Toy Designer

A toy designer is a very creative individual that is able to develop a completely new type of toy, game or children's activity, and then bring it to life. This means drawing, sketching or making a computer model of the concept, deciding how to make each detail, and then creating a prototype of the toy. Involved in this process are computer skills, possibility mechanical skills, creativity and originality and an ability to relate to the interests of children. Most toy designers spend a lot of time watching children play or thinking about modifications to existing games or toys that could be used for completely new projects.

Most toy designers have a background in graphic arts or design as well as a good working knowledge of computers. Since most toys are now first generated through various computer programs before they are actually physically made by having the ability to do this themselves the toy designer can speed up the development process. A toy designer must also market his or her new toy to a toy manufacturer, unless they are already working on a specific project for the manufacturer. To market the toy the designer must be able to do a cost analysis and have preliminary information on the cost of production and the expected retail cost.

Toy designers often have to know how to work with a variety of materials including computers, electronics, plastics, metals and even different types of fabrics and stuffing. A toy designer must be sure that the toy that they develop is safe and uses only approved safety materials to be able to be sold. Getting a copyright or patent on the toy that they develop may also be an option for private toy designers.

Common work activities include:

• Interact with children and adults to determine what types of toys could be developed to meet a need in the marketplace.
• Develop a prototype of a new toy either by making a physical model, using a computer graphic program, or drawing the concept to show potential manufacturers.
• Meeting with manufacturers to try to market your idea or concept for a new toy.
• Researching copyrights and patents on toys and the legal issues with regards to protecting your invention.
• Developing cost analysis and expected sales figures for the toy and presenting this to various companies and manufacturers.

Programs related to Toy Designer careers

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