"Prog"
Oakland, CA
@bayareagroot

When did you first learn about Funko?
I first learned about Funko when I bought an Austin Powers Wacky Wobbler in high school as a "gag gift" for my step-mom (she found the character of Austin Powers to be garish and ugly). I thought the bobble head was goofy and fun!

What was your first Funko piece in your collection?
My actual first personal Funko piece was the original Gollum Pop! that was made. He is one of my favorite movie characters of all time, and I love that particular mold so much.

Why are you a Funatic?
I am a Funatic because I love the community that Funko has created, and the absolute joy that collecting Funko products brings to me each and every day. I love that Funko honors and respects the Funatics, and treats us like family.

What are your favorite fandom(s) and why?
My favorite fandoms are Beetlejuice, Star Wars, Stranger Things, Fallout, Stephen King/Horror, Bob's Big Boy, and Bigfoot. I love the excessive and limitless use of imagination found in these fandoms by creators and fans alike. They speak to me because they are quirky, funny, and odd like myself.

Is there anyone you share your fandom with?
Yes! I re-watched all of LOST with my best friends and their family a couple of years ago. When we got to the final episode I bought each of them a Pop! of their favorite character, and now have the entire set on display on a shelf at their home.

Why do you love pop culture?
I love pop culture because it never takes itself too seriously. You can be anyone and enjoy what pop culture has to offer. It truly is a unifying force in the world; just look at all of the comic cons there are now!

How do you display your collection?
I display my collection out of the box wherever I can. Most of it is at my office all over my desk and counters, which brings joy to my coworkers. Some are at home on shelves, and some are even “on loan” at friends' houses. I keep most of my collection out of the box because I love the details found all around each collectable.

What movie/show/podcast/videogame/album are you currently watching/listening to/playing?
I just wrapped up Watchmen on HBO. Damon Lindelof really blew me away with his unique brand of creative and culturally significant storytelling. I also just started playing Jedi: Fallen Order, which is very climatic and story-heavy. Tons of fun for this Star Wars geek!

What's your favorite Funko memory?
My favorite Funko memory was being at Funko Fundays 2019 with my #NerdsUnite Family when my friend Tanner won the Fantastik Plastik contest! We were all sitting together that night, and when he won we our whole section erupted with cheers and tears!

What motivated you to start photographing your collection and sharing the photos on Instagram?
What motivated me was seeing that others where doing it, and then noticing that Funko was doing themed photo contests. When I was a kid I used to pose and photograph my toys all of the time, so this was nothing new to me.

What advice do you have for other Funatics taking photos of their collection?
Have fun and be creative with it! Try out new things to get the best lighting and angle. Never be afraid to share what you have, because you can always improve.

What Funko lines and fandoms do you collect?
Lines: Pop!, Pop! PEZ, Mystery Minis, Paka Paka, and apparel. Fandoms: Star Wars, Beetlejuice, Bob's Big Boy, Pennywise (IT), Groot, Fallout, Stranger Things, Bigfoot, Freddy Funko, Horror, LOST, and Fortnite.

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