A partial list of our clients and collaborators
Sweet Spot Studio, Inc. is a Saugatuck, MI company across Lake Michigan from Chicago. Founded in 2006, Sweet Spot Studio has worked with leaders of the toy industry such as Fisher Price, Spin Master Toys, Mattel, Hasbro, Moose toys, Yulu toys, Funrise, Jada, Alpha and many more to develop product and invent products. They collaborate with many other leading invention firms too such as Creativity, Funfare, G2, Pace Development and Bang Zoom Design.
Jon Vanderbeek has a 25 year background working in design studios and making things with his hands in labs and machine shops primarily within the toy business. Jon partnered with his wife Sarah Vanderbeek over the summer of 2006 to create the Sweet Spot Studio, Inc. and though they have created products in many industries they have found the most recognition and success in the toy business.
Jon has an Industrial Design B.S. Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. His expertise in Industrial Design, mechanisms, electronics, model making and forging partnerships with leading talent in the business are being utilized every day to develop new products for Sweet Spot Studio and their clients.
Jon has taken on various challenges outside of the consumer product industry too, including building custom furniture, interior detail and lighting for renowned lighting designers and artists in NYC and Michigan. Jon takes inspiration from natural history and science and makes the connections between things designed and things found in nature. Humans have been making tools and designing for millions of years so Jon takes pride being a part in this place of history alongside 21st century designers, inventors, scientists and artists alike.
design@sarahvanderbeek.com
Sarah Vanderbeek started Sweet Spot Studio in February 2006 after many years employed in the giftware industry. Her experience at Russ Berrie was invaluable giving her the opportunity to direct small teams of designers and take several trips to the far east factories continuing product development there. After this, she was ready for something fresh and new.
Sarah has balanced a number of clients such as Amscan, Coach, Elope, EK Success, Fisher Price, Mattel, Spin Master Toys, Paper Magic Group, Forum Novelties, Things Remembered to name a few. She and husband Jon Vanderbeek brought together clients in several industries to survive then thrive in business.
Sarah has an Industrial Design B.S. from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. Her perseverance in professional practice landed her jobs at Design Central, The Obb (Kiscom), Salomon, and a 3 month study with Scandinavian tapestry weaver, Dorothea Volkart Nordahl, while still in school.