2024 DesignerCon

DesignerCon 2024. Wow, where do we start? Well, let’s get familiar. DesignerCon, formerly named “Vinyl Toy Network” was founded in 2006 by Ben Goretsky who is also the owner of the designer toy retail company 3D Retro. The show was originally created to unite people within the vinyl toy collectible market. At DesignerCon, you will cross paths with a number of artists, manufacturers, distributors, and collectible retailers. Since it’s debut at the Pasadena Convention Center in California, DesignerCon has grown to incorporate much more within the world of art and has become a hit, notably recognized as one of the three main conventions within the designer toy realm. With an attendance of over 37,000 people in 2017, each year DesignerCon features over 700 artists and vendors from around the world. The powerhouse convention would later move to Anaheim where it remained until this year, 2024, when it announced its new home at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Everything an Art Enthusiast Could Imagine 

This was my first time experiencing DesignerCon and it didn’t let down! Having recently visited the Five Points Festival in Brooklyn, New York, I walked the convention halls highly anticipating what I would see on the other side of the entrance doors. Straight ahead were artists custom painting collectible figures on TVs with digital remote spray cans. To the left were two larger than life Astro Boy statues and to the right, hundreds of feet filled by booths of art vendors. “This is it!” I thought to myself. It was hard to decide where to start, but I found my way through the vast aisles. The presentations impressed and the installations were immersive and grand. The DesignerCon showroom was filled with everything an art enthusiast could imagine. From designer toys, live art, sculptures and custom art to designer apparel and print; you name it, they had it. Throughout the day, people gathered in lines at different sections for unique collaborations, exclusive toy drops and artist signings by creators like ROBBiART, Kidrobot, BE@RBRICK, Paperfrank, OG Slick, and Tracy Tubera. In one corner was a sound stage where different industry leaders held live discussions revolving around the universe of art and collectibles. I had the chance to listen to Terry Guy, creator of “Secret Walls,” a traveling live art competition, speak about its movement and give praise to the talented artists within its community.

DesignerCon Creatives

At DesignerCon, it seemed like everywhere you looked there was another talented artist. At one point, I walked down an isle to stumble upon artist Arron Kai painting a mural, who happily let me capture his progress. The Obey team even had a booth with limited artist prints signed by Shepard Fairy. Among all the hype, I was in search of the next big thing. I got to know talented creators like artist Soey Milk, whose painting style truly made me stop in my tracks. There was Figure X and his imaginative universe of heroes and villains, then Art by Art who showed off his custom sneaker chops. Even more, there was Sniperbot and Kind World Love; the list goes on! I also reconnected with familiar faces like Juan Muniz, creator of Ninobuni, who released his limited edition glow in the dark figure and Jae Martin who just released his very first collectible “Jay The Lovestronaut.” One of the weekend’s highlights was running into Arizona natives, Sean Paul Toys, Max Planets and Nervisw3rk. It was great chopping it up and to see them representing. A unique addition to this year’s DesignerCon was an art gallery installation exhibiting a number of artists. I took a moment to talk with Steve Martinez, artist and curator of Long Beach, California’s  “Open Gallery.”

Why DeisgnerCon?  

DesignerCon holds its reputation with an atmosphere that will certainly spark a passion for collecting art and inspire you. Not to mention, it’s a good place to purchase popular collectibles before they hit the secondary market. From a creative’s perspective, for such a large gathering, the convention’s community was friendly, welcoming and open to sharing incite. The designer toy community is all about a passion for artistic expression and when that authenticity meets with its audience, we have seen it has the potential to do big things! DesignerCon was a one of kind experience with the promise of great conversations and memorable connections. Whether you have an appreciation for artistry and craft or are in search of your favorite pop culture icons, DesignerCon has so much in store.