Mike Die joins the show to share the journey that led him from New York graffiti artist to creator of the Rock Protectors toy line.

Growing up surrounded by He-Man, Battle Beasts, Transformers, and Ninja Turtles, Mike always dreamed of making toys. After years spent in graffiti, custom Dunnys, street art, and enamel pins, he eventually found his way back to action figures through 3D printing and character design.

Today, the Rock Protectors have become one of the most recognizable independent toy lines online, blending fantasy storytelling, retro toy influences, and modern creator culture into something completely unique.

We talk about:

• Toy collecting in the 80s and 90s
• Graffiti and street art
• Kidrobot's impact on designer toys
• Custom vinyl and resin figures
• The enamel pin explosion
• Building a toy universe from scratch
• Selling independent action figures
• Zolocon and toy conventions
• Community in the toy world
• Future graphic novel plans

A great conversation about creativity, persistence, and making the toys you wish existed.

On Instagram: @mikedie

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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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• Instagram:@toysontap
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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!

Subscribe and Follow Along

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