Mat Hofma and Erik Polumbo, Founders of Mini Materials
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How did you first get started making miniatures?
I saw someone selling miniature cinder blocks on Reddit. They looked so amazing for some reason and couldn’t put my finger on it. I tried to buy them but he was sold out. The price was high as well, so I figured since I’ve always wanted to learn 3D design, I could make and pour my own. So I did. Everything just kinda grew from there since the demand blew up when I launched and posted the site to Reddit.
How would you describe Mini Materials?
Miniature construction materials specializing in 1:12 scale miniature cinder blocks made of real concrete. Mini Materials is the leading supplier of miniature cinder blocks and pallets in the world.
Fans of 1:8 scale miniature skateboards (fingerboards) seem to be drawn to your product. Are you a fan of fingerboarding yourself?
I like the concept of fingerboarding, I am just so bad at it! I do have a lot of fun making obstacles for fingerboarders who are good at the hobby.
What is your favorite type of miniature to make?
The cinder blocks are still my favorite and probably always will be. Just something about them.
What is the most challenging miniature for your team to create?
The miniature cinder blocks are by far the trickiest. Just the process of mixing different materials together with concrete and cement to make something strong enough was a daunting task. We’ve got the process down to a science now at this point.
Best selling Mini Materials on your website?
Our 24 pack of cinder blocks is by far our best seller.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started with miniatures?
If you’re producing miniatures yourself, take your time and perfect the product before you put it up for sale. My first few batches of bricks were not up to snuff and I really regret that.
What inspires you?
I’m a graphic designer by trade, so anything that is well designed I tend to lean towards. That’s the reason I started Mini Materials, to sell a cool niche that is well designed.
What is the most memorable miniature you have ever seen?
Anything that Drew Leshko does is amazing. The stuff he creates out of paper is mind blowing and very unique.
What is your hope for the field of miniatures?
I’d like to bring the industry to the younger generations more than it is now.
What would you like to see replicated in miniature that you have not yet seen?
Anything related to gritty, realistic, construction is always awesome to me.
Why miniatures? What appeals to you most about what you do?
I honestly don’t know why it’s so appealing. Hopefully I find out soon.
What’s to come from Mini Materials?
We’re really interested in coming out with more kits. Hopefully full house building kits with trusses, doors, and windows.
Words you live by?
Enjoy the small things.
Other activities you enjoy?
We enjoy woodworking, fishing, and just being outdoors.
What do you want miniature fans to know about you?
We love new ideas! If anyone has any ideas for new products, new kits, or wants to even team up to develop more products—we love collaboration! Get a hold of us and we can talk!
Mini Materials are miniature construction materials specializing in miniature cinder blocks made of real concrete. The Orlando-based team of Mat Hofma and Erik Polumbo created this company in 2015 and are now the leading supplier of miniature cinder blocks and pallets in the world. Their goal is to bring the love of building into the comfort and convenience of your own home. You can build for fun or use Mini Materials to generate your next big idea! To learn more and to buy your own Mini Materials, check out the Mini Materials website. Follow along for the latest updates on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
