Hello! My name is Michael and I created this thread to talk to the packaging and toy designers out there because I’m at a crossroads between the two and I want to make an informed decision. Basically, I want to know what you do and also what kind of person you are. What kind of person do you think it takes? How much freedom do you have to create? How much are you involved in the ideation? Do you get the satisfaction of seeing something produced that was your idea (as opposed to making other people’s ideas)? Do you feel like you’re making cool toys or cool packaging or simply making a product?
I’ve heard of this powerful tool called Google, and I’ve even used it a few times, but I don’t think I could ever know what it’s like without talking to someone that actually does it–call me old fashioned I’ve actually made the mistake in the past of heading off in a direction without really knowing what a particular professional does and what kind of person does it. I really feel like there is no substitution for first-hand interaction, but I don’t have access to either packaging or toy designers.
Here’s a blurb about me so you know where I’m coming from: I looking to commit to a design degree program. I have a background in sculpting small, multi-part, static figures for game companies; CAD modelling and RPing; casting; and some studio training traditional/figurative art. As the sculptor, I feel like I’ve been at the very end of the design chain and just copy the 2d to 3d with little to no input. I think I’ve gone as far as I can go with sculpting figures and I’d really like to look more at the big picture. I’ve been paid to make other people’s ideas, but I’d like to be paid for my ideas (then make some other poor schmuck make it! Dream job: making GI Joe! 2nd place: making packages for GI Joe!
And if you’re in the Southern Oregon or Central Valley (CA) areas, I’ll buy you lunch (includes 4 drink max!) for 45 minutes of “talkin’ shop” Hehe. However, if you can’t make it, any info you can post here will more than suffice.
Take care!
MJ