Tell us about your background! What led to your job at Funko?
When I was in high school, I took a lot of CAD classes. Designing random bits and pieces, I learned the art of blueprinting. After that I had random security and loss prevention jobs while taking random side gigs doing photography for bands, club/fashion shows and a couple weddings. Working security for a couple years gave me time to think and finally, after getting sick of the Groundhog Day-like setting that is sitting in a small shack for hours at a time, led me to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology to follow my lifelong dream of game development. After I graduated, I found that the video game industry was a bit more competitive than I had imagined. I had a few graphic design and motion graphic jobs designing commercials and logos for companies. I've always liked editing things. When I heard that Funko was looking for an Output Assistant from my good friend and now coworker Poppy Morris-Campbell, I applied and after a long wait, I finally had my new dream job. Now I have a great job working with great people, learning about the toy trade and watching Funko grow.
What do you do for Funko?
An Output Assistant's job is to make logical cuts in the digital sculpts we create. Head, arms, legs, and torso get made into separate pieces and keyed so that they fit together later. I then prepare them for 3D printing by cleaning up the model and making blueprints for all the Funko toys that are printed. I make sure that there are no serious issues with the print and then it gets sent off to the factory to be made into a mold.
What are your biggest artistic influences and/or who are your favorite artists?
I really don't have many artistic influences but when it comes to favorite artists I would have to say Wayne Barlow. I just really like his style. Just the right amount of creepy.
What are some of your favorite projects you have worked on at Funko?
I really like working on complicated toys, like the Five Nights at Freddys action figures. The ones that have a ton of parts and joints and other technical issues that need to be figured out.
What programs and/or tools do you use most often?
I use Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and Zbrush mostly.
What is your dream project?
I'd love to have a Spider Jerusalem Pop! from Transmetropolitan or maybe a set for the manga series Berserk.
What do you collect?
I guess video games? I've never been a huge collector. I have been playing them since I was a small kid starting with the Sega Genesis up to my current PC with a VR headset. I enjoy the history of games, the community, and all the experiences I've had through my years playing them.
What is your favorite medium?
Digital, as it's the most flexible medium I can think of. Audio, photos, video, sculpting and now with 3D printing there is nothing that can't be created and shared easily.
Any advice for aspiring toy designers?
Practice, practice, practice, and if that doesn't work out, be handy, smile and keep practicing.