Max Toy Year End UpDates 2011

I usually don't do end of the year reviews or updates .. but after having updated this image above on my Max Toy Company web site was struck by how much really does happen in a year.

That little boy that was Max is no more ... he's now on his way towards adulthood and all the wonderful stuff that has in store for him ;-P We're lucky that Max is a good guy and having grown up with his Peter Pan father, will always retain that childlike spark. And yes he's only about 3 inches shy of being my height .. so it's safe to assume he'll be taller ;-) but seeing this picture side by side really struck home the changes this past year.

I had a conversation recently about what I've done career wise since art school .. and I guess I've done and experienced quite a bit. I actually don't look back much and prefer to keep moving forward .. I'll let some else sort out what if anything I may have contributed to illustration or art toys. The one common thread I could see is each of my careers would lead to another related experience, building towards my current vocation as Japanese Kaiju toy maker / artist / Ultraman toy collector / Kaiju promoter ;-)

But I never started out thinking this would be my path ... looking back all signs point in this direction, but that's hindsight.

Another interesting observation I saw was my role as Kaiju promoter is very Jazz-like .. in that I like surround myself with fellow artists and we play off each others toy riffs and such ... while I may guide the general rhythm or direction ... I hopefully allow enough room for improvisation and play by the artist. While sales are important for both myself and the artist, I always stress that we should be having Fun .. really if we are not, well what's the point ?

Oh and I'm not foolish enough to think this is what I'll be doing 10 or 20 years from now either .. the reality is you really need to be flexible in Life ... be willing to try new things and keep your eyes peeled for new horizons. Not to say I wouldn't mind making toys forever ;-D

So what will Max do with his life ? Will he follow in my footsteps and become an artist or toy maker ?!?

I have no idea ;-P ...while he enjoys toys and creating, my hope is that he can follow his own bliss where ever that takes him in life. If it's art related that's great, if not he knows his parents will always fully support and Love him 1000%.

Thanks everyone for a wonderful 2011, and here's to 2012 !

I wish you all lots of Toy Karma !!!