An Exclusive Experience at Indonesia’s Designer Toys Expo 2024

Event Overview: A Return to Neo Soho Mall

This is their second event at the same location as last year, Neo Soho Mall, which is conveniently located right next to Central Park in West Jakarta. The event, once again organized by @jakartatoysfair, primarily focuses on designer toys, with these collectible art pieces taking center stage. However, the event still features major toy stores such as Multi and Victory Toys, along with independent comic and toy sellers, offering something for every attendee.

Spotlighting Local Designer Toy

At this event, local designer toys were given the opportunity to shine. Artists and creators had dedicated time and space to share insights about their communities and showcase their unique creations. This exposure is an excellent way to spark interest and curiosity among visitors about the rapidly growing designer toys scene.

Cosplayers Adding Energy to the Event

In addition to the toys and comics, large events like these are always buzzing with energy, thanks to the cosplayers who add excitement to the atmosphere. Their participation helped elevate the event, drawing in more visitors and creating a vibrant, engaging experience. The IDATE event lasted for three days, from Friday to Sunday. Fortunately, I was on vacation during the event, so I was able to attend all three days and immerse myself in the festivities.

Debut of My Cat Series: Whisker Whimsy & Feline Fantasy

At this IDATE event, I debuted my own designer toys collection — a cat series consisting of six pieces in two different sets. The first series, Whisker Whimsy, is the original collection of these cats. From the lore I created for them, the second series, Feline Fantasy, was born. You can learn more about how these series came to life by checking out the comic I created here.

A Successful Pre-Order Launch

During the event, I also launched the pre-order for the Feline Fantasy series. The launch went better than expected, and I was thrilled with the response. Not only did I gain new collectors, but I also made valuable connections, including meeting the renowned illustrator WDWilly, whose work I have long admired. It was a great moment for networking in the designer toys community.

Looking Back: Would I Do It Again?

The three days at the event were incredibly tiring, especially by the third day when I was feeling quite exhausted. However, despite the physical strain, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again. The chance to showcase designer toys, connect with fellow artists, and experience the community’s energy made it all worth it.