Toys on Tap

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!

In this episode, we sit down with South African toy maker Ali Bates, a creator pushing the boundaries of what toys can be in a place where the scene is still just beginning. From rediscovering art during lockdown to building characters like his iconic bag-head figures and emotional devil sculptures, Ali walks us through his journey of experimentation, identity, and making without limits. We talk about creating in isolation, building a toy culture from the ground up, navigating production challenges, and why staying flexible as a “maker” matters more than fitting into one lane. This is a story about starting from nothing, trusting your instincts, and creating something entirely your own.On Instagram: @alibate.makesThis 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!

In the final episode of our three-part series with Rich of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore, we zoom out and reflect on the long game. Rich opens up about what decades in the sofubi scene have taught him about creativity, discipline, community, and what actually matters over time. We talk about the importance of isolation for creativity, how stepping away from noise (especially during his recent time in Japan) reshaped his perspective, and why being “genuine” is the foundation for a lasting career. On Instagram: @mutantvinylhardcoreThis 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!

In episode two with Rich of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore, we move from origin story into real growth. Rich breaks down what happened after the first Sludge Demon run, how he learned to stretch inventory, price work fairly, and slowly build MVH without pretending success came overnight. We talk about the tension between art and business, why lotteries became necessary, how hate mail accidentally helped inspire Sludge Demon DX, and the hard lessons that came from scaling too fast or making the wrong creative call. This episode is about patience, consistency, surviving mistakes, and what it actually takes to turn obsession into a lasting sofubi brand.On Instagram: @mutantvinylhardcoreThis 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!

We sit down with Rich of Mutant Vinyl Hardcore to dig into the roots before the legend. This episode stays in the origin story: growing up around small-business hustle, early encouragement from a Marvel Comics artist, and a childhood shaped by He-Man, G.I. Joe, fantasy films, graffiti, anime bootlegs, and lowbrow art. Rich talks about leaving high school, working in the family gym, trying art school, driving trucks, and slowly finding his way toward toys through Kidrobot, Toy Tokyo, Skullbrain, and Japanese sofubi. We get into early customs, learning hard lessons about respect for makers, discovering sculpting, and building MVH from obsession, patience, and pure love for the form.On Instagram: @mutantvinylhardcoreThis 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!

We sit down with Michael, aka Draculazor, to trace a path from childhood weird-toy obsession to becoming a mainstay in the sofubi world. He talks hand-me-down Transformers and Marvel, buying his first Japanese soft vinyl in 2005, and the brutal college house-party flood that forced him to sell almost his entire collection. From printmaking school to touring the world as the drummer for Wild Nothing, Michael breaks down how freelance illustration and drawing toys he couldn’t afford eventually became making toys for real. We dig into Japan’s slow timelines vs faster factories, Five Points, Creature Bazaar/Summer Slime, and his new love for weird minis, finger puppets and an upsized bootleg “foot” toy. Pure Draculazor.On Instagram: @draculazerThis 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!

We sit down with Ron of Buya Toys to trace a wild pivot from gaming industry 3D artist to full-time music-inspired toy maker in Thailand. Growing up in the Middle East, art became survival, identity, and escape. After losing his job, Ron found clarity through music, The Artist’s Way, and sculpting musicians like Doechii, Tyler, JID, and SZA into bold, stylized figures. We unpack launching Buya just seven months ago, shutting down a Kickstarter mid-run, pivoting to preorders, and selling out. This episode is about trusting your gut, building from heartbreak, and turning fandom into form.On Instagram: @buya_toysThis 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!

We sit down with M+W to trace the rise of Beefy Boy, from sketchbook idea to milk-carton-packaged art toy. A Singapore-based maker with global experience, Merick shares how American cartoons, gym culture, and He-Man proportions collided into a cow-themed character that actually moves units at shows. We talk first convention lessons, why larger figures outsold blind boxes, and what it takes to build confidence in a growing Southeast Asian toy scene. From packaging assembly with friends to future soft vinyl plans, international conventions, and 100-design ambitions, this episode is about betting on one strong character and building a world around it.On Instagram: @merthewizThis 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!

We sit down with ELWA to talk about choosing creative freedom over turning passion into pressure. While holding a 9-to-5, ELWA builds toys on the side, by design and using that distance to protect experimentation and joy. We trace his path from drawing and video games to UX/UI, 3D modeling, and printing toys inspired by Astro Boy, music, and everyday objects. We dig into painting with intention, designing toys with real utility, and blending culture into cohesive characters. ELWA shares plans for his Lil Vamp line, limited-run art toys, coffin packaging, and a 2026 launch. This episode is about patience, process, and building a toy world on your own terms.On Instagram: @elwa.psdThis 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!

We sit down with John of Canary Customs to talk about finding art through action figures, resin, and doing things the hard way on purpose. From growing up on Star Wars toys with his dad to discovering custom figures during the pandemic, John shares how fine art, kitbashing, and analog mold-making collided into a new creative path. We dig into bootlegs, card backs, resin casting, and the tension between one-off art and scalable production. This episode gets honest about art school realities, privilege, affordability, and why DIY approaches still matter as mass-produced figures get more expensive. It’s a conversation about learning in public, experimenting without permission, and using action figures as a serious artistic medium.On Instagram: @_canarycustoms_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/toysontapThanks to Our Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

We sit down with Christopher (Janky Toys) for a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation about making art, surviving the market, and staying human in the process. We talk DesignerCon, orbiting the toy scene without chasing the spotlight, and why working with artists, not just collectors, changes everything. We get personal about job loss, burnout, therapy, and the cost of caring too much at work. From bootleg toys and parody art to AI’s impact on creativity, shrinking runs, and the shift toward smaller, affordable collectibles, this episode wrestles with what it means to keep creating when the ground keeps moving. We end with wonder, Yellowstone, and turning “garbage” into meaningful art. This one’s for artists navigating change without losing themselves.On Instagram: @jankytoysThis 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 Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

We sit down with Josh of Gong Kong Studios to trace a path that runs from childhood anime obsessions to tattooing, and eventually into soft vinyl toy making. We talk Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, obscure robot cartoons, and how discovering sofubi at a hardcore show flipped a creative switch. Josh walks us through the real learning curve of toy production; failed airbrushes, resculpting after tough feedback, scaling figures down to what actually sells, and navigating factories with help from the right people. We also dig into convention strategy, booth design, glow-in-the-dark variants, and why collaboration matters more than doing it alone. This episode is about saying yes to a new medium, learning in public, and building toys one decision at a time.On Instagram: @gonkongstudiosThis 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 Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

We sit down with Dan to explore how a life spent in Hong Kong, at the crossroads of Eastern and Western pop culture, shaped his path into toy design. From growing up surrounded by kaiju, Ultraman, and untranslated toys, to building a career in commercial design, this episode traces how creativity evolves without ever disappearing. We talk soft vinyl, 3D printing, factory precision, and why limited, in-house production matters when you want control over your work. Dan shares the story behind his first sofubi release, Goldie, selling out without online hype, and how market realities in Asia influence scale, pricing, and paint. This one’s about patience, process, and making toys quietly in a global scene.On Instagram: @nofubiThis 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 Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

We’re diving deep into kaiju culture, business reality, and what it really takes to last in the indie toy world. From childhood obsessions with Pokemon to turning collection into creation, we sit down with Dave to trace a decade-long path of trial, failure, and hard-earned clarity. We talk DesignerCon strategy, why business discipline matters more than pure creativity, and how failed Kickstarters don’t have to define you. Dave opens up about gatekeeping, trusting your instincts, and building toys that are weird, wearable, and fun. This episode is about originality over trends, relationships over hype, and staying grounded while carving out your own lane in toys. Perfect for builders trying to grow without losing the joy.On Instagram: @akashikrecordstoysThis 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 Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!

We’re breaking down the real indie toy grind, fresh off DesignerCon and IndyToy Show, talking vendor culture, why pre-show connection matters, and what separates good shows from great ones. Then we go deep with Spumoni Toys. From growing up in connection with a family-run toy factory producing iconic figures, to falling in love with kaiju, Power Rangers, and animation, to teaching himself 3D sculpting during lockdown, this is a raw look at building toys from obsession and grit. We unpack Kickstarter wins and scars, shipping delays, clear-neon experiments, Wonder Festival acceptance, and why smaller figures at smarter price points are hitting right now. This episode is for collectors-turned-creators, builders in the trenches, and anyone chasing the long game in toys.On Instagram: @spumonitoyscoThis 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 Supporters: @dketoys | @massiveminihorse | @dimensionxtoys @bootlegtoyco | @pocket_salsa | @dirtyyetti @dan_overdorff_art | @zimotco | @barbarian_rage @mannycartoonstudios | Shaun C. Downey | @richiemanic | @recollectiontoys | @rubbercitytoys | @acid9toys | @teneki_toys | @angryhedgehogRate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!