Case study: Talanja Doan's work as Product Designer at Tonies GmbH from 2022 to present, including the My First Tonies, Pocket Tonies and Book Tonies product lines and more than thirty figurines sculpted by hand in collaboration with Disney, Paramount and Warner Bros.

2022 — present

Tonies

An insight into areas I worked on during my employment as a Product Designer at Tonies.

Role · Product Designer

Lead, Global Own Content

Shaping the future of play.

At Tonies, my role is all about shaping the visual identity and defining the design language for Tonies Originals. I guide the overarching conceptual direction by turning abstract story ideas into characters and worlds that resonate with children to ensure every original product feels intentional and truly tonies.

In the past my work focused heavily on hands-on design and expanding what a Tonie can be. I have sculpted over 30 physical figurines, collaborating closely with global licensors like Disney, Paramount and Warner Bros. to bring beloved characters off the screen and into children's hands. Partnering with these major studios gave me a sharp instinct for navigating complex IP frameworks, learning how to innovate while respecting strict guidelines. I carried this strategic approach into developing new formats like My First Tonies, Pocket and Book Tonies, successfully taking these new categories from early sketches to global market readiness to support families at every stage of childhood.

Product lines.

My First Tonies launch artwork with farm animal figurines and Toy Award badge

Photo: © Tonies

01

My First Tonies

Product Design and Design Language

Defining a new design language for Tonies' youngest audience. Crafted specifically for toddlers, the line introduces softer forms and ultra-simple interactions.

Child relaxing in a beanbag with Book Tonies figurines

Photo: © Tonies

02

Book Tonies

Product Design and Design Management

Designed a product line extension based on Pocket Tonies' success introducing longer stories. Responsible for variation design management.

Pocket Tonies arranged around a Toniebox with a child playing

Photo: © Tonies

03

Pocket Tonies

Product Design and Design Management

Designed a new portable product that answer big questions and foster curiosity. Responsible for variation design management.

Spider-Man Tonie Play board game and licensed Tonie carrying bag

Photo: © Tonies

04

Licensed Products

Designed a variety of games, bags and accessories with licensing partners.

05

Character Sculpting

A selection of my favorite figurines I sculpted in the past.

Hand-sculpted Tonie figurine
Dora the Explorer Tonie
Hand-sculpted Tonie figurine
The Dinosaur That Pooped Tonie
Disney Pixar Soul Tonie
Hand-sculpted Tonie figurine
Maus Tonie
TMNT Leonardo Tonie
Holiday elephant Tonie

Photo: © Tonies

Spielwarenmesse 2026 ToyAward badge

Creating Award-Winning Toys

My First Tonies won the Baby & Infant category at the Spielwarenmesse 2026 ToyAward in Nuremberg for its soft, easy-to-grasp audio figures that introduce toddlers to age-appropriate storytelling and sensory play.

And that's just a glimpse

My work at Tonies spans far beyond what's on this page. Let's chat about my journey.

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