the collector
Image by stuart garske - I guess i’m an innovator…
I feel like an innovator… but am i?
curious to make sure what vals consumer group I fitted into, i worked through them all using the lense of stuart.
MAKERS - Well I am absolutely motivated by self expression, but i do not respect government authority and i love luxury, I have alot of material possessions. I’m no basic. so thats a No to makers.
Experiencers - here too is self expression, which is key to being me. but i don’t spend money on experiences like sport or other outdoor activities. i’m creatively interested in the new, but not when i spend my money. I do like to look good and cool, but i mainly spend on well established high street brands like Vivienne Westwood and Rick Owens and Dries Van Noten. So i guess i’m not really an experiencer either.
Strivers - Trendy… absolutely! motivated by achievement? most definitely! I love to do my best and i am a perfectionist in most aspects my of life. But i dont want to emulate rich people, nor am I worried about what people think of me. so really, i dont fit the striver…
Achievers - I do have the drive for doing my best, but I dont strive to have the best job or set goals. I am committed to making beautiful work, but I would be committed to making the world around me a more beautiful place, even if I didnt have a ‘career’. I am not conservative, politically or otherwise! though I do lean towards established prestige products as I appreciate the quality, craftsmanship and a strong brand story. still i feel this isn’t my group. Not 100% anyway.
Believers - while i do have a very strong moral code and values that I live by and pride myself on, there’s no organised religion in my life, NO SIR! I am loyal to the brands i choose but you couldn’t call me conventional, not by any stretch. (laughing out loud)
Survivors - NO! Im far to ‘all over the place’ to be in this cohort. I please and fulfill my desires whenever I can.
Thinkers - I’m all for knowledge, but life should be exciting not always practical. Functionality is not at the top of my list when spending. So thats a no from me here too.
Innovators - Now this sounds more promising. i do feel successful in my own way, Not wealthy by any means but successful in my own mind. ‘self Image as an expression of taste’ (Annette L, UNI). I really feel this is the most like me, but I am without the unlimited funds. the Innovators approach to purchases as being a reflection of themselves is something i can identify with.
so i seem to fit a little bit of all of the consumer types but not wholeheartedly and firmly in any one category. I feel there is another group of consumers that remains untapped by the vals system.
Image by stuart garske - COARSE Designer Toys boxed, ‘Ignited’ Glow in the dark head (1 of 345 made) just a very small part of my collection.
I am a ‘collector’
The collector values rariety, craftsmanship and uniqueness. A compelling brand story can be more enticing than a long and stable history. Though both do play a role in making purchases. The collector values beauty. But it’s ‘beauty in the eye of the beholder’, not beauty in any traditional sense. The collector sees themselves as individualistic. Their purchases are linked to their sense of self and self expression. They pride themselves on their collections. They appreciate well designed packaging and love the sensation of unboxing purchases. They appreciate the ‘design of the delivery’ From first sight to opening up the box. They enjoy and look for an experience from their purchases. The collector enjoys the hunt and Tracking down particular items. finding creators from around the globe and becoming a patron of their work. The collector will queue up for, sign up for and participate in auctions to secure that special wanted item. The collector is highly invested and loyal.
I have many collections, designer shoes, sunglasses, rare and vintage designer clothes, dinosaur designs homewares, Amanda Dziedzic hand blown glass, hand blown glass christmas ornaments. though my pride is my Designer Vinyl Toy collection. I have collected toys from many designers from across the globe. makers like KAWS, COARSE, BE@RBRICK, ThreeA and Bambaland. The packaging and unique designs draw me in, but it’s The artists themselves and their stories that give me that deep connection and pride in owning these items. plus the thrill of securing a piece. Most of my collection pieces had sold out within minutes or sometimes seconds online.
Heres a little taste, two of my favourite pieces… enjoy.
Images by stuart garske - States of Matter, by COARSE (1 of 350 made) and the ‘Honey Dripper’ by ThreeA (1 of 100 made)