Toys on Tap

Toys on Tap

by Toys on Tap
DesignHobbies
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
Ep. 275 Toys on Tap w/ Ehimo Adventures: How TMNT & Warhammer Created This Toy Maker
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 Europe The influence of Warhammer and tabletop gaming Discovering underground toy culture Learning traditional and digital sculpting Making bootlegs and custom toys The importance of preserving the feeling of 90s action figures His recent skeletal TMNT-inspired designs The dream of creating toys that feel “real” and accessible to collectors This episode is a deep dive into nostalgia, creativity, and the passion that drives independent toy makers. On Instagram: @ehimo_adventures This 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 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 11, 2026
52:48
Ep. 274 Toys on Tap w/ Gum it up Makers:The Real Story Behind Launching a Toy Kickstarter
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_makers This 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 Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!
May 4, 2026
1:04:20
Ep. 273 Toys on Tap w/ Kaleo Legends:Turning Theology Into Action Figures
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_legends This 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 Supporters Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!
Apr 27, 2026
1:03:18
Ep. 272 Toys on Tap w/ Sergey Safonov:How Creativity Survives Without Influence
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: @sergeysafonov This 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/toysontap 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!
Apr 20, 2026
58:56
Ep. 271 Toys on Tap w/ Seismic Toys: From Fans to Licensed Toy Makers
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: @seismictoys This 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/toysontap 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!
Apr 13, 2026
1:00:01
Ep. 270 Toys on Tap w/ Hakon Collectibles: Creating a Toy Scene Where None Exists
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: @hakoncollectibles This 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/toysontap 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!
Apr 6, 2026
57:13
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