Blanka Melbostad-Designer Resume
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Blanka Melbostad-Designer Resume

Education:
Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI 2009 - 2012
Bachelor of Arts, Major: Apparel Product Development
Luther College, Decorah, IA 1998 - 2002
Bachelor of Arts, Major: Management (including an International Management Certificate)
Skills and Technology
Adobe Creative Suite, WebPDM & FlexPLM, Microsoft Office, Graphic Design, Apparel, Print and Pattern Design
Work Experiences
Howard’s Jewelry, Chanhassen, MN Dec 2016– Jan 2018
Product Designer-Apparel, Jewelry & Accessories
Researched trend and patterns for upcoming seasons
Conceptualized and executed designs and graphics for licensed merchandise
Prepared detailed artwork, spec sheets and technical sketches for production
Managed the development and implementation of product standards including fit, grading, construction and quality
Impact Innovations Inc., Minneapolis, MN 2015 – Aug 2016
Marketing Product Manager (Seasonal Fabric PM & Designer)
Designed seasonal patriotic, harvest and Christmas decorative products for major mass retailers
Created graphics and patterns for wreath signs, tabletop linens, fabric pennants, stockings, tree skirts, bows and ribbons
Designed 3-D character icons for tree skirts and tabletop Christmas tree figurines
Created style guides that included mood boards, color directions, typography, print, and pattern
EnterForce/Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee, WI 2012 - 2015
Contractor Assistant Designer
Interpreted trends, patterns and prints for seasonal collections
Created Adobe Illustrator sketches and Photoshop patterns for men’s and women’s seasonal woven and knit garments Designed and developed hardware trims to be used on outerwear and sportswear apparel
Developed technical sketches for garment construction
Communicated with suppliers any changes or approvals made to fabric samples, lab dips and graphic strike offs
Created and maintained bill of materials for men’s and women’s seasonal collections
Tracked, maintained and organized fabric samples, lab dips and strike-offs
Designed and presented designated assortments from SP’16 Men’s Sportswear line
Collaborated with lead designers and product managers to design SU’14 Women’s Black Label Line, FW’14 Men’s Sportswear line, Women’s Independence Day collection, Women’s Core Jan 16 line and 2017 Valentine’s Day Collection.
Technical Design Assistant
Prepared sample garments for fit sessions by measuring and reviewing construction against technical packages, and identifying and recording discrepancies
Participated in fit sessions for women’s sportswear, women’s plus size and women’s leathers
Assisted in communicating fit correction to vendors
Performed competitive analysis of key competitors’ garments based on sizing, fit, and construction techniques
Kohl's Corporation, Menomonee Falls, WI 2009
Assistant Product Manager
Acted as a liaison between the Merchant group, Technical designers and vendors to determine, source and develop private label products.
Conceptualized colors and patterns to be used on new product
Negotiated and followed-up with vendors to ensure quality specifications, deadlines and deliveries are met
Approved pattern and color layouts on fabric submits to ensure artwork accuracy
Foot Locker, Inc. (F------------/Eastbay), Wausau, WI 2004 - 2009 Assistant Product Line Manager
Managed development of product line, which included moving products from concept through final sample approval
Developed artwork with artists/manufacturers showcasing the silhouette, colors and trims
Developed comprehensive graded size measurements for garments across all genders
Approved fabric quality, print, pattern and color submits as well as garment components
Conducted fit evaluations to assess fit, proportion and