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