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Toys on Tap

Toys on Tap
Toys on Tap
Latest episode

300 episodes

  • Toys on Tap

    Ep. 277 Toys on Tap w/ Mimor Toys: The DIY Sofubi Artist Changing the Toy Scene

    2026/05/25 | 1h 5 mins.
    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
  • Toys on Tap

    Ep. 276 Toys on Tap w/ Zander Miner Toys: How This RISD Graduate Became a Toy Designer

    2026/05/18 | 52 mins.
    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
  • Toys on Tap

    Ep. 275 Toys on Tap w/ Ehimo Adventures: How TMNT & Warhammer Created This Toy Maker

    2026/05/11 | 52 mins.
    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
  • Toys on Tap

    Ep. 274 Toys on Tap w/ Gum it up Makers:The Real Story Behind Launching a Toy Kickstarter

    2026/05/04 | 1h 4 mins.
    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!
  • Toys on Tap

    Ep. 273 Toys on Tap w/ Kaleo Legends:Turning Theology Into Action Figures

    2026/04/27 | 1h 3 mins.
    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!
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About Toys on Tap
A podcast that interviews artists that make toys in the professional, independent, bootleg, and designer toy scenes!
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