Professional Profile
A dedicated and creative leader with a passion for delivering high-quality apparel in the childrenswear market. Well-travled in the search for fresh ideas and trend direction with the ability to inspire multi-talented individuals with diverse backgrounds. Possess a sharp eye for detail in fit and construction, combined with broad experience in fabric, color, and art direction. A proactive leader that utilizes effective communication with direct reports, executive management, and overseas partners to maintain all deliverables and exceed expectations.
Education
Concordia University - Wisconsin
Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts: Graphic Design | 2003
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Co-op Study in Communication Design | 2001 - 2003
Work History
Senior Director of Design & Product Development Garan, Inc. | July 2018-present
Direct and lead Design, Art, Technical/3D, and Product Development Teams for Garan’s Private Label and New Business Initiatives Division. Create a timing and action calendar and set the creative direction for each season.
Grew the division's total sales from $55 million to $120 million in the first three years by re-balancing the fashion and core pieces in our assortment, elevating the aesthetic of our aesthetic, improving the fabrics and design details, and creating easy-to-shop, price-pointed fixtures.
Presented a new licensing initiative and launched a new collaboration for an evergreen line of children’s clothing with the iconic brand Crayola.
Travel internationally for trend shopping and sample development.
Senior Designer - ADTN International, Inc | February 2016 - July 2018
Helped transition design staff from Montreal to New York, hired new team and set up SOPs for a new team and showroom. Developed and maintained a new design calendar to help organize 20 different retail accounts.
Doubled company revenue by creating a new 2-7 line that opened new programs with Dillard’s, Stage Stores, Belk, Fred Meyer’s, and off-price retailers.
Managed a small team of two designers, one artist, and one technical designer.
Design Consultant - Freelance | July 2013 - February 2016
Provided Black & White sketches, original prints and graphics, trend and sales presentations, and tech packs for various Apparel Importers.
Worked with Generational Digital/Aquario Design training design teams on new Illustrator plug-ins and PLM system
Creative Designer - Shopko Stores, Inc. | April 2007 - April 2014
Responsible for creating cads, graphics, prints, and patterns for the Men’s, Boy’s, and Women’s divisions.
Proposed and presented a new brand strategy for the activewear product across all divisions. Introduced performance fabrics, a wider range of products, and new floor-ready trims and displays to market the improved features.
Graphic Artist/Coordinator - Fabtex Graphics, Inc. | February 2004 - October 2006
Created digitized embroidery files, applique patterns, and screen separations for Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale, Nike, and Adidas proto samples.
