Discover New Talent: Schedule a Meeting with the Next Class of Toy Designers

June 15, 2020 | Looking for fresh talent to add to your team? Members of the toy community are invited to interview and review the digital portfolios of the 2020 class of toy designers from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City and Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

Typically, this would be a time of year for these students to present their work to toy professionals at in-person senior exhibitions. These events typically offer Toy Association members the opportunity to discover fresh talent and new ideas, and many times lead to new hires upon graduation. But nothing about the past few months has been typical. Although some students have already secured job placements following in-person introductions at Toy Fair New York, because of the pandemic, numerous students are still looking for work. Many are available to work remotely and/or be interviewed in readiness for employment when companies resume hiring.

“The significance and power of creativity has likely never been more important than in these uncertain times,” said Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association. “Designers and inventors are the lifeblood of the toy and play world, and we rely on their passion and spirit to continuously push the boundaries of play with fresh innovations. I encourage everyone to embrace this moment in time to show enthusiastic support for this next class of designers.”

Companies are invited to schedule virtual interviews and portfolio reviews with the 2020 Toy Design Class at FIT, beginning Tuesday, June 23. This year’s graduating student exhibition is also available online to review. To schedule an appointment, email toydepartment@fitnyc.edu.

Otis is also inviting the industry to review the work of its students, who worked together to create their own site featuring their bios and portfolios. Members can contact Deborah Ryan, chair of the toy design department, for more information.

Grants funded by The Toy Association support scholarships for students and other curricular enhancements, including innovative tools, design techniques, and resources on toy safety, manufacturing, and marketing, among other topics. In addition, The Toy Association offers FIT and Otis toy design students complimentary memberships so they may take advantage of industry networking and other professional development opportunities.