Collecting Art Toys: A Beginner’s Guide

1. Understand the Art Toy Scene

Before diving into collecting, it's important to familiarize yourself with the art toy industry. Art toys encompass a variety of styles and mediums, including vinyl figures, plush toys, and resin sculptures. Some of the most popular brands in the art toy space include Kidrobot, Funko Pop!, and Medicom Toy. These brands often collaborate with well-known artists and designers to create limited-edition toys that appeal to collectors.

The world of art toys is diverse, with offerings ranging from affordable, mass-produced figures to ultra-rare, high-end collectibles. Some figures may be sold in limited runs of just a few hundred pieces, while others may be available in much larger quantities. Understanding the different types of art toys and the brands behind them will help you navigate the market and start building a well-rounded collection.

2. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Like any collectible hobby, art toy collecting can be expensive. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and purchase toys impulsively, but having a clear budget in mind will help you stay focused and avoid overspending. Set a monthly or yearly budget for your collection and try to stick to it. This will ensure that you don't overextend yourself financially and that you can continue to build your collection steadily over time.

Prices for art toys can vary significantly. While some toys may be priced as low as $10–$30, limited-edition pieces or toys from well-known artists can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It's essential to balance your desire for rare pieces with what you're able and willing to spend. As your collection grows, you may want to increase your budget for more high-value items.

3. Learn How to Spot Rare and Valuable Pieces

One of the key aspects of art toy collecting is discovering rare and valuable pieces. There are a few strategies to help you identify these items:

• Limited Editions: Many art toys are produced in limited runs, which can make them more valuable. Look for toys that are labeled as "limited edition" or "exclusive." These items often become more desirable as they become harder to find.
• Collaborations: Artist collaborations often yield some of the most sought-after pieces. Look for toys designed by famous artists like KAWS or tokidoki, as these collaborations are frequently limited and can appreciate in value over time.
• Condition: The condition of the toy plays a huge role in its value. Toys that are kept in mint condition, with original packaging and no signs of wear, will typically be worth more. Be mindful of how you store your toys to maintain their condition.
• Rarity: The more limited the production run, the rarer and more valuable the toy. Some figures may be exclusive to certain regions or events, which makes them harder to find and more desirable to collectors.

To get a better idea of the value of certain pieces, you can check auction sites like eBay or Highsnobiety, where collectors often buy and sell rare art toys. Pay attention to what prices these toys fetch to gauge their market value.

4. Know Where to Buy Art Toys

Once you've decided which toys you want to collect, it's time to figure out where to purchase them. There are several places you can buy art toys, both online and in-person:

• Official Websites: Many art toy brands, like Kidrobot, sell their toys directly through their websites. Purchasing from the official store ensures you're getting authentic products, especially if you're after limited-edition items.
• Specialty Retailers: Stores like Medicom Toy and Funko offer exclusive releases and hard-to-find pieces.
• Auction Sites: As mentioned earlier, online auction sites like eBay and Catawiki offer art toys from both private sellers and collectors. Be sure to verify the authenticity of the items before making a purchase.
• Conventions and Art Shows: Attending conventions like San Diego Comic-Con or designer toy events like Designer Toy Awards can be a great way to find rare pieces, meet other collectors, and discover new artists.

5. Join the Art Toy Community

One of the best ways to deepen your knowledge and enjoy your new hobby is to connect with other collectors. Join online communities, such as forums and social media groups dedicated to art toys. Instagram, for example, is filled with art toy collectors sharing their collections under hashtags like #ArtToys and #DesignerToys. You can also join Facebook groups or Reddit communities where you can discuss your collection, ask for advice, and learn from more experienced collectors.

By participating in the art toy community, you'll gain valuable insights into trends, upcoming releases, and even swap or trade pieces with other collectors. Being part of the community enhances the collecting experience and helps you stay updated on what’s happening in the world of art toys.

6. Displaying Your Collection

As your collection grows, you’ll want to find a way to display your art toys. Proper display not only protects the toys from damage but also showcases them as the works of art they are. Consider using shelves, display cases, or shadow boxes to highlight your pieces. Make sure that your display area is away from direct sunlight and humidity to preserve the integrity of the toys.

Remember, the way you display your toys can make them even more special. Arrange them by theme, color, or series to create a visually appealing collection that you’ll be proud to show off.

If you need more information on this topic, please check out Collector’s Guide