Toy Colorist
がんぐさいしきにん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Artisan who applies primer to molded toy products, uses airbrush or brushes to separate and apply colors, and colors them according to the design.
Description
Toy colorists are specialists responsible for everything from priming to finishing coats on toys molded by injection molding or model kits. Based on product specifications and color samples, they prepare the base with primer or surfacer, then apply colors using an airbrush or brush, adding shading and highlights. They also handle paint mixing, viscosity adjustment, and paint film drying management, requiring high-precision finishing without unevenness or color shifts. They handle everything from mass production line work to small-batch limited production, and recently, there is a trend toward emphasizing precise handwork for high-end figures and collector models.
Future Outlook
Due to the expansion of the high-end toy market for collectors, there is stable demand for precise hand-coloring. Although automation is advancing, delicate finishing requires artisan skills. Skill succession is a challenge.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands, skilled at detailed work / Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration / Patient
Work Style
Contract Production / Factory Work / Freelance / Small Lot Production
Career Path
Subcontract Painter → Painting Team Leader → Quality Control Staff → Production Manager
Required Skills
Airbrush Operation / Hand Painting / Paint Mixing / Surface Treatment
Recommended Skills
Color Theory / Dry Brush Technique / Quality Control / Washing Technique
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because paint unevenness or color discrepancies in details directly affect quality. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Mainly individual work with little coordination with others. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Requires light measurement when mixing colors, but no advanced mathematical analysis is needed. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Work is often done individually. |
Related Qualifications
- Painting Technician
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