Michael Grogan

Primary responsibilities include production graphics for various packaging including poly bags, vinyl bags, cartons, shippers and packaging inserts. Proof all work throughout the creation, editing and pre-press stages and review packaging top samples. Collaborate with creative director, art director, senior and assistant merchandising, marketing, copywriting and e-commerce teams. Creative projects include textile pattern designs for various sleep products under brands such as Calvin Klein and Nautica, proposing new packaging ideas, unique display strategies and presentation boards.

Established and incorporated a ladies online retail apparel website. Built the site from the ground up using the Shopify CMS e-commerce platform. Researched and implemented the dropship business model by utilizing print-on-demand suppliers with built-in Shopify integration to fulfill orders. Designed all apparel products including yoga pants, capris, tank tops, t-shirts & shorts using template specs provided by suppliers. Created all website content, logos, icons, mockup images, etc. Researched short-run social media marketing strategies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Utilized Shopify tools including SEO optimization, marketing strategies and branding guides.

Created a complete line of men's underwear including garment design, textile pattern design, packaging, heat transfers, POS display and line sheets. Also created a line of men's, boys and women t-shirts. The products were intended to be sold at boutique coastal surf and beach retailers and online.

Collaborate directly with VP of Private Label to develop men's underwear and sock programs for Sears, Kmart, Shopko, Kohl's Marshall's and other retailers. Created entire lines for men's/boy's under the Everlast label. Also created additional lines for private labels including Simply Socks and Simply Underwear, Energy Zone, Balanced Tech, Bottom's Out and English Threads. This included textile design of the products, branded packaging design, line sheets, presentation boards, plan-o-grams and mock-ups of in-store displays.

Contracted to develop a line of street backpacks, fashion backpacks, travel luggage and children's cruiser luggage under the Smiley® brand. Responsible for researching industry trends and to shop various retailers to gain market insight. Created working vector models of various pieces of luggage, backpacks, accompanying tags and mock-up renderings of luggage locks.

Work directly with VP of Merchandising to develop branded and private label programs for men’s, women’s and children’s socks and hosiery. Program development included hosiery and sock design, packaging and label design, presentation boards, color palettes, line books and planogram displays. Presented over seven full lines under several different private label and licensed brands to Sears, Kmart, JCPenney, Costco, Kohl’s and Sam’s Club.
Daily tasks include:
• Casual, dress and athletic hosiery design for men, women and children
• Presentation board creation
• Planogram development for visual merchandising
• Packaging and label design
• Line book creation
• Communicate with sleepwear/underwear division to maintain brand consistency
• Maintain design and packaging library archive
• Conduct research on new trends, technologies and fibers
• Shop various retailers to help develop viable and successful product lines

Lead the hosiery's design department and help manage programs for over fifteen top US retailers. Collaborate directly with senior management, merchandising, sales and production departments to maintain clear communication about project objectives and milestones.

Manage assignments to develop and maintain hosiery lines for both licensed brands and private labels including but not limited to CAD design, packaging production, planograms, presentation boards, seasonal trend forecasts, collateral materials and sales tools.

Routine Assignments

• Packaging design, marketing displays, technical renderings and product presentations
• Textile design for men’s underwear, sleepwear and socks
• Adapt product lines to specific demographic models and branding specifications
• Verify that packaging conforms to customer standards/guidelines and FTC labeling regulations
• Research and present seasonal designs, color trends and new fiber technologies
• Prepare and maintain seasonal line books for licensed brands & private labels
• Interview and test candidates for graphic design positions

Hired to establish and lead graphics department for a start-up holography manufacturer in 1990 thus implementing all system and procedures for successful operation.

Delegate graphic design workflow including layout, coloring, technical renderings, preparing art to pre-press and creating label die and hot stamping guides.

Work directly with CEO, senior management, holography team, production department, pre-press service providers and customers to identify, resolve and avoid technical issues concerning hologram design and production.