Making It In The Toy Industry is your secret weapon for showing up like a pro in the toy and game industry.
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#234 Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Working with a Toy Factory
Time for a little tough love toy-coaching: If you're struggling to develop a pre-production sample of your toy that you're proud of, the problem might be you! This week on the podcast, you'll learn 3 common mistakes that new toy creators make when working with overseas factories. This episode includes insights from my full time work in the toy industry and my 1:1 client work. When applied correctly, the 3 lessons taught in this episode will save you time and money in the toy development process.
#233: How Plush Toy Brands Are Going Viral with Experiential Glow-Ups
Forget just selling products—it's time to create immersive shopping experiences for your customers, in person and online. The sensory retail revolution is here, driven by consumers who are tightening their purse strings yet still craving a deeper connection with the brands they invest in. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into three powerful ways plush brands—from high-end labels to indie creators—are building these connections and turning them into tens of thousands of social media likes, comments, and shares.
#232: The Underconsumption Core TikTok Trend is Shaping the Future of Toys
What is the "Underconsumption Core" TikTok trend and how might it effect the toy industry? From "Loud Budgeting" to "Underconsumption Core" Gen Z and Millennials are leading an era of saving over spending, and they aren't keeping quiet about it. As the cost of living skyrockets while wages remain stagnant, the U.S. is bracing for a financial downturn. But this time, consumers are anticipating, preparing, and talking about how they're cutting back, all over social media. If you haven't yet explored the implications of this trend on the toy industry, now is the time.
#231 Art Made Easy: How Project Joy Studios Is Breaking Into The Toy Industry
What if I told you that you can easily create museum-quality art? This week, the Making It In The Toy Industry podcast hit the road for an in-person interview with Jessica Joy London at her studio space. Jessica is the founder of Project Joy Studios, and she's on a mission to make art accessible to everyone. Joy’s story shatters the myth that only a select few are born with artistic talent. She proves that with the right tools, thoughtful techniques, and an open mind, anyone—yes, ANYONE—can create beautiful art.
#230: How She Invented A Plush Toy and Licensed The Idea For Passive Income
Have you ever wondered if it were possible to sell your toy idea instead of the finished product? Today’s podcast episode follows one creator, who does just that.
Today’s guest Joanna Paul, shares her journey of developing Moodles (formerly known as "What's Its Face?"), a patentable plush invention designed to help children understand and express their emotions. From the initial concept inspired by her own experiences as a mom to the challenges of patenting and licensing, Joanna's toy story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the toy industry.
#229: How Brand Experiences Can Increase Your Sales and Brand Loyalty
Branded Giveaways Are Dead! 😵 It's time to ditch the tired swag bags and discover the magic of themed experiences that truly connect with your audience. In this episode, our toy industry insiders reveal how to skyrocket your brand loyalty and sales through unforgettable brand experiences.
#228: Why You're Not Hearing Back from Top Toy Companies and What To Do Instead
Tired of Toy Companies Ghosting you? You're not alone! You know the toy industry needs fresh ideas, and you're confident you've got the next big thing. But here's the truth: your amazing concept is only as powerful as your network and pitch skills. So in this episode, we're breaking down: The real reasons toy companies might not be responding to your submissions (and it's not what you think!)Step-by-step strategies to finally get noticed and get a response, How to access toy company wish lists (yes, they exist, and they're game-changers!)
#227: Kelly’s Journey From Educator to Toy Creator with TCA
Can studying math be as fun as playing a game? In this episode of Making it in the Toy Industry, Kelly Clement shows us that it CAN be. With her innovative product, Watermelon Math, Kelly turns the tedious task of studying into an engaging experience. Her journey from a middle school teacher to a successful toy creator offers an inspiring look into the world of educational toys.
#226: This Toy Delivers Real Mail Every Week To Kids Across The Globe with Wendy Lattimore
Are today's digital-native children still charmed by the simple pleasure of receiving a physical letter? In Episode 226 of the "Making It in the Toy Industry" podcast, Virginia Lette engages with Wendy Lattimore, a successful graduate of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), to explore this fascinating topic. Wendy's inspiring journey from traditional mail to innovative toy creation will challenge your perceptions of outdated communication methods.
#225: The Secrets of A Successful Toy Licensing Deal with Lee Allentuck
Is Your Pitch Ready For The Toy Industry? Pitching your innovative toy idea to industry giants can be as daunting as a job interview. In this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," hosts Azhelle Wade and Lee Allentuck demystify the art and science of pitching, with insider tips that will revolutionize your approach to securing those golden licensing deals. Whether you're a seasoned inventor or a newbie in the toy world, there's a nugget of wisdom here for everyone.
#224: This ONE Media Event Could Make Your Toy Brand Go Viral 📈
Curious if trade shows are the only way to get your toy or game noticed? Think again! In this episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry," Azhelle Wade shatters that myth and reveals the juicy details behind influencer events and media showcases like Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play. These industry gatherings are hidden gems for toy and game creators looking to snag media attention and make lasting impressions without the hustle and bustle of traditional trade shows. Already planning to attend Sweet Suite? Hit play on this episode to learn how to get noticed on the show floor.
#223: Unlock Your Game Design Potential with April Mitchell
Have you EVER had an idea for a game? This episode is for you. 🫵
Well, don't miss this Part 2 continuation from episode 221, an interview with April Mitchell! April, a licensed game inventor and co-creator of the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass shares her journey from toy industry newbie to a game design expert. Get ready to giggle along as April shares the story of finding her pitch theme song and why she plays that song before every pitch to this day.
#222: Licensing Expo 2024 Recap: Reasons to Mark Your Calendar for Next Year
Curious about how to make the most out of your trade show experience? In this episode, The Toy Coach shares her experience and reason for attending the Las Vegas Licensing Expo even though she didn’t have anything to license. By the end of this episode, you’ll know if you should attend the Las Vegas Licensing Expo next year, and how you can make the most of it. Learn how to save $$ on lodging, network with class, manage your time, and stay comfortable while walking 10,000 steps a day.
#221: Should You Partner With Another Toy or Game Inventor?
Are you thinking about teaming up with a partner for your toy or game invention? But what if it isn’t the right move for you? Tune into this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," where Azhelle Wade chats with April Mitchell about the ins and outs of partnering up in the world of invention. April is a licensed inventor and the co-creator of the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass. In this episode, she shares key considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a partner for your next big idea.
#220: Ensure Your Toys Meet Legal Safety Standards or It Can Cost You
Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US. Gain an understanding of critical standards like ASTM F963 and ASTM D4236.
#219: Why He Went From Mattel to TCA and Launched His Plush Toy
Q: Could TCA be valuable to you if you already have corporate toy industry experience A: YES! Perhaps you think that having professional toy industry experience guarantees success in your entrepreneurial ventures. But this episode turns that notion on its head, featuring Gerardo, a former toy industry professional turned toy entrepreneur, charting his own course through the toy market with a little help from the Toy Creators Academy.