Episode #162: The Remarkable Journey of David Vonner: From Marvel Dreamer to Toy Legend
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How do you go from a dreamer with comic book aspirations to a toy industry legend and award-winning toy designer? Today’s guest shares his incredible journey as an artist, parent, and toy designer from the 1990s until now. His toy journey will inspire you to take a risk, put in your all, and go that extra mile.
David Vonner’s original dream was to be an illustrator for Marvel Comics. However, his family and those surrounding him encouraged him to go down a path that would ensure a good career. After attending the Art Institute of Philadelphia, David got his first design job at Spencer’s, and then went through a slew of creative toy jobs that led him to work at Marvel as a toy designer for 5-6 years, before moving on to Hasbro to work on their Marvel-licensed products.
In today’s episode you will learn how connections helped David to advance in the toy industry, how he went from traditional employment to starting his own company, and his best piece of advice for people in the toy industry today. His toy story is captivating, informative, and inspirational!
EPISODE CLIFF NOTES
Learn how David’s love of comics helped him to develop drawing skills in childhood. [00:08:47]
Find out the surprising connections that led David to think of a career outside of comics. [00:19:09]
Learn about the difficult and shocking event that delayed David’s college experience by 3 years and made him even more determined to succeed. [00:22:44]
Find out why David redid his entire portfolio the weekend before a job interview. [00:28:11]
Learn the first product that David designed at his first job. [00:35:05]
Hear the heart racing tale of how David lost the address to the new Marvel offices on his way to the interview! You’ll be surprised where he was able to find it. [00:49:44]
Learn the advice that helped David not only survive but thrive while working on the Marvel team at Hasbro. [00:59:55]
Find out how David took care of his mental health after a difficult time in the toy industry. [01:22:53]
Learn how David started his own studio, Vonner Studios [01:33:51]