This week is the last week before the independent study begins. I filled out the ethical reflection document to ensure that I, as a researcher, address key ethical issues related to my project.
Also, for the last tutorials of this semester, I need to do more research on …
- The change from ‘designer toys to art toys’
- Maybe ask an academic writer like a writer who wrote a book about art, designer toys, or art toys.
- Take a look at ‘memorabilia’ – cool old things that are very niche. Why do people like it?
- Get away from the word ‘demonstrate’ from my project question
- For the intervention, I should try to have an unguided intervention. Maybe it helps to see people’s reactions.
I will make a to-do list for this project this week and start it after I return from a break. Before going on a break, I plan to send all the emails to my stakeholders so that I can use the break to wait for their responses.
I have created questions for artists, collectors, and art toy companies. I also planned to send an email to the POP MART store in London to ask them to collaborate with my intervention.
Here are the questions that I wrote to art toy companies.
- Names and Meanings:
- What do you call your products?
- Are they “art toys,” “designer toys,” or something else?
- Why do you use that name?
- How do you tell the difference between your products and regular toys?
- Cultural and Artistic Value:
- Why are designer toys important in today’s culture?
- Do you think they are a form of art?
- What makes them special as art?
- Can you tell me the process of making designer toys?
- How do you choose artists to collaborate with?
- Are there any differences between Asian and non-Asian artists?
- Customer Insights:
- Who usually buys your designer toys?
- Are they mostly collectors, art lovers, or everyday shoppers? It would be good if you could give me information about customers, such as their ages, sex, etc.
- Do you think people buy designer toys because they are trendy, or do they feel a special connection to them?
- What is the most popular character or series you have?
- Why do you think it is so popular?
- Market Trends and Impact:
- Do you think the rise of designer toys makes art more or less valuable?
- Do you think knowing the story behind art toys can make people appreciate them more?
Here are the questions that I wrote to art toy collectors.
- Personal Interest and Collection:
- How did you first become interested in collecting art toys?
- What was the first art toy you purchased, and why did you choose it?
- How many art toys do you currently have in your collection?
- What is your most prized piece in your collection and why?
- Motivations and Preferences:
- How important is the story or background of the toy to your purchasing decision?
- Purchasing and Collecting Habits:
- How often do you purchase new art toys?
- Where do you usually buy art toys (e.g., online stores, conventions, specialized shops)?
- Do you participate in pre-orders or limited-edition releases? How important is it for you to get these exclusive items?
- How do you stay updated on new releases and trends in the art toy market?
- Community and Social Aspects:
- Are you part of any collector communities or groups? How do these communities influence your collecting habits?
- Do you attend events or conventions related to art toys? If so, which ones and what do you enjoy most about them?
- Have you ever collaborated with other collectors or artists? Can you share any experiences?
- Perception and Value:
- Do you consider art toys to be a form of art? Why or why not?
- Do you think owning art toys changes your appreciation for art and design in general?
- Future and Trends:
- Are there any upcoming releases or artists you are particularly excited about?
- How do you think the art toy market will evolve in the next few years
- What advice would you give to someone new to collecting art toys?
Here are the questions that I wrote to artists.
- Background and Meanings:
- What do you call your products? Are they “art toys,” “designer toys,” or something else? Why do you use that name?
- Can you tell me about your background and how you started in the designer toy industry?
- What is the meaning of your designer toys?
- What are the main challenges you face during the creation of your toys?
- Do you consider art toys to be a form of art? Why or why not?
- Personal Insights:
- What is your favourite piece that you’ve created and why?
- What advice would you give to aspiring toy designers and artists looking to enter the field?
- What are your thoughts on mass production versus handmade, limited-edition pieces?
- What impact do you hope your toys have on the art world and popular culture?