Description
Design and develop toys and play experiences for children and collectors across categories such as plush, action figures, games, and electronic play. Combine artistic talent with knowledge of child development, safety regulations, materials, and market trends to create safe, engaging, and manufacturable designs.
- • Prepare sketches, storyboards, and detailed drawings using hand rendering and CAD tools
- • Direct and coordinate the fabrication of appearance and working prototypes via model shops and 3D printing
- • Modify and refine designs based on playtesting, stakeholder feedback, and cost or manufacturing constraints
- • Coordinate the visual language, features, and play patterns across a toy line or assortment
- • Collaborate with engineering, sourcing, marketing, brand, and safety teams to establish and evaluate design concepts
- • Present concepts, prototypes, and design reports to internal teams, licensors, and design committees for approval
- • Evaluate feasibility based on play value, durability, safety (ASTM F963, CPSIA, EN71), packaging, and production costs/methods
- • Research trends by attending toy fairs, reviewing competitor products, and studying kid and collector preferences
- • Develop specifications, bills of materials, target costs, and itemized production requirements for factories
- • Design graphics, decals, stickers, and packaging artwork aligned with brand and age grading requirements
- • Create and refine manufacturing procedures and support factory builds to improve quality and efficiency
- • Supervise and mentor assistants, model makers, or freelancers throughout the design process
- • Fabricate or finish models using foam, clay, fabric, plastic, metal, and other materials with hand or power tools
- • Investigate product characteristics such as safety, small-parts risk, handling qualities, market appeal, and distribution
- • Contribute to internal design standards and safety/compliance guidelines for toys and packaging
- • Participate in line planning and consumer research to identify new toy opportunities and unmet needs
- • Advise on brand identity, character translation, and licensor style guide application across products and packaging
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Related Pathways
Advanced Manufacturing
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
