About SpankyStokes.com

Independent Designer Toy News, Art Toy Culture & Creative Community Since 2008

Welcome to the Weird and Wonderful World of SpankyStokes!

Since 2008, SpankyStokes.com has been a dedicated destination for designer toy news, art toy releases, collectible figures, artist interviews, event coverage, and everything that makes the world of independent toy art so incredibly unique.

Founded by John "Spanky" Stokes, SpankyStokes.com began as a passion project fueled by a love for art, creativity, and collecting. What started as a personal outlet to share exciting discoveries in the designer toy scene has grown into an established independent news platform, connecting artists, collectors, manufacturers, and fans from around the world.

From limited-edition vinyl toys and handmade resin figures to Japanese sofubi, custom collectibles, blind boxes, and original character creations, SpankyStokes.com celebrates the artists and creative minds pushing the boundaries of what toys can be.

And after nearly two decades, that passion hasn't slowed down one bit!

Nearly Two Decades of Designer Toy News & Culture

For over 18 years, SpankyStokes.com has been documenting the evolution of the designer toy industry, sharing breaking news, exclusive reveals, product announcements, artist spotlights, convention coverage, and behind-the-scenes stories.

With over 37,000 published articles and more than 40 million page views, the website has become an extensive archive of designer toy history, capturing countless releases, collaborations, creative milestones, and emerging artistic movements.

SpankyStokes.com covers everything from established international toy manufacturers to independent artists creating their very first collectible figures. Whether it's an exciting new vinyl release, an underground sofubi drop, a Kickstarter campaign, or a one-of-a-kind custom toy, the goal has always remained the same: give creativity a platform and help incredible artists get noticed.

The site also provides firsthand coverage of major designer toy conventions, including DesignerCon and other collectible art events, bringing readers closer to the artists, booths, products, and personalities that make this community special.

Beyond the website, SpankyStokes has built a social media presence reaching collectors and art enthusiasts through Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and other platforms. From detailed toy reviews and unboxings to artist features and event walkthroughs, the mission extends well beyond written articles.

SpankyStokes.com By the Numbers

• Established in 2008 – Over 18 years of independent designer toy coverage
• 40+ Million Page Views – Reaching art toy enthusiasts worldwide
• 37,000+ Published Articles – Documenting the history and evolution of designer toys
• 3.7 Million Monthly Pinterest Views – Bringing collectible art and toy culture to a massive visual audience
• 50,000+ Facebook Followers – An established community of toy collectors and artists
• 37,000+ Instagram Followers – Sharing the latest art toy releases and discoveries
• 14,000+ X/Twitter Followers – Connecting with the global designer toy community

These milestones represent years of consistency, genuine enthusiasm, and a commitment to supporting the artists and creators who make this industry possible.

Meet John "Spanky" Stokes – The Guy Behind the Site

Behind SpankyStokes.com is John "Spanky" Stokes, a Southern California-based Senior Graphic Designer, lifelong artist, toy collector, content creator, and all-around enthusiast for anything creative, unusual, or just plain awesome.

With more than 20 years of professional graphic design experience, John has spent his career developing compelling visual identities, marketing campaigns, branding, illustrations, and creative concepts. His professional design background and love for collectible art naturally intersect, giving SpankyStokes.com a unique perspective on the artistry, craftsmanship, and creative process behind designer toys.

But SpankyStokes.com has never been just about the toys.

It's about the people who create them.

John has always believed that the story behind a collectible can be just as fascinating as the finished piece. From established artists with worldwide followings to emerging creators working out of their garages, every artist has a story worth sharing.

That belief has helped shape the site's approach to coverage: enthusiastic, approachable, supportive, and rooted in a genuine appreciation for creativity.

Outside of designer toys and graphic design, John is a dedicated husband, proud father, fitness enthusiast, and lifelong collector. Whether he's spending time with his family, hitting an early-morning CrossFit workout, designing something new, or discovering another must-have collectible, creativity and passion are always part of the equation.

Meet STROLL – The One-Eyed Monster With a Big Heart

Not all monsters are bad!

Every creative world needs a mascot, and for SpankyStokes.com, that character is STROLL, an original one-eyed yeti-inspired cryptid created by John "Spanky" Stokes.

With his shaggy off-white fur, oversized central eye, gray horns, little upward-pointing tusks, and perpetually grumpy expression, Stroll might look intimidating at first glance. But appearances can be deceiving. Behind that monster exterior is a lovable, good-natured creature with a surprisingly positive outlook on life. Stroll was created around a simple idea: don't judge someone by how they look.

Although he might appear grumpy, strange, or even a little scary, Stroll represents kindness, individuality, acceptance, and the idea that being different is something worth celebrating.

Over the years, Stroll has become an important part of the SpankyStokes identity, appearing in original artwork, merchandise, collectible toy concepts, and collaborations. From illustrated adventures and imaginative character interpretations to collectible figures and plush creations, Stroll continues to evolve while staying true to his unmistakable personality.

More than just a mascot, Stroll represents the playful creativity and welcoming spirit at the heart of SpankyStokes.com.

He's a reminder that the weird ones are often the most interesting, and sometimes the biggest monsters have the biggest hearts.

Supporting Artists. Celebrating Creativity. Building Community.

One of the driving forces behind SpankyStokes.com has always been a commitment to supporting the independent art toy community.

The designer toy world is built on imagination, experimentation, and passionate individuals who transform their ideas into tangible works of art. SpankyStokes.com exists to help amplify those voices.

Whether highlighting an independent artist's first resin figure, sharing a major manufacturer's newest collectible series, or documenting the energy of a packed convention floor, every story contributes to the larger history of this creative community.

SpankyStokes.com isn't simply about collecting toys. It's about celebrating the art, artists, and stories behind them.

What's Next for SpankyStokes.com?

After more than 18 years, thousands of articles, millions of page views, countless collectibles, and an ever-growing network of creative friends, the adventure continues.

The designer toy industry is constantly evolving, with new artists, technologies, styles, and ideas emerging every day. SpankyStokes.com remains committed to discovering what's next, sharing exciting releases, and supporting the people who keep this colorful corner of the art world thriving.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, an independent artist, a curious newcomer, or someone who simply appreciates incredible creativity, there's always room for you here.

Thanks for being part of the journey, and remember: Keep collecting, keep creating, and never stop embracing the weird!

John "Spanky" Stokes
Founder & Editor, SpankyStokes.com
Creator of STROLL
Est. 2008