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Creative Director / Storyteller 

Creative & Design

Howdy, I'm Derek Peoples, and for the past 30 years, I've been immersed in the art of storytelling through consumer products . My career has been a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of brand development, trend forecasting, and consumer goods design /. manugaturing . Simply put, I am passionate about shaping narratives, building impactful brands, and creating meaningful connections between products and people.

   My professional expertise lies at the intersection of creativity and strategy. Over the years, I’ve worked with brands to craft compelling stories that resonate with their audiences. Whether it’s through brand management, graphic design, or licensing, my vmission has always been to breathe life into ideas and inspire authentic engagement. I’ve honed my skills in consumer goods product design, specializing in innovative brand development, while also overseeing overseas product production—a valuable experience that has given me a global perspective on design and production. One of the cornerstones of my work is trend forecasting. I pride myself on my ability to identify and anticipate cultural and market trends, ensuring that the brands I collaborate with stay ahead of the curve. I find immense joy in translating these trends into innovative products and campaigns that not only captivate consumers but also drive measurable success.

Executive Creative Lead and Presenter for all large-scale (1 Mil+) Creative RFPS.Director of Creative Services, Merchandising, and Marketing creative teams responsible for creative analytics/forecasting, merchandise, packaging, display, graphic and marketing solutions servicing global sales. Managed a team of 17 in 4 global offices (LA, NYC, Guangzhou, Dehradun, India), providing innovative, creative product solutions to enterprise-level clients.Executive Sponsor of GLAMCO global DE&I Internal Resource Group.

Senior Global Creative Director

●	Creative Dept Head/ Soft Accessories (Headwear / Cold Weather / Gloves) for Levi’s, Dockers, Kenneth Cole 
●	Private Label Director Headwear /. Soft Accessories / Gloves
●	Managed domestic and Shanghai-based Product Development and Sourcing teams
●	In-Factory (China, Taiwan, Korea) Material / Product Development of Substrate Yarn Development to Finished Engineered Knits

Director Of Merchandising / Creative

-Creative and Product Development Director Responsible for all Soft Goods, Seasonal and Footwear Sandals and Winter Boots (Hard Sole and Vulcanized)

-Partnered with Hard Goods and Sr Marketing to set all over tone and seasonal store direction delivering monthly new looks in product as well as creating graphics, original prints and design guide
collateral to the buying team to develop remaining merchandising assortment needs with outside factory partners .

-Quarterly Travel to China and Taiwan for trending ,product development and to secure production execution

-Managed in house Design Direct Reports and China based production team for all soft goods and footwear categories

-Delivered year over year end growth for the Cold Weather , Gloves and Footwear categories

Head Designer Fashion Accessories Dept 7

- Creative Direction for all Consumer Segments all Fashion Soft Goods, Footwear, Jewelry, Watches, Vision, Womens Bags, Backpacks and SLGs for North American Licensees

-Partnered with Character Artist and Graphic Design teams to create, execute and roll out graphic guide assets that addressed the specific needs of the Soft Goods and Accessories product categories

-Cultivated an environment of mentoring and support with the Disney Licensee community establishing trust as a Merchant to ensure that each licensed partner delivered and exceeded on the core principles of Product Integrity, Innovation , Value and Storytelling

-Leverage an extensive knowledge of raw materials, construction, production, costing, retail and packaging in multiple categories guiding licensee to maximize product features while controlling cost

-Managed team of Direct Reports Senior Designers and Design Managers

-International Travel to Roll-Out Creative Content, ensure design synergy , and best practices from all regions

-Direct Creative Lead/ Contributions on all high profile ( Major Brand Collaborations ) , Halo (Top Tier) and Large Program ( Cinematic Release , DVD Release , Studio Release )

Creative Director Accessories / Footwear North America

-Design and Product Development Director of Headwear and Handbags for all licensee and private label accounts ( Large Accounts Disney Parks , Wal-Mart, Target, Hot Topic, Kohl's )

-Design Lead direct to Private Label Customer Merchant teams for develop on going programs for line extension and pitch new main floor and seasonal programs

-International Trending Trips for internal and external Trend Reports and Design Guides / Seasonal Asia Travel for product development and production

-Managed direct report team of Merchandisers and Production Managers

Creative Director Headwear / Bags

-Design and Product Development Director of headwear and bags for all lines Goorin , Cassel Goorin and Sand Cassel Kid

-Creative Lead for complete brand refresh and repositioning raising the AUR by 35% with Brand Elevation, Introduction of Brick and Mortar Retail Stores , Revamped Brand Story and Packaging change.

-Successfully brand extension into children's market with Sand Cassel Kids
Expanded brand offering with bags, messenger bags , and belts for mens, womens/jr., boys and girls markets

-International Trending Trips and Seasonal Asia Travel for product development, production, and sourcing

Head Designer

Lead Designer of private label Handbags, Target, Talbots, Gap, Talbots , Nordstrom & Abercrombie

Contract Lead Designer

- Managing Art Director for all Licensed product lines , packaging and private label product lines of Handbags, SLGs, and Hair Accessories ( License - Sanrio/ Hello Kitty , Mattel/ Barbie, Simpsons,
Care Bears Private Label - Wal-Mart , Target, Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters )

-Managed team of 2 Graphic Designers and 2 Technical Designers responsible for all pitch books, product presentations, print development , and product development technical

Art Director

Freelance Work Examples and History Supplied on request 

- Lucas Design International  Sept 2010
- Idea Nuova  Oct 1999- 2000
- Papi Sportswear Oct 1997- 1999
- Mattel / Barbie 1996

Graphic Designer / Fashion Designer/ Consumer Products Designer

Derek Peoples is a Creative Director / Storyteller at BAMKO in San Pedro, California.

Derek Peoples — Creative Director / Storyteller at BAMKO

Derek Peoples

Skills

Interests

Industries

Education history

Otis College of Art and Design