Resumé

EXPERIENCE
Gati Design, Inc. // 2008-Present // Principal/Creative
An inspired industrial designer with a passion for exceptional design, willing to go the extra mile for client needs, ready to take on projects with aggressive timelines and budget needs, and able to provide effective design solutions on a rapid turnaround basis. Using visionary thinking and practical knowledge of manufacturing, Gati Design can turn ideas into compelling and appropriate design. We have a large network of resources to tap into including passionate designers, design researchers, skilled engineers, and prototyping masters.
We have developed a sound understanding of business, marketing, consumer trends, engineering, human factors, and manufacturing considerations with experience in leading CAD and graphics programs, along with strong problem solving skills. We are currently providing programs for product design, toy design, brand strategy, and packaging design. Freelance services are available for firms with programs looking for additional design resources.
 
Kaleidoscope // April 2011-September 2011 // Freelance Industrial Designer
Hardware design project, corresponding with engineers/manufactures to tweak final CAD files for prototyping/production
 
Webb deVlam London // March 2011-April 2011 // Freelance Industrial Designer
Collaborated with international designers, researchers, and client on structural packaging global project
Visualized using hand ideation sketching, 3D CAD, computer rendering and digital presentation
Participated in day-long co-design workshop/presentation
 
Webb deVlam Chicago // 2008-2010, March 2010-February 2011 // Freelance Structural/Packaging Designer
Created world-class brand packaging solutions for markets in US, China, and Europe for brands such as Microsoft, Kraft, Tide, 3M, Downy, Crest, Folgers, Wrigley, Colgate-Palmolive
Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams combining branding, structure and graphics
Developed and maintained design intent through design specification and engineering
Maintained tight deadlines and ensure quality results under pressure Visualized using hand ideation sketching, 3D CAD, computer rendering and digital presentation
 
Treasurer/Officer at IDSA - Chicago Chapter // January 2010-January 2012
Maintain chapter's financial records
Ensure the integrity of the fiscal affairs of the chapter
Plan and run chapter/regional events
 
 
Distant Village Packaging March 2009 – Present, Freelance Packaging Designer Lead designer for packaging design projects for clients with high-end luxury brands, natural products, and a desire to be sustainable and socially responsible.
Lead design projects Interface with clients on a day-to-day basis
Understand, develop, and reinforce brands through structural packaging solutions
Provide a range of sketch concept generation
Develop technical specifications for production through artisan groups in the Philippines and Thailand
The backbone of the firm is an established international handmade packaging supply chain. Artisan groups are visited and reviewed regularly for sustainability and fair-trade compliance. Distant Village is partner in Pure Labels, Inc, leading manufacturer of sustainable adhesive labels.

Chicago Display Marketing October 2009 // January 2010, March 2010- April 2010 // Solidworks Instructor
Teaching designers and engineers how to maximize the usefulness and capabilities of Solidworks relevant to the POP/Display industry, including solid modeling, configurations, assemblies, technical drawings, and rendering with Photoworks.
Contracted 2 days/week over the course of a few months.

Kaleidoscope // February 2009, January-March 2010 // Industrial Designer
Redesigned existing concepts to create cost reduction, simpler manufacturing, and more consumer friendly for client, Radio Flyer
Design strategy, concept generation, hand sketching, cintiq sketching, CAD modeling & rendering

Studio111 // July 2009, March - May 2012 // Freelance Packaging Designer
Designed structural concepts focusing on form, engineering constraints, and client needs.

Sergeant's Pet Care Products // 2008-2009 // Product and Toy Design Freelancer
Created a unique line of plush dog toy products for celebrity dog trainer, based on brand information received from client
Designed and built CAD models focused on manufacture-ready design and minimal material usage for toys, brushes, bones, and beds
Developed and designed dog chew toys with improved functionality and aesthetics against competitive products

SP Associates // 2007-2008 // New Product Development Consultant
Traveled to India to immerse self in subsistence marketplace for 10 days
Collaborated with engineers and marketers to develop sustainable product and packaging
Developed a business plan for marketing product in subsistence marketplaces
Conducted qualitative research including one-on-one interviews and observation of everyday life

UIUC ID Program // 2007-2008 // Solidworks Teaching Assistant
Prepared projects and lesson plans to best illustrate the capabilities of Solidworks
Worked one-on-one with students to help improve 3D modeling skills

Damen Jackson // 2007 // Industrial Design Intern
Performed market audits, visited stores, observed and used competitive products
Established a visual brand language for product groups through sketching, 2D renderings, and CAD

Whirlpool/KitchenAid // 2006 // Sponsored Project
Designed attachment accessory for existing KitchenAid stand mixer
Mentored by KitchenAid design team during project
Visited and observed chefs at the French Pastry School in Chicago, IL using KitchenAid stand mixers
Presented final concept to design team and upper management

SKILLSET
Solidworks 2010| Expert
Adobe Photoshop CS5| Expert
Adobe Illustator CS5| Advanced
Adobe InDesign CS5| Advanced
Keyshot ( or Hypershot)| Advanced
Alias Sketchbook Pro 2011 | Advanced
Microsoft Office| Advanced
Corel Painter X | Proficient
Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 | Proficient

INTERESTS
International Travel | India, Israel, Fiji, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Mexico, Canada, and Europe
Beekeeping | Urban practice, aiding my garden, collecting honey
Fly Fishing | Serenity and mystery in the river
Photography | Anything and everything; documenting life to share with the world
Nature & the Outdoors | Inspiration for life, art, and design; spending time in the outdoors

Projects by Kyle Gati - Freelance Designer

Variable PROJECT
10 Files

Survival PROJECT
6 Files

Ferrari PROJECT
10 Files

Packaging PROJECT
1 File

Acurite Alarm Clock Styling Concepts
1 File

KitchenAid PROJECT
2 Files

Bicycle For the Developing Economy
4 Files