Adam Straus has worked as a sculptor, businessman, consultant, professor, and inventor of candy and toys. In addition to inventing for the past 25 years, Adam has a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in metal-smithing and has produced a line of award-winning, sterling silver baby spoons along with numerous other upscale gift items. He also worked in the special effects industry before there was CGI. He currently teaches Packaging Design at FIT.

Since 1994 he has presented concepts to many industries, going to contract more than 20 times with 12 candy and 9 toy products reaching the marketplace. Two of the candy concepts received utility patents, and many of the items have been recognized with awards from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and Candy Buyer Magazine.

Prof. Straus teaches the following FIT Precollege Classes:
HPK 122 Graphic Design and Packaging Design

Teaching Philosophy:
My class is an environment where exploration, discovery, and taking risks is supported and encouraged. We speak about the design process and demystify it by breaking it down. By sharing skills and tools for creative thinking, I lead students to independence and confidence in making choices as designers.

Industry Experience:
Invented and Licensed products to Church & Dwight, Hasbro, TF1, NSI International, Upper Deck, Irwin toys, Alex Toys, KoKo’s, Ludo, Toy Max, Candy Planet, & Jakks Pacific

Work by Prof. Straus: