Jan 2023 — Now
Small Business Owner · DONDO BEACH MARKET
www.dondobeachmarket.com
As Co-Founder of LO-RES and Owner of DONDO BEACH MARKET, my focus has been on harnessing creativity to drive business development and support local artisans. My focus is to empower small brands and businesses by offering top-tier printing, embroidery, and design services. Collaborating closely with fellow creatives, I've built a community hub that not only meets market demand but also fuels the growth of innovative ideas.
Jan 2022 — Now
Co-Founder · LO-RES
www.shop-lo-res.com
Welcome to LO-RES, a concept born from a genuine passion for design and an obsession for all things headwear. Founded by Iikka Backstrom and Rob Almeida, LO-RES is simply a filter through where our experiences and differences help create something mutually unique, based on things we’ve learned and loved. Blending comfort with bold aesthetics, we take pride in our craft while staying true to the brand’s core values of quality, creativity, and culture.
Feb 2013 — Aug 2021
Global Design Director - Fall / Winter ·
DC ShoesPreviously, as a Global Design Director for DC, I honed my skills in creating modern apparel designs that resonated with brand identity, while fostering communication and leadership within the team. My ability to weave global feedback into a coherent product vision has been critical in maintaining the integrity of each design, ensuring that every collection not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Creativity, Communication, and Leadership are the 3 factors of success in my role as Global Design Director. My priority was to create modern concepts that encompass the brands DNA by way of style, innovation, quality, and performance. It's the communication of those ideas, utilizing global feedback, that allow the vision to manifest into a product. Many decisions must be made in the development cycle and doing so requires organization, time management, and the ability to lead and inspire each product team member throughout the creative journey.
Jan 2010 — Feb 2013
Created and captained the entire Fall/Winter category (Outerwear, Technical Apparel & Axs) from concept to completion. Producing seasonal directions in design, trend, color stories, trim packages, prints, patterns, fabric development and merchandising the entire collection.
Jul 2005 — Jan 2010
Graphic artist / manager of the Tee & Fleece program while designing for various cut & sew categories such as custom knits, custom fleece, wovens and jackets. Furthermore creating seasonal trends, color stories, trim packages, prints, patterns, fabric development and merchandising for both the Lifestyle & Fall/Winter collections.
Jul 2004 — Jul 2005
Graphics & Apparel Designer · ...Lost
Graphic lead of the Tee & Fleece program while designing various cut & sew categories such as custom knits, custom fleece, shirts and jackets.
Jul 2000 — Jul 2004
Graphic Designer · DZN, The Design Group
Created DVD packaging, catalogs, posters, merch, P.O.P displays and all other advertising materials for major motion picture companies. Clients included Disney, Paramount & Columbia pictures.
