J E F F R E Y C. K R E T C H M E R
http://www.coroflot.com/jkretch
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
Freelance Product Design October 2010 to Present Evanston IL
I currently freelance for a wide variety of clients, creating products that range from home
decor to fashion accessories.
My responsibilities included:
• the design of products according to established trends
• the creation of CADS for factory utilization
• creation of trend boards relevant to the clients needs
Icing / Claire’s (freelance) Bag Designer July 2011 to September 2011 Hoffman Estate IL
Icing is a nation wide chain of stores that sell fashion accessories. Icing was developed from the
Claire's group intended to target the grown up Claire's customer. Handbags acted as the
product that held together all of the other accessories, acting as the stores primary focus.
My responsibilities included:
• the design of Bags & SLG's according to established trends
• the creation of CADS and minor modifications from starting rough designs
• I not only designed handbags, but also created inspirational trend boards
Tag Ltd. Product and Pattern Designer July 2006 to October 2010 Chicago IL
Tag is a company that specializes in designing products for the home. It sells to a wide range of
stores, from small tabletop boutiques to larger companies such as Crate & Barrel. I was part of
the design team that gave direction, vision, and design to all of the seasonal product lines.
My responsibilities included:
• helped give direction in regards to the lines of products as well as the photos utilized in the catalog
• designed and created factory appropriate files for the manufacturing of products for the home
• attended meetings with clients to provide creative expertise
• extensive trend predictions including international travel to attend major industry events
Misaine Inc. Designer 2004 – 2005 / Design Team Manager & Designer 2005 - 2006
Gardena, CA
I worked in 2004 as a senior designer, and in the fall of 2005 as design group manager as well as
designer. Misaine is a company that specializes in designing bone china and plastic products for
companies such as Starbucks and Borders.
My responsibilities included:
• worked with licensed images and icons
• gave direction to the design team as well as extensive trend research
• creation of icons, patterns and product design
• regular meetings with clients to provide creative expertise
• traveled internationally
1614 Main Street, Unit B Evanston, IL 60202 phone: 773-***-**** email: ****.******@*****.***
Shocktech Graphic Designer In-house – January 2001 to March 2004
Freelance - May 2000 to December 2000 Lansing, IL
I worked for Shocktech / Bad Boyz Toyz as the in-house designer where I was responsible for the
direction and creation of all print work. Shocktech is a company that designs custom high end
paintball products. Bad Boyz Toyz is a small chain of six extreme sporting goods stores in the
Chicago area. Both divisions are run by the same team.
My responsibilities included:
• designing all print work including flyers, posters, packaging, and
advertisements
• coordinating and communicating with magazines regarding advertisements
• handling and outsourcing all print work
Starbucks (freelance) Graphic Designer December 2002 to March 2004
I was responsible for the creation of custom regional print design in the south central region of
the United States. A few of these projects included flyers, posters and newspaper ads.
SKILLS:
Some of my skills include:
• an in depth understanding of design methodology
• knowledge of antiques and design history
• an in-depth understanding of current and future trends
• ability to work well in team environments as well as solo
• excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and mentor in addition to following directions
• ability to design in 3D as well as 2D, and if need be combine the two with appropriate styling
• Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Rhinoceros, QuarkXPress, Adobe
ImageReady, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
EDUCATION:
Illinois State University
Fall 1995 to Spring 2000 Normal Illinois
1614 Main Street, Unit B Evanston, IL 60202 phone: 773-***-**** email: ****.******@*****.***