News Releases

Artisan Social Club to Offer Essential Resources for Creatives at Toy Fair®

August 8, 2023 | Calling all artists, illustrators, designers and students: Artisan Social Club (ASC) — a nonprofit organization that brings together industry professionals to provide insight, direction, and mentorship to the next generation of creatives — will offer an array of exciting opportunities for attendees at Toy Fair®, taking place September 30 to October 3 at the Javits Center in New York City.

Free Portfolio & Resume Reviews (All Four Days of Toy Fair)

The ASC team, led by toy industry veteran illustrator & designer Carlos Mendoza, will offer complimentary portfolio and resume reviews. All creatives can take advantage of this valuable service throughout all four days of the show.

Attendees can book an appointment directly with the ASC team through the company’s Map Your Show online profile. This exclusive benefit allows individuals to receive expert feedback and guidance to elevate their portfolios and resumes, opening doors to new opportunities to enhance their professional growth and visibility.

Educational Session at Toy Fair University (September 30)

Mendoza will be a panelist on the “The Art of Play: from Sketch to Shelf” Toy Fair University session, taking place Saturday, September 30 at 12:10 p.m. in the D Lobby. This panel will showcase the expertise of top toy packaging illustrators and designers as they present case studies and in-progress artwork, providing insights into the creative process from an initial concept to the final finished product. 

Live Illustration & Let’s Draw Sessions (October 3)

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness Mendoza's remarkable character concept illustration skills firsthand, plus 3D prototyping for toys with Brett Klisch, product branding design sessions with Joe Campos and Freddy Tutiven, and more. Along with Mendoza, Klisch, Campos, and Tutiven are all industry veterans leading art and creative direction for major toy and entertainment brands.

Visitors are invited to stop by Booth 4603 and observe skilled artists in action, offering inspiration and an inside look at the artistry behind the scenes.  The full Let’s Draw schedule can be found on the Artisan Social Club’s Booth Happenings for registered attendees to add to their schedule.

“Artisan Social Club's involvement at Toy Fair goes beyond a traditional booth presence. The organization’s dedication to supporting artists and creators shines through with the wealth of unforgettable opportunities for attendees,” said Kimberly Carcone, executive vice president of global market events at The Toy Association™. “Designers and inventors are the lifeblood of our industry, and it’s through this type of programming from ASC that Toy Fair helps support and serve this community and spark further reimagination and innovation within our industry.”

Toy Fair will take place September 30 to October 3 in New York City. Attendee registration is now open. Visit ToyFairNY.com to learn more.

View original article here: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2023_News/artisan-social-club-to-offer-essential-resources-for-creatives-at-toy-fair.aspx