Melvin

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. Raised in the great white north of Canada, on sugar-infested cereal, 80’s music, Peanuts comics, and classic Nintendo games Cameron Tiede has always stayed a kid. In the 90’s, he ventured down to Southern California to thaw out and attend Art Center College of Design where he studied illustration. Cameron’s signature style is infused with raw energetic characters and stimulating colour. Described as “illuminated innocence,” his work is as playful as it is honest. Currently he draws, paints and designs for himself and others. He is working on a number of limited edition art toys which are due out this year. Some of his clients have included Disney, Mattel, Nickelodeon, and Warner Brothers. His work is both exhibited and collected around the world.