The Dreamer - Oil Slick

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 Dronfield in the United Kingdom, Squink! grew up on a diet of popcorn, candy, and Jayce and the wheeled warriors. Qualified as a graphic designer but also a keen painter from a very early age, he became a toy collector with the launch Of the Toy2R Qee, which eventually lead to customising everything he could get his hands on! A head filled with characters in need of being set free finally had an outlet. Heavily influenced by japanese culture and 80’s cartoons, he claims to put a little bit of his soul into each character he creates, giving them all a unique personality, fueled by coffee, good smelly cheese and shoegaze. Gathering inspiration from the toys and natural forms he surrounds himself with. Squink! has more recently branched out into canvas paintings, and also limited edition screen printed t-shirts. ToyCon UK is the UK’s first ever dedicated designer toy convention. With exhibitors ranging from the UK’s best customisers, retailers and toy producers, the event will create a unique opportunity to meet and interact with the stars in this growing scene. Along with the amazing exhibitors and their incredible ware, there will be talks, question sessions and custom workshops with the biggest and brightest in the UK toy scene and beyond. It is the brainchild of three toy fans who decided it was high time the UK had an event to celebrate the talent of UK Toy Artists