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

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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!

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• Instagram:@toysontap
• Linkedin: Abraham Musto
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• Youtube:@Toysontap

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