MeWeFree | A Word With Mr. Mars About His "Bombers" Designer Toy Line

If you’ve been following the blog, you know we try to find shine a light on “ill shit” that’s available for sale. Since CISED is all about approaching art from a consumer standpoint, we try to find stuff that artists are selling that we’d be moved to buy and add to the collection. While scrolling IG, I came across a cool product by a cool artist.

The products in question are the “Bomber” series by Houston-born, Denver-raised graffiti artist, Mr. Mars. The exclusive, handmade designer toys are action figures/dolls affixed in an upcycled spraypaint can with colorful dripping paint. The one that caught my eye was a version featuring Ren & Stimpy figures with fluorescent candy paint. That one has since been removed from Mr. Mars’ Instagram profile (which has garnered a following of over 35,000), but his feed is flush with his Bombers and other toys. For an example of a Bomber, check out this one featuring a Quiccs Teq63 figure he did special for hip-hop supergroup Run the Jewels:

Mr Mars Quiccs Run Tha Jewels Bomber.jpg

Why would I want a Bomber? I mean, look at it. If the character moves me, why wouldn’t I want to add it to my fledgling toy collection? Just viewing the Bombers, it’s obvious that Mr. Mars has a crazy eye for design and detail. Not to mention, his process of recycling empty spray cans and used toys to create works of art is commendable. Mr. Mars’ asking price for one-of-a-kind Bombers runs between $250-$320 a pop, according to his site. That’s reasonable to me for a dope, original piece of art. It appears to be reasonable for many others, considering Mr. Mars’ shop is currently sold out of Bombers.

I caught up with Mr. Mars and chopped it up about his Bombers and his career. Check out what he had to say below:

What does “Mr. Mars” mean?

My middle name is Marshall, and going to high school everyone shortened it to “Mars.” From there, I chose to add the “Mr.” as a sign of respect and loved the sound as an artist name.

When did you first realize you had artistic ability?

Hmmmm, thats a hard question. I guess I always loved to make art and knew it was my future, but the moment I felt I really had an ability or something to give was when I taught myself to airbrush. From there on, it was just the path of least resistance (laughs).

How did you get into graffiti?

I got into graffiti young as I always loved the creative way of twisting letters and beautiful color arrays I would see sprawled across my hometowns growing up. I guess I just kind of gravitated to it. You could never beat that rush.

When did you become a fan of designer toys?

Whew, let me think. I guess when I was about 16? I saw some Kidrobot do-it-yourself white Munny toys and knew I had to try my hand at one. The rest is history. I’ve always loved art and artwork but the 3-dimensional aspect really took control of me. I was addicted.

How did you become known to over 35,000 followers?

Luck? Faith? Hope? I use question marks because I truly don’t know. I remember being that kid that wanted my work to blow up overnight... and one day it just clicked that I need to focus on getting “better and not bigger” (lyrics of Jon Bellion). Once I started doing that, everything fell into place. Not to mention, I grinded hard for about eight years painting dolls and toys before people knew me (laughs)! Hard work always pays off, even if it’s alternate ways than you think. I taught myself photography, tricks, skills, and never gave up treating every one of my customers like gold. I think many people can hear and feel the passion in my work when they speak to me, which in turn creates people who enjoy seeing my work, even if they may not get it or purchase it.

What is your graffiti work that you’re most proud of?

I guess my Bombers are the real pieces I’m proud of. One, because it was something new and a cool way to upcycle spray paint cans when I was finished with them. Once I had the theme I wanted, it only took a certain amount of time before I stumbled across a technique to melt or create drips that no one else could to pronounce the work I was doing with upcycled spray cans, to look like spilled or frozen paint in time. So now I’m proud that people recognize not only the style and the work, but even mention Bomber when they see it. That makes me supremely proud to see my work known.

How did the concept for the Bombers come about?

The concept for the Bombers came about when I had the previously mentioned Kidrobot Munnys and wanted to recycle some of my ever-growing pile of empty spray cans! So, once things turned to another and before you know it I was adding them inside and crafting around them! The idea just stuck! I loved it!

What goes into making a Bomber? What is your process?

The process in making my pieces is what I call my “recipe” and everyone asks how I do it, but what would be the fun in explaining that process? Magicians don't. Coke doesn't give up their recipe. I kind of feel the same. I’ve come up with something unique and cool and just watching people awe and react to it is the ultimate gift. I got, “How do you do that?” As an artist, that's the ultimate compliment. Creating something unique and upcycling materials to create something beautiful. Even though I hope to teach many others and create many more effective styles and themes throughout the years, I honestly don’t feel like I’ve reached my full potential with my own recipe, so I’m still focusing on getting better. Maybe once I think of any other new ideas, I’ll show everyone, but until then, I’d like to train my own group of artists and see what they can add to the style and recipe themselves.

How do you choose which character to include in a Bomber?

I usually choose which characters to use in a Bomber depending on what I love (laughs)! I always get questions asking to do this character or that, but honestly, it’s whatever I’m feeling at that point in time. For instance, I just rewatched the Batman classic movies with Kilmer and Clooney to see how I liked them as an adult, and so now you better believe you're gonna see a lot more Batman-themed pieces soon (laughs)!

Is there any meaning besides being dope pieces behind the Bomber?

There's really not a significant meaning behind my Bombers except the fact I wanted something to create that spoke to my love of graffiti, paint and airbrush, and helped the world by recycling. So often we create works of art from things that are new, and even though I love that art, collect it, and respect it, there’s something to be said about turning something that would’ve been unusable into something more. For instance, I’ve started asking people if they have a figure already to work with, and many have broken figures from their childhood, that I can actually turn into artwork and bring to life! Isn’t that the goal of an artist? To be able to take something, make it better in someone's eyes, and add value?

Have there been any that you were sad to give up?

Nope. I’ve never felt sad about giving up my art. It’s a gift and that's what I’m here to give. It doesn’t do me any good to have them sit and stare back at me all day. I want to inspire others and I truly hope I do that. Show others that it just takes a style and a new idea, not necessarily the prettiest of the flowers. “Don’t be afraid to be different” (Andy Mineo lyrics).

What advice do you have for artists looking to make a name for themselves?

Stay humble, show love and focus on getting better, not bigger. And always keep in mind: Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.

Check out some of our favorite Bombers by Mr. Mars below. Check out more of his work and official shop at his official website: www.mrmarsstudios.com. Mr. Mars can be followed on Instagram at @mrmarsstudios.