How to Start Collecting Art Toys
Starting an art toy collection is an exciting and fulfilling journey, but like any serious hobby or investment, it requires knowledge, passion, and a clear direction. Art toys are not just playful items; they represent a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. Whether you're looking to decorate your home, make a sound investment, or simply indulge in a unique hobby, collecting art toys can be a rewarding experience. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the world of art toy collecting.
Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Art Toys
Before diving into the world of art toys, it’s crucial to understand the different types of art toys available. These can be categorized based on their production methods, design inspirations, and artist collaborations. Familiarizing yourself with these types will not only help you make informed decisions but also guide you toward building a collection that reflects your interests and style.
1.1 Limited Edition Art Toys
Limited edition toys are typically produced in small quantities, often with a numbered certificate of authenticity. These toys are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity. Collectors often view limited edition toys as investments, as they may appreciate in value over time. Examples include toys produced by well-known companies like Bearbricks (from Medicom Toy) or Funko’s limited-edition vinyl figures. Limited editions can be both highly detailed and intricately designed.
1.2 Handmade Art Toys
Handmade art toys are often produced in small batches or even as one-of-a-kind pieces. These toys are created by independent artists or small studios and can feature unique design aesthetics, materials, and paintwork. Handmade toys are appealing for collectors who appreciate the artistic value and craftsmanship involved in the creation of each piece. Examples include artists like Kirkland Nascimento or Yoskay Yamamoto, who craft distinctive figures blending sculpture and toy art.
1.3 Designer Toys
Designer toys are conceptual pieces designed by artists or designers who approach toys as an art form. They often explore urban and pop culture themes, sometimes with a satirical edge or commentary. These toys are produced by collaborations between artists and brands, such as Kidrobot or Superplastic. Designer toys are often mass-produced but retain an air of exclusivity due to their artistic influence.
1.4 Collaborations Between Artists and Brands
Artist collaborations are common in the art toy world, where renowned artists partner with popular toy brands or companies. These collaborations bring together the creativity of the artist and the expertise of the brand to create unique and limited-edition toys. Well-known examples include Kaiju figures from Japanese artists, BAPE x Bearbrick, and The Simpsons x Kidrobot. These collaborations often result in highly collectible pieces that blend various cultural influences and media.
Step 2: Set Your Collection Goals
Having a clear vision of your collecting goals is essential. Without direction, it can be easy to accumulate too many random toys that don't fit into a cohesive collection. Setting goals will help you define what you're looking for and guide your purchasing decisions.
2.1 Decide on Themes or Artists
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you want to focus on a specific theme, brand, or designer. For instance, you might want to collect toys based on a particular artist like Kaws or Dunny figures from Kidrobot. Alternatively, you may choose to focus on a theme such as urban street art or Japanese culture, which can lead to a more curated collection.
2.2 Build a Collection Based on Investment Potential
If your main goal is financial gain, you may wish to focus on art toys that have historically appreciated in value. Research the market and identify toys that are likely to be in high demand in the future. Limited editions, rare designs, or collaborations that have a strong fan following are typically the safest investment choices.
2.3 Mix of Personal Taste and Market Demand
It's also important to strike a balance between what you personally enjoy and what the market values. Many collectors choose to include pieces that resonate with their own aesthetic tastes while still paying attention to trends within the community.
Step 3: Know Where to Buy Art Toys
Finding reliable and trusted sources for purchasing art toys is one of the most crucial steps in building your collection. With the growing popularity of art toys, many counterfeit products have entered the market, so it’s essential to buy from reputable sources to avoid disappointment and ensure the authenticity of your purchases.
3.1 Reputable Online Retailers
Many online retailers specialize in designer toys and limited editions. Websites like Kidrobot, Superplastic, and Pop Life Global are trustworthy places to find new releases from well-known artists. These sites often offer exclusive releases and pre-orders that you won’t find in other stores.
3.2 Artist Websites
Buying directly from an artist’s website can be a great way to obtain exclusive pieces. Artists frequently release limited edition or one-off toys on their own platforms, sometimes with customizations or special packaging. Purchasing directly from artists ensures you get an authentic product and often includes the artist’s personal touch, which adds value to the item.
3.3 Toy Conventions and Events
Toy conventions like DesignerCon or ToyCon UK are excellent places to meet other collectors, learn about new trends in the art toy world, and find rare and exclusive releases. Many artists and brands debut their latest designs at these conventions, and it’s an opportunity to purchase toys before they hit the general market.
3.4 Secondary Marketplaces
Once your collection grows, you may wish to explore secondary marketplaces like eBay, StockX, or Grailed for rare and vintage toys. While these platforms can offer great opportunities to find elusive items, it's important to exercise caution and carefully verify the authenticity of items before making a purchase.
Step 4: Maintain and Display Your Collection
Once you've started collecting, proper maintenance and display are essential to preserving the value of your art toys. Many collectors choose to display their toys in glass display cases to keep them safe from dust, sunlight, and physical damage. It's also a good idea to keep the original packaging and any certificates of authenticity, as they can add to the resale value of the toys.
4.1 Caring for Your Art Toys
Art toys, especially vinyl and resin figures, can be delicate. Be careful when handling them, as paint or materials can wear off over time. Regularly dust your collection, but avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning tools that could damage the figures. Some collectors even use special UV-protective displays to keep their toys from fading over time.
4.2 Insurance and Storage
If your collection becomes valuable, it’s wise to invest in insurance to protect your toys from theft or damage. Many collectors also opt for climate-controlled storage solutions to maintain the integrity of their toys, especially if they’re rare or expensive.
Conclusion
Starting an art toy collection is an exciting endeavor that requires both passion and knowledge. By understanding the different types of toys, setting clear goals, and purchasing from trusted sources, you can create a collection that brings you joy while potentially increasing in value. Whether you’re drawn to the creativity, the investment potential, or simply the fun of it all, collecting art toys is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of artistic expression that spans cultures, trends, and even social movements.
Happy collecting!