A Bit About Me
Hey there, I'm Sara! I'm an extrovert, and all around creative. I've drawn since I could hold a pencil, and creativity is just part of my every day life! I've been in the corporate retail industry for nearly 12 years, and have held various roles in product development from graphic and technical design to product specialist, and have spent two years managing signage, fixtures, and merchandise directives for three categories for 175+ stores nation wide.
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My passion lies in creativity! I have an entrepreneurial spirit, and have my own baking side gig (buttercream is just another medium for creativity!), as well as creating commission artwork on occasion in both oil paint and charcoal. I do graphic design in both Ai and ProCreate, where I've been able to build print design for various product types, from beach towels and baby swaddles to kids and family apparel.
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On a personal note, I've been married to my incredible husband for about a year and a half, and we have a daughter, two cats, and one dog! We are very close with our families, and love the life we are building here in Missouri.
Work Experience
Visual Merchandise Manager
Bass Pro Shops
March 2023-Present
Graphic Designer, Apparel and Gifts
Bass Pro Shops
2014-March 2023
Technical Designer & Fit Technician
Bass Pro Shops
February 2015-March 2023
Product Specialist
Bass Pro Shops
June 2013-February 2015
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Works within assigned categories to determine signage and fixture needs for 175+ stores, nation wide, and execute said needs.
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Builds and communicates visual merchandise directives to 175+ stores
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Creates and manages store layouts for assigned categories with autoCAD
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Assigns adjacency flow for new stores, to assure product categories are consistently shoppable in all doors
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Travels to all new stores, spending a week executing our visual merchandise directive with the store team, and ensuring all standards are met and understood before Grand Opening
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Manages store lead communication regarding layouts, fixtures, and adjacency flow
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Trend forecasting for print, color, graphics, and silhouettes by project, from bedding and baby to apparel and holiday
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Creates design and color in ProCreate and Illustrator, applying designs to assigned product category
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Presents design direction and options to buyer, to help develop the assortment
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Keeps color standards in mind utilizing Pantone and color limits per category for various print techniques
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Edits and completes designs with team, and communicates with factory as needed for approvals via PLM centric software.
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Creates size chart for each assigned style from scratch or template, in PLM centric software
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Analyzes fit and communicates issues with solutions to factories on a daily basis, and fits factory samples with team weekly
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Problem solves fit issues based on pattern making knowledge/skill set
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Utilizes expert grading knowledge to ensure the proper size runs are achieved for our brand standards
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Works as liaison between the buyer and the factory
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Works through development process with buyer, designer, and factory on color, design, and sourcing
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Finalizes all materials for each assigned style, communicating with factories via PLM centric software