Regina Donovan
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About
As a product designer my work is playful, whimsical, and imaginative. My specialty is in toy design, children's products, and soft goods; however I welcome any category or challenge.
I have a solid grasp of industry knowledge, molding processes, manufacturing, and trend awareness. In addition I excel at cross-functional collaboration and deliver quality, consistent work from concept to completion. I have a strong interest in early child development and strive to use this knowledge to create the best products possible that deliver a meaningful connection between child and caregiver.
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Education
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Bachelor of Science Industrial DesignUniversity of Cincinnati College of DAAPIntegrated Co-op program allowed the opportunity to work at four different companies as a design intern before graduation
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N/A Jewelry Metalsmithing, CeramicsLilStreet Art Center (Chicago), Flux Metal Arts (Cleveland), Valley Art Center (Cleveland)2015 - 2024Continuing hobby/interest in Jewelry Design & Ceramics. I love to combine my trained knowledge of Industrial Design with the creativity and freedom to design unique pieces
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Continuing Education Early Childhood DevelopmentEarly Arts UK - Power of Play2022 - 2022The Power of Play and it’s Impact on Early Childhood Learning. Virtual course highlighting types of play, ways to empower creative play, and the tie to social / emotional development
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Certificate Course Introduction to MontessoriThe Prepared Montessorian2021 - 2021Overview of Montessori theory, philosophy, and materials
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Continuing Education Credit Child DevelopmentErikson Center for Children and Families: Chicago2014 - 2014Infant Social / Emotional Development Workshop
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Continuing Education Children's Book IllustrationCleveland Institute of Art2004 - 2005
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Experience
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Senior Toy DesignerHudson, OHSep 2014 - Present (11 years 9 months)Senior Designer on multiple toy categories including Infant, Preschool, Roleplay, and Outdoor. Experience in both domestic and overseas production. Knowledge of injection, blow molding, roto molding, and soft goods production. Collaborate closely with Los Angeles and international offices to bring products to market. Interaction with resin and pigment suppliers to ensure quality and consistency. Currently serving as intern and outreach coordinator to place college students within the design team and develop partnerships for toy design classes and mentoring.
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Freelance Product DesignerRegina Kay DesignsMar 2012 - Sep 2014 (2 years 6 months)Independent designer specializing in toy design & children's products. Clients include Infantino, Sassy Baby, Bumbo, Step2, Hasbro, KidsII, American Greetings, & SpinMaster. Expertise in developing product concepts by sketching, rendering, illustration, sewn prototypes, and turnover packages. Toy categories include Infant, Preschool, Girls, Role Play, and Plush.
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Toy DesignerChicago, ILMar 2008 - Mar 2012 (4 years)Specializing in infant toys, birth-12 months. Developed expertise in plush and soft good construction. Trend driven products that encourage interaction and connections between mom and baby in the first months of development
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Product DesignerAtlanta, GAJan 2006 - Feb 2007 (1 year 1 month)Designer for women's and girls hair accessories. Developed ergonomic, trend based, and fashion forward concepts. Holding patent on Ouchless Pressure Free Headband and Ouchless hair clip
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Preschool Toy DesignerHudson, OHJun 2003 - Jan 2006 (2 years 7 months)Lead Designer on Fairy Tale Playsets, a collection of girls preschool playsets based on classic fairy tales. Worked closely with marketing to determine product viability, extensive engineering collaboration, travel to Asia factories to ensure production quality.
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Fisher Price Toy Design InternInfant & Preschool TeamsEast Aurora, NYSep 2001 - May 2002 (8 months)Developed concepts for the Infant and Preschool teams through ideation, rendering, and presentation models. Worked extensively with marketing, engineering, and in-house child research and development teams. Developed two infant products that were bought to market as an intern.
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Awards
Little Tikes / MGAE Entertainment SuperStar Award: September 2025
WalMart Top Toy Fall 2024: Little Tikes Creative Chefs line
The Toy Insider Top Summer Toys 2022: Little Tikes 3-in-1 Paint & Play Backyard Easel
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio "Best Toy" Award: Infantino Jumbo Patchwork Play Space
Parents Magazine "Top Toy" Awards: Little Tikes Fairytale Playsets -
Affiliations
Women in Toys Member & Ohio Chapter Chair
Industrial Design Society of America -
Industries
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@reginadonovan, member since 2007
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Following 18
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Followers 32
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