Hi there! I’m Zander Miner, a Los Angeles–based toy designer and illustrator with a passion for worldbuilding, character design, and storytelling through objects. I enjoy hands-on making—from concepting and sculpting to 3D printing, packaging, and bringing a concept to market. I collaborate across disciplines to create playful, market-ready products with a strong sense of narrative and craft. I thrive on managing end-to-end production, coordinating teams, and translating ideas into tangible art and merchandise. My background in illustration and performance-informed design helps me craft characters, environments, and products that feel alive and intentional.

Zander Miner

Hi there! I’m Zander Miner, a Los Angeles–based toy designer and illustrator with a passion for worldbuilding, character design, and storytelling through objects. I enjoy hands-on making—from concepting and sculpting to 3D printing, packaging, and bringing a concept to market. I collaborate across disciplines to create playful, market-ready products with a strong sense of narrative and craft. I thrive on managing end-to-end production, coordinating teams, and translating ideas into tangible art and merchandise. My background in illustration and performance-informed design helps me craft characters, environments, and products that feel alive and intentional.

Available to hire

Hi there! I’m Zander Miner, a Los Angeles–based toy designer and illustrator with a passion for worldbuilding, character design, and storytelling through objects. I enjoy hands-on making—from concepting and sculpting to 3D printing, packaging, and bringing a concept to market. I collaborate across disciplines to create playful, market-ready products with a strong sense of narrative and craft.

I thrive on managing end-to-end production, coordinating teams, and translating ideas into tangible art and merchandise. My background in illustration and performance-informed design helps me craft characters, environments, and products that feel alive and intentional.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Toy Designer at Indie Toy
January 1, 2025 - Present
Designed, sculpted, and produced a limited edition art toy, managing the entire process from digital sculpting to 3D printing to packaging. Secured a retail placement with Indie Toy, successfully bringing an original concept to the market with proven commercial sales.
Super Orientation Leader at CSI Department
August 1, 2024 - September 7, 2025
Directed and coordinated orientation programs for over 100+ incoming students. Supervised and guided a team of orientation leaders through training, scheduling, and event execution. Managed multiple activities at once while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
Teacher Assistant for Leslie Hirst at RISD EFS
February 1, 2024 - September 7, 2025
Coordinated daily class operations for over 20+ students, including schedules, documentation, and resource allocation. Facilitated project discussions to ensure goals were clear and met on time. Supported the faculty with classroom setup, materials preparation, and workflow management.
Gallery Monitor at RISD Illustration Department
September 1, 2022 - Present
Managed exhibit schedules and monitored artwork security while assisting visitors. Communicated with the department supervisors to ensure smooth gallery operations. Supported exhibit setup, breakdown, and upkeep to meet professional gallery standards.

Education

BFA Illustration at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Intro to Environment Design at Computer Graphics Master Academy (CGMA)
July 1, 2023 - August 1, 2023
Illustration and Natural Science Study Abroad at RISD Global Study Abroad
January 1, 2025 - February 1, 2025

Qualifications

Honor Roll - GPA 3.8
January 11, 2030 - September 8, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Retail, Education, Professional Services, Consumer Goods