Jeremy Madl designs art toys that are coveted by collectors around the world. (Courtesy of Jeremy Madl and Mad Toy Design)
Creating Collectible Art
Jeremy Madl talks about his work as a toy designer
SCHOLASTIC ART: What is your job?
Jeremy Madl: I design collectible toys— or art toys. I have my own company, Mad Toy Design. I’m a one-stop shop from concept to delivery of the final product.
SA: How do you design a toy?
JM: First, I sketch out my idea on paper. I do all the different views—front, back, side, top, and bottom. I might make 100 sketches. Then I enter my sketches into my computer and create the control drawings to send to the manufacturer. I work with the manufacturer to get every aspect of the toy right, including the size, color, and even the cost. The process can take six months to a year and a half.
SA: What is your training?
JM: I took a lot of art classes in high school. Anyone who wants a career in art should do the same. Take classes that you think you won’t like. For example, if you’re not good at drawing, take a drawing class. After high school, I went to art school. I actually have a major in toy design!
SA: How did winning a Scholastic Art Award Portfolio Gold Key in high school help you in your career?
JM: The Scholastic Art Awards challenged me to develop my talent and skills. Plus, creating my entries help me build a great portfolio to apply to art schools.
SA: What was your first job in the field?
JM: After college, I got a job at a creative agency designing toys and other products. I learned how to work with toy factories. But I always knew I wanted to have my own business. So after a few years at the agency, I launched my own company.
SA: What skills do you need to run your own toy company?
JM: Of course, you have to know how to draw. But you also need to have really good time-management skills. You have to make your deadlines. I work long hours, but it doesn’t feel like work. The business side of owning a company, such as keeping track of client payments, can be a challenge. It is important to be organized.
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2012 issue of Art. For more from Art, click here.
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TOY DESIGNERSalary: First-year toy designers make an average of $45,000, depending on education, location, and size of design firm. Education: Most toy designers have a bachelor’s degree in toy design or a related field, such as product design or illustration. Getting Started: • Play with toys! Figure out how they function and are put together. |
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