Junist Ortiz
Staten Island
Summary
Leverages over 20 years in toy and hard goods design, specializing in licensing and brand development. Directs a dynamic team, overseeing product development from concept to market. Known for cultivating impactful partnerships and delivering innovative strategies that drive profitability.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of P.D (Toys and Games)
Paramount Global
New York
2022.07 - Current
- Led product development for all licenses under Paramount umbrella, from concept to market.
- Manage the design team across diverse categories, including action figures, plush, all the way up to the Macy's day Balloon. (Sponge-Bob/TMNT).
- Oversee relationships with external partners for creative decisions and future licensing opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal teams to create compelling pitches for new and existing licensing projects.
- Facilitated internal and external brainstorming sessions to generate innovative strategies and visuals.
- Developed 3D figure and plush maquette guides to ensure swift sculpt approvals from partners.
Sr. Creative Director of Toys and games
Nickelodeon
New York
2011.01 - Current
- Spearheaded design direction for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, leading to three years as number one in boy’s action toys and winning 2013 Boys Toy of the Year.
- Directed and supervised Nickelodeon’s creative toy team to enhance product offerings.
- Initiated original pitches and sought out new partners for new and existing toy opportunities.
- Cultivated relationships and collaborated with major manufacturers and licensees for concept development.
- Collaborated with our Nickelodeon production teams on Character art and vehicle development to ensure product-friendly integration.
- Traveled overseas for on-site approvals and managed cost reduction strategies for licensed products.
Freelance Design consultant
New York
2009.01 - 2011.01
- Consulted for leading toy companies including: Mattel, Disney, Hasbro, Mezco, Jakks Pacific and Marvel.
- Focused on conceptual toy design to drive innovative product lines.
- Developed control art to ensure consistency in design and sculpt execution.
- Created style guide art to maintain brand integrity across products.
- Contributed to soft goods design enhancing product appeal.
- Attended brainstorms and pitches to develop strategy and product opportunities.
Senior Designer
Fisher Price Toys
New York
2006.01 - 2009.01
- Lead designer for: Little Einsteins and Winnie the Pooh
- Managed, designed and conceptualized toys for Disney licensed brands.
- Supervised freelance designers, sculptors and model making teams.
- Designed layouts and presented concepts to sales, account managers and clients.
- Worked with engineers based in the orient on cost packages and development issues.
Design Director
Toy Biz/ MARVEL Enterprises
New York
1998.01 - 2006.01
- Directed and managed the creative team (In-house and freelance) at Marvel for all licenses.
- Design lead on co-brand opportunities, such as "Capcom Vs Marvel"
- Designed and developed the first pre-school property for Marvel (Spider-man and Friends).
- Worked closely with movie studios to scan and develop realistic sculptural likenesses for movies such as Lord of The Rings, X-Men, Blade, fantastic Four, Spider-man, Etc.
- Managed and directed inventors' submissions.
- Provided illustrations/control drawings to engineers, model makers and costing departments.
- Collaborated with safety department to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Evaluated functionality/play patterns of competitive products.
Sr. Designer
Tyco Toys / Mattel
Mount Laurel
1996.01 - 1998.01
- Sr. Designer on the Matchbox team specializing in Die-cast cars, Play-sets and R/C.
- Designed and developed the first Co-Brand Die-cast vehicle line for the Jurassic Park movie.
- Designed, developed and built working breadboard models for Matchbox presentations.
- Worked on multiple blue sky projects including Match box co-branding with Star Wars, Terminator, The Green Hornet, Etc.
Freelance Designer
Kenner Toys/ Hasbro
1995.01 - 1996.01
- Designed new Action figure concepts for titles such as: Star Wars, Aliens and G.I. Joe.
- Developed internal Blue sky pitches for "at the time" new video game opportunities (Battle Arena Toshinden).
- Built foam core breadboard models to prove out scale and function.
Education
A.A.S. - Illustration
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY1996-05
Toy Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY1996-01
Skills
- Product costing and mechanisms
- Brand development
- Character art and development
- Adobe Photoshop
- Sketchbook Pro
- Mixed media techniques
- Traditional sculpture
- Team building
- Communication and pitching
References
References and Portfolio upon Request.
Related Experience
- Annually attend the New York, San Diego and L.A. Comic cons and toy Fair shows.
- Hosted Multiple presentations/Brainstorms with companies such as Mattel/Fisher Price, Playmates Toys, Mega Bloks, Spin Master, Jakks Pacific, ETC.
- Attended a traditional sculpting workshop with special effects guru Jordu Schell.
Timeline
Vice President of P.D (Toys and Games)
Paramount Global
2022.07 - Current
Sr. Creative Director of Toys and games
Nickelodeon
2011.01 - Current
Freelance Design consultant
2009.01 - 2011.01
Senior Designer
Fisher Price Toys
2006.01 - 2009.01
Design Director
Toy Biz/ MARVEL Enterprises
1998.01 - 2006.01
Sr. Designer
Tyco Toys / Mattel
1996.01 - 1998.01
Freelance Designer
Kenner Toys/ Hasbro
1995.01 - 1996.01
A.A.S. - Illustration
Fashion Institute of Technology
Toy Design
Fashion Institute of Technology