Highlights from Otis College’s Toy Design Program

Students traveled to two global toy fairs, a new collectibles class launched, and more.

The Toy Design program at Otis College of Art and Design continues to connect students directly with the global toy industry through travel, company partnerships, and career-focused programming. Recent activities include participation in the Nuremberg International Toy Fair, engagement with companies such as Moose Toys and Pop Mart, and expanded internship pathways that support student transitions into professional roles.

Program News

In January 2026, faculty members Joyce Mesch, Lisa Strom, and Jonathan Fidler traveled to Spielwarenmesse (the Nuremberg International Toy Fair) with 30 Toy Design and Product Design students and alumni. As the world’s largest trade fair for toys, Spielwarenmesse provides direct exposure to the global toy and consumer product industry.

Over two days, students explored a wide range of exhibitors and participated in guided booth visits with teams from Mattel, Hasbro, Hape, Jakks Pacific, and Jazwares. Hosted by designers, marketers, and strategists, these visits offered insight into professional design and development pipelines, emerging trends, manufacturing and packaging considerations, and global market positioning. The trip also included visits and guided tours at art and toy museums.

Toy Design builds connections with leading companies through project-based learning. Moose Toys, based in Australia, is currently mentoring 12 sophomore students on a Bluey preschool project. Bluey is an Australian animated series centering on a puppy named Bluey, her sister Bingo, and her parents Bandit and Chilli.

Students are developing future product concepts for the global preschool property with guidance from the Moose Toys team.

Curriculum, Events, and Careers

Toy Design recently introduced its first Collectibles course, enrolling nine seniors. The course reflects the rapid growth of the adult collectible, or “kidult” market, now valued at over $400 billion globally. Pop Mart, a leader in the category, participated in final critiques and noted the strength of student designs.

In February, the program presented student work at the New York Toy Fair, the largest toy-focused trade show in the Western Hemisphere, held annually since 1903. The Otis exhibit highlighted student projects and promoted the program’s internship pipeline.

Toy Design also hosted its sixth annual VIP Internship Recruitment Event, focused on career readiness. Thirteen companies participated, offering 20 internship opportunities. Students engaged in virtual interviews, resulting in approximately 20 placements in paid summer internships.

Faculty and Alumni News

Toy Design faculty member Sally Connolly continues to expand her Night Buddies business and consulting practice. A recent toy consulting project received Walmart approval with 138,000 units scheduled for shipment to retail in May 2026. The project moved from initial concept to full development to a large-scale retail rollout in under a year. This accomplishment demonstrates Connolly’s ability to efficiently transform concepts into successful operational realities.

Alums Megan Schroeder and Ryan Watanabe (both ’23 BFA Toy Design) have transitioned from roles at Spin Master and Jazwares to positions at Disney and NBCUniversal, respectively. Schroeder is the Associate Product Design Manager for Disney Home Products and Watanabe is a Product Designer at NBCUniversal.

Through experiences such as international travel, industry connections, and career-focused programming, Toy Design students are prepared to enter the field with a clear understanding of professional practices and emerging opportunities.

Learn more about the BFA Toy Design program at Otis College.

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