Interview: Zanna

Today, we’re delighted to introduce Zanna, the creative force behind Zanna Toy Artes! Her innovative approach to Toy Art blends vibrant street art influences with heartfelt storytelling, crafting ceramic and vinyl pieces that are both playful and profound. Through her work, Zanna brings her characters to life, reflecting resilience and joy while inspiring a growing Toy Art community in Brazi1. Tell us about what you do. How did you come to creating designer toys?

I focus on developing a line of ceramic sculptures and experimenting with Toy Art made of ceramics, using various firing techniques. At the same time, I’m planning a future vinyl Toy Art line, aiming to produce my own toys while studying the production process with companies in Brazil.

My journey into Toy Art started with my love for creating characters that blend artistic expression, storytelling, and collectability. I also teach and mentor local artists in both traditional and digital modeling for 3D printing. These activities help me sustain myself financially while building recognition as a Toy Art artist.

2. Where do you live and work? How favorable are the conditions for your activities there?

I live in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo and work in an atelier located in a prestigious neighborhood. I assist with classes and also have a small room where I develop my toys, studies, and lessons.

Ribeirão Preto isn’t widely known for its Toy Art scene, but I’ve managed to secure cultural grants to conduct workshops and exhibitions, showcasing Toy Art to the public. Although the local market for Toy Art is still growing, I’ve found ways to promote and develop my work through networking and presenting my best creations.

3. How would you describe your creative work?

My work is deeply rooted in street art, heavily influenced by graffiti and cartoon-style aesthetics. I love vibrant colors and harmonious combinations, often associating colors with smells or tastes.

My creations are characterized by their shine, vivid hues, and a mix of whimsy and stark realities. Growing up in a humble environment, I lacked access to conventional toys and instead made my own using discarded materials. This personal history inspires my style, blending playful designs with deeper narratives.

4. Tell us about your characters.

I create characters that combine human and animal traits, often focusing on mischievous or rebellious children. These characters reflect resilience, joy, and struggle, inspired by my upbringing in a challenging environment where I witnessed both the hardships of abandoned animals and children forced to grow up too quickly.

Through my art, I aim to tell stories that resonate emotionally while maintaining a playful and colorful approach, perfect for the world of Toy Art.

5. Have you ever collaborated with other artists? How did it go?

Yes, I’ve collaborated with NGOs and artists across Brazil, organizing exhibitions and workshops to introduce Toy Art to broader audiences.

One of my proudest achievements was curating an event in a local shopping mall, featuring works from various Brazilian artists and hosting Toy Art customization workshops. These collaborations have been rewarding, fostering connections and promoting the cultural value of Toy Art.

6. What do you like about designer toys?

I love that designer toys blend artistic expression with collectability, allowing artists to tell stories through playful and meaningful creations.

Toy Art gives me the freedom to create what I couldn’t have as a child, combining vibrancy, narrative, and artistry into collectible objects that resonate with people.

7. Do you collect designer toys? What do you pay attention to when collecting?

I’m not a dedicated collector due to financial constraints, but I exchange pieces with other local artists. These exchanges allow me to appreciate diverse styles and ideas, building a small collection that inspires me.

When I collect or trade, I pay attention to the uniqueness and story behind each piece, valuing works that reflect the artist’s passion and creativity.

8. What is your opinion on digital collecting?

Digital collectibles, like NFTs, fascinate me, and I see their potential for innovation in art. Although they aren’t widely discussed in my region, I’ve been studying their possibilities and love the idea of creating unique digital artworks.

Virtual reality and digital art also excite me, offering new avenues to expand the reach and impact of Toy Art.

9. What is the difference between a designer toy and a classical sculpture?

Designer toys stand out by combining artistry with playfulness, often including humor and collectability. While classical sculptures focus on conceptual and aesthetic value, designer toys retain the essence of toys, even when they aren’t meant for play.

I believe the ideal material for Toy Art is vinyl, which emphasizes simplicity and collectability. While resin is more accessible today, vinyl remains the hallmark of true designer toys.

10. Tell us about your future plans and where we can follow them.

I plan to balance my mentorship work with personal Toy Art production, focusing on creating mass-producible characters that tell compelling stories, often about children and animals. I’m also exploring seasonal themes and ways to expand the Toy Art community in my region.