Gary Ham

PHOENIX, ARIZONA USA

Gary Ham is a unique voice in the toy art world. His characters evoke a bold, 1960s animation style combined with a modern sensibility. Gary is a father, husband, toy designer, identical twin, dog owner from Arizona. He has a son who was born on Halloween therefore it’s the most special holiday of all.

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INTERVIEW

How did you start out in design?I began my career at age 21 working for Fox Animation helping create special effects for feature films. During my 5 years working in animation I became complacent and didn't work on personal art much. When the studio closed I was reinvigorated and began feverishly drawing again. I did a lot of freelance work from magazine illustrations, storyboarding commercials, and character design for animation. In 2007 I began producing toys based on my own designs and it's what I am truly passionate about.

What is a typical day at the Gary Ham office?I work a full-time day job as an illustrator for an educational company. When my work day ends I rush home to spend time with my wife and 2 boys. After we get the boys tucked in I often venture into the home office and spend a couple hours drawing or painting up a new toy design. Then its off to bed and repeat.

What are you listening to at the moment?An American TV show called The Voice.

What's your favourite part of the design process? I love brainstorming. That moment when an idea sparks joy and motivation that you HAVE to get the design fleshed out.

In the kitchen, what's your specialty dish?Ooo, I make a great chicken pot pie from scratch. Takes 3 hours to make, but worth every minute.

What's your favourite thing about living where you do?The cost of living.

How would you describe your style in three words? blocky, vintage, whimsical

Friday nights or Sunday mornings? Friday nights as it's usually movie night(at home).

Can you tell us a little bit more about your Momiji character?Hermees is a Halloween obsessed bat. He enjoys playing tricks more than the treats. His bff is Trickster, a candypire that prefers the treats over the tricks. So much so that he sucks the sweet out of sweets!