Smoke Smile of Hope

My name is Kik. I was born in Bangkok, Thailand. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management as well as an MBA from the University of Greenwich. You must be thinking – but wait a minute, that has no relation to art! LOL! You see, my family had wanted me to secure a job in the corporate world, in the confines of an office. However, I had other plans for myself and chose instead, to push myself and follow my dreams. Now, I am a full-time designer toy artist! Yay! ​ My interest in art started at a very young age. I love exploring new techniques and trying out new methods. This has allowed me to vary my creations, yet always staying true to my love for all things fun and colourful. ​ In June 2017, I introduced Kik Toyz to the world. It has only been a few months since I started making toys, but my art journey actually began in 2010. Polymer clay and art dolls were my passion and inspiration back then. After graduating with a Master’s Degree, I returned to Bangkok and found myself yearning to craft again. Unfortunately, all my tools were left in Singapore. I Join us for a weekend filled with artists, exhibitors and all things designed to inspire and engage every kind of designer toy fan. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or simply curious about the world of designer toys, CollectedCon will offer something for everyone. Get up close and personal with some of the most talented designer toy artists in the world, and learn about their creative process, inspiration, and backgrounds. Discover new and rare toys, expand your collection, or simply marvel at the unique and captivating artistry that is designer toys. Our convention is not just about buying and selling toys — it's about fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and community. We are passionate about bringing people together to celebrate the art form that is designer toys, and we can't wait for you to join us. Plus, with Navy Pier as our backdrop, you'll have easy access to some of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, restaurants, and attractions. Create your own designer toy adventure, and experience all that Chicago has to offer. 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. Strangecat Toys is a designer toy store based in Tampa, Florida, specializing in urban vinyl toys, art toys, customs, plush toys, and more. Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, the store offers a curated selection of collectibles from both established and emerging artists. The physical store is located at 4338 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, Florida 33611