A few months ago I came across a new course series in TOY INVENTION that was being offered by Ryerson and Spin Master. I have been designing and running a game studio creating interactive for over 15+ years.

My ego said to me….you don’t have time for this………you are too old……….you know it all……..etc.

But the 8 year old in me thought back to playing with my favourite toys and had to do it. And after some internal dialogue and nagging, I started to listen… and I am glad that I did.

The class required an interview and practical test. The interview took place at Spin Master’s Toronto headquarters, and although I am used to meetings in intimidating locations, the 8 year-old me was running the show, and was noticeably nervous.

Luckily the instructor, Paul Reynolds was amazing. He made me feel comfortable, assured me that the class would have others from diverse professional backgrounds, and that I would learn a lot. I also liked his approach to design, his personal story, as well as learning how he came to be a Toy Inventor himself. He left a great impression on me, and I decided during that meeting, I had to try to get in.

If you know me-you know that one thing I never do is quit. After speaking to my wife, family and co-workers, I decided I was going to do it! A decision I do not regret!

I went ALL IN. I spent an entire weekend working on my first concept with the help of my children! It was so much fun! My daughters loved the idea and had fun playing with it.

When it was over, I was not sure it would be “good enough” but I was happy I gave it my all, and had shown my children that you are never too old to learn something new. They thought it was funny that Daddy was “Going to School.”

Being in the class has pushed me. I am shocked with how much I can accomplish and learn in just one day of class a week. Being in this class has allowed me to explore different parts of my creativity, and as I hoped, has made me better at my job of designing games.

The additional creative outlets allow me to think differently in so many ways, and working with others, and learning their perspectives has been invaluable.

Having the opportunity to work with my hands made me realize that I do not need to be limited. The class has pushed me far out of my comfort zone into new mediums.

I learned to sew for the first time…..

I didn’t even know how to string a needle and thread.

I learned to sculpt and paint……

I had never worked with an armature or clay. I like how it requires me to get proportions right!

I learned about packaging and telling a story…..

I learned to 3d model, 3d print, work with acrylic and model (this diorama isn’t done yet)….

I also learned a bit about chemistry and made edible-scented slime!

Above all I realized that I am a creative person and I can apply my creative ideas to any medium, be it voice, projection, sculpture, or digital (as I am most comfortable with) without the need of being afraid to push the limits.

I am thankful to my instructors Paul Reynolds, Lorena Escandon, and Jonathan for working so hard to help us grow.

To Spin Master and Ryerson, thank you for the access to talented mentors and speakers in the class.

And to my classmates, thank you for being inspiring and allowing me to be creative in a safe environment.

I can’t wait until next year and our final semester!