ORIGINAL REDDIT POST
Do you need a degree to break into the toy industry?
[US, GA] I'm interested in designing toys, namely as figurines and plushes. If I'm to get anyone interested in my abilities, do I need to get a degree in some sort of design? I have an Associates Degree in General Science, and some experience freelancing and…
[US, GA] I'm interested in designing toys, namely as figurines and plushes. If I'm to get anyone interested in my abilities, do I need to get a degree in some sort of design? I have an Associates Degree in General Science, and some experience freelancing and entrepreneuring. Also, what is the best way to market myself? Social media? Or do I need to be direct, somehow? Edit for other relevant skills: 3D modelling, 3D printing (resin), Sewing + patterning plushes.
Collected discussion
If you're talking the big toymakers, ala Hasbro or something, yeah you're going to be very much in "have a degree, likely from a cut-throat art school near a corporate HQ that has hiring programs with those colleges". Otherwise, I imagine you're in "self start" territory, where you're making them hand-made and selling them at craft fairs, doing your own social media marketing, etc. Perhaps something you can do regardless just to try it?
I've already been doing that
Yeah I've been doing that..
If you're looking for go into it full time that isn't the self-start route, you're in Georgia, contact a careers advisor at SCAD who can get you in touch with the right people to explain a good path. That's the level of art-school you'll be looking at.
Start with commissions before quitting your day job