Visit the Web sites of professional associations such as The Toy Association to learn more about the trends and news in the toy and game industry. Check the events section to see if there are future events that may be worth attending. Working as an intern in a design form that creates toys and games or in the design department of a toy and game manufacturing is a good way to learn what's involved in the design process. Attend trade shows such as the Toy Fair and Play Fair, held in New York City each year, to see what types of toys and games companies are designing and meet the inventors and designers.

Toy and game designers come up with ideas for toys and games and design them. They may work for toy and game design firms or toy and game manufacturers. They may specialize in certain types of toys and games and/or in creating products for specific age groups. The types of toys and games they create include: arts and crafts, action figures, dolls, electronic toys, mechanical toys, construction toys, toy vehicles, outdoor play toys, plush toys, puzzles and games, scientific toys, toy instruments, toys for animals, and water toys.

Toy and game designers may be assigned a toy or game design by a toy company or they come up with the concept for the product. A market research department may study trends in the toy market, which designers use when determining toy ideas and designs. Toy and game designers make sure that the toys and games they design are age appropriate and meet safety standards. They sketch their ideas by hand on paper and also create models and plans on computers by using computer-aided design software. They work closely with management and design team members throughout the entire toy and game development process.

Self-employed toy and game designers have the added responsibilities of managing and promoting their business, including contacting toy and game manufacturers to pitch ideas and negotiating the sale of toy ideas and products.