Balloon by Reza Harek, as featured in new book Latex for Fun

Introducing the designer toy that aims to “stop the dictatorship of vinyl” and bring DIY ethics into this fashionably niche market: the humble balloon. Yes, as anyone who’s ever drawn a face onto an inflated balloon knows (and believe me, I do) it’s a strangely satisfying task, often resulting in hilarity for all concerned. A new book brings together several illustrators' attempts at creating some cheeky, freaky inflatable heads...

Balloons by Havec

Latex For Fun, is the culmination of a project conceived last year by designer Máximo Tuja, who asked a range of illustrators and designers to create their own Latex head and photograph it. And if the images of inflatable art by the likes of Gary Baseman, Ian Stevenson, or the 45 RPM/What Collective isn’t enough, you even get five Latex “toys” with the book, ready to blow up at your leisure (designed by Gastón Caba, Jeremyville, Jon Burgerman, Pulcomayo and Sauerkids).

Balloon by Gary Baseman

Balloons by Anor, left, and Andy Smith

Tuja reckons the balloon is a perfect medium of 3D expression; as it’s easy to source, easy to work with and very cheap (unlike the book, which is priced a little more heftily than its rubbery contents).

Balloon characters by Sauerkids. Haha!

Latex for Fun is published by Die Gestalten Verlag, £27.99