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Toymaker

Do you want to become a Toymaker? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

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A toymaker makes toys by hand. They may create their own toys or follow a manufacturer's design, making things such as:

• construction and model making kits
• dolls, dolls' houses and miniatures
• soft toys such as teddy bears
• mechanical toys
• wooden toys such as rocking horses
• board games, puzzles and jigsaws.

Toymakers employed within a company are likely to work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. They usually work in a comfortable office with access to a design studio. Self-employed toymakers may not work set hours, and they may work in the evenings and at weekends to finish a job. They usually work either at home or have their own workshop. Toymakers may travel widely, visiting customers and attending trade fairs.

A toymaker may earn between £10,000 and £40,000, although this is very dependent on how successful their toy is and how effectively it is marketed.

A toymaker needs:

• artistic skills, especially in 3D design
• imagination and creativity
• to be able to understand how and why children play with toys
• a thorough knowledge of toy safety standards
• an interest in children and their social and educational development.

Some toymakers may be employed by toy manufacturers, designing and making mass-produced toys. However, most are self-employed craftspeople who work in a specialised area, offering original and high quality toys. Many toymakers turn to this work after related design careers, or after bringing up their own families.

There are no set educational requirements for this work, although many people have trained in design work. It is helpful to have skills in areas such as 3D design, woodwork, textiles or ceramics. There are many courses to choose from, including the BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design). Foundation degrees are becoming increasingly important. Relevant subjects include 3D design, creative arts, and crafts and model making. Entry requirements vary between institutions.

There are no specific training courses for toymakers, although there are plenty of courses aimed at people interested in design and craft, including City & Guilds certificates in Design and Craft and BTEC qualifications in Design Crafts.

To be successful, a toymaker needs to establish their reputation. Some toymakers may diversify into other areas, perhaps marketing toys and related items they have not made themselves, or teaching their skills to others in schools and colleges.

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