We recently welcomed another talented member of our Hot Wheels® design team to the Chat Room at HotWheelsCollectors.com™ -- Josh Henson. The designer of the Twin Mill® III spent some time answering many deep and perplexing questions, and a good time was had by all.
For those of you who may have missed the session, following is the Q&A transcript.
BismrkBear: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do with HWs?
HWC Josh: I'm Josh. Been working with Hot Wheels on and off since 2004. I work on basic cars and also our entertainment property Battle Force 5.
JOESHERE0042: Are there any plans on retooling some of the older cars from the ‘70s -- like the Hi-Tail Hauler -- into the mainline?
HWC Josh: Officially, yep. Look in the Sneak archive. There're pics in there of the blue models...
JOESHERE0042: Out of all the cars in this year’s lineup, what one is your favorite and why?
HWC Josh: My favorite is Reverb.
BismrkBear: If you could update a classic Redline, what one would it be, and how would you do it?
HWC Josh: My favorite to update would have been Twin Mill, and I was lucky enough to do that one in 2008!
JOESHERE0042: When will Hot Wheels design a more realistic tow truck like the Larry’s Garage one? That was a great casting; that should come back.
HWC Josh: Yeah, I agree -- we should do a sweet tow truck. I still think Tow Jam done by Nathan Proch back in ‘98 was wild, but more of a fantasy truck.
BismrkBear: Before you worked for Mattel, what did you do?
HWC Josh: I flipped burgers, dug ditches, mowed lawns...
hotwheel_madman: What kind of schooling did you need to take in order to achieve your current status with Mattel?
HWC Josh: I went to school for art and design. I focused on car design in school, for real cars. Just love to draw cars and, for some reason, they pay me for it...
JOESHERE0042: What was the first Hot Wheels car you owned (and what color), and do you still have it?
HWC Josh: Yes! I still have it. Silver Bullet aka Aeroflash was my favorite -- it was silver with purple stripes. I still remember thinking that car was awesome!
BismrkBear: Wow, Josh, I did the same -- maybe I am qualified for your job.
HWC Josh: You're probably overqualified for my job -- just gotta love to draw cars... the rest is luck really.
hotwheel_madman: Hey, if you have the talent, run with it!!!
HWC Josh: Well, I don't know about talent, but I'm learning to walk right now... Someday I'll be runnin'!
JOESHERE0042: On an average, out of all the cars you had some part of designing, how many have not made it to production?
HWC Josh: I get 'em made about half the time, so about half I do don't make the cut. Can't win 'em all...
JOESHERE0042: And out of them, how many are in a revamping stage?
HWC Josh: Revamping? I'm waaay too wet behind the ears to have any of my cars be redone... I'm more of a re-doer. Taking genius designs done in the late ‘60s, adding a couple things and hoping people think I'm a good car designer... like the Twin Mill III.
hotwheel_madman: What kind of inspiration (if any) did Larry Wood have on you in regards to your design work?
HWC Josh: Larry Wood has designed more cars and toys than I can count. I was raised on his work, and I would say he inspired me to want to do Hot Wheels... ever since I can remember...
JOESHERE0042: What was the first car you designed that made it through production, and how was the feeling when you saw it hanging in the store on the pegs?
HWC Josh: First car I did was RD-03 for AcceleRacers in '04. You can tell because every car I did after it LOOKS like it.
hotwheel_madman: Good answer, thanks.
gunslinger2000: As a designer, do you get involved with new materials and processes like finishes, or is that left to the engineers?
HWC Josh: I try to get involved with that stuff. I'm one of those freaks that fools myself into thinking my grand visions need my ultimate attention in making it to production. I'm not well, mentally...
hotwheel_madman: If you could design one car that would change the way we look at them, what would it be?
HWC Josh: Well, I'd have to say I hope I design a car that people would want to look AT, then hope the rest works out on its own. Honestly, I'd love to do a legendary hot rod like the Red Baron. People love that thing, and it's wild...
JOESHERE0042: Is most of your work done on paper, or is it all done on computer?
HWC Josh: I like to start with paper and use the computer to polish, my friend. That works best for me. Occasionally I'll sketch straight into the computer, but it's weird to me, since I have a soul...
gunslinger2000: Anything new coming in the way of finishes you can discuss?
HWC Josh: If I told ya, well... Guys with white-on-white ties might show up at your door...
hotwheel_madman: In your eyes, what's your greatest achievement in life, and what goals have you set for the future at Mattel?
HWC Josh: My greatest achievement would have to be learning Spanish. My next goal I have set is to re-learn Spanish, since I have forgotten most of what I learned. It's good to know Spanish living in LA...
JOESHERE0042: Do you ever look in the Customs forum here on the boards to see what custom work the people do (like Gunslinger does) to get ideas?
HWC Josh: YES, I love the customs! Gunslinger Gary Wilcox? I've seen his work, I think. He's a fan of my Shell Shock; I want to see more customs of that one! I don't look at them to get ideas, but they do end up inspiring me!
gunslinger2000: Yes, I am a Shell Shock fan... working on one with LED lights at the present time.
HWC Josh: Whoa, sweet man! Put up some pics! Love to see in-development stuff. Can't wait to check it out!
JOESHERE0042: So it doesn’t bother you when someone cuts up and redesigns a casting you designed?
HWC Josh: What? No, man, that's why I do this -- to inspire people! I love that people take the time to study and dissect my cars. Especially when I can hardly recognize my design when they're done!
BismrkBear: What is your 1:1 car?
HWC Josh: It's a brand new Camaro... on layaway. If the dealers would actually get some in stock!!!
BismrkBear: Cool. What color?
HWC Josh: Cyber grey metallic! With blacked-out wheels, black stripes and a shoehorned V8 under the hood. Mm-Mm-Mm...
JOESHERE0042: How big is your collection of HW cars, and are you a carded or loose collector?
HWC Josh: I don't stick to carded or loose, but switch freely between. I collect the ones I did mostly, and have about 35 of each... and my Aeroflash.
JOESHERE0042: If you were in charge of the Treasure Hunt lineup, what 12 cars would you pick, and would you also redesign the blister card so that it’s not right up front for the scalpers to find easily?
HWC Josh: I would make the package hard to find, cause that's the point. I would also install an electric shocking device in the package so that it would shock you, add to the drama of finding the TH! I would also design a robot that would come along and threaten to cause someone bodily harm if they didn't clean the pegs back up after rifling through the cars and leaving a mess on the floor. Like a Terminator, but more of a Suggestinator. "I suggest you clean this up, SIR."... anyway...
Excel_aratorin Speed: You did a great job on that Twill Mill III.
HWC Josh: Hey, thanks! I just hope Ira Gilford is proud of it. I haven't gotten his opinion on it yet...
Excel_aratorin Speed: What cars did you render and design for 2009?
HWC Josh: None on the 2009 poster. Been working on Battle Force 5 for 2010. AND having a blaaast with it! My favorite one in that lineup is Reverb. Check it out when the Sneaks come up. Other mainline cars are coming soon... You guys know Battle Force 5?
BismrkBear: I have heard of it
HWC Josh: Sweet. Do you like it so far? It's for kids more than collectors...
BismrkBear: What do you have for my friend’s three-year-old who likes dump trucks and school buses?
HWC Josh: I'm working on a... wait, I can't talk about that yet. I do think the little guy/girl might like the Matchbox line of trucks, since they're more realistic. Construction stuff is fun for kids!
Excel_aratorin Speed: Is the OCC Splitback going to appear in the 2010 mainline as a recolor?
HWC Josh: Not sure yet. Anything's possible. I'd like to see it pop up. That thing is cool -- our first licensed bike.
HWC Josh: Thanks, everyone! See you guys on the boards! Buy my cars, do customs, post your pics! See y’all later!
Keep an eye out for more special guest appearances in the Chat Room! Just check in here at HWC™ for updates on who to look for, and when. Until then, see ya in chat!