279 Toys on Tap w/ Sio Pio: The Toy Designer Reinventing Himself
Explicit
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 production Working on blockbuster films Burnout in creative industries Learning 3D printing DesignerCon experiences Building the SioPio brand The creation of Nubs Toy manufacturing realities Creativity after 50 Why community keeps creators going If 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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jun 8, 2026
1:03:22
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 obsessions The rise of Image Comics Art school experiences Working in the video game industry Learning digital sculpting Resin casting and mold making Building a toy business from scratch DesignerCon lessons and collector culture Community over competition Upcoming dinosaur, cryptid, and original toy projects This 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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
Jun 1, 2026
1:08:30
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 toys The influence of Kidrobot and collectible culture Making plush toys, costumes, props, and drag outfits Learning sofubi production at home Safety, chemicals, and the reality of DIY vinyl production Collected Con and selling out their first handmade soft vinyl toys Community, kindness, and inclusivity in the toy scene Building larger vinyl toys and future ambitions This 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:@toysontap Linkedin: Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
May 25, 2026
1:05:45
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 design Studying illustration and concept art Learning sculpting and 3D printing Making his first production toy Building original IP and storytelling through toys Tabling at conventions for the first time The supportive nature of the toy scene Balancing freelancing, art, and toy production This 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:@toysontap Linkedin:Abraham Musto Facebook:@toysontap Youtube:@Toysontap
May 18, 2026
52:24
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