Brian McCarty
@brianmccarty.com
Toy Photographer / Geek / Founder + Executive Director of the War Toys® nonprofit organization / Board Member for the International Toy Research Association / Fulbright Specialist
https://wartoys.org | https://brianmccarty.com
https://wartoys.org | https://brianmccarty.com
On Veterans Day, I remember the photojournalists who have given their lives while documenting the horrors of war: David Gilkey, Dickey Chapelle, Chris Hondros, Tim Hetherington, Yaser Murtaja, Gilles Caron, Kenji Nagai, Larry Burrows, Gerda Taro, Robert Capa… #photojournalism #photography
November 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM
On Veterans Day, I remember the photojournalists who have given their lives while documenting the horrors of war: David Gilkey, Dickey Chapelle, Chris Hondros, Tim Hetherington, Yaser Murtaja, Gilles Caron, Kenji Nagai, Larry Burrows, Gerda Taro, Robert Capa… #photojournalism #photography
My thanks to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and photographer Staci Vandagriff for covering the “War Toys: Ukraine” exhibition at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. (I’m not on the right 😉)
September 20, 2025 at 9:10 PM
My thanks to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and photographer Staci Vandagriff for covering the “War Toys: Ukraine” exhibition at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. (I’m not on the right 😉)
I’m grateful to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts for hosting a talk with Ben Grimes and I. Ben is the creator of a theater program for vets struggling with PTSD called The Breach. Coincidentally, we both were in Iraq in 2017. It was interesting for us each to get a different perspective of the war.
September 19, 2025 at 1:57 AM
I’m grateful to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts for hosting a talk with Ben Grimes and I. Ben is the creator of a theater program for vets struggling with PTSD called The Breach. Coincidentally, we both were in Iraq in 2017. It was interesting for us each to get a different perspective of the war.
Still have lots of cleanup to do, but just finished two very long years of work and pushed all 40 translations of @wartoys.org’s educational board game live!!
September 14, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Still have lots of cleanup to do, but just finished two very long years of work and pushed all 40 translations of @wartoys.org’s educational board game live!!
Warms my heart seeing this, knowing how much its loss was felt by Iraqi kids displaced from Mosul during the war against ISIS.
AP: Iraq reopens historic mosque in Mosul 8 years after Islamic State destruction apnews.com/article/iraq... #wartoys #photography #alnurimosque
AP: Iraq reopens historic mosque in Mosul 8 years after Islamic State destruction apnews.com/article/iraq... #wartoys #photography #alnurimosque
September 1, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Warms my heart seeing this, knowing how much its loss was felt by Iraqi kids displaced from Mosul during the war against ISIS.
AP: Iraq reopens historic mosque in Mosul 8 years after Islamic State destruction apnews.com/article/iraq... #wartoys #photography #alnurimosque
AP: Iraq reopens historic mosque in Mosul 8 years after Islamic State destruction apnews.com/article/iraq... #wartoys #photography #alnurimosque
Forgive O Lord my little jokes on Thee…
#toyphotography #devo #art #boojiboy #photography #qee #deevolution #mask #desert #arttoys #designertoys
#toyphotography #devo #art #boojiboy #photography #qee #deevolution #mask #desert #arttoys #designertoys
June 21, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Forgive O Lord my little jokes on Thee…
#toyphotography #devo #art #boojiboy #photography #qee #deevolution #mask #desert #arttoys #designertoys
#toyphotography #devo #art #boojiboy #photography #qee #deevolution #mask #desert #arttoys #designertoys
June 13, 2025 at 2:32 AM
2011 outtake from Old City of Jerusalem. The kids instantly understood the account that I was working recreate. #photography #wartoys #toyphotography
May 27, 2025 at 12:53 AM
2011 outtake from Old City of Jerusalem. The kids instantly understood the account that I was working recreate. #photography #wartoys #toyphotography
They’re Grrreat!
(Fat Tony by Ron English with “Worlds Greatest Extra” Jessie Heiman)
#toyphotography #tonythetiger #arttoys #ronenglish #art #popart #photography #jessieheiman #frostedflakes #toys #cereal #mascot
(Fat Tony by Ron English with “Worlds Greatest Extra” Jessie Heiman)
#toyphotography #tonythetiger #arttoys #ronenglish #art #popart #photography #jessieheiman #frostedflakes #toys #cereal #mascot
May 15, 2025 at 4:00 PM
They’re Grrreat!
(Fat Tony by Ron English with “Worlds Greatest Extra” Jessie Heiman)
#toyphotography #tonythetiger #arttoys #ronenglish #art #popart #photography #jessieheiman #frostedflakes #toys #cereal #mascot
(Fat Tony by Ron English with “Worlds Greatest Extra” Jessie Heiman)
#toyphotography #tonythetiger #arttoys #ronenglish #art #popart #photography #jessieheiman #frostedflakes #toys #cereal #mascot
Adventure Time
(shot for Cartoon Network)
#toyphotography #adventuretime #toys #art #makeitreal #photography #popsurrealism #cartoon #cartoonnetwork #peppermint
(shot for Cartoon Network)
#toyphotography #adventuretime #toys #art #makeitreal #photography #popsurrealism #cartoon #cartoonnetwork #peppermint
May 14, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Adventure Time
(shot for Cartoon Network)
#toyphotography #adventuretime #toys #art #makeitreal #photography #popsurrealism #cartoon #cartoonnetwork #peppermint
(shot for Cartoon Network)
#toyphotography #adventuretime #toys #art #makeitreal #photography #popsurrealism #cartoon #cartoonnetwork #peppermint
@wartoys.org will never be as cool as No War Toys back in the 60s. I mean, seriously… The Doors played their friggin anniversary party!! #wartoys #thedoors
May 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
@wartoys.org will never be as cool as No War Toys back in the 60s. I mean, seriously… The Doors played their friggin anniversary party!! #wartoys #thedoors
Laughing Squid / Aloha Oi
(Commissioned by @laughingsquid.com)
#toyphotography #arttoys #giantsquid #photography #art #underwaterphotography #bikini #submarine #pool #makeitreal
(Commissioned by @laughingsquid.com)
#toyphotography #arttoys #giantsquid #photography #art #underwaterphotography #bikini #submarine #pool #makeitreal
May 10, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Laughing Squid / Aloha Oi
(Commissioned by @laughingsquid.com)
#toyphotography #arttoys #giantsquid #photography #art #underwaterphotography #bikini #submarine #pool #makeitreal
(Commissioned by @laughingsquid.com)
#toyphotography #arttoys #giantsquid #photography #art #underwaterphotography #bikini #submarine #pool #makeitreal
CALL FOR PROPOSALS - 2026 International Toy Research Association (ITRA) Conference. Artists and academics are encouraged to participate, share your work, and become part of a larger community, dedicated to toys. Deadline: 12/31/25. itratoyresearch.org/2026conference
#toydesign #arttoys #toyresearch
#toydesign #arttoys #toyresearch
May 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
CALL FOR PROPOSALS - 2026 International Toy Research Association (ITRA) Conference. Artists and academics are encouraged to participate, share your work, and become part of a larger community, dedicated to toys. Deadline: 12/31/25. itratoyresearch.org/2026conference
#toydesign #arttoys #toyresearch
#toydesign #arttoys #toyresearch
Behind the scenes on the Tigerlily shoot. #toyphotography #arttoys #art #photography #makeitreal #bts #behindthescenes #elmirage #resevoirdogs
April 29, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Behind the scenes on the Tigerlily shoot. #toyphotography #arttoys #art #photography #makeitreal #bts #behindthescenes #elmirage #resevoirdogs
Tigerlily
(toy by Tim Biskup)
#toyphotography #arttoys #art #photography #makeitreal #popsurrealism #elmirage #resevoirdogs #lowbrowart
(toy by Tim Biskup)
#toyphotography #arttoys #art #photography #makeitreal #popsurrealism #elmirage #resevoirdogs #lowbrowart
April 29, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Tigerlily
(toy by Tim Biskup)
#toyphotography #arttoys #art #photography #makeitreal #popsurrealism #elmirage #resevoirdogs #lowbrowart
(toy by Tim Biskup)
#toyphotography #arttoys #art #photography #makeitreal #popsurrealism #elmirage #resevoirdogs #lowbrowart
This was a fun series to work on at Mattel for Hot Wheels. The “Brian” license plate is for HWC.com graphic designer Brian Fitzgerald, who died way too young. #toyphotography #hotwheels #photography #diecast #stunt
April 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
This was a fun series to work on at Mattel for Hot Wheels. The “Brian” license plate is for HWC.com graphic designer Brian Fitzgerald, who died way too young. #toyphotography #hotwheels #photography #diecast #stunt
Proud to have worked with @jamuseum.bsky.social on this shot for Mark Nagata’s “Kaiju vs Heroes” exhibition. Mark (@marknagata.bsky.social) is a brilliant artist and just the nicest guy. #arttoys #toyphotography #kaiju #monster #hero #marknagata #toy #sofubi #photography #vinyltoys #janm #losangeles
April 13, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Proud to have worked with @jamuseum.bsky.social on this shot for Mark Nagata’s “Kaiju vs Heroes” exhibition. Mark (@marknagata.bsky.social) is a brilliant artist and just the nicest guy. #arttoys #toyphotography #kaiju #monster #hero #marknagata #toy #sofubi #photography #vinyltoys #janm #losangeles
The Fall of Stratos
#toyphotography #toy #actionfigure #photography #motu #heman #art #arizona #stratos
#toyphotography #toy #actionfigure #photography #motu #heman #art #arizona #stratos
April 3, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The Fall of Stratos
#toyphotography #toy #actionfigure #photography #motu #heman #art #arizona #stratos
#toyphotography #toy #actionfigure #photography #motu #heman #art #arizona #stratos
Flying home, realized my grandfather would know this view. Naval aviator, he died in a training exercise in Corpus Christi after surviving WW2. My father was a baby and grew up hearing about his “hero dad,” motivating him to fight in Vietnam. Generational trauma passed to me, and I closed the loop.
March 25, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Flying home, realized my grandfather would know this view. Naval aviator, he died in a training exercise in Corpus Christi after surviving WW2. My father was a baby and grew up hearing about his “hero dad,” motivating him to fight in Vietnam. Generational trauma passed to me, and I closed the loop.
A few weeks ago, I got to attend an academic conference on the study of play organized by TASP in Texas. It was an honor presenting War Toys’ work and learning everything I could from fellow presenters and attendees. #wartoys #play #studyofplay
March 25, 2025 at 2:25 AM
A few weeks ago, I got to attend an academic conference on the study of play organized by TASP in Texas. It was an honor presenting War Toys’ work and learning everything I could from fellow presenters and attendees. #wartoys #play #studyofplay
I’m excited to be participating in a panel discussion next Monday on art & conflict hosted by the International Relations Council. For more info and for pay-what-you-can tickets to the Zoom based event: www.irckc.org/what-we-do/w...
March 19, 2025 at 2:27 AM
I’m excited to be participating in a panel discussion next Monday on art & conflict hosted by the International Relations Council. For more info and for pay-what-you-can tickets to the Zoom based event: www.irckc.org/what-we-do/w...
Fantastic crew with sets by Screen Novelties and lighting by Eric Adams. These setups were massive, and we committed to creating as much in camera as possible. #toyphotography #bts #behindthescenes #production #photography #screennovelties #disney #disneyprincess
March 16, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Fantastic crew with sets by Screen Novelties and lighting by Eric Adams. These setups were massive, and we committed to creating as much in camera as possible. #toyphotography #bts #behindthescenes #production #photography #screennovelties #disney #disneyprincess
Princess and the Frog
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
There are closer shots of Tiana on this amazing set, but I love seeing the whole, movie-accurate recreation of this moment. #toyphotography #disney #disneyprincess #art #photography #tiana #princessandthefrog #toys #doll #wishuponastar
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
There are closer shots of Tiana on this amazing set, but I love seeing the whole, movie-accurate recreation of this moment. #toyphotography #disney #disneyprincess #art #photography #tiana #princessandthefrog #toys #doll #wishuponastar
March 16, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Princess and the Frog
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
There are closer shots of Tiana on this amazing set, but I love seeing the whole, movie-accurate recreation of this moment. #toyphotography #disney #disneyprincess #art #photography #tiana #princessandthefrog #toys #doll #wishuponastar
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
There are closer shots of Tiana on this amazing set, but I love seeing the whole, movie-accurate recreation of this moment. #toyphotography #disney #disneyprincess #art #photography #tiana #princessandthefrog #toys #doll #wishuponastar
This was a stupidly fun project, especially working with Screen Novelties on the sets and props. #toyphotography #bts #behindthescenes #production #photoshoot #photography
March 13, 2025 at 9:16 PM
This was a stupidly fun project, especially working with Screen Novelties on the sets and props. #toyphotography #bts #behindthescenes #production #photoshoot #photography
Tangled
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
#toyphotography #disney #tangled #rapunzel #toys #dolls #disneyprincess #photography #lantern
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
#toyphotography #disney #tangled #rapunzel #toys #dolls #disneyprincess #photography #lantern
March 13, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Tangled
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
#toyphotography #disney #tangled #rapunzel #toys #dolls #disneyprincess #photography #lantern
(shot for Disney Consumer Products)
#toyphotography #disney #tangled #rapunzel #toys #dolls #disneyprincess #photography #lantern