At DesignerCon 2023 in Anaheim, Gregory Taylor turned imagination into tangible form, crafting bespoke Creature figures for rapper and visual artist Billyracxx. Known for his ability to fuse traditional sculpting with 3D design, Taylor took Billyracxx’s digital monster avatars — part of the “Cult Leader” mythology — and transformed them into collectible art pieces that captured both personality and presence.
“Billy’s Creatures are wild,” Taylor explains. “They’re not just characters — they’re avatars for a narrative. My job was to bring them into the physical world without losing the chaos, energy, and identity they have in his universe.”
From concept to collector-ready
Taylor produced several tiers of figures: two 14-inch large-scale Creatures, including a DesignerCon-exclusive special edition, and a set of smaller 3-inch Cult Leader figures. Every piece was hand-crafted, painted, and detailed, combining clay sculpting, digital refinement, and small-batch production techniques.
“The smaller figures were especially tricky,” Taylor notes. “Even at 3 inches, they needed to carry the same intensity as the 14-inch versions. Each line, expression, and posture was carefully calibrated.”
Collaboration in action
The project wasn’t just about creating figures — it was about narrative synergy. Billyracxx, performing and appearing in-character at the event, used the figures to extend his stage persona into a tangible universe. Fans could see, hold, and photograph the Creatures, deepening their connection to Billy’s mythology.
“Working with Billy was a masterclass in visual storytelling,” says Taylor. “He’s building a world, and my figures act as bridges from digital imagination to real-life engagement.”
DesignerCon debut
The figures were prominently displayed at DesignerCon 2023, amidst hundreds of artists and vendors specializing in collectibles, designer toys, and pop culture art. Attendees responded enthusiastically, noting both the technical skill and emotional resonance of the pieces.
Taylor’s work exemplifies a modern collector’s dream: the merging of music, narrative, and tangible artistry. In an era where NFTs and digital avatars dominate, his figures remind audiences of the tactile power of physical collectibles — and the magic that happens when characters are realized in 3D.
Beyond the show
Though limited in number, the Creatures were intended to be living parts of Billyracxx’s broader ecosystem. Small-batch production and hand-detailing ensured that each figure felt unique, aligning with the narrative of cult-like ownership within Billy’s fan base. For Taylor, the project was also an experiment in blending art, commerce, and digital culture:
“I like uncharted territory,” he says. “Projects like this push the boundaries of what art production can be. It’s about precision, storytelling, and creating something that resonates — not just something that exists.”
A blueprint for future collaborations
Gregory Taylor’s work with Billyracxx illustrates a growing trend in creative industries: artist-to-artist collaboration that merges music, merchandise, and collectible culture. By turning digital avatars into physical art, Taylor helps extend narratives into the tangible world, giving fans a chance to interact with their favorite characters in ways previously reserved for animation or gaming.
“The Creatures project is proof that narrative, music, and visual art can coexist in new ways,” Taylor reflects. “It’s about experience, connection, and giving fans something to hold onto — literally.”
For DesignerCon attendees and collectors alike, Taylor’s Creatures were more than figures: they were a gateway into a universe, a testament to the power of hybrid artistry, and a preview of what’s possible when imagination meets craftsmanship.