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VICE PRESIDENT OF ART AND DESIGN
HOME EXPRESSIONS
Edison, NJ
Jun 2015 - Aug 2018 (3 years 2 months)
Responsible for trend forecasing and product development. Researched and identified color, trend, printing techniques for package design, trims, materials and fabrications.
Designed all categories within the Waverly license including, home storage, cleaning supplies, melamine dishware, laundry supplies, childrens storage and dish-ware and many more products that fall within the housewares category..
Generated and presented concept boards to buyers and sales staff.
Created new products that reflected market trends and matched customer needs.
Created CAD's and technical packs for all designs and collections.
Hands on with mock-ups for projects that needed samples before production.
Daily communication with overseas partners regarding development/sampling process.
Traveled overseas to work with Chinese factories to correct and perfect current samples and production and to look for additional areas of opportunity.
Domestic and overseas travel to various trade shows and trend shopping.
Designed and developed private label products, brands and packaging. Followed through all products from
concept to market.
Approved all final design details, samples and pre-production samples from production department. Helped to increase revenue by three fold.
Managed a staff of 10 artists at all times. Problem solving on a daily basis while making executive decisions.
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR/MERCHANDISER
SAKAR/VIVITAR
Edison, NJ
Dec 2011 - May 2015 (3 years 5 months)
Researched and identified color, trend and printing techniques for package design, trims, materials and fabrications within but not limited to the consumer electronics market.
Generated and presented concept boards to buyers and sales staff.
Designed and developed private label, branded and licensed packaging from
concept to market for all tiers of distribution.
Licensed product for toy and electronics and electronic accessory design for brands such as Nickelodeon, Disney, Sanrio, Barbie, Marvel, Mattel, Nerf, Peanuts, Hasboro and other licensed brands. Design of exclusive lines of branded electronic accessories including the See Spot Save program for Target, Vivitar Infinite Brand for Walmart,and many other private label programs for specialty and department store retailers such as Five Below.
On-sight work with Chinese factories to correct and perfect current samples and production as well as to secure additional areas of opportunity for the company.
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CREATIVE DIRECTOR
FREEZE INC.
New York, NY
Mar 1999 - Sep 2011 (12 years 6 months)
A DIVISION OF CENTRAL MILLS, Freeze is a sportswear manufacturer that specializes in character licensed (Disney, Nickelodeon, Peanuts, Marvel, Betty Boop. Hello Kitty, Hasbro, various Rock Bands, Candy Brands, various food brands etc .) apparel as well private label, non-licensed and branded art programs. Managed a staff of 15 artists, a merchandiser and designer to ensure all presentations were cohesively directional, deadlines were met and projects were prioritized . Lead the Teen/Tween Art staff in creative direction and color forecasting while at the same time overseeing domestic and import production, seasonal silhouette and fabrication development. Executed timing and action calendars. Had direct contact and worked directly with account executives and buyers as well as licensor's. Secured various licenses for the company and lead the company in efforts to win numerous awards in the Licensing field. Helped to increase sales in the Junior division from lO million dollars to upwards to 100 million dollars. Shopped domestically and Internationally for trend, color, print technique and silhouette direction. Dedicated time at our domestic and international factories to ensure proper production and product brand integrity.
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KIDS HEADQUARTERS
ART DIRECTOR - BOYS SPORTSWEAR
New York, NY
Sep 1997 - Mar 1999 (1 year 6 months)
KIDS HEADQUARTERS KHQ is a NY based sportswear manufacturer that specializes in licensed (Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Net-work, Warner Brothers, etc .) and branded children's apparel. Prior to joining LF USA, KHQ was the largest licensed apparel company in the US. As the Art Director I was responsible for graphic trend and print technique research and development. Worked closely with designers for all licenses and gave trend, print and color direction to art staff for repeat, embroidery and screen print designs. Managed projects from concept through production on tight deadlines which included buyer presentations as well as licensor presentations. Bi-weekly trips to California for quick turn around approvals on Disney licensed apparel. Followed product through from development to production.
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LEAD DESIGNER/PRODUCT MANAGER
EAST END KIDS
New York, NY
Feb 1995 - Aug 1997 (2 years 6 months)
Sole Designer and Product Manager for Licensed Division of East End Kids. designed all Rugrat, Disney and Sesame Street products as well as traveled to oversees factories to secure product quality and to assure licensor's needs were met and ready for approval.