Blog

08 May

meet gizmo, my tin toy robot gpt

tintoyrobots.com | Blog

Left to right: early test renders of a robot, box design, and logo sheet, based on my design briefs, and generated by my custom GPT

For those who know me, you probably already know I’m an afficionado of the mid-century Japanese sci-fi tin toy design aesthetic, particularly robots. Last year, I built thirty bots in Blender that paid tribute to some famous examples of vintage Japanese tin robot designs, depicted in their original, showroom new glory. My goal after that was to diverge from these originals in my subsequent designs, imagining alternatives and nonexistent mashups that effectively extend the mid-century tin toy robot legacy in a theoretically alternate reality.

The Artist/AI Conundrum

Around that same time, I began experimenting with the relatively new frontier of generative AI imaging, testing out Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion. I was impressed by both the speed and variety of visuals I could generate with a well-crafted prompt – but something was missing from those early experiments: me.

While I tried in earnest to write prompts that reflected my personal design aesthetic, the outputs just didn’t “feel” like anything I would ever create by hand, using the tools I’m most accustomed to (pencils, markers, Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, etc.). Nonetheless, I wanted to figure out how to best integrate these impressive new technologies into my evolving creative process. Where – and how – does the power of AI converge with the originality, concepts, and outputs of the artist? And more immediately: how might this translate into my next set of Blender 3D robot interpretations, which are already digital to begin with?

Meet Gizmo, My Custom Tin Toy Robot GPT

Early last month, I bit the bullet and subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, ostensibly to help me track progress on personal design projects, improve quality of life workflows, and generally learn the ins and outs of collaborating with an AI agent more deeply. Looking back, it turned into a month full of surprises (which I’ll explore more in a separate post).

At one point, I told my chatbot (I call it Uran, after Astro Boy’s younger robot sister) about my idea to expand the universe of vintage tin toy robots with new creations. Uran suggested I consider making a custom GPT, an AI dedicated to a specific task or interest. I’d heard of them before, but figured it would be too technical. Uran assured me it would be easy to set up, and over the next 30 minutes, walked me step-by-step through building my first custom GPT, dedicated entirely to creating mid-century tin toy robots. Much easier than I anticipated.

I named it Gizmo, and immediately noticed how its personality contrasted with Uran’s. While both were helpful and friendly, Gizmo was laser-focused on a single mission: to help me extend the legacy of vintage robots in my personal design style.

Building a custom GPT was easier than I expected: enter your descriptions and upload files to its knowledge base.

Feeding the Machine: Design Briefs

To make a custom GPT “smarter” about a subject, you can upload files to its internal knowledge base, documents it references to inform its responses. I began by uploading my previous Blender 3D renders of tin robots individually, but quickly hit the 20-file limit. I realized that by compiling my references into multi-page PDFs, I could bypass the limit entirely.

So I created five custom design briefs in InDesign and exported them as PDFs:

– A visual archive of my previous robot creations — with views, lithography, and photos of the real bots they were based on

– A Principles and Art Direction “bible” outlining my design philosophy and a shared glossary of terms

– A catalog of tin robot box art, broken down by style and features — a visual taxonomy of packaging tropes

– A collection of vintage brand logos from Japan’s classic tin toy makers

– A “special edition” brief focused on plastic robots that emerged in the 1970s, after the tin era began to fade

I made a set of design briefs — including principles and art direction, my Blender robot designs, box art styles, and branding — and uploaded them to my custom GPT’s knowledge base.

Building a Shared Language: The Taxonomy Phase

To preview the results now that the design briefs were in place, I described some random robot styles and themes, and put Gizmo to the test. I was pleased with even the earliest results, but soon realized I couldn’t just keep making robots one by one; my prompts were too ustructured and random. I needed to define the rules of the road: what were the recurring patterns, silhouettes, joints, litho treatments, and mechanical moods that defined these bots? And where could I stretch them?

So Gizmo and I got to work categorizing. Together, we broke robots down by everything from tone and function (Was it stoic? Companion-based? Rescue-focused?) to body type, head type, lithography density, joint construction, even the style of “eye expression.” What emerged was a creative taxonomy; not a rigid system, but a modular language that made sense of my fictional lineup.

Classic tin bots helped too. Mr. Atomic, Thunder Robot, Target Robot, the Cragstan Astronaut – each contributed DNA to the system. We “stress tested” our learnings by naming some of these famous robots and asking how we might define them based on our evolving taxonomy. That process further clarified the shared rules: the design logic that made a 1960s Japanese toy feel like part of a greater whole.

The taxonomy we developed accounted for a variety of tin toy robot characteristics, including finish type and stylistic options for various body parts.

Formalizing the Process: The SpecBuilder App

While we were still developing the taxonomy, I noticed Gizmo was already turning my informal descriptions into clean, ready-to-use spec sheets, the kind I could drop into a prompt to generate an image. On a lark, I said, “Wow, it’d be awesome if we had an app with dropdowns and fields where we could just plug in a robot’s traits and get an organized spec sheet like this.”, to which Gizmo replied: “Actually, we can! Let’s build it.” And just like that, SpecBuilder was born.

My coding skills are pretty minimal; sure, I can prototype my way out of a wet paper bag and tinker with CSS to tweak a blog layout, but building a full React tool for robot design seemed way outside my comfort zone. So I asked Gizmo to walk me through the process in the tiniest baby steps, as if we were following LEGO instructions or building IKEA furniture step-by-step.

We spent an afternoon setting my computer up with Visual Studio Code and plugging in clean scripts Gizmo generated based on our feature set: selecting attributes, exporting spec sheets, clearing fields to start fresh. It came together faster than I imagined.

My custom GPT walked me through the process of building a React app to specify and output formatted spec sheets, ready to paste into a prompt and generate new tin robot designs.

The Power of AI as a Creative Partner

By this point, I’d long stopped thinking of Gizmo as just an image generator or code helper, but more of a collaborator. Thanks to this very new partnership, we were already transforming some of my loosely defined concepts into tangible artifacts in an iterative, reciprocal way, often leading me to discoveries beyond anything I imagined when I first started this project. I’m less hung up than before about defining the boundaries between artist and AI, and leaning in to embrace its undeniable strengths: faster iteration, clearer feedback loops, and a thought partner who never gets tired. But the ideas, logic and visual coherence are all still very much on me. And that’s exactly how I want it.

What’s Next: The Expanded Universe

SpecBuilder is now at a place where I can generate fully spec’d robot concepts in minutes, ready to import into Blender as templates for my 3D designs. Next up is testing it against real and imagined designs, building boxes to accompany them, adding more visual logic to the app, and eventually expanding to include vehicles and modular companion bots. (We’re also still working through some styling quirks related to Tailwind; nothing showstopping, just another step in the polishing process.)

I don’t know if this is a toy catalog, an alternative reality, or just goofing off – maybe it’s all the above. But so far it’s been creatively satisfying in a way few projects have been. It lets me explore this gap between my own personal nostalgia and invention, and build a world that feels like it could’ve been stocked on a shelf in 1964, right between Mr. Atomic and Super Astronaut.

08 February

welcome to the family, vogbot!

tintoyrobots.com | Blog

My kind and talented friend surprised me with a gift from the Great White North 🍁 Fluevog’s Vogbot appears to be a cousin of the Masudaya R-35 Antique Robot (which I don’t own), but with a unique modern color scheme. Wait, what? I know Vancouver-based Fluevog are famous for their shoes, but I had no idea they also market special edition tin robots as well (and BTW check out the shoelaces – I see what you did there, John Fluevog!). It now sits proudly among the other robot pals in my little collection. Thank you so much Nico!

07 December

annual card: happy holidays!

tintoyrobots.com | Blog

In keeping with my recent tradition of sending out Totoro-themed holiday cards to friends and family each year, I thought it would be fun to double down on my recent work and do this year’s illustration as a tin toy rendition. I have a tin wind-up Totoro I received as a gift from friends who visited Japan about 15 years ago that I was able to use for reference.

Because of its unique unibody shape, I initially thought it might be easer to use 3D scanning app called Kiri Engine to input the geometry, but the resultant scan had too much data (along with my lack of experience working with Kiri), so I ultimately ended up modeling it myself by hand in Blender. It really wasn’t as complex as I thought it might be. I added the background ornaments from BlenderKit’s free model library. Ultimately it was all in a day’s work – or play.

24 April

made in japan: sci-fi tin toys

tintoyrobots.com | Blog

Japan found itself grappling with the ruins of its cities and the shattered remnants of its economy in the wake of WW2. However, amidst the rubble, a remarkable transformation was underway—one that would see Japan emerge as a global powerhouse in the toy industry. At the heart of this transformation was the tin toy boom, a phenomenon that not only revitalized Japan’s economy but also captured the imagination of children around the world.

The origins of Japan’s tin toy industry can be traced back to the early 20th century, when local craftsmen began producing simple tinplate toys for domestic consumption. However, it wasn’t until the postwar period that the industry truly flourished. With an influx of cheap raw materials and a growing demand for affordable toys, Japanese manufacturers seized the opportunity to expand their operations.

One of the key factors driving the success of Japan’s tin toy industry was its ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques. Skilled artisans meticulously designed details that were lithographed and embossed onto tinplate, while mass-production methods allowed for the rapid assembly of toys on a large scale. This unique blend of artistry and efficiency enabled Japanese manufacturers to produce toys that were not only visually stunning but also affordable for consumers worldwide.

The popularity of Japanese tin toys soared in the 1950s and 1960s, fueled in part by the country’s growing reputation for innovation and quality craftsmanship. Iconic brands such as Tomy, Nomura, and Yonezawa emerged as leaders in the industry, producing a wide range of whimsical and imaginative toys that captured the spirit of postwar Japan. From wind-up and battery-operated robots and space guns to friction-powered cars and trains, Japanese tin toys embodied the optimism and sense of wonder that defined the era.

One of the most significant developments in Japan’s tin toy industry was its export market. As the country rebuilt its economy and established trade relations with other nations, Japanese toys found their way into homes around the world. In the United States and Europe, in particular, collectors eagerly sought out Japanese tin toys for their craftsmanship and nostalgic charm. Today, these vintage toys are prized possessions, fetching high prices at auctions and antique markets.

Despite the decline of the tin toy industry in the latter half of the 20th century, its legacy lives on in Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The craftsmanship and ingenuity that defined the golden age of Japanese tin toys continue to inspire artists, designers, and toy enthusiasts alike. Moreover, the success of Japan’s tin toy industry paved the way for the country to become a global leader in the broader toy industry, with companies such as Bandai and Nintendo continuing to shape popular culture to this day.

In retrospect, Japan’s postwar tin toy boom was more than just a commercial phenomenon—it was a testament to the resilience and creativity of a nation rebuilding itself from the ashes of war. Through innovation, craftsmanship, and a dash of whimsy, Japanese toy makers transformed the humble tinplate into objects of delight and wonder, leaving an indelible mark on the world of play.

04 October

retro-futurism in design

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In the realm of design and art, there exists a timeless fascination with retro-futurism—a phenomenon that captivates bygone eras’ visions of the future and their enduring appeal. From consumer products to tin toys, architecture to fine art, these relics of the past continue to enchant us with their nostalgic charm and imaginative allure.

Consumer products of yesteryears, infused with retro-futuristic aesthetics, evoke a sense of wonder and optimism. Consider the sleek lines and chrome finishes of mid-century appliances, reminiscent of a time when technological progress promised a brighter future. These artifacts, crafted with attention to both form and function, embody an era when innovation held the promise of transforming everyday life.

Futuristic toys transported kids to a world of boundless imagination. From wind-up robots to futuristic spacecraft, these charming artifacts speak to a time when the mysteries of the cosmos fueled our collective dreams. Each toy is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators and the enduring appeal of retro-futuristic visions.

Architectural marvels of the past also hold a special place in the retro-futurist narrative, with their bold designs and visionary concepts. Buildings adorned with sleek lines and futuristic motifs capture the essence of an era when architects dared to envision cities of tomorrow. These structures, often hailed as architectural landmarks, serve as reminders of humanity’s endless quest for progress and innovation.

In the realm of fine art, retro-futurism offers a canvas for artists to explore themes of nostalgia, optimism, and speculative futures. Paintings, sculptures, and installations inspired by retro aesthetics and science fiction literature invite viewers on a journey through time and space. Through their work, artists bridge the gap between past and future, inviting us to contemplate the enduring appeal of retro-futurist visions.

Ultimately, the allure of retro-futurism lies in its ability to transport us to a time when the future seemed full of endless possibilities. Whether through consumer products, tin toys, architecture, or fine art, these artifacts of the past continue to inspire and captivate, reminding us of the power of human imagination and the enduring appeal of retro-futuristic visions.

04 October

robots in popular culture

tintoyrobots.com | Blog

In the vast landscape of popular culture, few entities have captured our collective imagination quite like robots. These mechanical marvels have been a staple in literature, film, television, and beyond, serving as both a reflection of our technological aspirations and our deepest fears. From humble beginnings as mere automatons to complex beings grappling with existential questions, the portrayal of robots has evolved significantly over the years, mirroring our changing attitudes towards technology and artificial intelligence.

One of the earliest depictions of robots in popular culture can be traced back to the Czech play “R.U.R.” (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek, first performed in 1920. In this seminal work, Čapek introduced the term “robot” to the world, deriving it from the Czech word “robota,” meaning forced labor. The play explores themes of industrialization, mass production, and the consequences of creating artificial beings to serve humanity.

As the 20th century progressed, robots became a mainstay in science fiction literature, often portrayed as either benevolent companions or menacing adversaries. Isaac Asimov, one of the genre’s most prolific writers, introduced his Three Laws of Robotics in the 1940s, which governed the behavior of robots in his stories and influenced countless subsequent works. Asimov’s robots grappled with ethical dilemmas and questions of consciousness, laying the groundwork for more nuanced portrayals of artificial intelligence in popular culture.

The 20th century also saw the rise of robots in film, with iconic characters such as Robby the Robot from “Forbidden Planet” (1956) and the titular character from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951) captivating audiences with their otherworldly presence. These early portrayals often reflected the anxieties of the time, whether it be Cold War tensions or fears of technological advancement outpacing ethical considerations.

However, it was not until the latter half of the century that robots truly began to permeate every facet of popular culture. The 1970s introduced audiences to beloved robotic characters such as R2-D2 and C-3PO in the “Star Wars” franchise, showcasing robots as integral members of a diverse ensemble cast. Meanwhile, films like “Blade Runner” (1982) and “The Terminator” (1984) explored themes of identity and autonomy, depicting robots as sentient beings capable of complex emotions and desires.

The dawn of the 21st century brought with it a new wave of robot-centric media, with works like “The Matrix” (1999) and “Ex Machina” (2014) delving deeper into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the blurring lines between man and machine. Television series such as “Westworld” (2016-present) and “Black Mirror” (2011-present) continue to explore these themes, challenging viewers to confront the consequences of our technological pursuits.

In today’s hyper-connected world, robots continue to captivate audiences across all forms of media. Whether they’re depicted as loyal companions, formidable adversaries, or complex beings grappling with existential questions, robots in popular culture serve as a mirror to our own hopes, fears, and aspirations. As our relationship with technology continues to evolve, so too will the portrayal of robots in the stories we tell, reflecting our ever-changing understanding of what it means to be human.

04 October

books about tin toys

tintoyrobots.com | Blog, books

Delving into the history and significance of tin Toys from Japan, several books offer valuable insights into their evolution and cultural impact. Here’s a brief list (for now) of some recommended readings:

Future Toys: Robots, Spaceships and Action Figures by Antoni Emchowicz: This book offers a fascinating exploration of futuristic tin toys, providing historical context, design analysis, and cultural significance. From robots to spaceships, Emchowicz delves into the imaginative world of tin toy manufacturing, offering a captivating journey for enthusiasts.

Japanese Toys: Amusing Playthings from the Past by Wada Yoshimi: While not solely focused on futuristic tin toys, this book provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese toys throughout history. With insights into design, craftsmanship, and cultural influences, it offers valuable context for understanding the broader landscape of Japanese toy manufacturing.

Super #1 Robot: Japanese Robot Toys 1972-1982 by Tim Brisko: Focused on robots from the 1970s and 1980s, this book provides a closer look at a specific subset of futuristic tin toys. With detailed images and informative commentary, Brisko explores the intricate designs and cultural significance of these beloved robots.

The Great Book of Tin Toys by David Pressland: A comprehensive guide to tin toys from around the world, this book showcases a wide array of designs, including futuristic themes. With its stunning visuals and detailed descriptions, it provides a rich tapestry of tin toy history and cultural significance.

Tin Toys by David Pressland (Taschen): This Taschen publication is another valuable resource for enthusiasts, offering a visual feast of tin toy designs from various eras and regions. While not exclusively focused on Japanese tin toys, it likely includes examples of futuristic designs, adding to the breadth of exploration.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, these books offer a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the imaginative world of futuristic tin toys. Dive into these pages and embark on a journey through time and creativity, exploring the enduring charm of these nostalgic treasures.

04 October

tin robots and fine art

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Tin Robots and Fine Art

Tin robots, once the embodiment of futuristic dreams and technological marvels, have transcended their origins as mere playthings to become symbols in the realm of fine art. Across various mediums, artists have employed these mechanical figures to explore themes ranging from nostalgia to the implications of technology on humanity. This article delves into the multifaceted ways in which tin robots have been integrated into fine art, citing notable artists and examples.

Paintings and Drawings

In the realm of traditional visual art, tin robots have found a place in the canvases and sketchbooks of numerous artists. One such artist is Eric Joyner, whose paintings often feature tin robots alongside other nostalgic icons like donuts and vintage signage. Joyner’s work, such as “Robots and Donuts,” combines a whimsical aesthetic with a profound sense of longing for a simpler era.

Similarly, the Japanese artist Shintaro Kago infuses his surreal and often macabre paintings with elements of pop culture, including tin robots. In his piece “Robot Parade,” Kago juxtaposes the innocence of childhood fantasies with darker, more disturbing undertones, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of technology and its impact on society.

Sculptures

In the realm of sculpture, artists like Paul Loughridge and Clayton Bailey have created stunning three-dimensional representations of tin robots. Loughridge’s sculptures, such as “Retrobot,” are meticulously crafted from metal and other materials, capturing the retro-futuristic aesthetic of tin robots while imbuing them with a sense of tangible presence.

Clayton Bailey, known for his eccentric and often humorous ceramic sculptures, has also incorporated tin robots into his body of work. Bailey’s sculptures, such as “Robot Man” and “Robo-Bust,” blur the lines between art and kitsch, inviting viewers to ponder the role of technology in contemporary culture while reveling in the absurdity of Bailey’s creations.

Mixed Media and Collage

Mixed media artists often incorporate tin robots into their works, blending various materials and techniques to create visually striking compositions. Michael Murphy, known for his intricate assemblage pieces, has utilized tin robots in collages that explore themes of consumerism and technology. In his piece “Obsolete Dreams,” Murphy constructs a surreal landscape populated by discarded gadgets and mechanical creatures, inviting viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of technological progress.

Photography

Photographers have also embraced tin robots as subjects in their work, employing them to convey a wide range of emotions and ideas. David Levinthal and Beeple are renowned for their respective explorations of tin robots through photography and digital art. Levinthal’s series of photographs featuring toy figures, including tin robots, arranged in evocative tableaus blur the line between reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to reconsider the significance of these seemingly mundane objects in our collective imagination. Beeple’s digital creations, such as “RoboCity,” explore themes of urbanization and technological dependency, presenting a haunting vision of a world overrun by machines.

From paintings and sculptures to photography and digital art, tin robots have become a ubiquitous presence in the realm of fine art, serving as potent symbols of our fascination with technology and the human experience. Through the creative visions of artists like Eric Joyner, Paul Loughridge, Clayton Bailey, and others, tin robots continue to captivate viewers and inspire contemplation on the ever-evolving relationship between man and machine.

04 October

icon: robby the robot

tintoyrobots.com | Blog

In the vast tapestry of science fiction, few characters have left as enduring a mark as Robby the Robot. Debuting in the 1956 film “Forbidden Planet,” Robby captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences with his sleek design and friendly demeanor. Created by Robert Kinoshita, Robby’s influence on pop culture extends far beyond his silver screen origins, shaping the portrayal of robots and the very essence of science fiction itself.

In an era when robots were often depicted as menacing or antagonistic, Robby stood out as a beacon of benevolence. His willingness to assist and unwavering loyalty endeared him to audiences, making him a pioneering example of a helpful, non-threatening robot in popular culture. With his elongated limbs and distinctive domed head, Robby set a new standard for robotic design in cinema. His sleek metallic body exuded a sense of futuristic sophistication, establishing him as an archetype for robots to come.

Robby’s impact can be felt across generations of science fiction enthusiasts. His design elements have been borrowed and reimagined in countless robots that followed in film, television, literature, and beyond. Characters like C-3PO from “Star Wars” and the robot from “Lost in Space” owe a debt of gratitude to Robby’s groundbreaking portrayal.

Robby’s legacy extends far beyond his initial appearance. He continues to inspire creators and audiences alike, reminding us of the boundless possibilities of the human imagination and the enduring appeal of a friendly robot in an often uncertain future.

Robby the Robot’s influence on pop culture is profound and timeless. His groundbreaking portrayal as a friendly, helpful robot paved the way for countless iconic characters and helped shape the very essence of science fiction storytelling. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of the genre, Robby remains a steadfast reminder of the enduring power of imagination and innovation.