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Toy Designer Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Toy Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site +1

$70K - $90K/yr

Toy Designer Location: Lakewood, NJ Hire Type: Direct Hire Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 Work Type ... Strong portfolio demonstrating original product design, illustration, and manufacturing knowledge ...

Senior Toy Designer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$101K - $108K/yr

We are looking for a passionate toy designer who wants to work in a fast-paced team, take ... Create drawings of concepts by sketches and 2D illustrations. * Cooperate with our graphic design ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) with proven ...

Toy Designer - Collectibles

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) alongside standard G-Suite/MS ...

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) alongside standard G-Suite/MS ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Instrumental in generating new toy concepts and designing new play experiences for new and/or ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and expertise in creating ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

As a Product Designer for Trends, you will design and develop innovative toy products across hard ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and expertise in creating ...

As the Senior Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign ...

As the Senior Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign ...

Toy Designer - Trends

Culver City, CA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) with proven ...

As the Senior Toy Designer, Trends, you will successfully lead the design and development of ... Strong proficiency in adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop, and indesign) or other similar ...

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) with proven ...

Senior Toy Designer - Collectibles

Culver City, CA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

As the Senior Toy Designer, Trends, you will successfully lead the design and development of ... Strong proficiency in adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop, and indesign) or other similar ...

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) alongside standard G-Suite/MS ... A Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or a ...

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign ...

As the Toy Designer for our Collectibles Plush lines, you will lead the design and development of ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) with proven ...

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign ...

As a Toy Designer, you will design innovative toy lines for market-leading brands. This role ... Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) with proven ...

As the Senior Toy Designer in our Dolls division, you will successfully lead the design and ... Strong proficiency in adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop, and indesign) or other similar ...

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Toy Designer Illustrator information

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How much do toy designer illustrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for toy designer illustrator in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a toy designer illustrator?

A Toy Designer Illustrator creates visual concepts and detailed illustrations for toys, helping to bring new ideas to life. They sketch designs, develop characters, and refine product aesthetics to ensure appeal to the target audience. This role requires creativity, proficiency in digital and traditional illustration tools, and an understanding of toy manufacturing processes. Collaboration with product designers, marketers, and engineers is also common to ensure the final product is both visually engaging and functional.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a toy designer illustrator?

As a Toy Designer Illustrator, your day-to-day responsibilities may include brainstorming new toy concepts, creating detailed sketches and digital renderings, and collaborating with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams. You'll often transform initial ideas into visual presentations, participate in feedback sessions, and revise your designs to meet production requirements or brand guidelines. Some days may also involve hands-on work with physical prototypes or communicating with manufacturers to address design challenges. Balancing creative vision with safety and manufacturing considerations is key throughout your workflow. This role offers a dynamic environment that encourages imagination while requiring practical problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the toy designer illustrator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toy Designer Illustrator, you need strong skills in illustration, creativity, and product design, often backed by a degree in industrial design, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with digital design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling software, and knowledge of prototyping processes is highly valued. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing imaginative yet practical toys that meet safety standards, appeal to children, and align with brand goals.

How much do toy designers get paid?

Toy designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers or those working for major toy companies can earn higher salaries and benefits. Skills in illustration, 3D modeling, and knowledge of safety standards can influence earning potential.

How to become a toy designer illustrator?

To become a toy designer illustrator, develop strong drawing and illustration skills, often through a degree in industrial design, illustration, or a related field. Building a portfolio that showcases creativity and understanding of toy design, along with proficiency in digital tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, is essential. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in toy companies can also help establish a career in this field.
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What states have the most Toy Designer Illustrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Toy Designer Illustrator jobs include:

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For Toy Designer Illustrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Toy Designer Illustrator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Toy Designer

Lakewood, NJ • On-site, Remote

Imagine Staffing Technology
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design original toy and prize concepts across multiple redemption categories from initial sketch through final approved artwork.

  • Partner directly with overseas factories to translate concepts into prototypes, tooling, and samples, and review factory samples for quality and fidelity.

  • Create detailed design packages, spec sheets, CAD drawings, and technical documentation to ensure accurate factory execution.


Job description

Job Title: Toy Designer
Location: Lakewood, NJ  
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000
Work Type: Full-Time 
Work Model: Remote
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am – 5pm 
Recruiter Contact: Karissa Lubberts | 716.256.1254| klubberts@imaginegroup.com
 
Nature & Scope:
Positional Overview
 
The Imagine Group is recruiting for a Toy Designer on behalf of our client, a leader in redemption merchandise and technology, supplying plush items, toys, prizes, and novelties to family entertainment centers across the amusement industry. If you’re looking to shape what comes out of the claw machine next, this is the role for you!
 
In this role, you will be responsible for conceiving, developing, and bringing to market new toys and prizes across BMI's redemption product line, including plush, capsule toys, crane kits, novelties, and general hardgoods. This role owns the design process end-to-end — from initial concept sketches and trend research through technical specifications, factory sampling, and final production approval — ensuring every item is on-trend, cost-effective, safety-compliant, and ready to perform on a redemption counter.
 
Role & Responsibility:
Tasks That Will Lead to Your Success
 
  • Design original toy and prize concepts across multiple redemption categories — plush, capsule toys, crane kits, novelties, and hardgoods — from initial sketch through final approved artwork.
  • Develop color palettes, structural details, and material choices (molded plastic, die-cast, plush, electronics) that balance visual appeal with manufacturability and cost.
  • Create detailed design packages, spec sheets, CAD drawings, and technical documentation that factories can execute accurately.
  • Maintain a consistent design calendar aligned with seasonal launches, trade show timing, and buying team needs across all product categories.
  • Partner directly with overseas factories to translate concepts into first-round prototypes, tooling, and samples.
  • Review and redline factory samples for color accuracy, structural integrity, safety, and fidelity to the original design intent.
  • Coordinate material, trim, and component selections that meet BMI's cost targets and durability standards.
  • Support occasional factory visits to review production quality, tooling progress, and troubleshoot sampling issues on-site.
  • Track toy, novelty, and character trends across pop culture, licensing, and the broader toy industry to keep BMI's line ahead of the curve.
  • Attend industry and toy trade shows to scout emerging styles, competitor lines, and new manufacturing capabilities.
  • Recommend new product concepts, categories, sizes, and price points based on redemption operator feedback and sell-through data.
  • Work closely with the buying team to align new product designs with catalog strategy, pricing tiers, and seasonal assortments.
  • Partner with marketing to supply artwork and product imagery for catalogs, email blasts, and trade show materials.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance and sourcing on compliance testing (CPSIA, ASTM F963) prior to production release.
 
Skills & Experience
Qualifications That Will Help You Thrive
 
  • 3+ years of experience designing toys, novelties, or consumer products, ideally spanning multiple categories (plush, hardgoods, capsule/vending items).
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating original product design, illustration, and manufacturing knowledge across varied materials.
  • Proficiency with design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalent) and familiarity with CAD tools for structural design.
  • Understanding of toy manufacturing processes, materials, and factory sampling workflows.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple design projects across product categories against overlapping deadlines.
Preferred
  • Experience designing for redemption, amusement, or arcade prize industry specifically.
  • Familiarity with licensed character guidelines and working within brand style guides.
  • Experience communicating directly with overseas factories on sampling, tooling, and revisions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Illustration, or a related field.