Resume
Experienced Graphic Artist and Product Developer with a proven track record of creating innovative and marketable designs for a diverse range of apparel, accessories and home soft goods. With 10+ years of experience in the industry, I excel in conceptualizing and developing original graphics, managing end-to-end product development processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring creative visions to life. Skilled in trend analysis, technical sketching, and utilizing advanced design software, I consistently deliver high-quality, on-trend products that resonate with target audiences. Adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously, sourcing materials, and ensuring compliance with brand standards, I am dedicated to driving brand success and enhancing consumer engagement through compelling design and product development.
Experience
Brand Owner & Creative Director
Opie’s Offspring LLC
2022 to Present | St Paul, MN
• Conceptualized, launched, and successfully managed an independent line of graphic tees, emphasizing unique and creative designs.
• Oversaw all aspects of the business, including design, production, marketing, and sales, ensuring a consistent brand identity and high-quality products.
• Developed original artwork to produce a diverse range of designs that resonated with a niche audience.
• Utilized various marketing strategies, including social media campaigns, and pop-up events, to increase brand visibility and drive sales.
• Achieved a loyal customer base and demonstrated an ability to meet market demands and stay ahead of fashion trends.
Product Development Manager
Faribault Woolen Mill Co.
• Recognized as a top performer and for delivering compelling product assets which generated 11M in annual revenue.
• Performed trend research to create new designs and surface art for all products including blankets, throws, scarfs, and apparel.
• Designed every in-house spring/summer and fall/winter collection for all throws, blankets, accessories, and apparel using Adobe Illustrator.
• Created and managed every design deck for spring/summer and fall/winter collection using Adobe InDesign, as well as lead almost all design presentations for the CEO.
• Executed and updated all sewing tech packs for every product (internal and external) in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
• Oversaw first article signoffs on the loom floor, wet/dry floor, and sewing floor to collect data for future development.
• Built product mock-ups for all custom orders using Adobe Illustrator.
• Created all Index TIFF art files to be used to make JC5 files for the jacquard looms.
• Maintained a matrix of weaving/washing/sewing data for all woven yardages.
• Maintained a library of over 150 years of product design, as well as re-designed the archiving process for all future library entries.
Notable Brand Partners: Supreme, Mayo Clinic, Olympics, PGA Golf, Adam Turman.
Product Developer
SLANT Creative Merchandising Studio
2019 to 2020 | Los Angeles, CA
• Designed and developed a variety of promotional products for leading entertainment companies, ensuring alignment with brand identity and marketing objectives.
• Collaborated with the sales and creative teams to conceptualize and create unique, engaging merchandise that resonated with target audiences and promoted brand loyalty.
• Conducted extensive market research to stay current with industry trends and consumer preferences, incorporating findings into product designs and strategies.
• Sourced high-quality materials and products from reliable suppliers to meet tight deadlines.
• Managed the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept and design to prototype creation, production, and distribution within a condensed timeline.
• Coordinated with licensing departments to ensure all products met legal and brand compliance requirements, maintaining the integrity of each entertainment brand.
• Launched numerous promotional campaigns, contributing to increased brand visibility and audience engagement.
Clients: Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Mac Cosmetics, SpaceX.
Graphic Artist for Juniors Accessories
Bioworld Merchandising
• Created trendy private label accessories tailored for the juniors market, including apparel, headwear, headwear embellishments, and bags.
• Conducted in-depth market research to identify emerging trends and preferences among junior consumers, translating insights into appealing product designs.
• Ideated, developed, and delivered proposals, creative presentations, and branding materials to leaders at client organizations.
• Collaborated with the sales and merchandising teams to ensure designs aligned with seasonal collections and overall brand vision for our clients.
• Utilized Adobe Creative Suite to produce detailed sketches and tech packs for manufacturing.
• Sourced materials and components, negotiating with suppliers to balance cost, quality, and production timelines.
• Managed the entire design development process from initial concept to final design approval, ensuring all products met quality and style standards.
• Worked closely with the sales team and our manufacturers to oversee prototype development, addressing any issues to ensure a flawless final product.
• Participated in design presentations and sales meetings, incorporating feedback to refine and enhance product offerings.
• Stayed abreast of competitive landscape and market shifts to keep designs relevant and competitive.
• Contributed to successful product launches, driving sales growth and brand recognition in the juniors market.
• Responsible for training, coaching and guiding assistant designers.
Retailers: Target, Walmart, Forever 21, Cracker Barrel, PacSun.
Graphic Artist for Licensed Apparel
Outerstuff LLC
2015 to 2017 | New York, NY
• Sole graphic artist on the mass market team leading the development of all private label licensed graphics for a diverse range of apparel categories including infant, girls, juniors, boys, and menswear.
• Designed sales presentations to enable cross-functional partners with access to visually compelling trends and forecasts.
• Collaborated with design and merchandising teams to create cohesive and trend-forward graphic collections that appealed to each target demographic.
• Conducted market research to stay updated on current fashion trends, and consumer preferences, ensuring all designs were relevant and competitive.
• Utilized industry-standard design software to create high-quality, print-ready graphics, incorporating various techniques such as screen printing, embroidery, and digital printing.
• Partnered with licensors to develop licensed graphics, maintaining brand integrity and meeting all licensing requirements.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines and adapting to evolving project requirements.
• Participated in design reviews and presentations, incorporating feedback from cross-functional teams to refine and improve graphic concepts.
• Collaborated with production teams to oversee the application of graphics on various materials and garment types, ensuring a flawless final product.
• Contributed to the successful launch of seasonal collections, driving strong sales and enhancing brand appeal across multiple apparel lines.
Licenses: NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, MLS, WMBA, Hello Kitty, and Peanuts.
Assistant Designer for Juniors Apparel
F.S.I.
2011 to 2013 | New York, NY
• Assisted lead designers in creating stylish and marketable apparel collections for private label clients, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and target audience.
• Developed detailed technical sketches, flat drawings, and tech packs to communicate design concepts to the production team in India.
• Organized and maintained graphic art libraries, sourcing materials and samples that met design and quality standards.
• Participated in fittings and design reviews, taking detailed notes and making adjustments to improve garment fit and aesthetics.
• Assisted in the preparation of mood boards, color palettes, and presentation materials for seasonal market meetings.
• Managed the inventory of design samples, ensuring all items were properly cataloged and stored.
• Supported the design team in administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings, organizing design files, and preparing for presentations.
Retailers: Citi Trends, AAFES, HEB Grocery, PacSun, Wet Seal.
2020 to 2022 | Faribault, MN
2017 to 2019 | Minneapolis, MN
Graphic Artist for Girls Apparel
Extreme Concepts NYC
2013 to 2015 | New York, NY
• Designed and developed a wide range of licensed graphic tees, working with well-known brands and franchises to create visually appealing and marketable products.
• Collaborated closely with licensors to ensure all designs met brand guidelines and licensing requirements, maintaining the integrity of each brand’s image.
• Conducted market research to identify trends and preferences within target demographics, incorporating these insights into design concepts.
• Utilized advanced design software and techniques to produce high-quality, print-ready graphics, ensuring vibrant and durable prints.
• Coordinated with production teams to oversee the printing process, ensuring the final product met design specifications and quality standards.
• Managed multiple projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines and adapting to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Contributed to the development of seasonal collections, aligning designs with overall brand strategies and marketing campaigns.
Licenses: Disney, Nickelodeon, Marvel, DC Comics, Hasbro, Warner Bros, Kellogg’s.
Education
FIDM
Merchandise Product Development
Associate of Arts, Professional Designation
2018 to 2019 | Los Angeles, CA
Recipient of the FIDM Professional Designation Merit Scholarship
College of Visual Arts
Illustration
Bachelor of Fine Arts
2007 to 2011 | St. Paul, MN
Skills
Soft Skills
Communication
Verbal & Written
Active Listener
Clarity
Persuasion
Teamwork
Collaborative Spirit
Open-Minded
Tolerant
Receptive to Feedback
Leadership
Integrity
Empathy
Confidence
Accountability
Adaptability
Flexible
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Motivated
Hard Skills
Software
Adobe Creative Suite
Microsoft 365
macOS
Windows 10
Design
CAD/Sketches
Line Development
Trend Forecasting
Color Theory
Project Management
Risk Management
Time Management
Task Delegation
Organization
Development
Production Planning
Tech Pack Development
Sourcing
Sampling