Post by WishItWas1984 on Oct 31, 2017 22:51:47 GMT -6
For a while now I've kept a casual eye on the designer toy scene. As a toy collector who partly collects because of the art of it, I am fascinated with how artists create their art using the medium of toys.
I've actually finally added some choice pieces to my collection that I really connected with.
The problem is, I see so many ways that people describe this toy collecting subculture. So I thought I'd share what I believe and see what others thought of it.
First, I think there is 1 golden rule or requirement that all must adhere to. That is, they are independently created. Once it reaches the corporate mass-produced level, they lose this unique status. Although I've quite honestly never heard of one transitioning like that.
Ok, here's the categories/terminology:
Designer Toys / Art Toys - They are interchangeable
Urban Designer Toys - A large subsection of the above where subject matter revolves around topics typically found in urban settings. Like graffiti, hip-hop, rap, etc..
Bootleg Toys - Another large subsection of Designer/Art Toys, but are not 100% original art. These will always be based in some way on preexisting items, toys or toy parts, recast and/or kit-bashed to make something new.
So as an example, a figure from Sucklord would be a bootleg designer/art toy, but a vinyl from Ron English or a Dunny by Kidrobot, would simply be a designer/art toy.
I've actually finally added some choice pieces to my collection that I really connected with.
The problem is, I see so many ways that people describe this toy collecting subculture. So I thought I'd share what I believe and see what others thought of it.
First, I think there is 1 golden rule or requirement that all must adhere to. That is, they are independently created. Once it reaches the corporate mass-produced level, they lose this unique status. Although I've quite honestly never heard of one transitioning like that.
Ok, here's the categories/terminology:
Designer Toys / Art Toys - They are interchangeable
Urban Designer Toys - A large subsection of the above where subject matter revolves around topics typically found in urban settings. Like graffiti, hip-hop, rap, etc..
Bootleg Toys - Another large subsection of Designer/Art Toys, but are not 100% original art. These will always be based in some way on preexisting items, toys or toy parts, recast and/or kit-bashed to make something new.
So as an example, a figure from Sucklord would be a bootleg designer/art toy, but a vinyl from Ron English or a Dunny by Kidrobot, would simply be a designer/art toy.
