The Art of Custom Art Toys

What Are Custom Art Toys?

Custom art toys are unique, hand-crafted collectible figures that are typically based on a base toy, often vinyl figures like Kidrobot’s Dunny or Bearbricks, which artists then modify and embellish to create personalized, one-off works of art. These customized pieces can range from slight alterations of the original design to entirely new concepts, blending sculpture, painting, and even digital art in some cases.

Unlike mass-produced toys, custom art toys are typically produced in extremely limited quantities—sometimes even just one piece. They allow artists to express their individual creativity and push the boundaries of what a toy can be. For collectors, these one-of-a-kind pieces often hold a higher value due to their rarity and the direct involvement of the artist in their creation.

The Process of Creating Custom Art Toys

The creation of a custom art toy is a meticulous process that involves various stages, each requiring artistic skill and a deep understanding of the medium. Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:

• Concept Development: Every custom art toy begins with an idea. Artists often draw inspiration from pop culture, street art, abstract concepts, or personal experiences. The concept phase is crucial because it defines the toy’s theme, character, and overall look.
• Base Selection: Artists typically start with a blank or pre-designed vinyl toy base. Popular bases like Kidrobot’s Dunny, Medicom’s Bearbricks, and ToyQube figures provide a foundation for the artist to build upon.
• Modification: This step involves altering the toy’s structure, either by sanding, sculpting, or molding additional parts to create new features. Artists may add custom accessories, alter facial expressions, or create new textures to give the toy a distinct personality.
• Painting and Detailing: Once the modifications are complete, the toy is painted, usually with acrylics, airbrush techniques, and even specialty paints like glow-in-the-dark or metallic finishes. Artists often use fine detail brushes to add intricate features like tattoos, facial expressions, or other decorative elements that make each piece unique.
• Final Touches: After the painting is finished, many artists add finishing touches such as varnishes, weathering, or even decals to further personalize the toy. Some artists will also sign or number the pieces to highlight their rarity and authenticity.

Throughout this process, artists are often experimenting with different materials and techniques, which can lead to truly innovative designs and collectible art pieces.

Meet the Artists: Visionaries Behind Custom Art Toys

Many renowned artists have contributed to the evolution of custom art toys, bringing unique visions to life and establishing a strong following among collectors. Here are a few artists who have made a significant impact in the world of custom art toys:

• KAWS: One of the most influential figures in the designer toy world, KAWS is known for his signature characters with exaggerated features, like the "Companion" and "BFF" figures. His custom art toys have been showcased in galleries around the world and have become iconic pieces in the art toy community. Learn more about KAWS at KAWSOne.
• Luke Chueh: A prominent figure in the art toy scene, Luke Chueh is known for his emotionally charged, anthropomorphic characters. His figures, often depicting animals in moments of existential crisis, are both poignant and playful. Check out Luke’s work on LukeChueh.com.
• Junko Mizuno: With her colorful and surreal designs, Junko Mizuno has been a key figure in the custom art toy scene. Her work often combines elements of Japanese pop culture with darker, whimsical motifs. Her figures are highly collectible and have made their way into international art galleries. Learn more at Junko Mizuno’s Official Site.
• Gary Baseman: Known for his playful yet dark creations, Gary Baseman has become a staple in the designer toy world. His characters often blur the lines between innocence and menace, making them both approachable and mysterious. Check out his latest releases on Gary Baseman’s Website.

These artists and others continue to shape the landscape of custom art toys, inspiring a new generation of toy creators and collectors. Their works are celebrated not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to provoke thought and evoke emotion through the medium of toy design.

The Impact of Custom Art Toys on the Art World

While many people initially view art toys as niche collectibles, their influence on both the art world and pop culture cannot be understated. Artists like KAWS and Luke Chueh have transcended the toy world to exhibit in major galleries and museums. Their custom art toys have become recognized as legitimate works of contemporary art, reflecting the ongoing convergence between popular culture and high art.

Moreover, the popularity of custom art toys has helped elevate the status of other art forms, such as graffiti and street art. These toys often serve as a bridge between the street and the gallery, allowing artists to reach a broader audience and enabling collectors to own a piece of art that is both accessible and collectible.

As the art toy market continues to grow, it’s likely that we’ll see more collaborations between custom toy artists and major cultural institutions. These toys may one day be recognized not only as collectibles but as an essential part of contemporary visual culture.

Where to Find Custom Art Toys

If you’re interested in adding custom art toys to your collection, there are several places to explore:

• Online Stores: Websites like Kidrobot, ToyQube, and Superplastic frequently feature new custom and limited-edition art toys from well-known artists.
• Conventions: Art toy conventions, such as San Diego Comic-Con or DesignerCon, are excellent places to discover custom toys and meet the artists behind the creations.
• Art Galleries: Many galleries now showcase custom art toys alongside traditional artwork. The Brooklyn Museum and MOCA have hosted exhibitions dedicated to designer toys.