I AM PLASTIC, TOO

SSUR EMPIRESTATE

SSUReal: From the Cradle to the Grave, 2010. © SSUR Empirestate

Ruslan Karablin, better known in the art and design worlds as SSUR, emerged from the New York downtown art scene fifteen years ago. Karablin was born in Russian-occupied Odessa, Ukraine, in 1969, but later moved to Coney Island, New York, where he spent most of his young life. In 1989, though an outside artist with no formal training, Karablin introduced himself to the art world when he released a series of paintings that have now become sought-after collector's pieces. In 1990, under his SSUR brand, he pioneered what is known internationally today as "streetwear." Since this venture began, the SSUR name has traveled the world and become synonymous with both innovation and quality.

Designer: Ruslan Karablin
Manufacturer: Kidrobot
Nationality: Ukrainian
Based in: New York
Website: ssurempirestate.com

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

JOE LEDBETTER

Cutter, from Finders Keepers Mini Figure Series, 2007. Manufactured by Kidrobot. © Joe Ledbetter

Influenced by classic animation, graphic design, and daily life, Joe Ledbetter's art is . . . well . . . a lot of things. Lighthearted in his approach, he often places cute and cuddly creatures in unfortunate -- albeit humorous -- situations. Though leaning toward the subversive and absurd, these scenarios are all too familiar and they question our tendency of taking life (and ourselves) too seriously. While working as a graphic apparel artist for three years, Ledbetter got involved in the Los Angeles underground art scene, beginning with group shows such as Cannibal Flower. By the summer of 2004, he had honed his trademark visual style of emblematic linework, vibrant colors, and endearing characters to the point of being able to quit his day job. His incredible cast of creatures has since been emblazoned on more than a hundred designer vinyl toys, as well as apparel and lifestyle brands the world over.

Designer: Joe Ledbetter
Nationality: American
Based in: Los Angeles
Website: joeledbetter.com

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

Shogun 8-inch Dunny, Red Edition, 2007. Manufactured by Kidrobot. © Huck Gee and Kidrobot

HUCK GEE

A native of the United Kingdom, San Francisco-based artist Huck Gee has pieces in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Christie's Auction House. In addition, his small runs of handcrafted art toys and original prints are famous for selling out in seconds online and shipping to art collectors worldwide. When not busy planning world domination, Gee spends his free time chasing skirts and pretending to be a race car driver.

Designer: Huck Gee
Nationality: British-born, US-based
Based in: San Francisco
Website: huckgee.com

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

Hyde, Custom MUNNY, 2006. Designed by Doktor A. © Doktor A and Kidrobot

MUNNY

MUNNY is a do-it-yourself toy, one so renowned for inspiring creativity that New York's Museum of Modern Art included MUNNY in its permanent design collection.

First released in 7-inch white, black, and glow-in-the-dark versions, MUNNY was soon available as the 4-inch mini MUNNY and 18-inch MEGA MUNNY and in a variety of colors. MUNNY, always blank, is made of soft vinyl and is for all ages -- anyone can customize it! MUNNY is about expression, empowerment, and creative freedom.

Created by: Tristan Eaton and Paul Budnitz
Manufacturer: Kidrobot
Website: kidrobot.com/munny

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

Kaori the Nurse, 2007. Manufactured by Kidrobot. © Junko Mizuno

JUNKO MIZUNO

In 1996, Junko Mizuno self-produced a photocopied booklet called MINA animal DX, which brought her to the attention of the publishing industry in Japan. Soon after, she debuted as a professional comic artist and illustrator. Currently residing in San Francisco, she is constantly working on new comics, illustrations, paintings, and designs for products ranging from toys to clothing.

Designer: Junko Mizuno
Nationality: Japanese
Based in: Tokyo and San Francisco
Website: mizuno-junko.com

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

8-inch Treeson with Bubblefun, 2009. Designed by Bubi Au Yeung. © Crazy Label

CRAZY LABEL

Andy Woo is founder and executive producer of Hong Kong independent creative living brand Crazy Label. He is convinced that toys should not be confined to the realm of childhood, but can also be works that encapsulate art, lifestyle, and creativity. The resulting products should be fun to play with, functional, and visually pleasing. Crazy Label is intended to be a platform where designers can express their craziest ideas.

Manufacturer: Crazy Label
Nationality: Chinese
Based in: Hong Kong
Website: crazylabel.com

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

Tree Hugger 8-inch Dunny, Snowflake Chase Edition, 2009. © Kronk and Kidrobot

KRONK
Kronk is a toy-loving, character-crazy, and overly design-passionate human being. His favorite thing in the world is to draw pretty and dumb things that are sometimes oddly clever or silly. He loves working on awesome projects that are meaningful and one day hopes something he makes will have a profound impact on the world. Toys make people happy, so it seems like he's made a good start . . .

Designer: Kronk
Nationality: South African
Based in: Ape Town, South Africa
Website: myspace.com/iamkronk

I Am Plastic, Too is available at Amazon.

Here's an exclusive preview of the beautiful new art book, I Am Plastic, Too: The Next Generation of Designer Toys, by Paul Budnitz. Published by Abrams.

The designer toy explosion continues in Kidrobot's second book, I Am Plastic, Too, which features a worldwide survey of the newest, rarest, and most sought-after toys. By offering designers, comic book artists, illustrators, and graffiti artists a new outlet for their creative energies, these toys become miniature works of art, collected and coveted by fans everywhere. Showcasing examples from more than 140 artists and companies from six continents, this book includes images of scarce, limited-edition toys and extensive interviews with 13 of the hottest designers working today. Many of the most popular creators from the first book are back, along with new faces such as Amanda Visell, Brandt Peters, eBoy, Jon Burgerman, Kathie Olivas, and Tara McPherson."

Click the thumbnails to check out each toy!