Designer toys, also known as art toys, are a type of collectible figurine that are created by artists and designers. These toys are typically made of vinyl or resin and are highly stylized, often featuring unique characters or designs. Designer toys have their roots in the DIY punk and graffiti scenes of the 1990s, where artists began creating their own limited edition toys as a way to express their creativity and connect with fans

The production process for designer toys varies depending on the artist or designer, but typically involves sculpting the toy in clay or digital software, creating a mold of the sculpt, and then casting the toy in vinyl or resin. Some artists also hand-paint each toy individually, making each piece unique.

Designer toys can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, resin, wood, metal, and more. Vinyl is a popular material for designer toys due to its durability and versatility, as it can be molded into a variety of shapes and colors. Resin is another popular material for designer toys, as it allows for more intricate details and textures.

Some well-known designer toy brands include Kidrobot, Medicom Toy, Funko, and Superplastic. These brands have collaborated with a wide range of artists and designers to produce limited edition toys that are highly collectible.

Overall, designer toys have become an important part of contemporary art and pop culture, with many artists and designers using them as a platform to express their creativity and connect with fans around the world.