Smooth Skier Bubbles

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. Jenn and Tony Bot, collectively known as “The Bots,” are a husband-and-wife artist duo from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, specializing in designer toys, miniature sculptures, and character development. They began customizing toys in 2010 and have since created numerous unique pieces and participated in several production toy projects.  Their work is characterized by vibrant colors and original characters, often featuring grumpy monsters that exude charm and personality. Jenn, a self-taught artist, has a passion for polymer clay and draws inspiration from Japanese and American popular culture. Together, they have collaborated with various companies, including Kidrobot, contributing to series such as the “Scared Silly Dunny Series.”