In the wild world of toys, where we once played in the simplicity of Barbies and monster trucks, adulthood has thrown us into a whirlwind of playthings—enter the era of artistic toys! But why, oh why, are grown-ups losing their minds over what might seem like overpriced kiddie treasures? Could it be a secret handshake to our inner child or just a wild ride down nostalgia lane?
Designer Toy Collection, 2023 | Courtesy of beineken on Pinterest
The stats tell us everything! According to Globe News Wire, the Toy Collectibles Market is going through a growth spurt of 10.1% annually, skyrocketing to a jaw-dropping 40 billion by 2032. It's not just a trend; it's a full-on cultural shift in how we, the grown-up kids, view and interact with toys.
But who are the ones truly making all this business from mere “Kids toys”? Cue the beat for Michael Lau, the godfather of the designer toy scene. Starting small, he burst onto the scene with his "gardener" series, featuring 99 pieces of 12-inch action figures that threw G.I. Joe into a street culture blender for a solo exhibition at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. The result? An explosion of creativity that made the world sit up and take notice, suggesting that action figures and art could have a wild rendezvous in a market nobody knew existed. Lau dropped the wisdom bomb: "All art are toys, all toys are art," and the world joined the parade.
Enter Brian Donnelly, aka KAWS, the next mad scientist to stir up the art and toy cauldron. In the late '90s, KAWS crashed the scene with instantly recognizable characters and bold aesthetics that took nostalgia and cultural commentary on a rollercoaster ride. Japan, with its deep love for respected and widespread toys, couldn't get enough. KAWS's limited edition vinyl toys became a global hit, connecting with art toy-collecting enthusiasts worldwide. While KAWS and Lau might vibe differently—KAWS with his bold abstract characters and Lau with his more realistic/retro designs—both artists share a mission: turning toys into high-profile art and tapping into our "Kid-self".
KAWS Collection, 2023 | Courtesy of ARTOYFUN on Etsy
But what about the more affordable designer toys like Funko Pop, the vinyl figures turning collecting into a global sensation? Funko Pop has not only revolutionized the toy market but has become a financial powerhouse, with revenue soaring from $426.7 million in 2015 to a staggering $820.8 million in 2020. These reasonably priced figures are not just capturing kids' hearts but striking gold with their primary audience—adults. The pop culture-themed, big-headed figurines have become a must-have for enthusiasts of all ages, tapping into the nostalgia and fandoms of grown-ups willing to invest in the perfect pop culture collectible.
Funko Pop Collection, 2023 | Courtesy of DoodleTechLtd on Etsy
The world of designer toys, whether high-end or pocket-friendly, has discovered a sweet spot where art, nostalgia, and affordability collide, forming a lucrative market for both the young and the forever young at heart. It's not merely about overpriced collectibles; it's a lively journey down the memory lane party, where our inner child becomes the DJ, and the toys groove as the ultimate dancers in this vibrant celebration of creativity, play, and enduring youthful spirit.
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