Minus Mouse

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. Bryan Lopez / B.A.L.D. is a self taught designer from the Central Valley of California. In 2009 Bryan stumbled into the world of designer toys, so taken by them he started "customizing" (painting and modifying) these toys. Finding a whole sub-culture community of other Artists who shared his passion; he went on to Co-found the Toy Forum / Artist Collective Custom Toy Union. With a customer base that spans the globe Bryan has found an audience for his unique characters and designs; he continues to have success in the toy community with wins in multiple Kidrobot contests and custom collaborations with Toy2R. Future plans are to expand his character world and to develop his own line of figures.