Role: Barbie and the Rockers ‘Derek’ Model

Appearing: All Weekend

Biography

Scott Woodward grew up in the toy and entertainment industry and has had a front row seat to some of our favorite childhood ads and toys. He admits that art and design is in his DNA. When asked “What art school did you attend?” he replies, “ The T&T Academy of Design of Fine Art.” The T&T is for Tom and Teresa-his dad and mom.

His father Tom studied painting and design while his mom studied fashion illustration and graphic design. His childhood home ended up being a real-life working studio for his parents and their peers across storyboard design, illustration, script writing, photography and more.

So much of the design process is collaborative with several people contributing their unique talents to the creation and development of a final product. Perhaps his mother’s most memorable project was when she worked with Mattel on designing “Barbie and the Rockers,” which was created to compete directly with Hasbro’s Jem and the Holograms line.

Scott recently uncovered pictures from his high school prom, indicating that he was likely the real-life inspiration for the character Derek. He was delighted when JemCon reached out and asked if he’d be interested in attending and sharing some of his mother’s work in the industry. He’s been going through pictures and archives, finding all kinds of treasures that he will share and have available for sale. Rumor has it some prototypes may appear as well!

He currently works in architecture and design and is cataloguing his mother’s work. He had no idea how big Barbie and the Rockers were until Mattel rereleased the line 40 years and the wave of nostalgia flooded collector groups online.

He is delighted to attend JemCon and share some of the behind-the-scenes memories from his mom’s time in the industry. Fun fact his mom also worked with JemCon alum (and fellow 2026 JemCon guest) Stefanie Eskander.

From truly outrageous to up and rockin’ this will be a panel you won’t want to miss.

To learn more about Scott visit

https://www.scottwoodwardfineart.com/

To learn more about Scott’s mother Theresa visit

Theresa Woodward — Scott Woodward Fine Art

Schedule

Scott will be appearing at the following JemCon 2026 events:

• Rockin' Rivals: Jem & Barbie Take the Stage Panel Saturday 2:30 - 3:30

Schedule subject to change. Check the program guide for final times.

Photo Ops & Autographs

• TBA