Toys on Tap cover art

Toys on Tap

Toys on Tap

By: Toys on Tap
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About this listen

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

Abraham Musto 2021 Art
Episodes
  • Ep. 242 Toys on Tap: From Punk to Kaiju: Paul’s Origin Story: Episode 1

    Ep. 242 Toys on Tap: From Punk to Kaiju: Paul’s Origin Story: Episode 1
    Sep 22 2025
    This episode of Toys on Tap dives into the origins of legendary toy maker Paul Kaiju (Paul Copeland). From 1970s Chicago mornings watching Speed Racer, Kimba, and Son of Godzilla with his dad, to hunting Japanese die-cast treasures in Little Tokyo, Paul’s story is pure nostalgia. The path winds through skateboarding, punk shows, and even a career in aerospace, where resin casting first sparked his sculpting journey. Blending punk art, skate culture, and Japanese vinyl, Paul built a foundation for an iconic career. This is part one of a three-episode series tracing his evolution from collector to creator.On Instagram: @paulkaijuThis 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: toysontappodcast@gmail.comSupport 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!
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    44 mins
  • Ep. 241 Toys on Tap: Dinos, Mechs, and Making It Work: Tony Bui on Toy Design

    Ep. 241 Toys on Tap: Dinos, Mechs, and Making It Work: Tony Bui on Toy Design
    Sep 15 2025
    This week we sit down with illustrator and toy designer Tony Bui to dive into his creative journey from Saturday morning cartoons and Street Fighter marathons to launching his own toy lines. Tony shares how he balanced art school with military commitments, made the leap from greeting cards to resin toys, and found his footing in the indie toy scene with smash-hit dinos and mech-inspired creations. Hear how Captain Pink Eye was born at a Vegas con, what’s next for his sofubi dreams, and why mixing nostalgia with fresh ideas keeps collectors hooked. Whether you love toys, art, or just hearing how someone builds a creative career, this episode will inspire you to keep making and keep playing.On Instagram: @tonybui_tbfcThis 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: toysontappodcast@gmail.comSupport 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!
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Ep. 240 Toys on Tap: From Avocados to Animation: Tony Mora’s Creative Grind

    Ep. 240 Toys on Tap: From Avocados to Animation: Tony Mora’s Creative Grind
    Sep 8 2025
    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: toysontappodcast@gmail.comSupport 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!
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    1 hr and 22 mins
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