Drew Plakos

Experienced in ideating, concept developing, mechanical solutions, methods, and materials, designing and manufacturing toys, games, housewares, consumer goods, and leisure products.   Mattel, Schaper, Lakeside Games, Disney, Daiso, and Thermos are notable brands he worked for.  He has designed countless promotional kid meal toys for quick-service restaurants such as McDonald's, Taco Bell, Carls Jr., Arby’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and many others.

InSight Out is Drew Plakos' consulting practice that specializes in Design for Compliance.   That is, items are designed to fully comply with criteria such as cost, function, appearance, regulatory, safety, reliability, and quality. InSight Out has maintained an on-going working relationship with an extensive network of resources both domestically and abroad. 

20+ years instructing in Toy Design, Methods & Materials, and Human Factors in Design at Otis College of Art and Design.   Otis is a special creative environment where ideas, perspectives, and energy are encouraged to flow freely within our diverse community.

Drew holds a BA in Industrial Arts from CSULA, Los Angeles, CA and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas,  St. Paul, MN.