Meet the Maker
Inside Vermont Teddy Bear’s Artwork Department
The Workshop of Wonder
Tucked inside our cozy Vermont workshop is our Artwork Department, a small-but-mighty team of craftspeople dedicated to designing and creating the artwork for all our Made in USA stuffed animals. They’re also the talented hands behind every one of our personalized Teddy Bears, customizable stuffed animals, and embroidered gifts for the holidays and beyond.
Leading this magical crew is Brad, the steady, creative force who helps guide the flow of artwork and personalization throughout the department. His eye for detail—and love for all things custom—helps shape the tiny touches that make each Bear feel truly one-of-a-kind.
"It is so amazing to hear the stories of Bears that have been handed down through the years. Knowing that what we do here can have that long-lasting of an effect is something special."
Think of the Artwork team as the artists who turn your ideas into something soft and snuggly. Whether you want a custom Teddy Bear with a loved one’s nickname, a birthday Bear with a special message, or a personalized plush friend who carries a memory forever—our Artwork team brings it all to life, stitch by stitch, smile by smile.
Read on for a peek behind the scenes! You’ll see how each Bear becomes uniquely yours. It’s real-time personalization, done right here in Vermont.
Ready to create your own? Discover all the ways you can customize your new furry friend!
Meet Brad: Keeper of Custom Magic
Leading this imaginative crew is Brad, our Personalization Lead, cartooning enthusiast, and lifelong maker of smiles. Brad helps guide every piece of artwork, embroidery, and customization that makes a Bear yours—and he’s been doing it for more than a decade.
He’s a maker with heart, craftsmanship, and authentic Vermont warmth.
What is your title?
I am the Personalization Lead for Vermont Teddy Bear.
How long have you worked for Vermont Teddy Bear?
I have been with the company for about 12 years now. I started as a seasonal employee on December 2, 2014, then became a core employee in July 2018.
What do you do at Vermont Teddy Bear?
As the Personalization Lead, my primary responsibilities are in the Art & Embroidery efforts. The day-to-day of that is putting names and monograms onto our products for customers using embroidery or heat pressing. It also includes helping to create some of our Special Edition and Limited Edition Bears.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love being a part of bringing these Bears to life, knowing that they will become part of someone's story. Whether it is a simple "just because" gift, a birthday or holiday gift, or something for a person going through a really hard time, our Bears and critters can bring a smile and joy.
What is your favorite Bear currently for sale?
The Gingerbread Bear. I like that it is one of the Classic Honey Bears with a fun twist on it.
What is your favorite part of leading Customization for Vermont Teddy Bear?
I get to work with a wonderful team and put that special personalized touch onto our products.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I have always had a love for art and design, particularly cartooning. I enjoy volunteering. I am very active with Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York. I am a counselor at Camp Exclamation Point, an incredible summer camp for underserved Vermont kids.
What do you love most about being a maker?
I love being involved in creating something that may not only be a gift, but could become a part of the family’s history. It is so amazing to hear the stories of Bears that have been handed down through the years. Knowing that what we do here can have that long-lasting of an effect is something special.
"I love being a part of bringing these Bears to life, knowing that they will become part of someone's story."
Top Collections for Custom Cuddles
Your story is the heart of every Bear we make. Below are our most beloved collections—each ready to be personalized by Brad’s team for gifts that feel extra warm and wonderfully one-of-a-kind.
New Baby Collection
Custom cuddles for the tiniest humans.
Oh baby—these Bears are born to be keepsakes. Every personalized baby gift becomes a soft, snuggly part of a new family’s story.
World’s Coziest Collection
The softest, snuggliest customizable plush on earth.
Our World’s Coziest stuffed animals are cloud-soft, super cuddly, and oh-so-perfect for personalization. From birthdays to bedtime buddies, there’s a cozy critter for every kiddo, grown-up, and memorable moment.
The star of the show? The iconic 20 In. World’s Coziest Bear.
Buddy Collection
Floppy, friendly, customizable adventure Buddies!
Inspired by old-school childhood Teddy Bears, our Buddies have ultra-soft fur, floppy limbs, and just-right weighted paws. Customize them and send them on every adventure—they hug easy, travel well, and always find their way home. The perfect custom plush companions for kids of all ages!
