[eriku]

Good luck with the dissertation Holly! Hope this helps:

1: When did you first start collecting vinyl toys and what was the first piece you bought?
2006 - Uglydolls 6" Jeero

2: What is it about vinyl that you find so intriguing?
The designs that typically get made into vinyl toys are usually more independent or 'artistic' in nature, and are generally things that are more strange looking than most run of the mill toys. I like the wide variety represented in vinyl, and I like that there seems to be less distance between artist and toy than there is with the average toy (such as Star Wars figures). Rarely will we have any idea who sculpted or designed a Star Wars figure, nor will we probably even wonder. With many vinyl and 'designer' toys we can actually follow an artist and hear their thoughts. We usually know who makes what and that lends a warmer quality to a toy for me.

3: Do you think there is an element of nostalgia in your personal attachment to designer toys?
No. I think the 'designer' toys that I buy are the least nostalgic toys I own. Almost all are based on designs or characters that are new to me.

4: Did your passion for collecting vinyl come from a fascination or collection of any other items (such as Star Wars figures)?
I've collected other toys for many years (Star Wars, Transformers, Macross and dozens of other brands), so I suppose vinyl toys would just be another extension of my overall passion for toys in general.

5: Are you an artist or designer yourself?
I'm an artist, but not a designer.

6: Do you make your own toys, customise other toys (such as action figures) or use DIY blank toys?
Not generally, no. I have flirted with those ideas, but not enough to say it is a practice of mine.

7: What other areas of culture/fashion/style do you subscribe to? (I’m not suggesting pigeonholing yourselves, this is more to get an idea of the kind of person the vinyl culture attracts)
Toy culture in general. I'm also heavily interested in music. I have a deep love of art in general, weather it is on a canvas, on celluloid or three-dimensional. Even cooking can be looked upon as art. It's all expressions of creativity.

8: Would you say you have a lot of disposable income to support your toy habits, or do you ever find yourself skimping on necessities such as food in order to get the latest release?
I don't have a lot of disposable income, and probably spend too much on toys. But it's been a while since I've put my toy habit above eating responsibly.

9: Who is your favourite vinyl designer/artist?
Jim Woodring

10: Favourite figure?
Jim Woodring's Mr. Bumper

11: What is the most you’ve ever spent on a single figure?
Assuming you mean vinyl, $65. I've spent nearly $300 on other toys though.

12: Finally, how big is your collection?
My vinyl collection is still a manageable size, maybe 30 pieces. I tend to buy vinyl more selectively than other toys.