ASHLEY SULLIVAN 516-***-****

**-** **** ****** *******, NY 11105 ac8bwv@r.postjobfree.com

SENIOR DESIGNER – HANDBAGS/ACCESSORIES – VISUAL MERCHANDISER

Accomplished professional with extensive design experience. Innovate unique collections based on market trends to maintain competitive advantage. Deep knowledge of design development, including sketches, color boards, and graphics. Recognized for talent in creating impacting product/visible merchandising displays that maximize brand recognition and drive sales in high-end retail department stores. Source premier materials and products from China and Italy, and engage with manufacturing personnel at China production plants.

DESIGN STRENGTHS

Sketching Conceptualization Color Boards Presentations Line Building Samples Materials Sourcing

Vendor Relations Merchandising/Visual Merchandising e-Commerce Social Media Web Design Branding Event Planning Product Marketing Project Management Production Management Cost Reduction

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Accessory Headquarters, New York, NY 2018

Freelance Handbag Designer

Created CADs of current product in different color ways for market presentations.

Used Photoshop to alter images to create custom product images for specific customers.

Researched market trends to create mood boards for lines being shown at market.

Able to work quickly with accuracy and attention to detail.

Lilac Inn, Brandon, VT 2017 – Present

Privately owned bed and breakfast offering facilities for special events accommodating up to 200 people.

Brand / Social Media Manager

Accountable for redesigning website, coordinating special events, and ensuring highest level of guest satisfaction.

Grew visitor volume, business, and revenue gains through creative website redesign with improved content, graphics and usability.

Strengthened brand recognition through social media marketing.

Coordinated large-scale events from inception through execution, including meal planning, logistics, menus, seating arrangements, and staffing.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Gigi New York, New York, NY 2014 - 2017

Senior Handbag Designer/Visual Merchandiser

Created Jenn Bucket Bag resulting in best-selling bag for 3 seasons, accelerated sales, and recognition from mainstream bloggers.

Sourced quality prints for entire collection, including custom hand-painted designs.

Streamlined and managed cost-effectiveness of products working collaboratively with production teams.

Merchandised all trade show displays; including the GiGi Pop-Up shop in Meatpacking District.

Steered direction of entire women’s collection:

Performed comprehensive trend research and competitive shopping analysis. Attended trade shows, and engaged with material vendors to source new items.

Compiled data for fashion bloggers, sites, and retailers that collaborate with GiGi customers.

Partnered with pattern designers to establish line and identify cost savings.

Echo Design Group, New York, NY 2013 – 2014

Handbag Designer/Showroom Merchandiser

Credited with creating an entirely new handbag category from concept through production.

Traveled to China/Hong Kong and met with vendors to select prints and materials for new product designs.

Bodhi Bags and Accessories, New York, NY 2010 – 2013

Designer Assistant Designer/Visual Merchandiser

Promoted for demonstrated talent in design concepts, industry expertise, and dedication.

Conceived tech accessory collection selected for purchase by Macy’s, Dillards, and Bloomingdales, including accessories placement on first-floor at Bloomingdales.

ASHLEY SULLIVAN 516-***-**** PAGE 2

Bodhi Bags and Accessories, continued:

Empowered to develop color schemes and materials for product line.

Traveled extensively to China to create pre-samples and ensure quality manufacturing/ production standards.

Directed all product merchandising and introduced Bodhi social media accounts, including content development, working collaboratively with graphic design personnel.

Macy’s, Comack, NY 2009 – 2010

Visual Associate

Rapidly promoted for strong performance, ability to work autonomously in changing environments, and ability to effectively represent visual team in premier location offering superior products and specialty items.

Created installations and artwork from unique sketches, accepted by management for merchandising concepts.

Continually achieved time-sensitive deadlines based on strong time management skills.

EDUCATION

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City

Associate of Arts & Science (AAS) 2008

Major: Accessory Design

Adelphi University, Garden City, New York

Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2005

Major: Fine Arts

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