NEW TRADITIONS - THE ELF ON THE SHELF
From concept to production - Letters to Santa was a very exciting project to be a part of.
The vision for the new product revolved around creating a fun family-friendly activity that continues to expand the magic of the Scout Elf tradition while elevating the brand’s storytelling lore.
The New Product Development team worked collaboratively with Co-Founder and CEO Chanda Bell as well as the Art Team, Photography, Marketing, and Sourcing and Production teams to bring this idea to life!
ACTIVITIES & ACCESSORIES - THE ELF ON THE SHELF
As an Industrial Designer on the New Product Development team - I was driven to create product designs that were innovative and exciting while adhering to brand guidelines and enhancing the brand experience.
Created ideation sketches, 2D renderings, and rough mock-ups to visually communicate designs and new product ideas.
Managed sample development with overseas factories and refined designs through rounds of sampling before final product design approval to ensure projects were production-ready.
ELF PETS PRODUCT - THE ELF ON THE SHELF
As Industrial Designer, I helped design plush products and bring new storybook characters to life under the creative direction of Co-Founder and CEO Chanda Bell.
Once the character’s key attributes were defined, the New Product Development team worked with overseas factories on rounds of sampling to achieve the desired stuffed animal product. Attention to detail was key and we submitted detailed tech packs and specifications for each round or requested revision.
For these projects, I also had the opportunity to create the molded charm elements of the product - both the Barrel Charm and Snow Globe. I created early concept sketches, conducted material research, and modeled rough 3D forms for visualization purposes.
As Lead Designer, I presented this work internally to both the creative and Executive teams prior to sampling for production.
New Product Development was also responsible for the creation of design standards for continuing items such as the Elf Doll for the first time in company history.
CLAUS COUTURE COLLECTION - THE ELF ON THE SHELF
A unique line of clothing and accessories designed for the Scout Elf from The Elf on the Shelf Tradition.
This product line was re-imagined and re-designed each year with several designs created exclusively for key accounts such as Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and other retailers.
Creatively, we placed an emphasis on curating a collection each season - with a focus on key trends, a cohesive color palette. We would challenge ourselves to push the accessories forward in order to continue delivering new and exciting ways to bring the Elf to life in homes each Christmas.
The 2018 line included the new addition of inflatable accessories. As Lead Designer, I traveled to Hong Kong and China to meet in-person with our factory partners. We worked together to make sure all aspects of the development matched our design requests.
Brainstormed, designed, and developed 4 years of Claus Couture product line with a user-centered approach to enhancing family fun with the Elf.
Responsible for the systematic tracking, organization, and archiving of development samples. Refined development samples for multiple rounds until achieving final design approval.
Items were cut & sew, injection molded plastic parts, utilized various printing techniques, required understanding of fit on Elf, understanding of product care and usability for the parent at home, and a dedicated commitment to brand appropriate ideas and styles.
MEN’S ACCESSORIES - RANDA
Designed belts, buckles, wallets, and gift sets on a creative team for brands that include: Docker’s, Lands’ End, Express, and various Boy brands.
Utilized trend research to create brand appropriate trend boards and pitch assets while collaborating with Merchandising team members to complete seasonal line plans.
Used PLM online software to share tech packs and technical details and communicated directly with overseas factories to manage and track sample development.
Responsible for many on-going projects at once in a fast-paced, fashion-driven environment.
Expertise gained: knowledge of leather goods, new buckle finish development, specification of details such as stitch count and color, industry specific terminology to effectively communicate desired design visions to both factories for development and internal Sales teams for pitches.
BAGS & LUGGAGE - HERITAGE TRAVELWARE
Created design concepts for business cases, backpacks, luggage, and small accessories under the brands Kenneth Cole, Samsonite, Franklin Covey, and Ogio.
Sketched and digitally rendered (2D) designs for custom zipper hardware, wheel housing, unique body styling details, and updated face panels for existing bag designs.
CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS - MARS PETCARE
Design work for the R&D Design & Prototyping team at Mars Petcare North America for petfood brands that included Pedigree, Greenies, Whiskas, Cesar, Nutro, Sheba, and more.
Unique project opportunities focused on single-serve cat feeding tubs, new pipeline innovation, rapid prototypes for consumer testing, and internal product photography.
Concept sketching, 2D renderings, and 3D modeling for prototyping (Alias).
Various examples of trend boards and inspiration images.
Used to kick-off ideation or support presentation of concepts.
Responsible for sharing trend research and providing insights on competitive products at market, user and design trends to assist an organization’s decision making on future products.
