Painted Critter

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. Zectron is a prominent figure in the indie designer toy scene, celebrated for his imaginative creations that blend retro horror, science fiction, and kaiju aesthetics. As a sculptor and designer, he has significantly influenced the resurgence of keshi-style mini figures and soft vinyl art toys. Zectron frequently collaborates with other artists and producers in the designer toy community. Notable partnerships include working with Eric Nilla and Joe Whiteford on resin figures inspired by classic horror films. His collaborations often result in unique, limited-edition pieces that are highly sought after by collectors.