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We are thrilled to kick off 2024 by introducing the heavyweight pop art illustration master, Joe Simko! Joe Simko's creations are truly unique, with imaginative and unrestrained compositions and colors. He has collaborated with TOPPS, creating a series of astonishing works for the trading card series Garbage Pail Kids.
In 2011, he launched his exclusive "Cereal Killers" card series. The first wave of the Cereal Killers sticker card series combined children's beloved cereals with various famous movie elements, and with Joe Simko's playful approach, he repeatedly reinterpreted them into novel, amusing, and mind-blowing images!
As a celebrity featured on Wikipedia, one must possess a certain level of influence and recognition. Joe Simko is also one of the few creators we've interviewed who has a Wikipedia entry, demonstrating the significant position his work holds in the pop art world. Without further ado, let's uncover the creative secrets of this master!
Toy People: Why did you choose the path of painting, and could you introduce us to your career?
Joe: Certainly. I've been drawing for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the 1980s in America, my biggest artistic influences came from Saturday morning cartoons and the art on breakfast cereal boxes. When I was 5 or 6 years old, I would sit in front of the TV and draw the animated characters from the screen onto endless sheets of paper. I had a strong fondness for the vibrant colors and bright imagery of these cartoons, and it truly influenced who I wanted to become as a person and an artist.
My strong passion for art, and especially cartoons, led me to study comics and cartoons at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, New York. Now, I have a rich artistic career in both cartoons and illustration. I am currently an official writer/artist for the Topps Garbage Pail Kids (GPK) trading card series. I am also part of the development team for the HBO Max animated series adaptation of GPK. Additionally, I design artwork for rock bands, create children's books, graphic novels, and various illustrations for different companies.
Toy People: Your works are full of grotesque, mischievous, and highly imaginative elements. Why do you particularly favor these elements, and what works or environmental factors influenced the development of your artistic style?
Joe: Somehow, I've always been drawn to grotesque art. It's more exciting to me. I'm the oldest of three brothers, and I was the only one in the family who liked to draw. I made friends in school who also liked alternative art. My friends and I explored all sorts of horror movies and comics. I also collected Garbage Pail Kids trading cards when they first launched in 1985. I was only ten years old when I collected GPK back then. So, I'm always amazed that I had the opportunity to be invited to create new GPK cards when I grew up.
Toy People: Your painting style is very wild and unrestrained. Are you personally a wild and uninhibited person? What methods do you use to spark creative inspiration?
Joe: I try to maintain a highly energized mental state. Especially by drawing the greatest exciting energy from life. When I get tired of one type of art creation, I look for something even more exciting to do than the last. My artistic inspiration comes from the world around me, music, movies, and my past nostalgic influences, most of which come from 1980s pop culture.
Toy People: Could you share with us your early works, especially those that hold special meaning or had a significant influence on you?
Joe: I apologize, but I don't have any of my childhood artwork on hand at the moment.
My earliest works were influenced by the cartoons I watched in the 80s, my favorite cereals, and comic books. Even Garbage Pail Kids!
Growing up in the 80s, I watched almost every cartoon. So I'm sure, for better or worse, all those early animated shows have somehow integrated into my work. For example, Ralph Bakshi (Wizards, Mighty Mouse, Cool World), Don Bluth (Dragon’s Lair), John Kricfalusi (Ren and Stimpy), Bob Clampett (Beany and Cecil), as well as Tex Avery and Chuck Jones (Looney Tunes) were all works I greatly admired.
Recently, my current favorite cereal brand is Frankberry. I love the theme of the monster cereal mascots. This is definitely a source of inspiration for my art and upcoming creations.
Horror films and comics have always been an important part of my life. I'm particularly fascinated by non-mainstream films. My taste in horror films has changed since I was a teenager. When I was young, the more sensational and extreme, the better, but now I prefer to look for a good mystery thriller. For me, each decade has some outstanding horror film masterpieces, which I've compiled below to share with everyone:
1970s
The Exorcist, Carrie, Halloween, Suspiria, Alien, Hausu (aka House)
1980s
The Lost Boys, Pet Sematary, The Shining, Evil Dead II, Bad Taste, They Live, Fright Night, Fright Night 2, Creepshow, Creepshow 2, Poltergeist, Christ Book, Christine, and the entire Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Also, any other independent and mainstream horror films released in the 80s, as this was the decade I watched the most horror films.
1990s
Scream, Dracula, Thinner, Superspeed Demon Hero 2, Dead Alive
2000s
Trick 'r Treat, Martyrs, Identity, Drag Me To Hell, The House of the Devil
2010s
Gerald’s Game, Get Out, Happy Death Day, Happy Death Day 2U
2020s (So Far)
"Barbarian," "Malignant," "No One Will Save You," "Totally Killer"
My favorite comics have deeply influenced my work, such as anything from Vaughn Bode, "Cry For Dawn," the great short stories from Warren Publishing's Creepy and Eerie comic magazines, and Sam Keith's "The Maxx." During my teenage years, I was also greatly influenced by the art and writing in MAD Magazine.
Toy People: During your creative process, do you have any special rituals, such as environment, music, or workspace, that help your work flow more smoothly? What kind of environment do you prefer to create in? Can you share details about your studio environment?
Joe: I have a studio set up in my apartment in New York City. While working, I watch all sorts of TV shows and movies. I often joke that the hardest part of starting the workday is finding a show to put on TV.
Toy People: Among your countless creations, could you introduce your favorite works? Why do you recommend these pieces?
Joe: That's a tough question to answer. All my works hold special meaning to me, connected to a specific moment or place in my life. The Garbage Pail Kids cereal art I was involved with is definitely one of my top three. Besides all the GPK work I've done, I'm most proud of some of my personal creations, such as the Sweet Rot book series, Craniacs, which is a brand new IP that's really gaining traction, and a new (yet-to-be-announced) graphic novel series currently in development, planned for a 2025 release!
Toy People: MADBALL is a classic toy with a cult following, even honored in the movie "Ready Player One" with multiple Easter egg appearances. Recent news indicates you will be collaborating with MADBALL on new works. Could you share the origin of your collaboration with MADBALL and any memorable collaborative projects?
Joe: Oh yes, Madballs were a great "gross-out" toy of the 80s! Just as popular as Garbage Pail Kids. Therefore, a GPK x Madballs crossover was a perfect match. My collaboration with Madballs began with a licensing agreement between the Garbage Pail Kids brand and Cloudco, the company that owns the Madballs rights.
I think my favorite piece of Madballs/GPK art was when James Groman, the original creator/designer of Madballs, and I collaborated on a single-scene poster depicting Madballs and GPK characters facing off in a battle. James drew the Madballs side on the left, while I drew the GPK side on the right. Afterward, I designed a series of Madballs vs. Garbage Pail Kids comic book covers. I also created concept design sketches for the GPK x Madballs crossover toys.
Toy People: It's well-known that you participated in the creation of world-renowned trading cards like "Garbage Pail Kids" and "Cereal Killers." What motivated you to get involved in these projects, and why do you particularly love these cards? What special significance does this long-term collaboration hold for you?
Joe:Working on the illustrations for Garbage Pail Kids is a dream job I never imagined. I used to collect these cards, and to have the opportunity to create new GPK cards as an adult is a blessing on my artistic journey.
The "Cereal Killers" card series, which I created, was also influenced by my childhood. I grew up in a family with a loving father who allowed my brothers and me to eat those fun, sugary cereals.
Those colorful cereal box designs and sweet grain flavors have always stayed in my mind. "Cereal Killers" is a satirical card series that combines popular cereal brands with iconic horror films. The "Cereal Killers" card sets are sold in the form of mini cereal box parodies, and anyone interested can purchase them through my company, Wax-Eye.com.
Toy People:Do you collect toys? Could you share some of your treasured collections with us?
Joe:I'm thrilled to own all the original GPK series boxes from 1985 to 1988, complete with card packs. I also love my GPK Funko series (Garbage Pail Kids Funko 2.5-Inch Vinyl Mini-Figures).
When I was young, my favorite toys to collect were Transformers and He-Man. But I want to specifically mention that, although I know it's not a toy, I was obsessed with MAD Magazine during my teenage years~!
Toy People:Besides creating, do you have any other hobbies or interests?
Joe:I enjoy watching all kinds of movies, spending time with my family, and occasionally collecting a cereal box or two... or a hundred~!
Toy People:This time, you've created a brand new piece for toy collectors. Could you share the inspiration and behind-the-scenes details of this work?
Joe:For this special "TOYPEOPLE ATTACK" painting, I tried to pay homage to classic toys and collectors. The toys in the image are not actual real-world products, but rather archetypes that I tried to honor. After receiving the initial direction for the commission, I first sketched a concept in pencil, and once the direction was confirmed, I colored it using acrylic paints.
Toy People:We will be revealing this artwork to everyone soon, so please stay tuned!
Fans who wish to learn more about Joe Simko are welcome to check out the links below!
→ Facebook : Joe Simko
→ Instagram: joesimko_nyc
→ TikTok: joesimko_nyc
Toy People:Finally, could you please share with us, "What are toys to you?"
>> Lottery Sale Information Revealed: Joe Simko × Toy People 'TOY PEOPLE ATTACK !' Autographed Poster