Erica Leisse

Designing highly functional and compelling soft goods for the military and law enforcement
Researching market trends and new technologies Line building and strategic planning of all bags and soft goods accessories
Preparing and presenting formal presentations for new season offerings
Ensuring new designs follow set timelines, target retail, cost, margin requirements, and brand identity
Creating in house prototypes as needed to aid in the understanding of a new design
Managing a sample maker by providing timelines, patterns, and direction for new prototypes
Creating detailed costing/spec/trim packages complete with technical drawings
Creating and maintaining patterns for our domestic factory via Gerber Accumark
Working with and managing domestic and international suppliers
Evaluating and analyzing product samples and providing recommendations for competitive positioning
Coordinating and examining lab dips and all samples
Continually developing processes to better streamline our efforts

Designed soft goods for the military including bags and tactical vests
Researched and created presentations showing market trends
Coordinated and strategically planned many product lines simultaneously
Elevated the product line and updated with a more modern feel and higher functionality
Concept creation using traditional sketching as well as Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
Created and maintained patterns using AutoCAD
Created and maintained of Bill of Materials using AX
Sourced and coordinated materials and hardware
Met with vendors to research new materials to improve functionality, reduce weight, and modernize future designs Sewed my own samples to perfect patterns and construction
Lead an in-house production team in the manufacturing of my designs
Mentored new designers in design techniques and processes
Evaluated and updated current product line to reduce cost and improve efficiency
Photographed product for presentation and catalog

Designed innovative cut and sew products for brands such as Victorinox Swiss Army Luggage, Callaway Golf, and Target
Designed private label branded products, corporate market products, children's accessories, as well as high-end specialty brands
Involved in every aspect of the design process including research, color analysis, concept generation, presentation boards, concept refinement, and specification packs
Communicated with and visited Asian factories
Stayed in tune with the market by attending trade shows and research analysis of market trends
Designed graphics for product, fabric prints and linings, logos, and hardware Worked closely with developers, graphic design, and packaging department in a team atmosphere
Self-managed projects (without supervision or in collaboration) and always met or exceeded deadlines
Ensured product did not exceed budget by adjusting materials or construction accordingly technology