Employers
Doll designers and makers can find employment in a variety of situations. They can work for large toy companies and manufacturers such as Mattel, American Girl, MGA Entertainment (Bratz), Corrolle, and Madame Alexander Doll Company. Opportunities at these companies are limited. Individuals may also find employment with smaller toy manufacturers throughout the country. Additional opportunities may exist for doll designers and makers with companies that manufacture dolls for collectors. Companies also employ designers to create the fashions that dolls wear, as well as their accessories.
The majority of people working in this field are self-employed. Some sell their designs to toy and doll manufacturers. Others design and create the dolls themselves and market and sell them at craft and trade shows. Still others sell their work to interior designers or art galleries.
Starting Out
Entry-level positions at toy and doll manufacturing companies may be more readily available to individuals who have a solid educational background. If you are having a difficult time finding a job as a doll designer, apply for an entry-level position with a doll or toy manufacturer. This will help get your foot in the door. As positions open up, it is often easier to get promoted from within.
Many doll designers start their careers by designing and creating dolls and selling them on their own. Some sell their original designs directly to manufacturers.
- Computer and Video Game Designers
- Graphic Designers
- Industrial Designers
- Marketing Managers
- Multimedia Artists and Animators
- Multimedia Sound Workers
- Product Development Directors
- Product Management Directors
- Product Managers
- Sporting Goods Production Workers
- Toy and Game Designers
- Toy Industry Workers
- Video Game Art Directors
- Video Game Producers
- Video Game Testers