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.toys

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: toysontappodcast@gmail.com

Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontap

Thanks 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 @angryhedgehog

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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: @morehorrific

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: toysontappodcast@gmail.com

Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontap

Thanks 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 @angryhedgehog

Rate & 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: toysontappodcast@gmail.com

Support the Show on Patreon Unlock exclusive episodes, early access, and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/toysontap

Thanks 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 @angryhedgehog

Rate & Review the Show! Leave a rating and review wherever you listen it's the best way to help Toys on Tap grow!