In the world of collectibles, the word "limited" has been watered down. We see "limited editions" numbering in the thousands and "artist collaborations" where the creator is treated like an afterthought.
At These Are Not Toys (TANT), we’ve never been interested in the mass-market race to the bottom. For us, a graffiti collectible shouldn’t just look like the culture—it should respect the engineering of the objects and the legends who pioneered the craft.
As we continue our 1:20 Scale Editions, we wanted to pull back the curtain on our process and explain why we do things differently.
1. More Than a Surface: The Mechanical Build
Most industry-standard models are static objects—solid blocks of 3D-printed resin or closed-off die-cast molds. While they look fine on a shelf, they lack the "soul" of the real steel.
Our Editions are built from a heavyweight Plastic ABS + Alloy composite. At a massive 12 inches long, these aren't just scaled-up toys. They feature functional swing doors, mechanical hinge locks, and internal storage space. If the real thing has moving parts, our Editions should too. It’s about the tactile experience of the object, not just the visual.
2. The Tactile Finish: In-House and Archival
A lot of collectors are used to flat stickers or machine-stamped decals that peel and fade over time. We’ve taken a different path.
Every TANT Edition is processed in-house at our studio in Canada. We use archival UV-cured pigments that sit on top of the material, creating a raised, tactile texture. When you run your fingers over the graffiti, you can feel the layers of the ink. It’s a studio-grade finish designed to last as long as the collection itself.
3. Ethical Partnership: The 30% Commission
Transparency is rare in this industry, but we believe it’s vital. We don't just "feature" artists; we partner with them.
We’ve committed 30% of our total budget to the artist commission. For our current runs with Bronx legends like BG 183 (Tats Cru), this ensures that the people who built this culture are the ones actually benefiting from its preservation. When you invest in an Edition, you are directly supporting the pioneers.
4. True Scarcity
We don’t believe in mass production. To maintain the integrity of a Fine Art Multiple, we limit our runs to a strict Edition of 11 units worldwide. Each piece is hand-verified, numbered, and documented in our studio. Once the archive is closed, it’s closed for good.
The Final Word
You can buy a retail commodity anywhere. But if you’re looking for a heavyweight monument to the culture—one that values mechanical detail and artist equity—you’re in the right place.
Explore the Archive and secure your Edition today!
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