Meet Topher McDaniel | Artist & Fabricator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Topher McDaniel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Topher, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity and working with my hands, and I wanted the freedom to bring my own ideas to life while helping others bring theirs to reality. I started Lazer Monster because I saw a gap in the market for custom laser work that was high quality, affordable, and flexible. I was tired of seeing limitations in other shops—whether it was size, materials, or creativity—and I knew I could offer something better. Plus, the idea of being in control of my time, my projects, and my creative direction was a huge driving force. It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a platform where I could combine art, craftsmanship, and problem-solving every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Becoming an artist has been a slow and very personal journey for me. I’ve always loved being creative and making things with my hands, but I never really saw myself as a ‘traditional artist.’ I wasn’t great at drawing or painting in the classic sense, but I always had ideas. I’ve always been good at problem-solving and thinking creatively.

When I discovered the laser, everything changed. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me as an artist. Suddenly, I could use the computer to help with drawing and precision, and then bring those ideas to life physically. That was a game changer. But even then, it took nearly 10 years of experimenting, testing, and exploring different styles to finally land on the kind of art that really feels like ‘me.’

My current series is called Perspectives. It’s based on optical illusions and impossible shapes. I cut each piece out of wood, hand-paint every individual section, and then inlay them back together like a puzzle. The result is a slightly three-dimensional piece that tricks the eye into looking two-dimensional it plays with depth and perception.

I’m really proud of how far I’ve come because it wasn’t easy. It took years of trial and error, failed projects, and second-guessing myself to figure out what felt authentic. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to not have it all figured out at the start. You just have to keep making things, follow your curiosity, and let the process lead you.

What I want people to know about me and about Lazer Monster is that this is a space where creativity and craftsmanship meet. Whether it’s functional pieces, custom work, or fine art, everything I make comes from that same drive to take an idea and turn it into something real, something you can hold, see, and experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d skip the tourist traps and take them to the city’s hidden gems. places that capture its weird, creative soul. We’d start with Clifton’s Cafeteria downtown, a surreal, forest-themed throwback with a secret tiki speakeasy upstairs—perfect for setting the tone. Then, I’d take them to Highland Park Bowl, a moody, vintage bowling alley with craft cocktails, where we could channel old-school L.A. vibes. For art, I’d scout out underground shows in raw spaces…think warehouse pop-ups in Boyle Heights or DIY galleries in an industrial corner of Arts District. Maybe we’d catch a punk flea market or an immersive installation in a repurposed factory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
there’s no way I’d be where I am without the support of the people around me. First off, my dad deserves a huge shoutout for letting me completely take over his garage when I was first getting started. That became my first workshop, and without that space, Lazer Monster wouldn’t exist. My wife has been my rock through it all—she believed in my vision from the beginning and supported me while I took some pretty big risks to make this business happen. And I have to give a lot of credit to my friends, who were actually my very first clients. They trusted me, brought me projects, and really helped me get off the ground. It really does take a village. Nobody builds something like this alone

Website: https://www.LazerMonster.com

Instagram: @lazer_monster

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LazerMonster