Characters Who Changed the Art Toy World

Some art toys have become true icons, paving the way for their creators to achieve global fame. However, some of them didn’t start as art toys but as characters created for other art forms—painting, graffiti, or animation. These images gradually took physical form and became part of a new designer toy industry. Today, we’re talking about iconic characters that transformed the industry and made their creators famous.

Mr. DOB was created by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami in 1993 and became his signature character. This figure is Japan’s answer to Western pop culture, drawing inspiration from characters like Doraemon and Mickey Mouse. Its vibrant cartoonish style and the Superflat concept—blending high art with mass culture—turned this figure into an icon, cementing Murakami’s status as a leading figure in contemporary art.

2. Michael Lau — Gardener (1999)

The legendary Gardener series debuted in 1999, inspired by skate culture and graffiti. Michael Lau is considered the "father" of designer vinyl toys and a pioneer of the urban vinyl movement. His characters set trends that remain relevant today, and his collection of 99 figures became a milestone in the industry.

Pointman is an iconic character by legendary graffiti artist Futura 2000 (Leonard Hilton McGurr). Created in 1999, the figure reflects the artist’s abstract style and his departure from classic street art. Futura’s collaborations with major brands turned Pointman into a collector’s dream and reinforced his influence on street culture.

4. Ron English — MC Supersized (2004)

MC Supersized is a satirical take on Ronald McDonald, created by Ron English in 2004. The figure symbolizes the excess of fast food in culture and critiques mass consumerism. The work sparked major controversy and solidified Ron English’s reputation as a master of pop surrealism.