Designing Unique Collectible Experiences: Exploring Designer Toy Strategies to Promote Local Artistry Through Funko Pop Figurines

In the realm of collectibles, designer toys have emerged as a unique and immersive medium for promoting local artistry and engaging collectors in meaningful experiences. This thesis delves into the intricate world of designer toys, particularly focusing on Funko Pop figurines, to explore strategies that enhance the promotion of local artistry. By utilizing an autoethnographic lens to gather insights, I was able to create a series of figures that promote three Canadian cities and my own art style. Through this design exploration, customization, textural, and interactive elements were explored to generate a unique and personalized experience for a collector. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the creative process of Funko Pops and designer toy production, emphasizing their capacity to push boundaries and foster connections between artists, collectors, and local communities.