Episode #78: How To Be A Toy Designer
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Episode Description
Today’s episode is for all of the aspiring professional toy designers out there who have reached out at one time or another for advice on how they can get a job in the toy industry. Perhaps you have a degree in industrial design, graphic design, or illustration, and you’ve recently discovered this podcast and realized—wait a minute. I want to be a toy designer.
Well finally I have the perfect episode for you. By the end of today’s episode, you will have uncovered a few resources to find jobs in the toy industry, you will know what it takes to land an interview at a toy company both big and small, you will know how to make a great first impression and have a clearer understanding of what employer are really looking to see in your toy portfolio.
This episode is your guide to transitioning into the toy industry even if you have no experience in it at all. You will also learn the specific steps I took over my 10 year toy career to over prepare myself for my toy job interviews. If you want to jumpstart your toy career, then this episode is a must listen.
How To Become A Toy Designer
Other than learning how to actually land a job in the toy industry as a toy designer, it's imperative that you also learn what is required to become a toy designer. The skills needed to build a successful portfolio as a toy designer and what a job as a toy designer would actually entail are important aspects you'll need to learn in order to succeed in the toy industry.
1. The Relevant Skills: Successful toy designers have skills that allow them to get ahead of their peers. One of these skills is technological skills such as having general computer skills (familiarity with programs a company could use for communication purposes or assignments) as well as experience using computer-aided design (CAD) software, Adobe Photoshop, etc., all of which are commonly used by toy designers. Another skill is the ability to properly research and discover trends in the marketplace in order to deduce what it is that your consumers actually want. To learn more about the skills involved in becoming a toy designer, read "How To Become A Toy Designer: Advice From The Inside" by The Toy Coach by clicking here!
2. Create A Portfolio: A job as a toy designer in the toy industry means that your portfolio will be as, if not more, important than your resume. Take the time to develop and curate a portfolio showcasing your work, highlighting your approach to design and creativity. Make sure to include projects that demonstrate your understanding of toys. A great portfolio will help you decide what kind of company you would like to work for, the kinds of toys you tend to design, and even the different product lines that could come from one design.
3. Apply for Jobs Strategically and Gain Experience: Use job boards like ToyJobs.com and set alerts for keywords related to toy design. Apply to roles that align with your skills, and don’t be afraid to start small to build your experience. Even if these roles aren't directly part of the toy industry, look for any that align with toy design. These can be positions related to children's products, licensing, or branded goods and will provide you with valuable experience in toy designing as well as general workplace knowledge and communication and business skills required to succeed in the toy industry.
4. Persistence: Breaking into the toy industry to get a job as a toy designer will be challenging, but as long as you're persistent in the pursuit of your dreams, you'll find yourself accomplishing all that you've dreamed of. Through creativity, determination, and a strategic approach to bring your skills to the industry, you'll be able to refine your skills and be well on your way to making your mark as a toy designer. To gain access to materials that could help you achieve your full potential in the toy and game industry, click here!