A Playful Design Career
by Diane Anselmo
Larry Schwarz, CEO of Rumpus Toys, New York, NY, (www.rumpustoys.com) is a pro when it comes to tinkering with toys. He knows the entire process of toy development -- from conception to the finished product. He went from being a toy lover to a toy creator and is currently cashing in on such super-unique toys as Gus Gutz, Sally Satchel, and Monster In My Closet.
Just where does the life of a toy begin? "I come up with an idea and then I do some sketches," he begins. "Next, I talk to the designers who do the drawings to scale. We discuss what we want the finished product to look like and what materials we are going to use."
Once these decisions are made, Schwarz involves Rumpus' production people. "Our production team takes over and deals with the factory in creating the toy."
So You Want to be a Toy Designer?
What You Need To Know
Schwarz is real-life proof that you do not need to major in anything specific in order to work in the toy industry -- he actually graduated from law school. It is your creativity and love for toys that will help you succeed, he says. However, if you know this is the field for you, there are some ideal get-ahead areas of study that can help: Specifically, check out computer design and/or art programs.
How to really transform your toy ideas into reality? "Spend a lot of time around toys," says Schwarz. "Also, keep an idea book. It will turn out to be really helpful because you can always go back to it later and look things up."
How Much You'll Make
According to Schwarz, a starting junior designer can expect to make between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on where they work. Luckily, there is a great amount of growth opportunity in this field.
"People can have great careers in this field," Schwarz explains. "The job prospects are great - especially for people who have technical skills."
How You'll Feel
By now, it should be obvious that Schwarz enjoys his career immensely. His absolute favorite part of the job is "the excitement of having an idea and seeing it come alive."
However, there are things that Schwarz doesn't love about his career, the biggest being the amount of competition in the toy market. "It is hard to compete against the larger companies."
A Final Thought
For those interested in following in Schwarz's footsteps, here are a few words of advice: "If you have a passion for this, you will do great. There is definitely a place for you in this industry."
Just where does the life of a toy begin? "I come up with an idea and then I do some sketches," he begins. "Next, I talk to the designers who do the drawings to scale. We discuss what we want the finished product to look like and what materials we are going to use."
Once these decisions are made, Schwarz involves Rumpus' production people. "Our production team takes over and deals with the factory in creating the toy."
So You Want to be a Toy Designer?
What You Need To Know
Schwarz is real-life proof that you do not need to major in anything specific in order to work in the toy industry -- he actually graduated from law school. It is your creativity and love for toys that will help you succeed, he says. However, if you know this is the field for you, there are some ideal get-ahead areas of study that can help: Specifically, check out computer design and/or art programs.
How to really transform your toy ideas into reality? "Spend a lot of time around toys," says Schwarz. "Also, keep an idea book. It will turn out to be really helpful because you can always go back to it later and look things up."
How Much You'll Make
According to Schwarz, a starting junior designer can expect to make between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on where they work. Luckily, there is a great amount of growth opportunity in this field.
"People can have great careers in this field," Schwarz explains. "The job prospects are great - especially for people who have technical skills."
How You'll Feel
By now, it should be obvious that Schwarz enjoys his career immensely. His absolute favorite part of the job is "the excitement of having an idea and seeing it come alive."
However, there are things that Schwarz doesn't love about his career, the biggest being the amount of competition in the toy market. "It is hard to compete against the larger companies."
A Final Thought
For those interested in following in Schwarz's footsteps, here are a few words of advice: "If you have a passion for this, you will do great. There is definitely a place for you in this industry."
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