OVERVIEW
• Creative direction • Graphic design • Strategic planning • Presentations • Branding • Identity • Photography • Photo Styling • Photo Direction • Product design • Packaging design, prototyping & die lines • Display design, prototyping & die lines • Design management • Line catalogs • Sales collateral • Social media • Web design & structure• Video scripting, storyboarding  & Direction

• Director of internal departmental processes and the day-to-day creative initiatives.

• Leader in concept and strategy development for all creative services including branding,

  packaging, interactive, video, displays and presentation/sales collateral.

• Key contributor in revenue growth increases of 200% and new business win rate

  growth of 85%.

SPECIALTIES

Graphic Design, Creative Direction, Design Strategy, Design Management, Branding, Identity, Packaging Design, Packaging Die-lines, Packaging Prototypes, Print, Pre-press and On-Press Management, Display Design, Display Die-lines, Display Prototypes, Strategic Planning, Tradeshow Exhibit Design & Management, Video Scripting & Direction, UX, Marketing Collateral, Retail Marketing, On-Line Marketing, Product Development, Business Development, Licensing, Social Media, Web, Intranet, Color Trends, Design Trends, Creative Team Development, Team Culture, Team Mentor, Photography, Creative Hardware & Software.

​

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Hampton Forge, Ltd., Eatontown, NJ – July 2014 – Present

Direct the redesign and refresh of all brands packaging and style guides for leading flatware and cutlery designer and manufacturer. Concentrated the design strategy to focus on selling channels from grocery, mass, big box, all the way to luxury.

• Conceived, revised and updated all designs for packaging from 2014 to current.

• Directed and stabilized all brand directions and designs.

• Designed and produced sales collateral with brand/sub-brand focus.

• Created design direction for on-line vendors and social media.

• Oversee purchasing photography, styling and retouching of all internal and external 

  photography.

• Designed and oversaw situation specific merchandising and displays.

Epoca, Inc., Boca Raton, FL – January 2010 – July 2014

Created and directed the internal framework for total design department bringing all operations in-house and focusing creative efforts on brand consistency and new product introductions. Timely  re-designs of product, packaging, displays, sales collateral and on-line presence  was integral to 200%+ business growth and expansion to global market and on-line sales.

• Conceived and implemented all designs for packaging, display, UX and sales collateral 

   for cookware and specialty beverage products manufacturer/importer.

• Directed and stabilized all brand directions and designs.

• Sales, packaging copywriting and editing.

• Introduced new product line designs, and enhancements.

• Designed and produced line catalogs and all sales collateral.

• Direct support for on-line media and vendors.

• Oversee, style and retouch all internal and external photography.

• Script, storyboard, direct and edit demo videos for in-store and on-line airing.

• Designed and customized situation specific store displays.

• Design, manage and maintain tradeshow exhibit presence.

• Hire, manage and mentor design team and 3D product modelers.

Interasian Resources/Cellective Case, NY, NY – January 2007 – January 2009

Recruited to develop a new product design and development department for established mobile accessories manufacturer. Partner in presenting and successfully negotiating new licensing initiatives for global fashion brands. Architect of the design department structure, personnel and standards.

• Designer/director of new product, packaging and marketing materials for the following

  globally recognize brands: STEVE  MADDEN,  BETSEY JOHNSON, TUMI, IZOD,

  JOSEPH ABBOUD, BLACKBERRY/RIM, DOONEY & BOURKE.

• Successfully expanded core business into new categories and channels of distribution.

• Generated and administered packaging prototypes, pattern samples and pattern

   libraries.

• Costing Team partner ensuring design, samples and materials meets target pricing.

• Recruited and directed product development department effectively

   increasing productivity and approval rates by 300%.

• Licensing/brand negotiator responsible for forming enduring collaborative

   relationships with executive and design teams to ensure appropriate and acceptable

   communication, strategic, conceptual and approval processes.

• Proven track record as integral sales support member servicing merchandising teams

   from such retailers as Best Buy, WalMart, Dell, Staples and Costco.

Avenues Inc., Tinton Falls, NJ  -  January 1993 – January 2007

Architect for start-up design department. Recruited and supervised design team responsible for all corporate & brand identity, web presence, catalogs, packaging, displays, merchandising, sales support and trade show exhibit design.

• Prominent designer behind the most successful, category leading and revenue

  generating sku’s for WENGER/SWISSGEAR  brand of backpacks, business cases and

  accessories.

• Instrumental in the acquisition of the Wenger/Swiss Gear license for executive and

   mobile accessories.

• Introduced 3D modeling for product development.

• Executive Team member responsible for company direction and strategy.

• Extensive domestic and international travel.

• Key accounts included: APPLE, BEST BUY, COSTCO, SAMS CLUB, STAPLES,

  OFFICE  DEPOT

JM Associates, New York, NY  -  June 1988 - January 1993

Specialized design in advertising, market brochures, catalogs and packaging.

• Creative leader and business partner.

• Directed photo shoots, stylists and hired models.

•  Pre-press & on-press supervision

• Directed all design, internal & external creative talent.

• Key accounts included: SCHWINN, REVLON, LIL’ TYKES, WAMSUTTA, SPRINGS

   INDUSTRIES, PFIZER AND MIKASA.

SKILLS

• Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and In Design.

• Working knowledge of Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Flash.

• Working knowledge of Final Cut Pro and I Movie.

• Working Knowledge of Solid Works & ProEngineer

• Working Knowledge, CSS & HTML.

• Micrsoft Office - MS Word, Excel.

• Advanced working knowledge of Powerpoint, Keynote.

EDUCATION

SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS, New York, NY  Continuing Education Graphic Design - 1995

THE NEW SCHOOL, New York, NY   Continuing Education -1990 

MIDDLESEX COLLEGE - AAS Marketing, Art & Design, Edison, NJ  - 1981