Doll designers and makers who are employed by large or small toy or doll manufacturers generally work indoors in comfortable, well-lit studios or offices. They sit at computers or desks creating designs for dolls or they may have a workshop where they create prototypes out of raw materials. Some travel to toy or doll shows and even abroad to find fabrics and other materials needed to produce a doll. Most designers employed at such companies work a normal 40-hour week, but they may need to work overtime to meet tight deadlines.
Freelance doll designers and makers often work under a contract and tend to work longer hours, adjusting their workday to their clients’ schedules and deadlines. These individuals may work from home, in their own studios, or their client’s studios or office. Those not working for a company may travel to market their products. They visit clients, sell their dolls at craft and trade shows, and meet with wholesalers and retailers. Those who exhibit their work at craft shows may need to carry heavy tables and displays as well as their products and sit outside in hot or otherwise inclement weather conditions.
Doll designers and makers work with a variety of fabrics, molds, paints, dyes, and products to create their dolls. People with allergies or sensitivities to odors or dyes may need to take precautions to avoid health issues. Doll makers who create fabric dolls may spend hours sitting at a sewing machine. This may create eyestrain, backstrain, or carpal tunnel syndrome, among other other injuries and conditions.
- 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