Check Out Mondo Roque’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mondo Roque.

Hi Mondo, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Absolutely! My name is Armando “Mondo” Roque, and I’m a multidisciplinary artist, toy designer, and creative visionary based in Orange County, CA. I’ve always been driven by a deep love for imagination, storytelling, and the power of play.

I grew up in Anaheim in the ’80s, completely captivated by the wild, colorful worlds of Saturday morning cartoons and the quirky charm of retro toys. My family didn’t have a lot growing up, so my toy box was mostly filled with swap meet bootlegs and Happy Meal toys — and honestly, that scrappy magic left a mark. Those early experiences taught me that creativity can come from anywhere, and they still fuel the way I approach design today.

My artistic journey started in high school when I landed a job as a caricature artist at Knott’s Berry Farm. I was getting paid to draw and make people smile — I was hooked. I pursued formal training at places like Otis, Art Center, Fullerton College, and eventually got my first big break in 2007 at an inventor house called “By George Inc.”

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with major toy and entertainment companies including Strottman, Spin Master, and Super7. I’ve worked on some of the most iconic franchises out there — Star Wars, TMNT, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Thundercats, SilverHawks, Godzilla, and more — across roles from concept artist to art director to creative director. One highlight was leading development on Spin Master’s Hero Droid BB-8 — a 2/3 scale animatronic replica so authentic that the official Droid Builders Club invited me in as a member.

I also recently brought one of my own dream projects to life — a Kickstarter-funded premium vinyl robot toy that blends Japanese Super Robot aesthetics with indie art toy flair. That project let me pour everything I love into one product: design, storytelling, nostalgia, and craftsmanship.

Beyond the commercial work, I’m still a hands-on illustrator who loves drawing from imagination, building intricate characters and worlds that invite curiosity and play. Whether it’s a collector’s figure, a line drawing, or a handmade art piece, my goal is always the same: spark joy, stir memories, and bring people back to that feeling of wonder from childhood.

I’ve worn a lot of creative hats over the years — animator, graphic designer, product developer, business owner — and throughout it all, I’ve stayed focused on collaboration, mentorship, and innovation. I’m lucky to share this creative life with my wife, who’s also an illustrator, and our five incredible kids — all artists in their own ways.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that great design tells a story — and when we get it right, it becomes more than just a product. It becomes a memory.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road — but I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything. Growing up, we didn’t have much, so I learned early on to be resourceful and imaginative. My first “design critiques” were basically me playing with swap meet bootleg toys, imagining what they could’ve been if someone had cared just a little more. That scrappy creativity really shaped me.

Breaking into the art and toy world wasn’t easy either. Early in my career, I had to hustle to get noticed, often wearing multiple hats at small studios and taking on any project I could. I got my first real shot in 2007 at a company called “By George Inc.” — an inventor house where I learned to juggle concept art, product design, graphic work, and animation, all under tight deadlines and tighter budgets. It was intense, but it gave me a solid foundation.

There were also times when I questioned if I was on the right path — layoffs, projects getting canceled, big ideas hitting roadblocks. I once even found myself as a Kids’ Meal toy at Taco Bell (long story, ask me sometime!). But every twist taught me something new — about resilience, adaptability, and trusting the creative process.

One of the biggest personal challenges was launching my own passion project — a Kickstarter vinyl robot toy. I had to navigate everything from manufacturing logistics to marketing to fulfillment. It was overwhelming at times, but it taught me how to turn vision into reality, even when the odds seem stacked.

And of course, balancing a creative career with raising five artistic kids has its own set of challenges — but it’s also one of my greatest joys. My family inspires me every day and reminds me why I do what I do.

So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But every struggle helped shape my voice, sharpen my skills, and deepen my appreciation for the work. The road may be winding, but it’s mine — and it’s led to some incredible places.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my core, I’m a world-builder. I specialize in bringing characters, stories, and ideas to life — whether that’s through illustration, toy design, or creative direction. I work across disciplines, but my sweet spot is where nostalgia, storytelling, and craftsmanship intersect. I’m best known for designing retro-inspired toys, detailed illustrations, and collector-worthy pieces that feel like they could’ve existed in the ’80s… or in someone’s childhood memory.

I’ve had the chance to work on iconic brands like Star Wars, TMNT, Transformers, G.I. Joe, and more — from concept to final product. But I’m just as proud of my independent work, especially launching my own vinyl art toy via Kickstarter. That project came straight from the heart and showed me I could take a wild idea, bring it to life, and connect with a community around it.

What sets me apart is my ability to see a product through every stage — concept sketch to shelf-ready collectible — and infuse it with soul. I treat every project with childlike wonder, always asking: What’s the story here? How does this make someone feel? I don’t just design toys; I try to design memories.

I think my versatility helps too — I’ve worked as a concept artist, designer, animator, art director, and creative lead. That range lets me move fluidly between disciplines, speak multiple “creative languages,” and lead cross-functional teams while still getting my hands dirty in the work.

What I’m most proud of, though, is the impact my work has on people. Whether it’s a kid lighting up over a toy I helped create, or a fan telling me one of my designs reminded them of their childhood — that emotional connection is everything to me.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Just this: never underestimate the power of imagination. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or someone who just loves a good story, there’s real magic in making things — in building worlds, shaping characters, and sharing your voice with others.

I believe creativity isn’t just a skill — it’s a way of seeing the world. And the more we nurture it, the more joy, wonder, and connection we can create — for ourselves and for others.

If my story resonates with anyone out there — whether you’re an aspiring artist, a toy nerd like me, or just someone chasing a dream — I’d love to connect. I’m always excited to meet fellow creatives, collaborators, or fans of this kind of nostalgic, handcrafted world-building.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me and my work. The journey’s still going — and I’m just getting started.

https://linktr.ee/dreamsofrobots

https://www.dreamsofrobots.com/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreamsofrobots.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamsofrobots
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamsofrobots
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreamsofrobots/