Designer toys have evolved from basic visual amusement into collectible art pieces， thanks in large part to the vision and creativity of indy1 artists. These designers often draw on their backgrounds in street art， illustration， and various forms of fine art to create unique figures that resonate with fans and collectors alike. This article highlights ten influential designer toy artists whose work， we believe， has shaped the industry and continues to inspire new generations of collectors and creators.

潮流玩具已从基础的视觉娱乐载体逐步演变成具有收藏价值的艺术品，这在很大程度上要归功于独立艺术家们的远见和创意。这些设计师往往会从其街头艺术、插画及各类美术作品的创作经验中汲取灵感，打造出独特的玩具形象，不仅能打动普通爱好者，也深得收藏家们的青睐。本文重点介绍十位极具影响力的潮玩艺术家。我们认为，他们的作品塑造了整个潮玩行业，并在不断激励新生代收藏者和创作者。

1. Kaws

1. 考斯

Overview： Kaws， born Brian Donnelly， is a prominent figure in both the designer toy and contemporary art scenes. He began his career as a graffiti artist and quickly gained recognition for his distinctive style， which features cartoonish characters with X-ed out eyes2.

人物概述：考斯，本名布赖恩·唐纳利，在潮玩和当代艺术领域均是举足轻重的代表性人物。他最早以涂鸦艺术家的身份出道，凭借其鲜明的风格迅速崭露头角——这种风格以双眼画成叉号的卡通化角色为核心特征。

Signature Works： Kaws’ “Companion” figures are among his most recognizable creations. These vinyl toys often portray familiar cartoon aesthetics infused with a sense of melancholy.

代表作品：考斯的 “同伴”系列玩偶是其最具辨识度的作品之一。这些乙烯基材质玩具往往呈现出大众熟悉的卡通美学风格，同时又融入了一丝忧郁感。

Impact： Kaws successfully bridges the gap between high art and pop culture， making his works highly sought after in galleries and among collectors. His collaborations with brands like Nike and Uniqlo have further propelled his visibility. He even has a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade3... that is some epic-level notoriety.

影响：考斯成功弥合了高雅艺术与流行文化之间的鸿沟，使他的作品不仅在画廊备受青睐，更成为收藏者竞逐的对象。他与耐克、优衣库等品牌的合作进一步提升了他的知名度。连梅西感恩节大游行中都有他设计的气球……这堪称史诗级的知名度。

2. Frank Kozik

2. 弗兰克·科齐克

Overview： Frank Kozik （RIP4） is known for his influential role in the designer toy movement， particularly through his work with Kidrobot. With a background in graphic design and punk rock， Kozik’s toys often reflected his edgy personality. He was the king of saying like it is.

人物概述：弗兰克·科齐克（已故）因其在潮玩运动中极具影响力而闻名，尤其是与“凯罗伯大头机器人”品牌的合作使其广为人知。凭借平面设计与朋克摇滚的艺术背景，科齐克设计的玩具往往折射出他锐利的个性。他毫不矫饰的直率表达在业界数一数二。

Signature Works： His “Labbit” character， a rabbit with a cigarette， became iconic and has spawned numerous variants and collaborations. But the Labbit isn’t even close to the only character he came up with. Many of his character smoked cigarettes， and anarchy was a common thread that laced his body of work together.

代表作品：他设计的那款叼着香烟的“抽烟兔”形象已经成为一种文化符号，衍生出众多变体和联名款。然而，除了抽烟兔，他还构想了许许多多其他的形象。他设计的诸多角色都叼着香烟，而无政府主义的反叛精神是贯穿其所有作品的一条主线。

Impact： Kozik played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of designer toys， pushing the boundaries of what a toy can be and establishing a new narrative in collectible art. We miss him.

影响：科齐克在潮玩界格局的塑造中扮演了关键角色，他不断突破玩具定义的边界，为收藏级艺术确立了一种新的叙事。对他，我们唯有思念。

3. Yoshitomo Nara

3. 奈良美智

Overview： Yoshitomo Nara is a Japanese artist known for his whimsical yet sometimes unsettling characters. His artwork often features children and animals with exaggerated features， exploring themes of innocence and rebellion.

人物概述：日本艺术家奈良美智以其充满奇思妙想又时而令人不安的角色创作而闻名。他的作品常以五官夸张的孩童与动物为主角，探索纯真与反叛的主题。

Signature Works： Nara’s designer toys reflect his fine art style， with pieces like the “Hollow Girls” series capturing his signature aesthetic.

代表作品：奈良美智的潮玩反映了他的美术风格，诸如“空心女孩”系列之类的作品，精准呈现了他标志性的审美特质。

Impact： Nara has successfully translated his art into collectible toys， making his work accessible to a wider audience and highlighting the relationship between fine art and popular culture.

影响：奈良美智成功地将自己的艺术创作转化为收藏级玩具，不仅使其作品可以触达更广泛的受众，还凸显了美术与流行文化之间的关联。

4. Gary Baseman

4. 加里·贝斯曼

Overview： Gary Baseman is an artist， animator， and toy designer known for his playful yet dark imagery. His work often explores themes of childhood， memory， and the subconscious.

人物概述：加里·贝斯曼集艺术家、动画师与玩具设计师等身份于一身，以其兼具趣味性与暗黑感的视觉意象著称。他的作品常常探索童年、记忆和潜意识等主题。

Signature Works： The “Dunny” series， in collaboration with Kidrobot， features Baseman’s unique characters that evoke nostalgia while challenging viewers with deeper meanings.

代表作品：贝斯曼与“凯罗伯大头机器人”品牌联名创作了“长耳大头兔”系列，以其独特的角色设计在唤起观者怀旧情愫的同时，通过深层寓意激发其思考。

Impact： Baseman has expanded the narrative possibilities of designer toys， encouraging collectors to see them as more than just playthings but as reflections of personal and cultural stories.

影响：贝斯曼拓展了潮玩的叙事可能，鼓励收藏者将潮玩不仅仅视为单纯玩物，也视为个人故事的映射和文化叙事的载体。

5. Amanda Visell

5. 阿曼达·维塞尔

Overview： Amanda Visell is known for her hand-crafted toys that merge art and play. Her work often features quirky characters and vibrant colors， drawing inspiration from nature and childhood memories.

人物概述：阿曼达·维塞尔是一位以手工玩具闻名的艺术家，其作品将艺术和玩乐完美融合。她常常创作充满怪趣风格的角色，运用炫丽的色彩，从大自然与童年记忆中获取灵感。

Signature Works： The “Woodland Friends” series showcases her unique style and attention to detail， with each piece telling a story.

代表作品：“森林伙伴”系列集中展现了她的独特风格与对细节的把控，系列中的每一件作品都讲述了一个故事。

Impact： Visell’s commitment to craftsmanship and storytelling in her toys has garnered a dedicated following， illustrating the importance of narrative in the designer toy community.

影响：维塞尔在玩具设计中对工艺和故事性的执着追求为她赢得了一众忠实的拥趸，这也彰显了叙事在潮玩领域的重要意义。

6. Ron English

6. 罗恩·英格利希

Overview： Ron English is a conceptual artist known for his provocative work that critiques consumer culture. His designer toys often blend popular icons with surreal elements， creating a unique commentary on society.

人物概述：罗恩·英格利希是一位概念艺术家，以其批判消费文化的启发性作品闻名。他设计的潮玩常将流行符号与超现实元素相融合，形成对社会的独到注解。

Signature Works： The “Grin” series， which features iconic characters with exaggerated grins， showcases his distinctive approach to toy design.

代表作品： “咧嘴笑”系列的标志性角色都带有夸张的咧嘴笑容，展现了他在玩具设计上的独特风格。

Impact： English’s toys challenge collectors to think critically about the cultural implications of the toys they collect， making him a significant figure in the genre.

影响：英格利希设计的玩具促使收藏者对所藏玩具的文化内涵进行批判性思考，这使他成为该类创作的重要人物。

7. Huck Gee

7. 哈克·吉

Overview： Huck Gee is celebrated for his intricate designs and character-driven storytelling. His background in graphic design informs his work， making each toy a narrative piece.

人物概述：哈克·吉以其繁复精细的设计和角色化故事叙述而备受赞誉。他的平面设计背景为其创作提供了支撑，使每件玩具都成为了叙事作品。

Signature Works： His “Skullhead” series features characters with elaborate designs and backstories， appealing to collectors who appreciate depth in their toys.

代表作品：哈克·吉的“骷髅头”系列作品以精心设计和背景故事为特色，吸引了注重玩具内涵的藏家。

Impact： Huck Gee’s focus on character development has elevated the narrative potential of designer toys， encouraging other artists to explore storytelling in their work.

影响：哈克·吉对角色塑造的专注提升了潮玩的叙事潜能，激励其他艺术家在作品中探索故事性表达。

8. Junko Mizuno

8. 水野纯子

Overview： Junko Mizuno is a Japanese artist whose work combines elements of kawaii （cute） culture with darker themes. Her toys often feature female characters in fantastical settings.

人物概述：水野纯子是一位日本艺术家，其作品将卡哇伊（萌趣）文化元素与暗黑主题相结合。她设计的玩具常常是身处奇幻场景的女性角色。

Signature Works： Mizuno’s “Pretty in Pink5” and “Sailor Moon6” influenced designs highlight her distinctive style and cultural influences.

代表作品：水野纯子受《红粉佳人》和《美少女战士》启发而进行的潮玩设计凸显了她独特的艺术风格和文化影响。

Impact： Mizuno has brought a unique feminine perspective to the designer toy world， inspiring a new generation of artists and collectors who appreciate her blend of cute and macabre7.

影响：水野纯子为潮玩领域带来了独特的女性视角，启发了新一代的艺术家与收藏者——他们十分欣赏她这种将呆萌与阴森相融合的风格。

9. Pushead

9. 普斯海德

Overview： Pushead8， known for his intricate skull designs， is a significant figure in both the punk rock and designer toy communities. His work often features dark themes and detailed graphics.

人物概述：普斯海德是朋克摇滚界与潮玩领域的重要人物，以其复杂精细的骷髅头设计而闻名。他的作品常为暗黑主题，以细节丰富的图案为特色。

Signature Works： The “Skull” series showcases his unique artistic style， often appealing to both collectors and music fans.

代表作品：“头骨”系列作品展现了他独特的艺术风格，往往同时受到玩具收藏者与音乐爱好者的青睐。

Impact： Pushead’s ability to merge music culture with designer toys has broadened the audience for collectibles， emphasizing the cross-pollination of various art forms.

影响：普斯海德能将音乐文化与潮玩相融合，这扩大了收藏品的受众范围，也凸显了不同艺术形式的交叉传播。

10. Michael Lau

10. 刘建文

Overview： Often referred to as the “Godfather of Designer Toys，” Michael Lau is a Hong Kong artist credited with popularizing the designer toy movement in Asia. His work often reflects street culture and urban aesthetics.

人物概述：刘建文常被称作“潮玩教父”，是中国香港的一位艺术家。他被誉为推动潮玩运动在亚洲普及的关键人物，其作品往往带有街头文化和都市美学色彩。

Signature Works： The “Gardener” series features a variety of stylized characters that explore themes of nature and urban life.

代表作品：“花园人”系列包含多款风格化角色，探索自然与都市生活的主题。

Impact： Lau’s influence on the designer toy scene is profound， inspiring countless artists and establishing a cultural bridge between the East and West in the toy community.

影响：刘建文对潮玩领域影响深远，不仅启发了无数艺术家，更在玩具领域搭建起一座连接东西方的文化桥梁。

（译者为“《英语世界》杯”翻译大赛获奖者；单位：成都东软学院外国语学院）

1 indy俚语中independent（独立的）的缩写形式，通常用来指代独立音乐艺人或独立音乐厂牌。现在也用 于其他艺术领域。

2 X-ed out eyes = crossed-out eyes，意为“画成叉号的眼睛”。  3梅西感恩节大游行，由美国梅西百货公司主办的一年一度的感恩节大游行，始于1924年。游行在感恩节上午9：00开始，持续3个小时，有数万人参加，声势浩大。  4 RIP = Rest in Peace，英语中表达对逝者祝福的常用短语，意为“愿安息”或“愿灵魂安息”。该短语通常刻于墓碑或用于悼念场景，祈愿逝者得到安宁。

5 《红粉佳人》，约翰·休斯编剧、霍华德·达奇执导的爱情片，由莫利·林沃德、哈利·戴恩·斯坦通等主演。  6《美少女战士》，又名《水手月亮》，1991年日本漫画家武内直子创作的漫画作品，连载于讲谈社发行的漫画月刊《好朋友》。  7 macabre可怕的，恐怖的（尤指与死亡等相联系的）。  8真名为布赖恩·施罗德（Brian Schroeder）。