Meet the Team

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Founder

Co-Founder & Creative Director

With more than 20 years of experience in feature animation and character design, Danny has contributed to major cinematic productions and helped bring memorable animated worlds to life.

After decades of helping build stories for others, he is now channeling that experience into an original creator-owned universe rooted in classic adventure storytelling and collectible craftsmanship.

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Director & Visual Development Advisor

With more than 40 years in animation, Vic has contributed to some of the most iconic adventure series in animation history, including He-Man, She-Ra, Transformers, X-Men, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

His deep experience in visual storytelling and character-driven worlds brings valuable perspective to the creative development of Gum It Up Makers.

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Visual artist, comic creator, and storyteller whose work spans film, comics, toy design, and narrative development.

Ian has contributed artwork and storytelling across multiple creative industries, including projects connected with major studios and publishers such as Marvel, Warner Bros., and Paramount.

His background in comics, illustration, and character-driven storytelling adds additional depth and imagination to the expanding world of Gum It Up Makers.

Together, the founders and creative council combine decades of experience in animation, comics, film, and collectible design to help bring the world of Gum It Up Makers to life. 

Storyboard & Creative Collaborator
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Producer of the Tribeca-premiering animated short LUKi & the Lights, Adrian has also contributed to major animated films including Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and WALL-E.

In addition to his production work, Adrian voiced Wingo in Pixar’s Cars, bringing one of Radiator Springs’ colorful characters to life.

His experience across animation production, storytelling, and creative development helps support the long-term growth of the Gum It Up Makers universe. 

Business Development & Production
A smiling girl with brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a gray jacket, holding a dog with blonde yarn-like fur and a gift box with a teddy bear image on it, outdoors in a grassy area during daytime. 
Co-Creator & Marketing Director

.Gum It Up Makers was co-created by Esther Arriaga a lifelong toy lover who believes imagination isn’t just play… it’s power.

Inspired by the adventure cartoons and action figures that shaped her childhood, Esther helped build a brand-new universe where creativity becomes the source of everything.

Her approach blends storytelling, strategy, and heart—turning ideas into experiences that connect, inspire, and grow with the audience.

Through Gum It Up Makers, she is helping bring to life a world where characters discover their abilities, shape tools from their imagination, and learn that the greatest power comes from within.