Newsprint This is Fine Dumpster Fire

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. 100% Soft is the creative alias of Los Angeles-based artist Truck Torrence, renowned for his whimsical and endearing “kawaii pop art” style. He self-describes as “kawaii trash from Planet Earth” and has garnered a significant following for his playful and satirical creations. His iconic Dumpster Fire figure features a smiling dumpster ablaze, symbolizing chaos with a touch of humor. It has become a cultural phenomenon, especially during tumultuous times. While Kaiju Kitties reimagines giant monsters as adorable cats, blending Torrence’s love for kaiju films with his signature cute aesthetic. Torrence has also crafted official emoji sets for major franchises, including Star Wars and Marvel Studios, showcasing his ability to merge pop culture with his unique artistic flair. NTWRK is a premier live-stream shopping platform that has established itself as a significant venue for art toys and collectibles. By hosting virtual festivals and partnering with renowned artists and conventions, NTWRK offers enthusiasts access to exclusive releases and immersive experiences. NTWRK organizes events like “Unboxed,” a two-day designer toy and collectibles festival featuring exclusive releases and interactive panels with industry icons. They serve as the exclusive live-streaming partner for conventions like DesignerCon, broadcasting live from the event and providing virtual attendees access to exclusive art toy releases. Through these initiatives, NTWRK has become a central hub for art toy collectors, offering unique opportunities to engage with the latest in designer toys and collectibles. KC Green lives in New England and works from home. He likes to dance for the cat early in the morning when his room mate is still asleep. He gets some work in too, sometimes.