Top Trends in Art Toy Design for 2024

1. Innovative Materials: The Rise of Sustainable and Hybrid Materials

One of the most notable trends in art toy design for 2024 is the growing use of sustainable materials. As the art toy community becomes more environmentally conscious, artists and manufacturers are turning to eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics, biodegradable resins, and even organic materials like wood and fabric. The push for sustainability in art toy production reflects broader trends in the collectibles and fashion industries, where sustainability is becoming a key factor in design.

Additionally, hybrid materials are gaining traction in art toy design. These materials combine different elements to create unique textures, colors, and effects. For instance, some designers are experimenting with materials that blend traditional vinyl with flexible silicone or 3D-printed elements. These hybrid designs allow for more complex and innovative shapes, giving artists the freedom to experiment with new forms and functionalities.

These new materials not only provide fresh aesthetic possibilities but also appeal to eco-conscious collectors who seek sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic toys. For example, Greenwich Museum has discussed how art toy manufacturers are now prioritizing eco-friendly practices, aligning with global calls for sustainability in manufacturing.

2. Influential Themes: From Nostalgia to Futurism

Thematic design in art toys is undergoing an exciting evolution, with artists increasingly drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultural, social, and technological themes. In 2024, nostalgia continues to play a significant role in the development of art toy designs. Many designers are creating toys that tap into memories of childhood or pop culture phenomena from the '80s and '90s, blending retro aesthetics with contemporary design sensibilities.

For instance, toys inspired by classic cartoons, video games, and vintage action figures are becoming more popular, as collectors crave that sense of nostalgia. However, the nostalgia trend is not just about copying old designs—it’s about reimagining and elevating them, often through unique artistic interpretations. Designers are using their toys to pay tribute to the past while creating something entirely new.

On the other end of the spectrum, futurism is also a major theme in 2024. Many designers are exploring speculative and dystopian worlds, drawing inspiration from futuristic sci-fi aesthetics. These toys often feature sleek, high-tech designs, metallic finishes, and robotic features. Artists are creating characters that reflect futuristic societies, alien worlds, and even space exploration. For instance, the collaboration between Superplastic and various artists has led to futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired designs that push the boundaries of art toy creation.

3. Increased Artist Collaborations: Cross-Pollination of Art and Pop Culture

Artist collaborations are a key driver of innovation and excitement in the art toy world. In 2024, we’re seeing more cross-disciplinary partnerships between artists, brands, and pop culture icons. These collaborations allow for the fusion of different creative worlds, resulting in art toys that are more diverse and dynamic than ever before.

One exciting trend is the collaboration between street artists and traditional toy manufacturers. Artists who are known for their work in graffiti and mural art are bringing their bold, graphic styles to the toy scene, adding a streetwise edge to designer toys. For example, the partnership between graffiti legend Banksy and various toy brands has resulted in limited-edition toys that combine the rawness of street art with the playfulness of designer toys.

Pop culture icons are also becoming more involved in the art toy scene. Collaborations between famous musicians, filmmakers, and even sports stars are creating a unique blend of art toys that appeal to a broad audience. This trend has led to high-profile releases like Funko Pop! Vinyl figures of celebrities and characters from major film franchises. These collaborations bring new fans into the art toy world and expand the market for collectible toys.

For collectors, these collaborations often result in limited-edition releases that can appreciate in value over time, making them highly sought after in the secondary market.

4. Digital and Virtual Art Toys: The Metaverse Beckons

As digital technologies continue to evolve, the concept of virtual and digital art toys is becoming a reality. In 2024, we’re seeing the emergence of virtual art toys, often tied to the growing popularity of the metaverse and NFTs (non-fungible tokens). These digital collectibles allow fans to own unique, one-of-a-kind pieces in the virtual space, without the need for physical production.

These digital art toys often feature 3D animations, interactive elements, and augmented reality (AR) features, which offer an immersive experience that physical toys cannot match. Some artists are even creating digital twins of their physical art toys, allowing collectors to display both versions in their virtual and physical spaces. Notable platforms like OpenSea have become marketplaces for digital collectibles, where art toy NFTs are sold alongside digital art and other virtual assets.

While the concept of virtual toys might seem futuristic, many established artists and toy manufacturers are already jumping on the trend. For example, Superplastic has already launched digital versions of their iconic vinyl characters as NFTs, offering a new way for fans to engage with their favorite designs.

5. Customization and DIY Culture: Fans Become Creators

Customization continues to be a key trend in the art toy world. As the DIY culture gains momentum, many art toy creators and collectors are embracing the opportunity to create their own designs, personalizing existing toys or starting from scratch. In 2024, we expect even more emphasis on customization, with brands offering "blank canvas" toys for fans to paint, sculpt, and modify according to their unique vision.

This trend is partly driven by platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where artists share tutorials and inspire others to engage in their own creative processes. The proliferation of 3D printing technology has also made it easier for anyone to create their own toys, even without traditional sculpting skills. As a result, we’re seeing a rise in "fan-made" toys, where collectors turn into creators and build their own version of popular characters or entirely new creations.

For example, artists like Kidrobot offer blank Dunny and Munny figures that collectors can customize, leading to unique interpretations of existing designs. This level of interactivity allows collectors to engage with the art toy scene in a more hands-on, personal way.