Father Steve Interview

NQ- I want to start by asking, how have you been? How has the year treated you? 

I’m good, this year has been challenging in fun ways. New stuff to figure out, new ideas, and things I want to do. It all unfolds slowly. 

NQ- For those unaware of who you are and what you do, could you fill them in? 

I’m a toy designer, 

NQ- This question has been on my mind ever since I first viewed your work. And I know it’s probably a question you get a lot, but why the mouse? More specifically, what does it symbolize for you? 

T: So it's your second Third time being out here at Complex, how do you feel this time around?

SS: It’s fun, I love doing it, I love doing something in real life. Like a storefront or a pop-up, it’s amazing to see people. I sell stuff online all the time, so it’s a nice switch-up.

T: I feel you, I get what you mean. Would you ever do a Father Steve flagship store down the line?

SS: If it makes sense, yeah. I would like to do more pop-ups and see how it works first, but yeah, I think my stuff displayed in person is the best way to see it and experience it.

NQ- In my opinion, this past year or two have been really big for you in terms of the world-building being done through the new range of products you've been releasing. From your various clothing collections to collectible figurines, trading cards, shoes, and much more. What has the journey been like when stepping into some of these new mediums?

T: What’re some new additions to the space this year? (complexcon 2022)

SS: Same booth style as always. New 3-foot mouse in the window over there. We have sneakers this time, in stock instead of pre-order finally. “VILLAGE” the trading card game, is available. “Series 3”. We have the “ASSPIZZA Blind-box series”. We have more home goods like tabletop trays, incense holders, and beanies... There's just a lot more stuff this year compared to last year.

T: Looks like it! Let’s talk more about sneakers. What was the process behind making those?

SS: I just wanted to make a shoe that I would personally wear, that’s how I approach anything I work on. 

T: Out of everything on display today, what is your favorite item and why?

SS: I think “VILLAGE” is the coolest because it's a fully playable game. The “BLIND BOX TOYS” are my favorite project to work on because I get to collaborate with friends.

NQ- I wanted to know what sparked your interest in creating a card game like “Village”?

NQ- Do you enjoy playing any other card games?  

NQ- Can you tell us a bit about what you have planned next for “Village”? New Booster boxes? 

NQ- You’ve recently released your “BLIND-BOX” #3, making this your fourth “BLIND-BOX” released so far under your umbrella of collectible figurines. I understand “BLIND-BOX”  #3  featured some mice figurines designed by artists and friends such as Cian Moore, Asspizza, Imran Potato, W.T Tyler (Billy Hill) and the Working on Dying collective to name a few. How was the process of curating this series compared to the previous collections? 

NQ- Fortunately I've been lucky enough to get my hands on all four “BLIND-BOX” Collections that you've released so far, and my favorite one out of the four has to be the Blind-Box you released with Asspizza. How did the collaboration come to be ?

NQ- Is there anyone you're planning on collaborating with in the future for another Blind Box? Or would like to?

T: Out of all the “BLIND-BOX” series, which one is your favorite?

SS: 

Series one, because it's the original that birthed it all.

Series three has the most variety, and I got to work with a lot of my friends on it. 

NQ- One product that I can't wait to receive is the Time Traveler wristwatch. Do you have any other plans to implement your work into different kinds of tech? 

NQ- As I stated before, the growing range of products that you have released over the past few years has really shown us what you can do. I wanted to ask you personally, which products do you enjoy making the most when it comes to implementing your artwork? 

 NQ- What are your hopes for the future of your work? Anything we should keep in mind?

T: Anybody you’re excited to see today at Complex?

SS: Dertbag, sevensevenseven, Mr. Mitch Modes, Verdy stuff is sick! There are many more, but I cannot think of them all at the moment because I am sleepy. I need an ice-cold soda to wake me up. Love to everyone here and in the world.