Exclusive: Interview With Toy Creator/Customiser Adam Pratt

(Hand Painted Skekiltor, Adam Pratt/Halfbad Toyz- Art and Design Steven Patt 2011)

With his custom toy work featuring in both of our recent ‘Rivet Wars‘ articles, we decided to delve a little further into the world of artist Adam Pratt. The Massachusetts based toy designer/customiser has produced a number of amazing pieces over the years, but it wasn’t until the formation of Halfbad Toyz back in November of last year that his work gained the recognition it deserved- quickly shooting him and his team to the top of the ‘indie’ art toy scene.

(A selection of Adam Pratt’s custom work for Ted Terranova’s Rivet Wars 2011)

Working on several successful projects including the FOEZ line, Fruit Fighters, and the original Captain Plastic mini, Halfbad disbanded at the end of July, leaving Adam to focus on his solo toy projects, collaborations, and customs. His recent work has included a number of keshi (rubber mini-figures, made popular in the mid 80’s) kit-bashes, the aforementioned Rivet Wars customs, several limited run resin casts, and an as-yet unrevealed collaborative toy sculpt.

FOEZ Line, 2011

(Skekiltor- FOEZ, Halfbad Toyz- Art and Design Steven Patt 2011)

“Skekiltor, The Mace of Hades was once a virtuous knight, but was corrputed by an evil shaman. In a harrowing evil ritual, he was changed from a knight to the monster you see today. His mace was fused to his arm so his weapon will never leave his side.”

(Podiagon- FOEZ, Halfbad Toyz- Art and Design Steven Patt 2011)

“Podiagon was a humanoid once, but ill fortune befell him after diving into the ocean on his planet. He did not see the evil symbiotic organism in the water, and as he dove in he was stuck, and the organism used his DNA to form Podiagon. All that is left now of the host is his feet, sticking out the top of the intelligent and evil mass.”

So, even with the goodbye to Halfbad earlier in the year, Adam has been making some serious headway in establishing himself as one to watch in the growingly saturated art toy scene. We were lucky enough to catch some time with the man himself last week to discuss toys, influences and future plans- we hope you enjoy!

(Captain Plastic, Adam Pratt 2011)

First off, information on your work is pretty scarce, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? Any highlights from your career so far?

Well, Halfbad Toyz was my first foray into the designer toy scene. My buddies Alex and Ahren came on board when I started customizing toys this time last year. Before that I had never done any toy customs. I come from a miniature and garage kit background for painting and modelling.

Halfbad Toyz had a very good run, we put out some very popular figures includign Skekiltor (sculpted by Steven Patt) and our Fruit Fighters mini figure line. I decided that I wanted to explore the different avenues of my art, and so I made the choice to end Halfbad Toyz on an upnote. It had a great run, and I think it was the right thing to do.

My background, as I mentioned, was purely a miniature and resin model kit painter. I worked for Games Workshop for many years, and still do commission work for miniature painters and private collectors. My father started teaching me to paint when I was eight, and I really think my experience has given me a very unique “look” to my customs and original pieces.

I currently live in the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts, the environment here is very supportive of the arts, and our local gallery (FOE Gallery) has been awesome in working with us and supporting the designer toy movement.

One of the highlights that stands out for me is the relase of our Skekiltor figure. It was designed, sculpted, cast, painted and distributed all on our own, out of pocket. We had no idea really how to do it, and it was a fairly big success for us. We were humbled by the response from the community. It felt good to be able to offer a fairly priced, really cool toy.

(Kinkeshi customs, Adam Pratt)

Where does your love of toys stem? You’ve worked with the classic kinkeshi figures (and Onell Designs’ similar creations) on numerous occasions, did the rubber miniatures feature heavily in your childhood?

My father was an antique dealer for almost thirty years, and I grew up playing with Marx toy soldiers and Auburn rubber cars. I have always had a love and appreciation for toys, but as an adult I really focus on the pop culture aspect of them.

The small rubber and plastic figures were not big in my toy collection as a kid, I was a Transformers kind of guy. However, because of my extensive background in miniature painting, the first customs I did were the smaller rubber figures. It seemed natural to transition to them, and it just kind of stuck. I have a healthy following that collects my customs, and I really enjoy painting them.

The Glyos figures are, in my opinion, one of the best desgined toys ever created. They are affordable, fun, well made and are the perfect platform for customizers. I enjoyed painting and customizeing every single Glyos I have done, and I will continue to do them as long as those toys are being made.

(Glyos by Onell Designs- Adam Pratt Customs)

What artists/toy designers have inspired you in your work. Is there anyone you follow in particular?

I have spent the past year really looking at other artists work. I have to say that I am constantly inspired by the community as a whole. Everyone is doing their own thing, but this past year guys like Ted Terranova from Rivet Wars and Motorbot have really got me thinking and brainstorming.

I try to give everyone their due. Something that I really can’t stand is the “rockstar” mentality of some of the toy artists. I am a really humble person, and I just do what I do.   I want people to like my toys and customs, and take them for what they are. I am just a vehicle for wherever creativity comes from.

(Big Muscamoot by Chris Ryniak, Adam Pratt custom)

What plans do you have for the future? You’ve been doing quite a bit of casting recently, have you ever considered working on a full series of original toys?

The future looks very rad. I have a resin toy coming out in a week or so that has been the product of a collaboration with artist and designer Vanessa Ramirez. I can’t talk too much about it, but we will be releasing the info and first photos very soon.

I plan on coming out with a line of fantasy resin figures, I am working on the sculpts now, and a couple of “lowbrow” releases as well. I really like the pop culture homages (bootlegs if you like) and I will continue to offer those.

As far as more mini figures, I still would like to offer the Fruit Fighters again. They need a re-tooling, and some cosmetic changes.

Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone who supports my work! It humbles me every time someone likes something enough to purchase it, I really appreciate it.

(Fruit Fighters- Halfbad Toyz/Adam Pratt 2011)