# Terrifying Teddy Bear Captures These Mark Nixon Photographs Reference Scary Childhood Imagery By Jana Pijak | Published 2014-07-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mark-nixon References: [sweet-station](http://sweet-station.com/blog/2014/06/mark-nixon/) & [marknixon](http://marknixon.com/) Terrifying is the first word that comes to mind when looking at this teddybear photo series by Mark Nixon. After a case of writer's block, the former musician purchased a camera in the summer of 1995 and has not picked up a guitar since. Capturing a set of [discarded, damaged and aged toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness), the photographer recreates creepy childhood imagery right in front of our eyes. This sad, [nostalgic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teletubbies-say-hello) and incredibly unsettling portrait set captures aged [teddybears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-teddy-kumma) that have been transformed from adorable to terrifying. Whether broken, tattered or charred, these toys are lensed in studio and are strangely lifelike and evocative of emotion. Mark Nixon's poignant portraits make one ponder about the lives of the toys' owners and are sure to inspire a bad dream or two. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Creepy Toy Photography:** There is an opportunity to create a new genre of photography that captures the creepy and eerie aspect of childhood toys. - **Nostalgic Horror Aesthetic:** An opportunity exists to capitalize on the popularity of the nostalgic horror aesthetic by creating related products and media. - **Upcycling Damaged Toys:** Repurposing damaged and discarded toys into uniquely designed items could become a new trend in the toy industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** Photographers can create a new revenue stream by offering creepy toy photography sessions for clients. - **Film and Television:** The horror genre in film and television could incorporate more nostalgic nods to childhood toys and games. - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can upcycle damaged or unsellable toys into new products by collaborating with artists and designers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Teddy Bear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tedi.md) - [Adult-Targeted Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/build-a-bear-after-dark.md) - [Playful Collectible Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zsiga-care-bears.md) - [Gun Violence Prevention Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandy-hook-promise.md) - [Teddy Bear NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teddy-bear-nfts.md) - [Poem-Sharing Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mood-bears.md) - [Regal Collectible Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/king-charles-iii-teddy-bear-l.md) - [Teddy Bear-Centric Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boss-2.md) - [Expressive Plush Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mood-bears-sainsburys.md)