PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Product Design Manager

The Walt Disney Company, Glendale, CA

October 2021 - Present

• Actively participate in all aspects of vertical Product Development 

• Suggest on trend, commercially-viable new product for Home, Table Top, and Stationery categories to fulfill merchandising strategies each season

• Define trends and translate design trends to Disney product

• Look to advance and elevate the product, whenever possible

• Collaborate with internal partners (Creative Design, Brand Merchandising, CBM, Legal, Business Affairs, Sourcing, Product Integrity, Public Affairs, D&I teams, Cultural Consultants) and external partners (Studios & Disney Channel Content Providers, Publishing, WDI, and Archives) to ensure the highest quality, consumer focused, trend-right product lines across all channels of distribution 

• Concept, design, sketch (including managing art-to-product, 3D modeling and sample creation where applicable)

• Deliver and present trend-right product that pushes innovation and works to meet target cost goals in partnership with sourcing team

• Collaborate with the greater product design and creative teams to drive up-front trends

• Review product layouts to approve prior to sampling process

• Generate Technical Specs (FMAs) for all products

• Review CADs and tooling models to approve or correct for product integrity
and functionality

• Manage and develop direct report through on-going feedback on performance

• Monitor competitors, product innovation and market dynamics

• Multi-task and prioritize multiple design projects, running simultaneously with varying levels of complexity

• Create POV boards, product direction boards and creative briefs each quarter

• Review and help give art direction on art pack development

• Manage Freelancers to help support workload and negotiate fees

• Collaborate with other category teams to create cohesive collections

• Mentor and welcome new hires to help create an inclusive and supportive
work environment

• Create decks for ICR and other presentations

• Present at ICR as well as other off cycle presentations

• Maintain working knowledge on all product guidelines/restrictions as they relate to our product types

• Maintain knowledge of materials and techniques as it pertains to the Home/Tabletop/Stationery categories

• Work with sourcing on new techniques and help push innovation

• Communicate with factories during sample development

• Maintain organized tracking sheets and schedules

• Help maintain global schedule and deadlines

• Pursue patents when applicable 

​

​

Senior Product Designer

The Walt Disney Company, Glendale, CA

February 2015 - October 2021

Actively participate in all aspects of Product Development – from trend research, to contribution to product strategy, product conceptualizing, developing final mechanical art, to final product approval. Suggest on trend, commercially viable new product for Home, Table Top, and Stationery concepts to fulfill merchandising strategies each season. Define trends and translate design trends to Disney product. Look to advance and elevate the product, whenever possible.

​

​

Graphic Designer
Artissimo Designs, El Segundo, CA
June 2012 - February 2015

Create designs and concepts for the Artissimo Designs and Lot 26 brands and assist with production as needed. Consistently work on new format development in the wall decor category. Travel to China as necessary to work with factories directly on new product development.
Key Clients: Target, Walmart, Marmaxx, HomeGoods, Kohl’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Pier 1.

​

​

Surface Designer
Gibson Overseas Inc., Commerce, CA

March 2011- May 2012

Collaborate directly with Creative Director and Creative Vice President on product development and surface design for tabletop products. Duties and projects include concept development, mechanicals, and working with the product development team to ensure a superior product. 

Key Clients: Isaac Mizrahi, Reba McEntire, Coca-Cola, Costco Mexico, Dillards, Dollar General, TJX Group, Kohls, Walmart and Target.

​

​

Graphic Designer
Two’s Company, Elmsford, NY

January 2010-Aug. 2010

Worked directly with art director on art creation, product development and developing packaging for new products. Duties and projects included concept development, mechanicals, copywriting and catalog production.

Key Clients: Pier 1, Williams Sonoma and Nordstrom Rack

​

​

Graphic Designer
Melissa Anne Designs, Wayne, NJ

January 2010-Aug. 2010

Worked directly with president on a wide range of projects in the textile field. Duties and projects included brainstorming, designing bedding, curtains, shower curtains, packaging inserts, aprons, logos, table cloths and more.

Key Presentations: Spencer Gifts, Macys, Kohls, Walmart and Ross Stores