EXPERIENCE
Account Manager - Apparel & Raw Material Tests
August 2023 - Present FITI USA Inc.
Maintained and strengthened relationships with key apparel brands and retailers, ensuring they received the support and attention necessary to grow their product lines
Coordinated with HQ teams to offer solutions for clients, ensuring adherence to their quality standards
Leveraged industry contacts to acquire new clients and establish networking opportunities
Developed marketing digital and printed brochures to drive sales
Co-Founder
November 2019 - Present TOP INNOVATIONS LLC
Branding & digital content
Patentable product design for mass market
Liaise vendor and partners to develop 3D cads for injection molds / therma form tools
Provide design, sourcing and production solutions
Eco-friendly consultant for PP/PE products
Sr. Raw Material Specialist – Product Development for Graphics and Wash
May 2018 – August 2020 Mast | Victoria’s Secret PINK, New York, New York
Collaborated with design teams on all seasonal apparel developments, providing expertise in graphic and wash techniques.
Offered technical support to design, pre-production, production, and technical design teams, ensuring smooth execution of projects.
Acted as a liaison between global vendors, regional partners, and internal teams to identify and address potential production risks.
Worked closely with vendors to ensure that graphic and wash developments met brand aesthetic standards.
Maintained a strict adherence to critical path and calendar deadlines, ensuring timely completion of all tasks.
Conducted market trend research to stay updated on new graphic and wash techniques, incorporating them into design concepts.
Efficiently managed samples and tracking charts, capturing all necessary details from development to bulk production.
Oversaw the brand library, keeping it updated with the latest supplier offerings, raw materials, and samples of graphic and wash techniques.
Sr. Graphic Designer – Design, Production, Sourcing, R&D for Graphics and Wash
February 2016 - May 2018 SAE-A Trading America Corp., New York, New York
Collaborated with VP of Design and Art Directors from CALVIN KLEIN SPORT, CALVIN KLEIN JEANS, and DKNY to create seasonal graphics, aligning with brand aesthetics.
Provided seasonal support graphics for leading brands Gap, Old Navy, Aeropostale, Express, DKNY, Target, Walmart, and Costco, ensuring adherence to brand standards.
Developed comprehensive reference books on print techniques, serving as a global resource for the company's print production facilities.
Created a seasonal print and wash technique system for buyers, based on mood boards, to facilitate selection and implementation of appropriate techniques.
Implemented SOPs and managed overseas factory sample teams, achieving a 75% approval rate on first sample submissions.
Identified production risks in graphic and wash techniques, ensuring error-free technical packages for factory partners.
Acted as a liaison between brand teams and overseas partners, resolving technical production issues and ensuring project success.
Graphic Designer
February 2014 - February 2016 SAE-A Trading America Corp., New York, New York
Provided support graphics for Korea HQ teams on a seasonal basis, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
Developed graphics for Direct Business teams in Guatemala, aligning with brand guidelines and objectives.
Traveled to Guatemala production facilities to provide assistance during buyer visits and on-site management, facilitating the execution of graphic and wash techniques.
Assisted Korea HQ team's buyer meetings, actively participating and contributing to discussions.
Attended Mill Week quarterly, representing the company and maintaining relationships with production partners.
Acted as a liaison between buyers and Korea HQ/Guatemala teams, effectively addressing and resolving production issues.
Generated quarterly benchmark brand trend reports for overseas partners and brand design teams, providing valuable insights and market analysis.
Associate Graphic Designer
January 2012 - January 2014 SAE-A Trading America Corp., New York, New York
Provided support graphics for direct business accounts in New York, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality materials.
Facilitated daily production communication between buyers and teams in Guatemala, effectively managing and resolving inquiries and requests.
Assisted in meetings with current and prospective buyers, contributing to discussions and providing necessary support.
Collaborated with regional CEOs to expedite daily tasks, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to meet business needs.
Graphic Designer – Freelance
October 2008 - Present Auragin Design, Jersey City, New Jersey
Developed advertisement, brochure and menu graphics
Created Business and Corporate identities for startup companies
Provided consultation for typography and design layouts
Liaised with printing press and clients to ensure printed material meet brand aesthetics
Assistant Graphic Designer
June 2008 –May 2009 Caffeine, Inc., New York, New York
Developed technical packages for graphics.
Created seasonal graphics for Stimulus clothing brand.
Communicate with vendor partners to ensure graphic techniques meet brand quality.
Maintained tracking charts for developments and sample approvals.
Market research seasonal key trend reports.
Generated quarterly presentation boards for investors.
INTERNSHIP
Business and Corporate identity designs
July 2005 - September 2005 Crosspoint, Seoul, Korea
Magazine Layouts and Photo Set Assistant (GQ, Vogue, W)
August 2004 – December 2004 Doosan Publisher, Seoul, Korea
EDUCATION
SUNY Purchase College, Purchase, NY 2001 – 2006
Interdisciplinary Major in Graphic Design / Fine Arts / Print Production
SOFTWARE PROFICENCY
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite