Interviews
The Toy Association’s Marian Bossard on engaging with the inventor community at US Toy Fair with Creative Factor
We caught up with The Toy Association’s Executive Vice President of Global Market Events, Marian Bossard, to find out more about how the organisation looks to engage with and elevate the global inventor community.
Hasbro’s Tanya Thompson on what she looks for when meeting inventors
Don’t Step In It, Peeing Pup, The Slow Motion Race; Hasbro is on a roll when it comes to launching great games from the inventor community. We caught up with the firm’s director of global product acquisition for games, Tanya Thompson, to find out what makes for a great Hasbro game…
Senior Design Manager Sven Robin Kahl on his 10 years at LEGO, the secrets of Hidden Side and what creativity needs…
We caught up with LEGO’s Sven Robin Kahl to learn more about the origins of Hidden Side and how he kick-started his ten-year tenure at the company.
Toy Industries of Europe’s Catherine Van Reeth on how designers can get involved in the inaugural Play for Change Awards
The new awards celebrates innovation across three categories: empowerment, sustainability and future skills.
Prolific toy inventor Louise White on where ideas come from, her creative process and the advice she’d give her younger self
Inventing toys of every kind, Louise White is the President and Head Designer of Me First! Designs. We spoke with Louise to hear where ideas come from, and what advice she’d give clients, new designers and her younger self.
Westley Ciaramella on how invention studio Catapult Concepts thrives on a blend of skills, a fast pace and sheer chutzpah
We caught up with Westley to talk creative Kryptonites, why New York inspired him and how Catapult Concepts drives creativity with ‘what if…’ ideas.
The Marketing Store’s Pamela Stathaki talks sustainability
Pamela Stathaki joined The Marketing Store (TMS) in August 2019 in the new and important role of Head of Sustainability. Her focus initially is to work with TMS’ researchers, developers, engineers and designers to find the right sustainable solution for the firm’s toys; all the while making sure the toys are safe, fun and as environmentally friendly as possible!
Games that sell: Specialist retailer Becky Ottery on what she can’t sell and doesn’t buy
What do retailers know about inventing games that sell? Darrell and Becky Ottery own and run the aptly named Eclectic Games in Reading. With a tireless work ethic, they strive to play every game they stock, and meet each customer’s need with insight.
“My ethos is to design toys that enrich, stimulate, educate and solve problems”: Valeria Miglioli on the launch of her new toy design consultancy, Pumpkin Projects
After 16 years as Fiesta Crafts’ product development manager, last year saw Valeria Miglioli leave the firm to launch her own toy design consultancy, Pumpkin Projects.
From Comic-Cons to fish markets, Fab Design’s James Yuen on finding inspiration for toys and games in all aspects of life
We caught up with Yuen to find out what drives creativity at Fab Design, and how decades at Hasbro shaped his approach to design.