Tharpedoes

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. I perceive myself to be nothing more than a big kid who loves to provide levity and provoke laughter. Humor and adventure go hand in hand with me. If given the opportunity to choose my reincarnation, I would bypass the fame of the late, great cartoonist Tex Avery, my artistic hero, and return as a caveman. “Wouldn’t it be cool to fight a dinosaur?” Content in the here and now, I’m happiest on a quiet night at home, with a blank piece of paper, a sharp pencil, markers, and pens a piece or two of Extra spearmint gum, and a new idea in my head. I’m a big kid who loves to create amusing, colorful and uplifting illustrations. I’m a former hamburger flipper, insulation installer, factory worker, assembly line worker, concrete laborer, box packer, grocery bagger, waiter, salesman, and dead end corporate job survivor who received his BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design. I’ve been blessed to have to create graphics for major retailers, designed websites, illustrate for children’s books, medical and educational brochures, and much more. In addition to creating art and designing, I’m the founder and right brain of Corky Mansfield.