Derek Brandenburg
Freelance Designer · Self
Seattle, FL
In My Own Words
25 Years Professional Design Experience in multiple industries (recent 10+ as Remote Graphic Designer)
With Passion & Intent, I create innovative design solutions by fusing culture, ethos, & business objectives
Concept to production project management, focusing on concept, graphic design, & pre-production
Work Experience
Freelance Designer
Self2005 – Present
• Starting this business as an outlet for unique design, and one-of-a-kind projects, I’ve grown to my fulltime occupation • Clients include: JCPenny, Oakley, The Learning Annex, Terras Landscape, LUV Footwear, The Davinci Institute • Projects have included things such as:
Annual Reports • Branding & Logo Design • Corporate ID Packages • Invitations & Cards • Flyers & Posters • B2B Direct Mailings • Catalogs/Page Layout • PowerPoint Design • Website Design • Trend Development • Concept Design • Screenprint Designs • Embroidery/Appliques • Fabric prints (in repeat) • Y/D Stripes & Woven Plaids • Full Assortment Colorways
Sr. Textile and Apparel Graphic Designer
Abercrombie & Fitch2008 – 2011
• Design surface pattern for men’s & guy’s knits ensuring balance of proven volume driver’s and trend forward items • Create seasonal print, pattern, and color use based on researched market trends, study runway shows, shop competitors, develop concepts within category specific plan needs and present my work to cross-function team • Manage & inspire design team of 3 to meet all calendar deadlines for Gilly Hicks brand embroideries & appliqués
Textile and Apparel Graphic Artist
Kohl's Department Stores2006 – 2007
• Develop innovative artwork that strengthens kids brand position and supports seasonal concepts • Estimate art needs based on planned sales projection • Create & manage artwork calendar to successfully meet corporate deadlines • Manage art departments travel, sample/art purchases, and freelance budget
Textile and Graphic Designer
Target Corporation2003 – 2006
• Design exciting, fresh looking fabric prints, yarn dyes, and placement graphics that fulfills merchant’s assortment strategies, and can be mass produced within tightly set IMU’s and retail price points • Elevate aesthetic taste of Inf/Tod Boy Circo and Cherokee apparel by taking calculated risks with art styles and techniques that reinforces the unique attributes of each brand while not compromising their individuality • Negotiate compromise between design, technical, merchants, and sourcing cross-functional teams to force artwork newness and oversee it’s proper execution through production • Anticipate bottlenecks, and hire freelance per needed to meet all calendar deadlines • Active participant on several committees to brainstorm efficiencies and streamline graphics process
Artwork Creative Manager, Artwork Operations Manager, Graphic Designer
OshKosh B'Gosh2000 – 2003
• Assessed art department workflow, and created position of Artwork Operations Manager to streamline and standardize artwork processes assuming responsibility for all artwork calendar deadlines • Domestic & International travel to assess contractor capabilities and ensure perfect sales samples • Collaborate on-press with screenprint machine operators to problem solve and create new techniques • Manage and Inspire artist teams of: 3 Infant/Toddler designers, and the operations of the full team of 10 • Hire and direct freelance per needed to guarantee success for calendar due dates • Approve artwork strike-off’s for technique correctness, color and quality • Conduct creative research through travel, shop competitive markets, and explore cultural resources outside the normal apparel markets (i.e. Museums, architecture, social and misc. cultural events) • Create artwork for apparel; fabric prints, placement art and fashion trim
Graphic Designer
Archetype Group Inc.1998 – 2000
• Project work from concept, design, photo direction, production, and pre-press • Practice strategies in brand identity development • Office administrator; project management techniques
Education
Projects
LUV Footwear print and colorway rollout
I worked with a startup shoe company that was targeting girls/womens demographic with waterproof neoprene printed ballet slipper inspired footwear. While ultimately less than successful due to variables beyond my entire knowledge, it's aspiration was to spark excitement and interest by being easy to throw on, waterproof (or made for the beach), inexpensive, and still really cute, protection for your feet.
