Ron J. Van Harpen

Managed concept ideation for licensed McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys & Premiums averaging 12 programs annually. Directed ideation process, interpreting marketing briefs, leading brainstorming sessions, and creating strategic platforms for multiple toy lines. Managed a team of Toy Designers, Art Directors, and Senior Art Directors (1-5 direct reports). Collaborated cross-functionally with client services, industrial design, digital, engineering, and presented concepts to clients and licensors including Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Lucas Films, DreamWorks, Sony, Universal, Nickelodeon, Mattel, Hasbro, and others. Directed creative reviews and critiques of digital and physical models. Contributed additional concept design and illustration for new client proposals outside Happy Meal programs.

Managed concept ideation for licensed and non-licensed Christmas and seasonal holiday themed merchandise. Licensed properties included Disney, Elvis Presley, Alvin & the Chipmunks, M&Ms Characters, Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, MCU, and others. Conducted market trend research for toys, holiday décor, and lifestyle product categories. Created digital presentations for new license proposals, developed new product concepts, directed staff designers and freelance illustrators, and hand-sculpted clay models for various products. Collaborated with executive and sales teams, Hong Kong engineering team, and prototype shops. Managed overseas product development phases including sourcing, model making, prototyping, and manufacturing. Averaged six trips to Asia per year for development visits and sourcing.

Managed concept ideation of licensed branded toys and other products for McDonald’s Happy Meal programs. Directed ideation process, interpreted marketing briefs, initiated brainstorming, and created themes for multiple toy lines. Conducted internal broad team line review critiques and determined final concept selection. Managed a team of 3 staff designers with responsibilities for performance and salary reviews. Researched market trends in toys, lifestyle products, and kids’ fashion accessories. Collaborated cross-discipline with client services, industrial design, engineering, and QA safety. Reviewed and critiqued pre-production models. Presented toy concept product lines to clients and licensors including DreamWorks, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, Wild Planet, Sega, and FIFA.