Josephine Kimberling

I create art and pattern collections and license them to a variety of companies in the upstairs and specialty markets. I specialize in creating modern-meets-vintage florals and gorgeous color palettes for the feminine customer. My artwork collections offer a unique combination of pattern mixing, which contribute to creating compelling product lines for a wide range of categories.


Influenced by my 12 years of professional design experience working at Nordstrom and Hallmark, I understand how to translate color and pattern trends from the fashion industry into my artwork to offer collections that will hit on key consumer trends and have staying power.

My artwork can currently be found on products such as Josephine Kimberling branded scrapbooking, stationery, handbag and fabric accessory lines, melamine, tabletop, gift, gift presentation, wall art, checks, cake and more!

· Managed a team of 3 people, including 2 freelancers
· Met with Design Directors and Brand Managers to review seasonal artwork needs, deadlines and artwork
· Reviewed artwork change requests with Print Studio members
· Project Management
· Support and train Print Design & Technician roles on CAD software and print processes

ACHIEVEMENT:

· Developed & implemented the company-wide process for interfacing with the new centralized Print Studio, including work-flow & deliverables

As the CAD Studio Manager, I worked with multiple Brand teams to create original artwork and execute purchased artwork for their product. I also was responsible for supporting and training all Print Designers within the company on our CAD software and internal print processes. My responsibilities also included:

· Manage resources of our Creative Studio & environment
· Work with business information office (BIO) to develop company-wide process improvements and business needs with regards to Textile Design
· Train Creative Studio on CAD software, including developing training
materials and training development plans
· Tested CAD software new releases and worked with software vendor on new ideas and troubleshooting through issues
· Create color and print trend forecasting reports and distribute to creative community

As the Sr. Textile Designer, I created a high volume of original and trend forward artwork for each of our 5 junior girl labels: Frenchi, Rubbish, Susina, Tildon & BP. Original artworks included prints, embroideries, yarn dyes, sweater patterns & screen prints. My responsibilities also encompassed the following:

· Design trend forward color palettes each season for each of our labels
· Research and report on industry print and color direction, and technique innovations approximately 6-9 months ahead of season to Buyers and Brand team, through trend presentations
· Collaborate with Design Director and Design team to achieve design & business goals
· Organize and manage multiple tasks and projects, and complete them within deadlines
· Strong understanding of pattern repeats and print processes for production
· Delivers results within budget expectations and understands impact of decisions
· Manage and mentor a creative assistant
· Responsible for finding new ways to streamline print and color processes and reduce lead times

ACHIEVEMENT:

· Implemented a company-wide process for sending artwork via FTP to our overseas Suppliers including developing training materials and training for the company. This digital artwork sending process greatly reduced costs in tangible resources and man-hours - reducing artwork send-out from 5 days down to 2.

As Designer 3, I was responsible for creating a high volume of design concepts for stationery and gift wrap solutions, including developing original artworks. My responsibilities also included the following:

· Create repeat patterns in Photoshop and Illustrator
· Design according to a variety of product templates
· Balance a line of patterns to create a cohesive look for product lines
· Research & build concepts for new line ideas and formats

ACHIEVEMENT:

· Worked with two Design teams to start-up 2 unique internal monthly trend e-newsletters to distribute trend information and resources to the creative community to help inspire innovation and on trend product.

As the Textile Designer & Colorist, I created over 400 pieces of original and trend forward artwork each year for all 4 of our junior girl labels: Frenchi, Rubbish, Susina, & BP. Original artworks included prints, embroideries, yarn dyes, sweater patterns & screen prints. My responsibilities also encompassed the following:

· Determine the color palette each season
· Research and report on industry print & art related trend direction, color direction approximately 6-9 months ahead of season
· Responsible for rendering a variety of styles that fit the junior customer
· Organize and manage multiple tasks and projects, and complete them within deadlines
· Present and communicate visually to Buyers and Brand team, pattern and color concepts, through trend presentations and artwork
· Strong understanding of pattern repeats and print processes for production
· Responsible for finding new ways to streamline processes and reduce lead times
· Delivers results within budget expectations, and understand impacts of decisions
· Communicate with manufacturers on print execution, approve strike offs and knit-downs for print and pattern, as well as lab dips

ACHIEVEMENT:

Nordstrom All-Star Award:
An All Star exceeds expectations, has an outstanding relationship with people, strives for excellence, offers great customer service, is a high achiever & goes above and beyond.