Lead Designer – Not Merch White Label Program
As Lead Designer at Modern Brands, I drove the “Not Merch” program, creating merch that went far beyond the basic logo tee. Every piece was designed with unique, intentional details that made it stand out, elevated, and collectible. At the heart of impactful merchandise lies connection. The goal should be to create products that people cherish and remember. This connection can be manifested in various ways—be it through thoughtful design, quality materials, or innovative packaging.
Key Responsibilities and Contributions:
-Designed stand-out pitch decks for brands that pushed the boundaries of just basic merch.
-Researched the market & planned for merch to be added to our catalogue by collection & season that aligns with our budget and target customer.
-Designed, developed & oversaw production for categories spanning from apparel in mens & women, to home goods, and wearable accessories.
-Sourced & Developed relationships with overseas factories primarily in China and India, establishing the supply chain for all products in our catalogue including full package factories and suppliers for trim, hardware, embellishments, hangtags, and packaging.
-Established fit & graded measurements ensuring products functionality, fit, and silhouette.
-Effectively communicated comments, troubleshooted issues and worked with factories for solutions that would maintain the integrity of the products when evaluating strike-offs, lab dips, handlooms, and protos to TOP.
-Created comprehensive manufacture ready tech packs, clearly detailing call outs, construction details, artwork placement & technique, hardware, trim, labeling, hangtags, packaging, BOM, POM diagram, and graded chart.
-Managed & led contract hires in design & tech design
-Costed all product to review with CEO & came up with solutions to keep design integrity while adhering to budget
Web view of the “Not Merch” catalogue
Sports “blank” presentation, before customer artwork and branding is added