We're thrilled to feature Candy Toy Box, aka Sam, a phenomenal talent known for her intricate blend of sonic landscapes and mesmerizing graphic designs. With her unique approach to creativity and flair for the dramatic, Sam has garnered a dedicated following eager to see her next masterpiece.

Daniel: How do you come up with inspiration during your writing process?

Sam: I had an excellent English teacher tell me that all ideas are in the pen. You just have to pick up the pen and write one word, and all the words will start flowing out. And that’s how it has always worked for me. I write what I'm feeling, and it just flows. Although it doesn’t work the same on the keyboard. Lol. You have to be a pretty fast typer to keep up with writing.

Daniel: Which one of your released songs is your favorite and why?

Sam: Well, I’ve only made parts of songs. That being said, I would have to say my favorite thing is helping my friend write a Maid of Honor speech/Rap to "Gangsta's Paradise." She rapped it live, and it was awesome!

Daniel: Where would you want to go first if you could tour your music?

Sam: Brazil

Daniel: How long have you been designing, and what got you into graphic design?

Sam: It has always been a hobby since I had a Flyer Maker CD-ROM Program on Windows 98.

Daniel: What are your favorite music artists?

Sam: Eminem, Avicii, Spice Girls (back in the day), Maroon 5, The Toadies, System of a Down, White Stripes, Weezer, Hinder, Nickelback, Sublime, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Aventura, Michael Jackson, Charles Mingus, Jay-Z. I like all music.

Ohnahji Brian: What was the exact moment when you realized, “This is what I want to do with my life”?

Sam: When I fell down the Rabbit Hole, I knew I wanted to stay at the forefront of technology and help build it. I’ve always loved branding, marketing, and business, and web3 is the perfect playground for that.

Ohnahji Brian: If you could choose, who would you work with on an album?

Sam: Eminem

Ohnahji Brian: What style is out of your comfort zone, but would you dare to create something?

Sam: Music is my comfort zone. Probably Rock, death metal, like the Insane Clown Posse.

Davyd: When did you first discover your love for music and what led you to pursue it professionally?

Sam: When I finally got a Boom Box in my bedroom at 9 years old and heard the radio.

Davyd: How do you manage the challenges of balancing both your music and graphic design careers?

Sam: I contribute to music with my graphic design skills as I contribute to web3.

Tej: Please share a bit about your creative process in music and design.

Sam: I feel the energy and the vibes. Even over the internet, I feel the vibes.

Tej: Who or what has been your biggest influence in shaping your artistic style?

Sam: My mom and growing up in Texas gave me my love for Country music. A crappy Dad and Step Dad pushed me to branch out. lol

Tej: Looking forward, what's next for Candy Toy Box? Are there any projects or collaborations you're excited about?

Sam: ZAO-Chella or ZAO-Cha-Losi at Art Basel, Working for Milk Road, Growing my brand and services.

Tej: How do you stay motivated and continue to innovate in your work?

Sam: I’ve always been a workaholic. I have so many ideas. I have to build and do stuff otherwise I feel I am wasting my potential.

Tej: What advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to find their voice in the industry?

Sam: If you can’t stop thinking about it or you keep coming back to the same idea, stop trying to ignore it and suppress it. Start asking yourself what little ways you can start building on it or expressing it.

As we conclude our insightful dialogue with Sam, we celebrate not only her creativity and passion but also her foundational role within the ZAO team. Sam has been a pivotal part of ZAO since its inception—she even came up with the name "ZAO" herself! Additionally, Sam has crafted all of the designs for Zaopalooza, with many ZAO designs being Candy Toy Box originals. Her vision and drive continue to shape the project, proving that her influence stretches far beyond her artistic endeavors.

We also extend a special thanks to Sam for her effort in planning Zaopalooza and for her engagement as an invaluable community member. In recognition of her contributions and dedication, Sam has been named the Community Member of the Month. This accolade is a testament to her commitment and impact within the ZAO community.