# Bizarre Paper Figures DIY 'Foldskool Heroes' Includes Rotting Birds, Frankenstein and Cavemen By Alex Covert | Published 2009-02-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marshall-alexanders-paper-toy-obsession References: [albotas](http://albotas.com/2009/01/papercraft-fold-school-heroes/) & [marshallalexander.net](http://www.marshallalexander.net/) In an era of electronic gadgetry, one person refuses to go digital. Making his living from a dying medium, Marshall Alexander folds and combines [paper into cereal-box-shaped creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fold-stool). In fact, he’s made a brand out of it--Foldskool Heroes. Alexander's works are one-piecers, meaning that they can be made out of a [single flat piece of paper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pape). His creations aren't your standard, run-of-the-mill [papercrafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-for-papirkunst). There's a dead, rotting bird complete with maggots. A caveman. Frankenstein. An enlightened yoga master. The neat thing is that you can print most of these characters out for your own enjoyment. Photos are from Marshall Alexander's [Flickr](http://www.flickr.com/photos/marshallalexander/) page. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **DIY Paper Crafts:** This trend presents an opportunity for businesses to create and sell DIY paper craft kits or offer online tutorials on how to create unique paper figures. - **Unique Papercraft Designs:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses to collaborate with artists and designers to create unique and unconventional papercraft designs that cater to niche markets. - **Printable Papercraft Templates:** The ability to print and assemble papercraft templates opens up opportunities for businesses to create and sell customizable templates that cater to individual preferences and needs. ### Who This Affects Most - **Craft Supplies:** The craft supplies industry can leverage this trend by offering specialized paper types, cutting tools, and adhesives for papercraft enthusiasts. - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can explore partnerships with papercraft artists to offer unique and exclusive papercraft designs in galleries, exhibitions, and online marketplaces. - **Educational Resources:** The educational resources industry can develop online courses, workshops, and instructional materials to teach people how to create intricate papercraft designs and expand their skills. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Sculptural Paper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti.md) - [Analog Nostalgia Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-to-basics-ii.md) - [3D-Printed Flip Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stl-sculptures.md) - [Sculptural Mixed-Media Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes.md) - [Origami-Inspired Ceramics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-series.md) - [Flat-Pack Paper Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tsubomi.md) - [Eco Paper Crafting Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-fx.md) - [Meticulous Paper-Stacked Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paragraphic-in-four-stacks.md)