Coroflot

Resume

Summary
Exceptionally creative and versatile product, graphic, and packaging designer with close to 12 years of experience developing consumer appropriate, on trend designs for men, women and children in all age groups. Consistently provides goods with a high margin and a great perceived value for the end consumer. Respectful team leader and player who is more than capable of taking a project from start to finish independently or alongside team members. Established history of yielding gift designs that are “bought in” and consistenly “sold through”.

Professional Experience
Russ Berrie US Gift Inc. - San Diego, California - May 2002 to January 2011
Creative Manager/Senior Graphic Designer/Product Designer
Responsible for directing and supervising the creative team and making sure the Art Department runs smoothly and on schedule. Maintained alignment between Art Department, Brand Managers and Far East offices. Designed and developed unique product lines and concepts that consider current trends, audience, price points and margins. Faithfully sustained an up-to-date level of diverse product category knowledge by keeping current with published information, trade shows, market research and retail shopping. Studied and compared the direction of the competition and overall market movement to improve company products. Designed unique collections for numerous categories including Christmas, Inspirational, Garden, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Baby, Valentines, Easter, Halloween, General Gift and Strategic Accounts. Reviewed and provided revisions on the development of new product concepts from start to final approval via communication with the Far East offices. Provided extensive knowledge of printing and pre-press, typography, and various materials.
Designed for Major Accounts Including: Frameology, United Design, Figi, Papel Giftware, Picture People, Harley Davidson, Hallmark, PetSmart, Petco, Wyland, Thomas Kinkade, Disney, Disney Dreams, Keith Kimberlan, Personal Creations, Cherryhill Photo, Bombay Company and others.

Bartel Design - Los Angeles, California - October 2001 to May 2002
Graphic Designer (Print/Packaging/Branding)
Achieved effective graphics, icons, logos and packaging for infants, pre-teens and teens. Part of a small staff which consistently meet deadlines despite a heavy work load. Projects were usually accomplished independently with general feedback from the Art Director. Occasionally, larger accounts required a team of two in order to realize the completion of the project.
Designed for Major Accounts Including: Baskin Robbins, Myriad Pictures, Freeman Cosmetics and Playmates Toys.

Frozen Mango Design - Chatsworth, California - November 2000 to July 2001
Graphic Designer (Print/Packaging/Branding)
Work both independently and with a large design team on a variety of unique projects for this creative division of the product company DS Max. Knowledge of overseas capabilities was crucial along with the ability to multi-task to create high quality packaging and product design with multiple variations in a short period of time while simultaneously art directing junior designers.
Designed for Major Accounts Including: Gourmet Traditions, Plan Ahead, C-12 and Stutton.

Maureen Erbe Design - Pasadena, California - November 1999 to November 2000
Graphic Designer (Print/Branding)
Acquired to add a fresh and unique style to a design team deep with talent and experience. Personal knowledge of dimensional displays, products and trade show design was considered greatest value by design principal.
Designed for Major Accounts Including: Monrovia Plant Growers, Nick’s Italian Bistro, Southern California Edison.

Education
Art Center College of Design - Pasadena, California
Bachelor of Fine Art in Graphic Design (Graduated with distinction.)
January 1996 - August 1999
Collins College - Tempe, Arizona
Associate Degree in Graphic Design (Graduated with honors.)
June 1994 - December 1995

Computer Skills
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Microsoft Power Point and Word.
References Available Upon Request