Vinyl Figures - YouTooz and Funko
Licensed Merchandise and IP & Franchise Management
Challenge: Expand The Last of Us merchandising presence into the collectible vinyl figure market through partnerships with industry-leading manufacturers Funko and Youtooz.
My Role: Franchise liaison and creative lead managing product development, character likeness approvals, accessory accuracy, packaging and toy design reviews, and brand compliance across multiple figure releases for both Funko and YouTooz.
Delivered: Successfully launched vinyl figure collections capturing iconic characters and moments from The Last of Us franchise. First with Funko releases from 2020 through 2022, and Youtooz release 2024 through 2025. From start to execution, was the point of contact for brand, sculpt, paint master, and guideline reviews; including marketing assets and cross promotion launch.
Year
2023 - 2025
Client
YouTooz
PlayStation
Scope
Art Direction / Licensing and Merchandise Development / IP and Franchise Management
Website
https://youtooz.com/collections/the-last-of-us
Creative Partnership Management
Character Likeness & Accuracy Approvals
Sculpt Review & Feedback (All Development Stages)
Paint Master Application Review
Accessory & Prop Accuracy Verification
Packaging Design Direction & Review
Brand Compliance & Style Guide Management
Marketing Asset Approvals
Cross-Functional Coordination (Licensing, Franchise, Manufacturing)
Source File & Reference Imagery Delivery
Legal Approvals & Product Launch Support
Successfully launched multiple figure releases across both Funko and Youtooz platforms
Figures sold out within initial release windows, demonstrating strong collector and IP franchise demand
Expanded The Last of Us collectible presence into mainstream vinyl figure market
The Last of Us © Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. "PlayStation Family Mark" and "PlayStation" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. THE LAST OF US is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Created and developed by Naughty Dog LLC. Funko and Youtooz are registered trademarks of their respective companies. This work represents creative partnership management and brand compliance services. All rights reserved by their respective owners.