# Macabre Skull Soaps The Art of Dying is a Range of Soaps for the Cynic By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2015-04-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-art-of-dying References: [geekologie](http://geekologie.com/2015/04/skulls-are-my-favorite-shape-skull-shape.php) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/somemetalchick/art-of-dying-soaps) The Art of Dying is a range of [skull-shaped soaps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-x-dr-squatch) currently seeking funding via [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soapstone-20). The campaign begun with a modest goal of $550, but far surpassed it, now hovering at a total of approximately $14,000. Created by an artist with an interest in the "arcane, absurd and morbid," the soaps only look like death; they smell, on the other hand, of earthly pleasures such as citrus and sensual flowers. The level of success that The Art of Dying has achieved suggests that a preference for a [dark, macabre aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deddy-bears) is alive and well among consumers. It also denotes that consumers are searching for novelty products with which to decorate their homes. And though these soaps technically have a function, the level of craftsmanship that goes into making each resin-sculpted piece, makes it a crime to even think about using them for their intended purpose. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Macabre Aesthetic Preference:** Consumers are showing a strong preference for dark, macabre aesthetics in their home decor choices. - **Novelty Home Decor:** There is a growing demand for novelty products that can be used as decorative items in homes. - **Craftsmanship-driven Products:** Consumers appreciate products that showcase high levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. ### Where This Applies - **Home Decor:** The home decor industry can tap into the demand for macabre-themed products and novelty items. - **Artisan Soap Making:** The artisan soap making industry can explore new avenues by creating and marketing unique and visually appealing soaps like The Art of Dying. - **Handmade Gifts:** The handmade gifts industry can benefit from the increasing desire for beautifully crafted, artisanal products like resin-sculpted soaps. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Botanical Artisan Soaps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisanmade-petite-floral-shaped-soap-collection.md) - [Collaborative Soap Sequels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirt-destroyer.md) - [Comical Hygienic Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soap-for-a-midlife-crisis.md) - [Whimsical Artist-Inspired Soap Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soap-art.md) - [Shrinking Sad Soaps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soap-that-turns-sad.md) - [Makeup Water Brand Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corpse-paint-makeup.md) - [Hand-Blown Skincare Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scorpion-toad.md) - [Spooky Soap Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spooky-suds.md) - [Computational Undersea-Inspired Soaps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coral-soaps-collection.md)