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Toby Silverman
Lead Product Designer at Formation
Professional Background
Toby Silverman is a dynamic and multifaceted product designer whose career journey encompasses a remarkable range of experiences and skills. With a background as a former classical ballet dancer and a Korean kindergarten teacher, Toby has cultivated a unique lens through which he views the world of design. His diverse portfolio includes roles as a rap tour camera man and photojournalist for VICE, showcasing his deep-seated passion for storytelling and the arts. Now, with over six years of design experience, Toby specializes in product design and has notably led the development of three successfully launched iOS apps, an Android application, and multiple web products, along with a print magazine he co-founded.
Currently, Toby serves as the Lead Product Designer at Formation, where he continues to push the boundaries of innovative design. His experience across various industries—ranging from tech companies like Codecademy and Grovo to creative ventures like Otherwheres magazine—significantly enhances his design perspective. Toby has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand user experience in a wide array of contexts, which has become a hallmark of his professional ethos.
Education and Achievements
Toby's educational background is as varied as his career path. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, further enriching his narrative comprehension and storytelling abilities, critical for successful product design. Additionally, Toby trained in classical ballet at prestigious institutions, including the American Ballet Theatre, which showcases his dedication to discipline and the arts—qualities that undoubtedly influence his structured yet creative approach to design.
Aside from his formal education, Toby's involvement in numerous projects highlights his versatility and commitment to continuous learning. He has held various roles that include being a Senior Product Designer at Codecademy, contributing to the growth of the platform, and serving in similar capacities at Grovo and Headliner. His journey as an educator in Korea and camp counselor provides him with robust interpersonal skills that enhance his mentoring abilities, particularly in his current role mentoring budding designers at RookieUp.
Notable Achievements
Among Toby’s most noteworthy achievements is his work in product design on successful applications that cater to diverse user needs. His leadership in creating intuitive iOS applications, tailored to enhance user experience, reflects his keen understanding of digital product demands.
As the co-founder and creative lead of Otherwheres magazine, Toby has demonstrated a profound capacity for merging his enthusiasm for design with storytelling—an endeavor that not only showcases his leadership skills but also serves as a platform for his photographic artistry. Toby's photography skills are evident in his professional history, which includes work as a photojournalist for VICE Media and providing visual storytelling during major music tours.
When he's not busy shaping the future of product design, Toby contributes to the design community by mentoring young designers through RookieUp. He actively participates in coding microsites and leading creative projects, which underpins his passion for giving back to the design community. With a portfolio available at design.tobysilverman.com and a range of his photography at tobysilverman.com, Toby invites others to explore his creative journey and innovations.
Questions
- How did Toby Silverman transition from a classical ballet dancer to a product designer?
- What aspects of his background as a photojournalist influence Toby Silverman's design work?
- In what ways does Toby Silverman integrate storytelling into his product designs?
- How has Toby's experience as a mentor at RookieUp shaped his approach to design?
- Can Toby Silverman share insights on the challenges and successes he encountered while co-founding Otherwheres magazine?
- How does Toby expect the field of product design to evolve over the next few years?
- What unique perspectives does Toby Silverman bring to his role as Lead Product Designer at Formation?
tags':['Product Designer','Photojournalist','Ballet Dancer','Mentor in Design','Creative Lead','Tech Innovator','User Experience','iOS App Development','Android App Development','Web Products','Design Community Leader','Freelance Designer','Visual Storyteller','Literature Graduate','International Teacher','Photography Expert'],
