047: Zard Apuya
Born in Guam and now based in San Diego, Zard Apuya is a designer toy artist known for his unique fusion of culinary inspiration and creative design.
Mom & Pop Store
custom vinyl toy, polymer clay
Zard Apuya
Apuya’s work transforms iconic food dishes and quirky food-related characters into imaginative toys that capture both visual delight and a sense of whimsy. By combining his love for food with art, he has built a distinctive style that draws viewers in with its playful realism, celebrating the joy of indulgence through toy art that’s as eye-catching as it is inventive.
Hot Cheetos
custom vinyl toy, polymer clay
Zard Apuya
Apuya views art as a deeply personal form of expression, one that goes beyond words to communicate ideas, emotions, and experiences. For him, art is a means of creating connections—whether it’s connecting with his audience through shared cultural memories, evoking emotions, or inspiring creativity. His art invites people into a dialogue, allowing them to see familiar things, like food, in an entirely new light. By transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, he taps into the universal appeal of food while also presenting it with fresh imagination.
Zard Apuya
Apuya’s cultural background plays an integral role in shaping his work. Born on Guam to Filipino parents, he often draws inspiration from both Filipino and Chamorro cultures, especially their rich culinary traditions. Food is central to both cultures, and he finds joy in showcasing beloved dishes and traditional flavors in his toy designs. Whether he’s reimagining a well-known dish like adobo or capturing the textures of a traditional Chamorro dessert, his work becomes a way to reflect his roots while also introducing them to a wider audience through the playful medium of toy art.
Kat-zilla
polymer clay
Zard Apuya
Apuya’s journey to becoming a toy artist began in the realm of painting, where he initially worked with watercolors and explored two-dimensional art. However, his creative curiosity soon led him to more unconventional forms of artistic expression. He began by customizing everyday objects like shoes and bags, but eventually found his true artistic voice in toy customization. Drawn to its non-traditional approach, he appreciated the freedom it offered him to express his personality and push artistic boundaries. He deliberately avoids formal sketching in favor of directly working with his materials, often using reference photos to create highly detailed and realistic representations of food.
Burritos
custom vinyl toy, polymer clay
Zard Apuya
When it comes to advice for aspiring artists, Apuya stresses the importance of staying true to one’s own creative vision and resisting the pressure to conform to trends or expectations. He encourages artists to embrace the journey of experimentation and to see mistakes as opportunities for growth. His own creative process is full of trial and error, yet through those experiences, he’s found new techniques and unexpected ways to bring his vision to life. He reminds artists that art is as much about the process as it is about the final product, and that personal growth often comes from taking risks, exploring different paths, and trusting their instincts.
“Ultimately, trust the process and don’t rush—art is more about the journey than the destination.”
Fiesta Plate
polymer clay
Zard Apuya
Through his art, Apuya has carved out a unique space where food and creativity meet in unexpected ways. His work reflects a deep connection to his cultural heritage while also embracing a global audience of food lovers, toy enthusiasts, and those who appreciate art that pushes the boundaries of form and function. By blending the familiar comfort of food with the innovative possibilities of toy design, he continues to inspire others to look at the world and its culinary delights through a fresh and imaginative lens.
To read Zard Apuya’s full interview, continue reading below! Also, check out his work on his Instagram (@zardapuya) and support him by purchasing products from his collections on his website. Thanks again!
Guam Series
custom vinyl toy, polymer clay
Zard Apuya
Please introduce yourself and describe what you do. (short bio please!)
I was born and raised on the island of Guam and now call San Diego, CA home. I'm a designer toy artist, and my creations are a delectable fusion of imagination and gastronomy. Drawing inspiration from the tantalizing world of food, I craft whimsical toys that are as delicious to the eyes as they are to the imagination. From quirky food-inspired characters to iconic dishes reimagined in toy form, my work celebrates the joy of indulgence and the magic of culinary creativity.
How would you define art?
Defining art is deeply personal, but if I were to describe it, I’d say art is a form of expression that allows us to communicate ideas, emotions, and experiences in ways that words sometimes can’t capture. For me, art is also about creating connections—it’s a way to share stories, evoke emotions, and inspire creativity in others.
Why did you choose your art form?
I chose toy art because it’s different from traditional forms of art and I always find myself trying to take very non-traditional paths in my approach to life. I like being a bit different. While I did start off as a painter working in 2D (mainly watercolor), I eventually got into customizing different things, like painting on shoes, hats, and bags. From there, I moved towards a new platform to customize--toys. I enjoyed the art of toy customization and stuck with it, not realizing the road ahead it will take me.
How does your background (education, culture, etc.) affect the artwork you make today?
My background plays a huge role in shaping the artwork I create today. Being Filipino and born on Guam, I often draw inspiration from both cultures, especially when it comes to food. Food is such a big part of both Filipino and Chamorro culture, and I love to showcase that in my designs whenever I have the chance. Whether it's a favorite dish or a traditional flavor, I reflect those roots in my work, blending cultural pride with my unique style. It allows me to stay connected to where I come from while also sharing those influences with a broader audience through my art.
Who do you idolize?
While I don’t have one specific artist I idolize, I’m inspired by creatives who push boundaries and bring something unique to the world. I admire artists who aren't afraid to take risks, whether it's through innovative techniques, bold ideas, or blending different forms of art. I look up to those who are able to stay true to their vision while also continuously evolving. It’s not just about their success, but their dedication to their craft, the impact they make, and how they inspire others to think differently. That’s the kind of artist I aspire to be.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from a mix of everyday experiences and the world around me. Food is a big source of creativity—it brings comfort and joy, and there’s something magical about transforming it into art. I also love drawing from pop culture, nostalgia, and anything that sparks curiosity or fun. Whether it’s a new dish I try, a memory from my childhood, or something quirky I come across, I enjoy taking those moments and turning them into art that people can connect with in a playful, imaginative way.
What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?
When I’m stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation, I usually step back and take a break to clear my mind. Eating something new or revisiting favorite dishes often helps, since food is a big part of my creative process and sparks fresh ideas. I also revisit past work or projects that made me feel excited to reignite that sense of creativity. If I’m really stuck, I remind myself that not every moment has to be productive; sometimes, giving myself space to recharge is what helps the most. Inspiration usually returns when I least expect it.
What do you like incorporating most into your art?
What I like incorporating most into my art is food. It’s my main theme because it offers endless possibilities for creativity. I love taking something as universal as food and transforming it into playful, imaginative designs. Whether it’s reimagining iconic dishes or creating quirky, food-inspired characters, it’s the perfect way for me to combine my passion for both art and culinary inspiration in a fun, unique way.
What is something that you add to your art as your signature?
What makes my work unique is that I always aim for realism in my food-inspired designs. I try to make the pieces look like actual food, even though they’re not real. It's that attention to detail and effort to capture the essence of the food that really defines my style and adds a special touch to my art.
Take us through your process for making art.
When I start making art, I rarely create a draft or sketch. I prefer to dive straight into the process using reference photos, especially since my goal is to replicate the realism of actual food. Sketching feels like it slows me down, so I skip that and get straight into the hands-on work. I begin with sculpting, focusing on the texture and form, and once that’s complete, I move on to painting to add color and detail. I approach each piece like a chef working on a dish—breaking it down by elements or ingredients, figuring out how to create a fake version of each part, and then assembling everything together to form the final "dish" or food.
What do you struggle with the most when making art?
The things I struggle with most when making art are staying focused and avoiding distractions. I often have many unfinished projects at once, which can feel overwhelming. I also deal with self-doubt and find myself comparing my work to others, which sometimes makes it hard to stay confident in my own creative vision. Balancing these challenges is tough, but it’s all part of the process.
What role do artists have in society?
Artists play an important role in society by inspiring people, sparking conversations, and reflecting the world around us. They challenge ideas, bring people together, and help us see things from different perspectives. Art can also preserve history and celebrate culture. In short, artists help shape society by encouraging people to think more deeply and feel more connected.
What characteristics do you think all artists share?
I think all artists share a curiosity and passion for creativity. They have a desire to express themselves and communicate ideas or emotions, even when it’s hard. Artists are often open-minded, willing to take risks, and not afraid to experiment. They also tend to be persistent, pushing through challenges or self-doubt to create something meaningful. Above all, artists are driven by a love for their craft and a need to share their vision with the world.
What’s your favorite place in Guam?
My favorite place in Guam has to be my house. I'm a homebody, so there's nothing better than being at home, where I can focus on my art, spend time with my family, and enjoy some good food. It’s where I feel the most comfortable and inspired.
How has your artwork evolved over time?
My artwork has evolved a lot since I first started. I’ve had the chance to explore many different techniques and learn from both the successes and failures. I love experimenting with various materials, especially since I aim for realism, and sometimes unexpected materials help achieve the right look. I'm all about trial and error, embracing happy accidents along the way. When I find a technique that works, I store it in my mental library to use again in future projects.
Why did you choose to become an artist?
I chose to become an artist because I’ve always had a deep need to create and express myself. Art allows me to bring my ideas and imagination to life in ways that words sometimes can’t. I was drawn to the process of transforming everyday inspirations, like food, into something unique and meaningful. Becoming an artist was a natural choice for me because it gives me the freedom to experiment, challenge myself, and continually evolve in my craft.
Is your art geared towards a specific audience?
While I wouldn't say my art is geared towards a specific audience, food lovers or foodies are probably the ones who connect with it most. Since my work revolves around food themes, people who appreciate food and its visual appeal tend to gravitate toward my pieces. But I also think anyone who enjoys playful, imaginative art can find something to appreciate in it.
Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?
For aspiring artists, I’d say don’t focus too much on what you "should" be doing or what others expect. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of following trends or doing what everyone else is doing, but what sets you apart is your unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes—that’s where real growth happens. Also, if you’re feeling stuck, try to challenge yourself with something completely different or take a break to let your mind recharge. Ultimately, trust the process and don’t rush—art is more about the journey than the destination.
