Dec 26, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Heather Hyatt

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Welcome to the December 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring Heather Hyatt.

What’s your name?

Heather Hyatt, or simply HHyattArt.

Where are you located?

West Des Moines, Iowa.

Day job or full-time artist?

That's a bit complicated - My main job is being caretaker to my daughter who has cancer. Prior to that, I was an in-house graphic designer for eight years and then freelance graphic designer for several years. I suppose either way you'd call me a full-time artist and mom.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Nov 28, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – David Stevenson

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Welcome to the November 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring David Stevenson.

What’s your name?

My name is David Stevenson.

Where are you located?

I am based in South London in the U.K. and have been for the last 6 years.

Day job or full-time artist?

I feel very lucky and honored to be a full time artist. I do also dabble a little in graphic and product design (if anyone is interested in sending me some work.)

MORE PICS + INFO»

Posted by Jack @ 05:15 AM in Reactor-88's Custom Corner | Permalink  | Comments (0) |

Oct 28, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Ian Ziobrowski

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Welcome to the October 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring the creator of Nugglife, Ian Ziobrowski.

What’s your name?

I'm Ian Ziobrowski, and I'm the founder of Nugglife which is a lifestyle brand circling around art and premium clothing.  The company started off in the custom toy designer industry and it centered around just a few connoisseurs -

NUGGS, THUGZ, and Crook Ed the Cop- characters that live the American Dream without society standards.  During the evolution of this series my business partner and I started developing premium cut n sew clothing inspired by the true hustlers, connecting the art and clothing at once.  

MORE PICS + INFO»

Posted by Jack @ 05:21 AM in Reactor-88's Custom Corner | Permalink  | Comments (0) |

Sep 29, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Zard Apuyua

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Welcome to the September 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring Zard Apuya.

 

What’s your name?

My name is Zard Apuya. People sometimes think it's my 'artist' name because they've never heard of a name like it before. It definitely saves me from having to think of an 'artist' name though.

Where are you located?

I am originally from Guam- a tiny island in the Pacific. I then moved to San Francisco 3 years ago. Then just a few months ago, I moved down here to San Diego.

Day job or full-time artist?

I actually do have a day job right now. I work as an Account Manager with a startup company but I work remotely from home. It allows me to be able to balance putting time into my art projects as well. Hopefully one day I can transition to being a full-time artist though.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Aug 23, 2016

Reactor-88 Custom Corner: MP Gautheron

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Welcome to the August 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring MP Gautheron.

 

 

What’s your name?

My name is Marie-Pascale Gautheron, but my artist name is MP Gautheron.

Where are you located?

I live in Lyon, one of the biggest cities in France.

Day job or full-time artist?

I am lucky enough to be a full-time artist :) It has always have been my passion and I’ve never done anything else!

Any random things you want people to know about you?

I do not work only on vinyl toys, I also paint my patterns on skulls and my first passion is to paint with acrylics on a wood canvas- compositions with skulls, animals, patterns with a lot of details and precision!

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Jul 28, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner -- Godhay

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[Welcome to the July 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring Godhay.]

What’s your name?

My name is Jaume Bertran, but in the art toy scene it is Godhay.

Where are you located?

I live in Vallromanes, a very small town that’s a 15 minute drive from Barcelona.

Day job or full-time artist?

I would love to be a full-time artist, but I guess that I could not pay all my debts and bills so I need a day job. I’m an architect who does not exercise since 2008 due to the economic crisis, that’s the reason why I got recycled and started with my own business, a supermarket.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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May 31, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – The Graphix Chick

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Welcome to the May 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring The Graphix Chick.

What’s your name?

I'm Jessica Esper or otherwise known as The Graphix Chick.  I came up with name, Graphix Chick to use as my gamer tag (xbox) back in the day before I was into customizing toys.

Where are you located?

I currently live in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I'm a military brat and have lived all over the place.  I was born in France, went to 4 different high schools across the country and don't really see any place as being my true 'home'.  I spent my childhood growing up in Hawaii which is what inspires a lot of my ocean theme pieces.

Day job or full-time artist?

Both!  I have my own business doing graphic design and I'm a fine artist.  I pay most of my bills doing graphic design but also customize toys, helmets, bikes or just about anything for clients around the world.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Apr 27, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Jump Jumper Ant

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Welcome  to the April 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring Jump Jumper Ant.

What’s your name?

My stage name is Jump Jumper Ant and my real name is Gahel Zermeño.

Where are you located?

In México City.

Day job or full-time artist?

I work mainly in art, but also in advertising, photography, and speech. I’m now starting in the world of tattoo as well.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Mar 29, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Flüke Graf

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Welcome to the March 2016 edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring Flüke.

What’s your name?

Since 2005 my nickname is Flüke- I use it for my work and social networks.

Where are you located?

I live in Cerdanyola, a village located 6 kilometers from Barcelona.

Day job or full-time artist?

I am a father, husband, and work full time for a big company. Custom toys and illustration is a hobby to escape from the routine. Some years ago I was full-time graphic designer, but I decided to leave that world and started with the job where I am now (non-related within the design world). However, I still accept graphic design projects as a freelance.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

I started collecting toys in 2004, so I can say that nowadays I have large collection. My first vinyl toy was a Clone Egg Qee by Jaime Hayon (Toy2r) and it was a present from my wife.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Feb 29, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Fer MG

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Welcome to the February 20 16 edition [ed:Leap Day Style]  of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re featuring Fer MG.

What’s your name?

My name is Fer Mogica, mi artist nickname “Fer MG”

Where are you located?

I’m from Madrid, Spain.

Day job or full-time artist?

I try to to reconcile too many activities. I’m a musician, graphic designer, and have my own computer business. And since last year I also started making and customizing resin and vinyl toys. I need days with more than 24 hours haha

Any random things you want people to know about you?

I have great respect for all artists in the designer toy scene because I consider myself mainly a musician who also loves plastic arts and enjoys making toys. As a guitarist I recorded an album with Sony Music Spain, and last year I started the project ‘FM Art Studio’, whose focus is developing art toys, sculptures, and other artistic projects.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Jan 29, 2016

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: MJ Hsu

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Welcome to the January edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. To kick off 2016, we’re featuring Mei-Jean Hsu.

What’s your name?

My name is Mei-Jean Hsu. I usually go by MJ.

Where are you located?

I currently live in west Los Angeles near Little Osaka/Japan town. I love the people here, not to mention the great restaurants nearby and my favorite gallery--Giant Robot 2.

Day job or full-time artist?

I am currently a toy designer at Jakks Pacific. Formerly, I was a graphic designer in the mobile games and media industry, but I decided to move to toys last year after I started making my own customs and resin series.

MORE PICS + INFO»

Posted by Jack @ 06:07 AM in Reactor-88's Custom Corner | Permalink  | Comments (0) |

Dec 31, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Mr. Mitote

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Welcome to the December edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. To close out 2015, this one is short and sweet.

What’s your name?
My name is Heriberto Rodela- my nickname is Mr.MitoteMr.Mitote

Where are you located?
I live in Mexico City

Day job or full-time artist?
I work as a graphic designer and part time as a sculptor.

Any random things you want people to know about you?
I love working with many colors.

How long have you been painting toys?
Eight years.

Anything specific you’d like people to know about your toy work (style, influences, special techniques, etc.)?
My biggest influence is the Mexican culture, Alebrijes, and the colors Mexico has in its art.

Do you take commissions?
Yes, when my schedule is free.

Best way(s) for people to contact you/see your work?

email: [email protected]
instagram: @mr_mitote
Facebook: StudioMitote

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Nov 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Kiiro Toys

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Welcome to the November edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re  highlighting Kiiro Toys.

What’s your name?

Paula Danielse aka Kiiro Toys

Where are you located?

The Netherlands

Day job or full-time artist?

I have a part time not so interesting day job and spend all of my free time to either photography and making art toys. 2015 has been mostly about toys though.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

I’m a color addict who still believes in fairy tales.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Oct 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner : Firehead Designs

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Welcome to the October edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Firehead Designs.

What’s your name?

My name is Cesar Diaz

Where are you located?

I live 10 miles away from Los Angeles, CA

Day job or full-time artist?

Other than selling my custom figures, I’m also a part-time freelance illustrator, working to be full time.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

Don’t cross my path during a full moon.

MORE PICS + INFO»

Posted by Jack @ 06:07 AM in Reactor-88's Custom Corner | Permalink  | Comments (0) |

Sep 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Cucaracha Borracha

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Welcome to the September edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Cucaracha Borracha.

What’s your name?

My name is Alan Rodrigo Zermeño.

Where are you located?

I'm from México.

Day job or full-time artist?

I'm a graphic designer. I usually work on some projects externally with advertising agencies and I am currently working as a freelancer to have more time to work on my personal projects such as the custom toys, illustrations, and other things.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

My sister is Jump Jumper Ant, who is also in the world of art toys and we have a project called MOLOKO & COSCHCA. I also worked making special effects for one of my best friend’s FX company.

MORE PICS + INFO»

Posted by Jack @ 09:58 AM in Reactor-88's Custom Corner | Permalink  | Comments (0) |

Aug 31, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Cat Atomic

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Welcome to the August edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Cat Atomic.

What’s your name?

My real name is Felix Martinez but within the art and toy community, I'm more commonly known as Cat Atomic. Being able to be part of a community where I got to pick a name for myself really drew me in. I've always liked to create names for things. I remember as a kid always coming up with names for the characters I drew. That would be the first thing I did. The look and personality of the character was always based off of the name I'd pick for them.

Where are you located?

I'm from Bergen County, New Jersey.

Day job or full-time artist?

I'm a graphic artist/sign illustrator for a national chain of organic food markets. So in other words, I paint organic strawberries and grass-fed cows for a living.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

Three things you should know about me: 1) I would eat a slice of extra cheese pizza for every meal, every day, if it probably wouldn't kill me within the year. 2) I'm terrified of shower drains. 3) I'm a huge fan of stand-up comedy and hope to one day build up enough courage to actually try it.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Jul 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Jared Circusbear

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Welcome to the July edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Jared Circusbear.

What’s your name?

Hi! Im Jared Flores aka Jared Circusbear

Where are you located?

I make work from my home studio in North Hollywood, California.

Day job or full-time artist?

I am blessed to have the collector base to be a full time custom toy and pop art artist. I currently show with Gallery 1988 in Hollywood.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

I’m a huge fan of pop culture. I have a lot of fandoms but my most revered are Star Wars, Disney/Pixar Animation, and Pokemon. I’m especially stoked about the new era of Star Wars that is about to be unleashed on the world later this year. Its pretty easy to notice my pop culture affinity in my work, a lot of time spent figuring out who to translate characters to vinyl molds.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Jun 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Tomodachi Island

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Welcome to the June edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Tomodachi Island.

What’s your name?

Emelie Jensen aka Tomodachi Island

Where are you located?

I am based in Bournemouth, England, United Kingdom but born in Sweden. I moved to the UK seven years ago.

Day job or full-time artist?

At the moment I am a full-time artist, but only as I am on maternity leave. I normally work part-time in a pet shop and then part-time as an artist. For a while I worked from home full-time, but the income was never steady enough for me to live comfortably on. But not only that, I’d just moved with my partner to a new city and didn’t know anyone which meant that my social life was next to none. It drove me a bit mad being on my own 80% of the day and so I thought working in a pet shop would be a great way to top up my bank account a little and to get some social interaction with both animals and people. So yeah I am a part-time pet store colleague and a part-time artist. But I am still working hard to become a full-time artist one day.

Any random things you want people to know about you?

I used to be a tattoo artist and that was my biggest dream from around my teenage years. I gave up on that dream after the profession took away my will to draw and create. It was a big step for me to let go of something I had wanted and worked so hard for, for such a long time. It set me on to the path I am on now though so it definitely was the right thing to do. I think it is important not being scared of “failing” when you follow your dreams. Everything happens for a reason, and if it doesn’t make you happy then move on to the next thing.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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May 29, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Stuart Harris

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Welcome to the May edition of Reactor-88'sReactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Stuart Harris.

What’s your name?
Stuart Harris (a.k.a The Pumpkin Tide).

Where are you located?
London, UK.

Day job or full-time artist?
Both. I make things for a living and I make stuff for fun.

Any random things you want people to know about you?
In the 1998 TV movie "Merlin: The Quest Begins" there's a scene with a stone circle made from polystyrene painted grey. If you look really closely you can see bits of polystyrene on the ground from all the horses kicking the stones. My job was to stand behind one of the stones to stop it falling over.

How long have you been painting toys?
Towards the end of 2012 I did a one-off series of 5 Kidrobot toys for a show as a break from painting on canvas. I hadn't really planned on making more toys after that.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Apr 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Gabriel Carpio

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Welcome to the April edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Gabriel Carpio.

What’s your name?

My name is Gabriel Eduardo Carpio Sergiacomo or just Gabriel Carpio :) Sometimes I’m also known as RedOni.

Where are you located?

I’m from Venezuela.

Day job or full-time artist?

I work full time as graphic designer in the area of printed and visual media for advertising. I also work as a freelance illustrator for clothing brands and other projects.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Mar 30, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Shiffa

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Welcome to the March edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Shiffa.

What’s your name?

My real name is a bit complicated to pronounce, so it’s easier to just call me SHIFFA.

Where are you located?
I currently live in Mexico City.

Day job or full-time artist?

I’m currently a freelance artist, specializing in character design and illustration for various brands of clothing, accessories, and magazines. In my free time I like to get my hands dirty- either in paper toys, custom toys, or graffiti.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Feb 28, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: Frank Montano

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Welcome to the February edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Frank Montano.

What’s your name?

My name is Frank Montano aka Feast. I'm 24 years-old.

Where are you located?

I was raised in the Bay Area, now currently located in Seattle.

Day job or full-time artist?

I am a part time artist and a full time father.

How long have you been painting toys?

I've been customizing vinyl figures for about three years. The first vinyl figure I was introduced to was a Munny which I sculpted into ironman and was instantly hooked—the rest was history. Most of the customs I make are now focused on my characters I've developed, The BlizzardBeast and DiamondTrooper. "A yeti who has fought for many years to protect its species, land, and riches from the evil spirited DiamondTroopers, who carry the skull of the BlizzardBeast over their heads as protection. A war of good versus evil." haha, well that's the story so far..

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Jan 29, 2015

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner: RXSEVEN

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Happy 2015 and welcome to the January edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Dallas-based artist, RXSEVEN.

What’s your name?
I've always been fascinated by the concept of creating an alias in the art world. I remember growing up In the streets of Houston,TX  and seeing art/graffiti on freight trains and wondering who these artists were. Since then I knew I wanted to create my own identity when it came to the art world. A couple years later SE7EN happened to be the name that stuck. I use RXSEVEN for social outlets.

Where are you located?
I'm located In Dallas, Texas.

Day job or full-time artist?
I sling lattes from 9 to 5, but creating art full time is the plan!

Any random things you want people to know about you?
My pet Dachshund is more famous than me, lol

How long have you been painting toys?
I've been customizing toys for 3 years now. I remember being introduced to Kidrobot designs from a graffiti artist that I followed in my early teens. I always wanted to collect, but I just couldn't afford them at the time. I think for a teenager going through high school, high-priced designer toys were not the priority lol. Now a couple years later here I am making my own designs.

Anything specific you’d like people to know about your toy work (style, influences, special techniques, etc.)?
I've always been obsessed with skulls and anatomy. I try to put my twist on things when I incorporate the skeletal aspect to my work. I use space/stars for eyes to indicate that there's life after death. Lately I've been playing around with the idea of my own character, Shivers the skeleton—I see him as holding the key to life. So you'll see a lot of the animals or designs with a keyhole in their rib cage. I plan to elaborate more on that later this year!

Do you take commissions?
Yes and no. I'm always open to ideas, but I'm picky with what I want to work on.  I just don't want to do the same design on the same platform over and over again. I tend to get bored  :p

Best way(s) for people to contact you/see your work?
I'm pretty bad with promotion and using social outlets. I plan to change that this year, but you can catch me posting more on Instagram or my website. The best way to contact me is through email.

MORE PICS + INFO»

Posted by Jack @ 11:40 AM in Reactor-88's Custom Corner | Permalink  | Comments (0) |

Dec 26, 2014

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Dolly Oblong

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Welcome to the December edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Dolly OblongDolly Oblong. I’ve been a fan of Dolly’s work for a long time and I’m very excited to finally be able to feature their awesome creations. They’ve kept the interview short, but their super clean, fun toys more than make up for it, so enjoy!

What’s your name?

Hello there, Dolly Oblong here! We're a character design toko with vinyl customs, plush, resin and paper toys on the menu. And bunnies. Lots of bunnies.

Where are you located?

Rotterdam, the Netherlands most of the time.

Day job or full-time artist?

Creating toys is our moonlight job. The best ideas come at midnight :)

Any random things you want people to know about you?

Some random facts: toy hoarders and hamburger connoisseurs with pan-Asian roots.

How long have you been painting toys?

The first custom rolling out of the Dolly kitchen was around 5 years ago. It was a pink Munny called Loulou for a show in Bilbao, Spain.

Anything specific you’d like people to know about your toy work (style, influences, special techniques, etc.)?

The main recipe behind all Dolly designs is keeping it simple with a twist. Main influence is an overdose of Cartoon Network series from the 90’s (Powerpuff Girls!) mixed with toy classics from the 80s (Voltron!).

Do you take commissions?

Commissions are always welcome. Feel free to say hi and discuss possibilities via [email protected]

Best way(s) for people to contact you/see your work?

For new releases: the shop. Keep an eye out on: www.dollyoblong.com, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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Nov 26, 2014

Reactor-88’s Custom Corner – Mind of the Masons

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Welcome to the November edition of Reactor-88's Custom Corner. This month we’re highlighting Mind of the Masons. In the past I’ve kept Custom Corner features fairly concise, but when I contacted Joshua he really had a lot to say, so here are Joshua’s responses in all their glory- enjoy!

What’s your name?

My name is Joshua D Mason and I run Mind of the Masons. My wife Bethany and brother Mykel are my partners in crime and help run MOTM as well. The three of us bring different skill sets to the table, and hopefully down the road we'll be able to offer a wide variety of artistic services to our customers, family, and friends.

 

Where are you located?

Colorado, born and raised! We've never really had the desire to be located anywhere else. Mountains, lakes, sand dunes... We have it all, other than some salt water action but that's what vacations are for. Bethany and I own a house, "The Masonry" which is a bit out of the way from any major city- something we both love. A large yard means plenty of space for our Great Danes to play and I wouldn't be surprised if we own a farm within the next 10 years. Seriously, my wife loves horses!

Day job or full-time artist?

The day that at least one of us is able to take this art business full time will be a milestone for us. We all currently work full time jobs. Bethany works at a plastic surgeons office in Boulder, I work with 401k plans in Longmont and my brother Mykel works at our family owned sew and vac shop in Thornton. When we get home, we almost always have something to do for Mind of the Masons. You could easily say we have two jobs.

MORE PICS + INFO»

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