Life-size Bambi & Thumper (SDCC 2022)

I make stuff in Black and White Disney, as a creator of art toys, has played a significant role in merging mainstream pop culture with the designer toy world. While traditionally known for mass-market merchandise, Disney has also ventured into the art toy and collectible vinyl scene, often collaborating with artists and brands to produce limited-edition figures that appeal to both collectors and fans of designer toys. Vinylmation (2008 - 2020) – One of Disney’s most notable art toy lines, featuring blank Mickey Mouse-shaped figures customized with different themes, characters, and designs. Many were designed by Disney artists, while some featured collaborations with external artists. Disney has worked with Medicom Toy on high-end BE@RBRICK and VCD (Vinyl Collectible Dolls) figures, often reimagining classic characters like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy in unique art styles. More recently, Disney has partnered with Pop Mart, a leader in designer blind box figures, to create stylized collectibles inspired by its iconic characters. While Disney primarily operates in the mainstream collectibles space, its influence on the art toy scene has helped bring designer toys to a wider audience, bridging the gap between mass production and artistic expression. Founded in 2002 by designer Paul Budnitz, Kidrobot is the world's premier creator of limited edition art toys and apparel. Kidrobot creates toys, apparel, accessories, and other products in collaboration with many of the world's most talented artists and designers. The products sold at Kidrobot are the centerpieces of a global movement that exemplifies the cutting edge of both pop art and mass culture. Many Kidrobot toys, such as Dunny, MUNNY, and Frank Kozik's Labbits and Mongers, attract huge followings. Artists that work with Kidrobot have gained celebrity status-these include USA artists Frank Kozik, Tim Biskup, Huck Gee, Joe Ledbetter, Tristan Eaton, Paul Budnitz, and Tara McPherson; the German design collective eBoy; Japan's Devilrobots & Mad Barbarians; French street artists Tilt & Mist; the UK's TADO and ilovedust; Australia's Nathan Jurevicius; Argentina's DOMA; and many, many others. Kidrobot also regularly collaborates with many of the world's top brands to create unique limited editions products. Past collaborations include Marc Jacobs, Visionaire Magazine, Barneys New York, The Standard Hotels, Playboy, Burton, Nike, Lacoste, Nooka, Matt Groening & more. A blend of sculpture and popular art, many of Kidrobot's exclusive toys are extremely rare and collectible. Artists often create a series of only a few hundred Kidrobot is a well-known American designer toy company, and while they have historically been more focused on online retail, they have also had a presence with physical stores in certain locations. These stores are often considered flagship locations where collectors and art toy enthusiasts can experience Kidrobot’s offerings in person, including their iconic limited-edition toys, collectibles, and art pieces.