The Bugg Report recently interviewed veteran Toy Designer Aaron Tompkins of Toe Design to discuss his extensive history with the enduring Star Wars franchise, exploring his experiences in collecting, designing, and pitching new concepts over the years. Recognizing Star Wars as a continuously evolving and fascinating phenomenon that has stood the test of time, the interview delves into Tompkins’s unique insights, accompanied by amazing images of some of his favorite collectibles.
What’s you first memory of Star Wars?
Like most kids growing up in the 1970s, I was influenced by Star Wars. My first memory is of my dad buying me a Star Wars X-Wing fighter from K-Mart at the mall.
How did you get into collecting?
I started collecting toys in the 80s and we would go to garage sales and flea markets, looking for Star Wars toys. They were everywhere, often selling for 10 cents each. I bought as many as I could.
Do you remember any rare finds?
I grew up in a Sears town, and Sears sold the elusive Creature Cantina playset that included the exclusive “Blue Snaggletooth.” I was lucky enough to find two of them while collecting. I still remember paying $14 for a Creature Cantina with a Blue Snaggletooth inside!
How did collecting lead you to design?
By 1998, I was working as a professional toy inventor. At the time, my agent Andrew Bergman had a relationship with Galoob, who were making Star Wars Micro Machines. I was contracted to invent 30 Star Wars concepts and then fly to California to pitch them. All of the concepts were hand-drawn—this was before computers were common in design.
Aaron, you work on many great projects, have you worked on any Star Wars concepts more recently that you can tell us about?
Yes, actually. Just last year, I worked on a handful of innovations for a concept submission to Hasbro for Star Wars. Like most toy inventions, they didn’t make it to market, but the opportunity to pitch Star Wars concepts is always fun.
What does Star Wars mean to you as a designer who work on toys?
Star Wars is the best, and I’d assume every toy designer has been touched by it in some way. I encourage everyone to work on Star Wars at least once in their life. And who knows—even you! If you have a Star Wars idea, I’d be happy to draw it up for you.
Thanks for reading — Aaron
This article also appeared in Edition 51 of The Bugg Report Magazine
