Akira Yoshimura

• Headed design and product development of Martha Stewart product lines for Macy’s, California Closets, Amazon, QVC, Wayfair, and The Home Depot
• Worked directly with Martha Stewart to achieve design deliverables by maintaining brand integrity via understanding and coordination of needs of business team, licensees, and factories
• Offered new and innovative design solutions through consumer and industry research
• Partnered with merchandising and brand management on line pricing and creating robust assortments for licensing and wholesale businesses
• Traveled to international trade shows for trend forecasting and presented to MSLO design

• Executed development of initial seasonal design categories in context of larger assortment and cost structure
• Designed according to style plans, sales needs, and emerging trends; ensured timely execution of product development calendar
• Trained junior designers in execution of overall design strategy
• Coordinated with corporate, sales, and Asia manufacturers to facilitate concept to delivery

• Interpreted brand values to create a distinct design language for a new product category
• Generated strategic direction and designs for bags, bedding, footwear, and towels
• Managed output of all graphic and technical specifications for manufacturing
• Oversaw development of materials, colors, and cut & sew constructions to production
• Increased category sales to over $100 million annually

• Directed overall design strategy of kitchen/bath collections from fixtures to accessories
• Re-branded company identity on print collateral and web presence
• Art directed photo shoots with crew to establish new company look
• Strengthened relationship with

• Reported directly to CEO and owner on product development and design decisions
• Managed design staff with daily schedules and projects
• Organized all trade show presentations
• Managed over 80 SKUs within one-year cycle
• Served as liaison for major licensors for all product
development submissions
• Directly managed overseas factories from prototypes to final production

• Worked directly with Dakota Jackson on development of new furniture collections
• Managed main projects that were highlighted at major international trade shows
• Worked closely with craftsmen on manufacturing processes to improve and ensure quality control
• Exhibited works at Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, ICFF, and in numerous design magazines