Category: APPAREL

         SR. FREELANCE DESIGNER/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER       Summary     Product Development Manager/Sr. Designer of Apparel, Packaging, and Graphics.  Responsible for delivering the fashion needs on a wide range of products.  Ability to collaborate with the Product Development team, to execute production.  Create trend/theme boards, color palettes and hand/computer sketch.  Strong understanding of production as well as cost structure and technical packages. Ability to provide clear, accurate, and complete specifications for each style. Area of Expertise: Strong fabric knowledge of Cut n Sew, Woven's, & Sweaters;                  Skills        Adobe Creative Suites-Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign-CC, Microsoft Office- Excel, Word, Power Point, Lotus Notes, Outlook.
CAD- Ned Graphics-Easy Weave, Easy Knit, Coloring and Repeat.  Working knowledge of U4ia and Kaledo.  PDM/PLM.            Experience      Sr. Freelance Designer/Product Development Manager     07/2012   to   Current      Company Name   City  ,   State      Worked cross functionally while building and maintaining relationships with product development departments.    Execute all product details including construction, detail, color, form, style, fit, graphic application, trim, etc.  Worked directly with clients through out all stages of development to production.  Worked with clients in selling and designing the interior of their homes at BALLARD DESIGNS/POTTERY BARN KIDS.  Developed packaging for multiple apparel /footwear companies with TJX/AVERY DENNISON.  Designed graphic design -t-shirts/pet wear with B POSITIVE PROJECT/PETRAGEOUS DESIGNS.   Designed Children's apparel including sleepwear, sweater sets, rompers, dresses for BABY TOGS/BABY FAIR/ZUTANO.                   Sr. Apparel Designer/Product Manager     10/2002   to   06/2012      Company Name   City  ,   State      Managed and developed product development process.  Designed artwork and graphics for specific classifications in apparel focusing on Men's, Ladies, and Children's apparel.   Worked with product teams to build and design garments that fit into a costing structure while providing new and exciting assortments.  Cross functional leader led all teams including merchants, overseas offices, management, and product development to drive accountability and enroll the team in the commitment to meet the business objectives.  Use relevant and appropriate resources to accurately determine, anticipate and validate current and future trends, competition, retail landscape and business drivers.  Grew Children's Sweater business from $100,000 business to a $10,000.000.00 business in 10 years.  Designed 600 unique styles in a 4 month period of time.  Saved 30K on print development by utilizing artwork and prints from all departments.  Monitored production flow in accordance to the company calendar.  Reviewed WIP (work in progress) reports to ensure on time delivery.  Provided accurate sketches including detailed close-ups for technical designs.  Approved Submits including lab dips, knit downs, strike offs, label/packaging, and fit for production.  Trained and mentored team of 3 Designers and 20 Freelance Contractors.         Senior Designer/Product Manager     09/1999   to   10/2002      Company Name   City  ,   State      Merchandised and designed the product line for children's and junior's cut -n- sew, and woven fabrications.  Supervised the sourcing process to achieve the best possible cost throughout the creation process.  Managed sourcing and ordering of fabric yardage, and trim details for specific classifications each season.  Created and utilized PDM to design sketches and specification pages.  Attended all fittings for prototype meetings and production samples.  Responsible for merchandising the Apparel product per delivery.  Partnered with team throughout the development cycle from initial tech pack, print and fabrications to end product.  Responsible for completing all technical line drawings, keeping visual needs up to date, building detailed tech packs.  Present effectively and confidently to all levels of the organization Prepares global price proposals using established tools and guidelines.  Consulted with Buyers and MMC when competitive situations arise.  Traveled to overseas offices in Asia 2-4 times a year to ensure correct fabrication, development, and execution of production was accurate.  Strong organizational, time management, communication and presentation skills.  Managed 2 designers, created and mentored the designer's pathway for growth to be promoted.         Home Textiles Account Manager      Company Name   City  ,   State      Managed development process from design to implementation- home décor, candles, seasonal products, domestics, and home textiles.  Worked with the overseas factories to sample, negotiate price and package the line items for sale.  Worked with buyers in development and offshore sourcing for seasonal programs.  Presented and merchandised plan-o-gram with Buyer for seasonal programs and end caps.  Worked with the designers on creating bedding, and window treatments tocreate a mix and match line.  Responsible for executing key strategies for all projects, while creating mood boards to aid buyers.  Managed a team of 4 Assistants.         Education and Training      Bachelor of Science  :   Textile Design   1992     Syracuse University   City  ,   State             Skills     Product/Brand Development  Trend/Color   Sourcing/Negotiation  Print Repeat/Textile Design  Technical Fit  Knitwear Expert