Hello and welcome!
So here is a little bit about me….. I've been working in the children's toy industry since 1994 and would definitely say it's my happy place!
I’m based in the UK but travel to the US several times a year which I love as part of my work. I’ve been lucky over the years to develop my career while also bringing up four amazing children. As a one parent family, it’s my biggest and most rewarding challenge and has certainly taught me not to be shy of hard work and really anything is possible if you put your mind to it!
People often ask me where I get my inspiration and ideas from……I never really know the answer to that because I just do it but I think it’s probably the desire to create something that people want, an image that has something lovely about it. I aspire to get the best out of life, driven to do great things, I’m caring and empathic in nature and I see that in my work. It’s a strength in what I do. I’ve always been a very visual person, I get a lot out of being creative, whether that be in my work or in my home surroundings. It’s just a core part of me and who I am. If that has a positive impact on those around me then all the better!
The beautiful outdoors is another inspiration of mine, time spent walking, running, or cycling is my way of boosting positive, creative energy and I like to test myself physically so enjoy taking on challenges, I’m learning that things I never thought I could do are actually achievable with the right mindset.
My career started under the wing of Orchard Toys but have spent most of my years alongside The Learning Journey International working on their successful product range. Focusing largely on the preschool primary market developing multi-award winning puzzles, games, electronics and activity products. I'm an ideas person, product developer and illustrator so involved in many of the creative stages. I'm proficient in Adobe software, Photoshop and Illustrator in particular. Freehand sketching, illustration and drawing are also a big part when it comes to idea development and presenting concepts. I’m used to and confident working on any task during the creative process. I also use Asana for managing projects and deadlines efficiently.
There’s something very rewarding when you come up with an idea, visualize it, develop it and see it through to a finished product, especially when it wins awards. It’s true that some of the simplest ideas are the ones that fly. I remember when I was working for Orchard Toys and I was asked if I could come up with a game to fill some wasted print space. The game that came from that is still one of their best sellers and that was nearly twenty-seven years ago!
I love what I do and the idea that my job puts smiles on people’s faces makes it all the better!