Cool Hunting

If you haven’t given Android 8 a peek yet, do so, it’s a must see. It’s a new online store featuring limited edition and designer work by people like Brendan Monroe, Luke Chueh and Rustboy. It’s all run by a very young and entrepreneurial east coaster— and that hits close to home. I love to hear about young folks, like myself, doing what they love on their own. I got a chance to shoot the shit with Glen, the owner of Android 8, and it was a lot of fun.

Interview after the jump.

Cool Hunting: What's up with the name, Android 8?

Android 8: Android comes from my producer name. I liked the concept of a robot with human characteristics. I was trying to create electronic music with a human element. So I thought it just made sense. And 8 is my lucky number.

CH: What were your first comics?

A8: My first comics were Nomad, Punisher, and Ren and Stimpy.

CH: When did you come up with the idea for the store, and why?

A8: I came up with the idea for the store because I was not happy with the vinyl toys on the market. I saw so many possibilities for amazing toys that were just not being tapped into. I was bored with the same old stuff. I wanted to produce toys with some of my personal favorite artists.

CH: Who are your favorite artists? And who are your favorite toy designers?

A8: My favorite artists include Brendan Monroe, Henry Darger, Barry McGee, Roy Lichtenstein, Jean Michael Basquiat, Masamune Shirow, etc. My favorite toy designers have not produced toys, but will soon. Brendan Monroe, Luke Chueh, Brian Taylor, Joshua Ellingson, to name a few. But I really respect and admire the work of Mars-1, Tokyoplastic, Unklbrand, etc

CH: Who is your favorite super-hero?

A8: I don't really like the concept of superheroes. (Laughing) I'd say Milhouse. I'm not a huge comics guy. I'm more into art. Illustration, painting, and sculpture.

CH: What's your vision for Android 8, where do you see it going in the future?

A8: My vision for Android 8 is to take designer vinyl to the next level. I'm trying to connect the art world with the toy world. I really want to promote the artists that have inspired me and by promoting them, it will be my way of thanking them for their work.

CH: Where do you store all your toys? They must be stuck in every corner of your room...

A8: My room is overflowing at this point with merchandise. Believe it or not, my collection is quite small.

CH: Thanks Glen, good luck anything else you'd like to add?

A8: I do not think there are any limitations with Android 8. I want to pursue the production of other designer products; functional items that are fun in the way that toys are. I also feel that Android 8 is like my extended family. All of the artists that I've been in contact with have really made me feel like my vision is pure and true.

Thanks Glen!