Ep. 236 Toys on Tap: Inside Summer Slime – Building Community Through Art & Collaboration

In this episode, we sit down with artist and creator Tony Mora to unpack his remarkable journey across animation, web design, 3D modeling, and toy making. From his childhood in Bell Gardens, where anime and Godzilla shaped his imagination, to carving out a career in a turbulent creative industry, Tony shares how resilience and adaptability have guided him through uncertainty.Tony opens up about the pressure of constant production, the anxiety that comes with freelancing, and the importance of staying grounded in kindness and connection. He takes us behind the scenes of the animation grind, the shock of clients seeing the rapid pace of production, and the lonely yet rewarding pursuit of art.We dive into his leap into 3D printing and toy design, inspired by bootleg collecting and fueled by years of daily practice with Blender. From selling avocados door to door as a kid to sculpting figures that appear at conventions like Designer Con and Kaiju Fornia, Tony’s story reflects grit, curiosity, and a deep love for creation.On Instagram: @TonymoraThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

Together, we trace Flaw Toys’ journey from Dutch toy-store summers to life in Thailand, exploring how an engineering career gave way to sculpting strange, resin-cast figures that embrace imperfection. Along the way, you’ll hear about early experiments, artistic flops that became fan favorites, and why “flaws” are actually the soul of handmade art.We also get into the nuts and bolts: resin casting challenges, the high costs of toy expos, international shipping headaches, and the surprising perks of staying small and personal in a mass-produced world. Plus, a cameo mention of Adam Savage reviewing a no-face toy? That’s in here too.It’s insightful and packed with stories for toy collectors, artists, and anyone who’s ever wondered how a passion project can take over a life.On Instagram: @flawtoysThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

From graffiti walls in Des Moines to the resin and vinyl toy scene in Japan, this week we sit down with Joseph of Unlucky Toys. At just 27, Joseph has already carved out a path through resin casting, graffiti-inspired design, and collaborations with artists across the U.S. Now, he and his wife are preparing for a huge move to Japan, where Joseph hopes to plug into the legendary soft vinyl scene and push his work even further. We talk about the roots of Unlucky Toys, why safety matters in resin casting, the magic of regional toy communities, and what it takes to keep your passion alive when the grind gets real. Joseph’s story is one of hustle, creativity, and chasing the next chapter, wherever in the world it leads.On Instagram: @unlucky.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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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 Mark, a digital sculptor who stumbled into the craft during the pandemic and turned late-night experiments of “Dreams” into a thriving career. What started as tinkering with clay shifted into the world of digital sculpting, where Mark now balances family life, a full-time job as a news director, and collaborations with major companies like Bottleneck and Mondo.We get to see the art and hustle behind toy design, from navigating licensing loopholes and copyright quirks to chasing down big ideas before someone else does. Get ready for an inside look at how creativity, collaboration, and community shape the toy scene, including highlights from their own team-up on the Casey Jones/Star Wars mashup that went viral.Whether you’re curious about sculpting, fascinated by the toy world, or just love hearing about people carving out their passions, this episode delivers laughs, insights, and plenty of behind-the-scenes secrets.On Instagram: @morehorrificThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

Step into the heart of the indie toy scene as we talk through Toys on Tap's first-ever experience at Summer Slime, a backyard gathering that’s as much about community as it is about art. From curated music and food to a unique lottery buying system, the event blends collector excitement with a laid-back, personal vibe. With careful pacing, ticketed entry, and collaborative artistry Creature Bizarre creates a space where artists and attendees can connect deeply. Quang opens up about the challenges of balancing community and sustainability, the importance of positivity in the art world, and what makes art collectives like Creature Bizarre thrive.Whether you’re a toy maker, collector, or just curious about how niche art events succeed, this episode is a masterclass in curation, collaboration, and keeping the heart in the hustle.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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

What happens when a childhood obsession with Godzilla morphs into a full-blown art career? In this episode, We trace Raygun Wizard's creative evolution from sneaking toys past his mom’s neat-freak purges to selling out sofubi drops across the globe.Eli opens up about his early love of drawing, the influence of his grandmother , and how art became more than just expression, it became a tool for empathy. We dive into his transformation from resin hobbyist to sofubi artist, learning how guidance from OGs like Sucklord shaped his approach to toy-making. Tune in to hear how Eli made the leap, why he changed his name, and what’s next for the Cube Head universe.On Instagram: @raygunwizardThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

This week ttep inside the vivid mind of the artist as he unpacks the wild ride of launching Mind Sponge a boundary-pushing toy brand blending 80s nostalgia, street culture, and pop absurdity. From a robotic ice cream cone to bat-inspired figures and cuckoo clocks, Mindsponge Toys pulses with bold energy and personal story. He opens up about the struggles and sparks of his creative journey how ADHD, addiction recovery, and deep love for music and toys shaped his path.Whether it's growing a brand from the ground up, building hype with smart drops, or navigating the wild west of vinyl production, Mindsponge Toys delivers raw insight with heart. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on upcoming drops like Robo Sun and Collider Bat. If you’re a fan of designer toys, DIY creativity, or just chasing what sets your soul on fire his is the episode you’ve been waiting for.On Instagram: @mindspongetoyThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

Ben, co-owner of ToyCon UK and Ko-Re Ko-Re, joins Toys on Tap to break down the highs and hurdles of the 2024 show. With 46 booths and 10 tables packed, the event hit full capacity, drawing global talent and even an appearance from Mutant Vinyl Hardcore.We dive into the logistical chaos of planning in London, from venue headaches to managing crowds with a queue lottery system.We also unpack the explosive rise of Labubu, the toy causing frenzy (and fights) in East London, and discuss why Pop Mart’s artist-driven approach might just outshine Funko.Plus: 2025 plans, shipping shifts to Hong Kong, and why international trade politics are making toy production harder than ever.Hit play—this episode is a full booth breakdown for collectors and creators alike.On Instagram: @toyconukThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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 are back at it again with Ron English in this fourth installment of his life. We journeyed through his toy making as he has taken on some of the most intense messaging and "propaganda". The same spirit we heard about with his billboards, we saw in his toys.From MC Supersize and Temper Tot, Ron knows no boundaries in making toys.Here how he has pushed the limits of what toys can be on this weeks episode of Toys on Tap!On Instagram: @ronenglishThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!

On this episode of Toys on Tap, we dive deep into the incredible career of legendary artist and toy maker Mark Nagata, a pioneer in the world of sofubi and the creative force behind Max Toy Company. From childhood days obsessing over kaiju figures to airbrushing at the Academy of Art, Mark takes us on a wild ride through freelance illustration, Goosebumps covers, magazine publishing, and building a toy empire with his son Max.Hear how a chance encounter with artist Kazuhiko Sano sparked a lifelong love for airbrush art. Discover what it was like illustrating for Goosebumps and navigating the shift from traditional to digital. Travel with Mark to Japan, where his heritage and passion for soft vinyl toys collide in powerful, personal ways.This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and radness. On Instagram: @maxtoycoThis 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!Want to become a sponsor? Email: [email protected] 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 | @pickmansvinyls 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!