Idea Milkshake | Creative Consulting

Hire me for creative consulting work in trend and design to help your business!

I have been in creative fields for over 20 years. I have a degree in Design and in Philosophy. While it may seem like a strange mix...they are both about ideas and I have always been an idea girl!

Although my work experience has been in fashion trend and product innovation, my head can't stop itself from coming up with all kinds of products...from new donut ideas to different tools to clean a fish tank! Over 15 years of my experience has been in trend and product innovation for Claire's Accessories. I directed the trend and the design team to bring fashion trend and creative, quality merchandise together to drive sales for the Claire's and Icing brands.

As a creative consultant, I have worked short and long term projects. Some long term projects were with Charming Charlie where I provided color and trend forecasting, and with G.E. Global Marketing where I provided design work in seasonal, bakeware, and stationery products.

I also have a special place in my heart for helping animals. I'm an active volunteer and board member of APA's Harmony House for Cats. I love being with the cats for socialization, chairing events, fundraising, and helping with any creative needs.

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LEADERSHIP

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE: Versatile professional who can adapt to any product category, work with international partners/vendors, and manage projects that deliver quality designs.

MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE: Proven leader who has demonstrated practical and creative understanding related to trends and product design. Managed two departments in different cities to bring trend and product together cohesively. Consistently improved upon the creative output and productivity of both teams.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Outgoing team builder who wins trust by listening carefully, recognizing all points of view, and establishing a vision for success.

CREATIVE EXPERIENCE

IDEA MILKSHAKE, LLC Creative Consulting, Chicago, IL 2010-Present
CONSULTANT
Provides creative consulting on fashion, trend forecasting, jewelry and accessory design, and retail processes. Projects have included trend and color direction for national jewelry & accessory chain, new product consultations, and seasonal design in stationery and crafts. Have also provided information on past experiences in retail and creative fields, giving insight into various modes of operation and resources. Examples of comapnies I have consulted for long term are Charming Charlie and C.E. Global Marketing.

CLAIRE'S ACCESSORIES & ICING Hoffman Estates, IL 1994-2009
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TREND & PRODUCT DESIGN (2006-2009) LEAD DIRECTOR, TREND & PRODUCT DESIGN (2003-2006)
Reported to the General Merchandising Manager. Led a team of 13 designers and forecasters that developed and updated a broad range of categories. Managed team budgets.
Trends: Traveled extensively to assess new fashions and industry trends. Communicated across international business units (North America, Europe, and Asia) via DVDs and trend books. Reviewed reports to ensure they were targeted to meet the needs of merchant teams. Made recommendations to senior management, and empowered directors to make their own recommendations.
Product Design: Led team meetings, encouraging staff to be creative in designing new product categories and seasonal groups. Developed annual and program calendars, setting clear deadlines for sourcing and projects. Ensured corporate guidelines for QA were followed. Collaborated with merchandising to share ideas and deliver products that would sell.

Defined new themes that differentiated a traditional brand (Claire's) from a new one (Icing).
Developed product lines to fit four targets (tween, teen, college, and young professional).
Traveled to Hong Kong two times each year to attend merchant presentations.
Built a design library that included market fabrics, trims, and finding references.
Upgraded standards for trend presentations to meet industry best practices and communicate better with international partners.
Worked with MIS to create a digital resource for trends and designs.
Adjusted staffing to control costs.

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (2001-2003)
MANAGER OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (2000-2001)
Led creative execution for trend and product development, overseeing a team of six employees. Controlled budgets and goals for P&L. Hired, trained, and evaluated new employees.

Traveled to Hong Kong, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami to evaluate new products and trends.
Introduced a DVD trend presentation that allowed for enhanced visuals and a format for trend information that could be easily shared with local/international merchant teams.
Took on added responsibilities after restructuring.

SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER (1999-2000)
PRODUCT DESIGNER (1996-1999)
ASSISTANT PRODUCT DESIGNER (1994-1996)
Generated original designs based on market trends and competitors offerings. Illustrated patterns and products for seasonal trend books. Displayed products and mock ups at regional meetings. Sent artwork to vendors, and followed up to evaluate quality and execution. Mentored assistant designers.

Received a patent for Illusion Hair (Patent #09/947,683) that generated over $1 million in sales.
Introduced "Best Friends" jewelry designs, including one that is still selling after 15 years.
Introduced several products with animal motifs that are still best sellers.
Created "FYI," an email alert to communicate ideas to buyers.
Implemented computer-aided drawing programs in the department.
Promoted from position as Assistant Product Designer (1994-1996).