I Like Characters.com by Steve Rack

Welcome to Dan Goodsell’s friendly world of Mr Toast. Who knew that toast could be so charismatic? Mr Toast’s popularity is global. I wanted to find out more about this A-list slice of character genius. Dan Goodsell kindly agreed to an interview with me. Dan also sent me a signed limited Edition print (below) for one of you lucky readers. Read on.

SteveRack (SR):
When was Mr Toast born?

Dan:
I created Mr Toast when I was in college in the 1980′s.  At first he was just a floating piece of toast with a face but then he became Mr Toast with the addition of arms and legs.  Initially he was a secondary character to other characters I was doing in some puppet shows.  I kind of got out of art for a few years and when I got back into it, Mr Toast became the primary character once I started doing web comics in 2002.  Since then I have done plush toys, cards, books and even little animations of him.

SR:
What/Who is Mr Toast?

Dan:
I have thought about back story occasionally but have thrown it out.  I like to think of Mr Toast more in terms of a classic cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse.  He adapts to the story/situation.  One day his story is about suburban living and the next he is on an adventure to the South Pole.  This adds to flexibility in what I am doing.

SR:
What is Mr Toast’s favourite past time?

Dan:
Mr Toast loves flying kites and eating pie.  He is all about life’s simple pleasures.

SR:
Will there ever be a Mrs Toast?

Dan:
Probably not.  I sometimes think of it like the Little Rascals where the kids are all friends and doing stuff.  I tend to avoid more “adult” situations like dating.

SR:
What is Mr Toast’s proudest moment thus far?

Dan:
I think the thing that amazes me the most is when people interact with me and they know the characters names.  When you create stuff and it goes out in the world, people take it and make it their own.  They have a relationship with what the artist does and it is amazing to see that in action.

Mr Toast in Anorak Magazine #8

SR:
What’s in the future for Mr. Toast?

Dan:
Lots more dolls, a book about Superheroes, more art shows, and hopefully someday a themed miniature golf course.

SR:
What do YOU think makes a great character design?

Dan:
I think a character needs to connect with the audience and to be even stronger tell a story.

SR:
Scooby or Scrappy Doo?

Dan:
Scooby.

Links:
The World of Mr Toast

Did you know: Mr Toast likes to cloud gaze as seen on this YouTube clip.

Contest:
Win a signed limited edition print of Mr Toast by Dan Goodsell. Press here!