Toymaker

Hello, how do you make sure your not breaking copyright, trade mark, among other laws like that when your making and selling toys?

Asked by Diane about 6 years ago

Good question! There are basically three categories of toys I can/do make: originals, patterns by other small business artists, and big licensed characters.

Mostly these days I am using my own original patterns, so none of those things are an issue.

When I use patterns from other small artists, their own product listing specifies their wishes, which I honor: some say you may produce a small number for sale, some are strictly for personal use. Many ask for a mention in your listing/tag on the finished product. Most all do not want their pattern used for mass manufacturing (reasonable).

When I am making licensed characters (for me this is usually Paddington, Pooh bear, Pokémon, or the occasional Disney character) is where this issue would mostly arise. Different companies vary greatly in their attitude toward fan art. Some are very open and encourage it, since they realize it’s made from the love of their fans - but all-importantly, it does not compete with their products, but rather does free marketing for them! In some cases e.g. Pooh bear, it’s going to be very difficult to enforce a ban on anyone ever making yellow teddies with red sweaters.

Ultimately it’s not a matter that concerns me very much - licensed toys are usually only an occasional one-off and don’t step on anyone’s toes. The rest of the time, I’m using my own work. :)

Being 17 and I assume you make a good deal of money (at least compared to your peers) are they ever jelious of you?

Asked by Sam about 6 years ago

Unfortunately you assume wrong :) at least for now. Most of what I’ve done has been hand knit and takes quite a long time to do, so it is not very profitable. I am however considering branching out to sewn toys which I should be able to produce far more quickly, so hopefully that will increase the profit margin.Even if this were very lucrative though, I don’t see jealousy being an issue. Both in my homeschool high school community back then, and in my market community now as an adult, everyone is so supportive of smalltime artisans. We want each other to do well!

How is COVID-19 affecting your business

Asked by asdf over 6 years ago

It didn’t really. Thankfully most of what I do is online. I am planning to branch out to farmers market / craft fair sales now, but in my area COVID won’t have any effect on that either.

If you don’t mind me asking how much money do you make?

Asked by Jamie over 6 years ago

Hi there! Not very much, mostly since this is more of a hobby business by now and I’ve largely been selling the patterns more than toys in recent years. It can pay my phone bill. But, I’ll soon be branching out into sewn toys and bringing them to market regularly, so I aim to make several hundred a month with it by then.

Have you ever made a Pomeranian?

Asked by Dan over 6 years ago

No Pomeranians yet! I would have to find a very fluffy yarn :)

Hi how are you

Asked by Sk over 2 years ago

Is anyone still active on this website

Asked by Dan over 2 years ago