Creativity and Imagination, the Basis of a Career…Star Wars Toy Developer Shares His Journey
Written by: Adam Curry (@Adam95194630), Ignite Intern (@IgniteAtRIC), Stinger Media
An overview of Jim Swearingen’s career as a Kenner Product toy designer, working on products such as the Star Wars toy line, Easy Bake Oven, and PlayDoh presented by Mr. Swearingen himself to the Rotary Club of Florence (@FlorenceRotary) on Monday, February 13, 2022.
James (Jim) Swearingen was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. As a child he spent many Saturdays
taking art lessons at the Cleveland Art Museum and later in high school the Cleveland Art Academy. At the suggestion of his high school art teacher with his interest in art and design he was led to the five-year professional practice program at the University Of Cincinnati.
He began his professional career in 1972 at Kenner Product located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Over his tenure at Kenner he worked on many toy lines including Spirograph, Easy Bake Oven, PlayDoh and more. In the mid-1970’s the Preliminary Design was formed under the direction of Dave Okada. The department was formed and charged with developing new product concepts and reviewing television and movie properties looking for great products. “The Six Million Dollar Man” television show was one of Jim’s entertainment based product design projects.
In early 1977, as a Senior Designer, Jim was instrumental in Kenner’s acquisition of the Lucas Film, Star Wars license and the development of the toy line. In July of 1979 he moved from the Preliminary Design Department to a position as Marketing Product Manager working on the pre-school line and then taking on the Strawberry Shortcake line, from American Greeting, for five years.
He now lends his experience and talents as a consultant on special projects. These included the launch of the Kimmie Cares™ doll, developed for moms to play with and talk to their children about cancer and chemotherapy. Another was to develop and launch Hooray! Toys™.
Guests are always welcome to attend.
Date: Monday, February 13, 2023.
Location: In person at Florence Nature Center – Evelyn M. Kalb Gathering House, 7200 Nature Park Dr, Florence, KY 41042
Livestreamed on Rotary YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@rotaryclubofflorenceky
11:45 am – Lunch Buffet $12/person
12:00 pm – Meeting Begins
Greeting, Prayer, Pledge & 4-Way Test
12:15 pm – Program Begins
1:00 pm – Meeting Adjourned
https://www.florencerotary.org/Swearingen-2023-1
Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/711807543775231
#FloRo #Rotary #ServiceAboveSelf #PeopleofAction #ImagineRotary #StarWars #ToyDevelopment #KennerToys #Cincinnati #ToyProduction
