Jim Corbin

DCI is a leader and innovator of unique novelty gifts. The products are fun, fashionable and a little quirky. I am responsible for designing new products; creating SolidWorks models of new product concepts, prototyping using in-house and external 3D printing resources, maintaining databases of revisions and specification documents. Giftware is a constantly changing, intensely competitive industry. Timelines are tight, budgets are tighter and novelty is king.
• Coordinated the design of over 600 new products with packaging in 5 seasons from 2013-present, including new (invented) items, product refresh and open-market items.
• Trend-watching and market forecasting to guide new product development and stay timely in rapidly-changing markets.
• Ideation (conceptual) through production, exploration and rapid prototyping. Hand-sketching and concept refinement. Create control drawings.
• Team management, including scheduling, project assignment and prioritization, coordination of resources to release over 350 new products annually. Responsible for interviewing applicants, employee development and reviews. Supervise outside freelancers and manage department resources.
• Prepare RFQs and product specification documents, including function, material selections, surface treatments, color selection, artwork preparation and packaging design for new product development initiatives in a broad variety of materials and manufacturing techniques. Review factory samples against quality criteria.

I have owned and operated a successful freelance design business for 6 years. Born out of a desire for entrepreneurship, I have provided design services to clients in consumer electronics, solar lighting, sporting goods, juvenile products and food packaging, including product design, 3D CAD modeling, packaging design and layout, photography and branding. I have helped my clients launch new products, create new identities and drive sales with better products and strong design.
• Direct project coordination, design consultation and development of new products, packaging and brand identity programs.
• Develop project time lines, prepare specification files for manufacturing and printing.
• Write proposals to match budgetary requirements of client..
• Prepare 3D CAD design files, Product Specification documents, material and finish selection of materials and finishes, prepare product artwork files.
• Provide support and direction to contract manufacturers for tooling release.
• Review and approve prototypes and off-tool samples.
• Art direction, packaging design, advertising conceptualization and design, photography, collateral, web and product development.
• Create branding initiatives for new and existing products.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, technical and organizational skills

Lead Industrial Design and Graphic Design initiatives.

Jen's Dish is a weekly radio program focused on locally grown, locally produced food and agriculture.

• Manager of the Creative Department in a world leader in the Professional Audio and Musical Instrument industries with sales of $300 million/year.
• Supervised Industrial Designers, Graphic Designers, Interns and Marketing Assistant.
• Developed high quality, professional and consumer-level electronics products for professional musicians, DJs, music producers, and performers across 5 key brands: Numark, Akai Professional, Alesis, MixMeister and Ion-Audio.
• Developed unique branding and packaging strategies for individual corporate identities.
• Delivered over 60 individual products to market from 1/06 to 01/09.

Numark Industries is a world leader in the professional DJ industry. We provide high end, cutting edge products that stand apart from the competition through well thought out solutions and well designed products.