Jessica Shaver
Graduate Student / Teaching & Research Assistant · Colorado State University
Longmont, CO
In My Own Words
• Design and production enthusiast with over a decade of experience in textile manufacturing, product development, and project management; technology specialist with a history of increasing brand performance. • Highly skilled computer-aided, and Virtual/3D designer with constantly expanding expertise in innovative and relevant software, self-described prodigy of computer programs and related technologies. • Comprehensive knowledge of product line and color management using various tracking & monitoring systems. • Professional track record for advocating for sustainable design and development practices and motivating team members to embrace a high level of corporate social responsibility. • Passionate about shifting consumer mindsets by creating open communities for curiosity and conversations.
Work Experience
Graduate Student / Teaching & Research Assistant
Colorado State University2017 – 2021
Completed M.S. in the Department of Design and Merchandising, Apparel. Thesis work focused on researching and analyzing alternative (sustainable) production and consumption models with consumer-based market research on customized apparel production. Conducted systematic literature review of current topics related to sustainable apparel production, sustainable textile materials, responsible consumption behaviors, and education for sustainability. During my time as a student I was as a research assistant on multiple projects including: 3D design and virtual reality, communicating sustainable laundry behaviors, and developing a framework and consumer survey for conducting a life-cycle analysis of the clothing rental business model; I was also a teaching assistant for various professors in the design & merchandising department in courses related to apparel design and construction, product development, retailing, and socio-psychological issues of dress. I taught as an adjunct instructor for junior-level courses on Computer-Aided Textile Design, Apparel Line Concept Development and Production Planning, and Product Development.
Sole-Proprietor
Bittersweet x Design, LLC2012 – 2017
Owned and operated an online boutique (Shopify) focused on delivering sustainable style to professional women, showcased products through various open-air and holiday markets, and conducted pilot-testing of various in-home and virtual sales experiences. Researched and curated products based on current industry understanding of sustainable materials and production. Planned and managed inventory, website, and social media communications (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest).
Senior CAD Designer
Alfred Dunner, LLC2015 – 2016
Created production-ready artwork for engineered textile designs for women's apparel products, and managed and maintain tracking and approvals from pre-production to bulk delivery. Researched market trends in color, print/pattern, design, and technology to ensure developed product concepts met consumer, market, and business needs.
Freelance CAD and Product Development Specialist
Various2010 – 2015
Specializing in CAD, textile design, and product developments; worked with various brands, including: Global Brands Group/Li & Fung, DKNY Jeans, Hanes C9, Chicos FAS, Kohls, Macy's and others. Highlight Projects include: Head of CAD for re-brand, re-launch of Adrienne Vittadini into the womens apparel space culminating in the successful transfer of ownership from the Schottenstein Group to Li & Fung--Global Brands Group. In this role I was responsible for developing product development production templates for design and textile technical packages, the creation of various marketing materials, and assisting with the design and development of product concepts. Brought in for development and launch of J.Lo and Lauren Conrad apparel collections for Kohl's, including completing product development concepts and technical production packages as well as conducting market and consumer research to ensure products align with brand values and consumer needs. Requested by C9 men's team for seasonal development relief to support core product development team with production packages, marketing line sheets, and showroom set-up for buy weeks; also responsible for creating various textile prints, yarn-dyes, and other graphic elements of product line.
