Creative directors and product developers

1. Jason’s Career Plan

2. Fashion Designer/Product Developer
Education: College degree required.
A specific Fashion Design major is
important.
Fashion DesignerProduct Developer
Education:.
Experience: Internships in fashion
design, technical design and product
development.
Experience: Internships in
merchandising, product development
or buying
Personality/Skills: Must love fashion
and following trends; good
analytical, negotiation, leadership
and business skills; ability to work
under pressure.
Personality/Skills: Team player,
ability to forecast trends and
understand customer, Adobe
Photoshop/Illustrator, AutoCAD,
sketching abilities. College degree
required. Business or fashion
merchandising coursework helpful.
Experience: Internships in fashion
design, technical design and product
development.
Personality/Skills: Team player,
ability to forecast trends and
understand customer, Adobe
Photoshop/Illustrator, AutoCAD,
sketching abilities.

3. General Career Path
(fashioncampusnyc.com)
Product Developer Fashion Designer
Internships
Assistant Designer
Associate Designer
Designer
Senior Designer
Creative Director/VP of Design
Internships
Assistant Product
Developer
Associate Product
Developer
Product Developer
Product Development Director
VP Product Development

4. Career path for Product developer

5. Job No. 1

6. Production/Quality Control Internship
6 months-1 year
Salary: $0-$9
Responsibilities:
• Measure samples in development to ensure fit.
• Assist in Quality Control inspections of production
goods.
• Assign style numbers/ color codes for new designs.
• Assist in spot checking measurements of sample and
bulk production.
• Assist in approving production dye colors.
• Work with design team to learn about craftsmanship and
construction techniques.
• Coordinate with marketing for timing on launches of new
products.
• Assist with inventory management.
• Answering and replying to emails.
• Assist with vendor/ factory relationships.
• Assist shipping manager to ensure timely deliveries of
production goods.
Qualifications
• BA/BFA degree or currently obtaining degree.
• Incredibly organized/relishes in the fine details.
• Experience measuring garments is preferred.
• 1+ year relevant experience in a fast-paced, creative
environment.
• Must have basic Microsoft office or Google sheets know
how.
• You are positive and supportive, able to work under
pressure with a helpful attitude.
• You are comfortable working independently on
organizational projects.

7. Job No. 2

8. Assistant Product Developer
5 years
Salary: $48,000
Responsibilities:
• Present development sheets to the supervisor for
approval and partner with vendors specifying what
pieces are being required for product development
• Follow-up with vendors/factories on all styles and
communicate any changes or additional details
• Partner with vendors to source trims and fabrics
• Research multiple fashion sources to stay current on
emerging trends and identify the key trends to adapt
them into wearable styles for assigned group
• Acquire knowledge of development sheets and the
material, color, and construction of pieces
• Keep track of all development reporting requirements
including line plan analysis, timing and action tracking,
calendar actualization, and developed versus adopted
reports in order to achieve target adoption rate and
improve the development process for future seasons
• Provide guidance in fitting on style direction for new
developments and make necessary changes in garment
design and construction
• Research customer reviews for fit and design feedback
to apply in current and future development
• Perform any other support duties to ensure that product
development activities meet timeline and quality goals
set by the supervisor
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising,
Marketing, Design or similar preferred
• Must have 1-2 years of experience in Product
Development or Buying
• Must have excellent written and verbal communications
skills
• Must possess basic Microsoft and Excel skills
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
preferred
• Ability to sketch design details and garment
construction preferred
• Must have a basic understanding of the production
process and timing
• Market awareness and understanding of fashion
designers, blogs, competitive retailers and trend
required
• Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, color/print
usage, graphics, embellishment layouts, and trim
required
• Must be flexible and adapt well to fast paced, rapidly
changing work environment

9. Job No. 3

10. Product Developer
3-5 yearsSalary: $65,000
Responsibilities:
• Research fashion magazines,
competitor’s websites, street wear,
and runway looks to stay current
on emerging trends
• Visualize design ideas that meet
Forever 21’s quality expectations
• Transfer design ideas onto
development sheets, which specify
the material, color, and
construction of each piece
• Communicate with overseas
vendors and buyers regarding all
aspects of the development
process
• Follow-up with vendors/factories
on all styles and communicate any
changes or additional details
• Partner with vendors to source
trims and fabrics
• Develop an understanding of
global Development Lead-Times;
Use this knowledge to coordinate
quicker turnaround times with
vendors
• Keep track of all development
reporting requirements, which
include line plan analysis,
calendar actualization, and
developed vs. adopted reports in
order to improve the development
process for future seasons
Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:
• Must have an Associate or Bachelor’s
Degree in Merchandising, Design or
similar
• Must have 5+ years of experience in
product development with wovens
• Must have fitting experience, technical
sketching skills and garment spec
knowledge
• Must have a great eye for design and
the ability to research and track the
latest trends
• Must have excellent written and verbal
communication skills
• Must have strong problem-solving
skills that allow for a proactive
approach to the business and
organizational skills necessary to
complete multiple tasks within
deadlines
• Must possess basic Microsoft and Excel
skills
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and
Illustrator is required

11. Job. No 4

12. Sr. Product Development & Production Manager
10 years
Salary: $115,000
Description
Implement the global sourcing strategy that meets or
exceeds financial and business objectives while adhering
to calendar deadlines
Manage and develop vendor and factory base for capacity
management and category planning
Analysis of time and action reports while monitoring
handoffs of tech packs, raw materials, reference styles
and artwork to vendors
Costing & Negotiation skills in both import and
domestic manufacturing
Clear understanding of product life cycle from design
to commercialization
Advanced knowledge of trade requirements for all product
categories, specifically Women’s Apparel
Complete knowledge of manufacturing process
Maintaining calendar dates by working closely with vendors and
merchandising to ensure time and action reports are updated
throughout development and production
Communicating daily with vendors to identify and resolve potential
issues in a timely manner and in accordance with the T&A calendar
Communicate daily with internal and external business partners to
ensure transparency and changes and/or updates to costs, deliveries
and quality are updated in a timely manner
Partnering with cross-functional team to ensure all raw materials and
trim approvals are within timing for scheduled delivery
Attending Design/Merchandising meetings for style changes that
affect T&A and communicating with overseas
Ensuring fit schedule dates are met, monitor and track all proto/photo
shoot samples
Working with tech design to ensure factories implement corrections
based on call outs and changes
Entering cost and style information accurately into Blue Cherry
within the required deadlines
Ensuring production PO’s are received by vendors and monitor
product shipping to the DC is as scheduled
Reviewing WIPS and TOP samples to elevate any potential quality
issues or delays in shipment
Tracking and shipping packages
Qualifications:
A Bachelor's Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Business, or
Fashion is preferred
5+ years experience in global sourcing and product development
An understanding of pattern, sewing and garment construction
Strong negotiation skills
The ability to maintain a positive approach to problem solving
Strong written and verbal communication skills
The ability to influence cross-functional team members
The proven ability to maintain strong relationships with cross-functional
business partners
The ability to work independently with strong organizational skills,
attention to detail while effectively prioritizing and executing tasks in a
fast paced environment
Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Power Point; Illustrator a plus

13. Creative Director Career Path

14. Job No. 1

15. Fashion Design Intern
6 months
Salary: $0-$9 an hour
Responsibilities:
• Researching trends in fabric and color.
• Sourcing new fabric mills and industry contacts.
• Assist with cost sheets for new product developments.
• Prepare lab dips and send comments.
• Assist with preparing looks for seasonal photo shoots
• Assist senior team with call sheets and production of
photo shoots.
• Assist with preparation of samples for photo shoots,
including POs and tracking charts.
• Taking notes and fitting with pattern maker, design team
and fit model.
• Prepare fit notes for pattern corrections as needed.
• Coordinate with marketing for timing on launches of
new products.
• Preparing tracking charts for production and samples in
work.
• Help communicate design calendar with Marketing to
ensure both teams schedules are met.
• Answering and replying to emails.
• Running production errands to assist design team.
• Contribute to team effort by taking on additional
initiatives as needed.
Qualifications:
BA/BFA degree or currently obtaining degree.
Incredibly organized/relishes in the fine details.
Experience measuring garments is preferred.
1+ year relevant experience in a fast-paced, creative
environment.
Must have basic Microsoft office or Google sheets know
how.
You are positive and supportive, able to work under pressure
with a helpful attitude.
You are comfortable working independently on organizational
projects.

16. Job no.’s 2, 3, and 4

17. Assistant Designer - Leather Accessories
4 years
Qualifications:
• 0-2 years experience in apparel or fashion-related
position/internship
• Degree in Apparel or Fashion (2-4 year program),
Accessory experience preferred (Scarves/Hats/Belts)
• Experience with CAD, Photoshop and Microsoft Office
Programs
• Flat sketching skills a plus
• Re-coloring and basic construction knowledge
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Effective time management and ability to stay
organized
• Able to adapt to a fast pace ever changing environment
• Collaborative team player
• Sense of urgency
Salary: $38,000
Responsibilities:
• Create, maintain and update all tech
packs
• Build line sheets
• Create and update CAD dolls
• Clean rough sketches from Designers
• Develop illustrations/sketches
• Track and update SRS; communicate
with sample coordinator
• Communicate status of samples to
merchandising
• Communicate with domestic and
overseas offices regarding production
issues (includes: tracking status, color
comments, strike offs)
• Create and maintain thumbnails
• File and maintain design library
• Pack and Ship DHL for Accessory Team

18. Designer Women’s Knits
3-4 years
Qualifications:
• College degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• Minimum of ten years design experience including 4
years of managerial experience
• Experience with CAD, Photoshop and Microsoft Office
programs
• Flat sketching skills
• Re-coloring
• Presentation skills
• Pattern knowledge, layout and repeats
• In-depth knowledge of garment construction
• Working knowledge of costing
• Knowledge of the wash/dye process, embellishments and
different fabrics
• Able to adapt to a fast pace ever changing environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and
ability to clearly articulate a point of view
Salary: $62,860
Responsibilities:
• Manage associate and assistant designers – guide and
encourage growth, conduct performance reviews, mentor
and coach
• Bring cohesive, seasonal, thoughtful, brand right,
strategic ideas to concept
• Interface/communicate with production and
merchandising
• Research and develop to stay aware of evolution of
trend, competition and our customer
• Design into specific price point based on business,
costing and merchant direction
• Develop illustrations/sketches/washes
• Make decisions related to your product category, such as
fit, wash, fabric, embellishments
• Bring newness/innovation to product category
• Oversee all tech packs
• Attend fittings when needed
• Create inspiration boards and concepts
• Present line
• Travel overseas as needed

19. Senior Designer-Denim
10 years
Salary: $151,000
Responsibilities:
Provides key contributions in setting overall direction of
conceptual development
Extensive experience with denim design and the ability to forecast
trends and fabrications
Possess full working knowledge of raw materials inherent to
Lucky Brand Jeans.
Fully responsible for ensuring
that product is consistent with
market trends as well as
business strategy
Interprets global and domestic
concepts and fashion trends as
it relates to market demands
Manage direct reports in all aspects of direction and development
Establish full working knowledge of lab dip procedure, washes and finishes;
Partner with Sourcing and Product Development in achieving desired
outcome
Possess knowledge of garment construction; Partner with Technical team in
achieving desired outcome.
Maintain frequent interaction with Technical Design Department and
outside vendors; Act as a technical resource for the pattern room in
troubleshooting specification and/or fit problems
Qualifications:
4+ years Denim Women's
experience.
Must have a strong ability to fit
jeans and create new fits.
Must have strong understanding of
denim washes and treatments.
Good understanding of
merchandising as it relates to sales
and store environment.
Computer skills: Microsoft, excel,
photo-shop and illustrator.
Collaborates with
Merchandising and
Product Development,
to visualize and
determine strategic
direction of business

20. Job no. 5

21. GAP Design Director, Men's
10 years
Qualifications:
• College degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• Minimum of ten years design experience including 4
years of managerial experience
• In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes.
• Excellent leadership/management skills.
• Ability to set overall creative tone and lead creative design
process.
• Excellent sense of style and color.
• Proven excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to deal with managerial issues (ie career
development, performance management).
• Ability to use personal computer.
• Frequent travel is required.
Salary: $178,000
Description:
• Sets overall global direction in the conceptual development of
product line(s).
• Consistently seeks out Global Innovation.
• Fully responsible for managing staff in all aspects of entire
product design process to include market research, mood
board creation, design, sketching, spacing and fit.
• Selects, trains, motivates and evaluates staff.
• Responsible for managing and providing creative direction to
design staff.
• In conjunction with Product Development management,
responsible for visualizing and determining strategic direction
of the global business; accountable for process improvement,
growing business and seeking opportunities to positively
affect division/company.
• Fully responsible for ensuring that product is consistent with
market trends as well as business strategy; interprets global
concepts and fashion trends as it relates to market demands,
company image and business strategy.
• Oversees selection of fabric and trim.
• Fully responsible for identifying and executing opportunities
for process improvement through immediate staff members.
• Provides overall recommendations and sets tone regarding
style and fit of product(s) during presentation.
• Ensures consistency of look between differing businesses
(e.g., adult/kid, accessory/apparel).
•

22. Potential side job

23. Cut and sew line
20 years
Salary: $0-infinity
Job description: Create a line with a
partner by putting our ideas into product.
We would get our own samples through a
sample sewer, find a producer to make the
product, market and package the product
and ship it to our customer.
Skills: Creative problem solving,
persistence, team management,
organization skills, money management,
prior fashion company experience
Estimated time: 10-20 years
Personalities: people with similar goals,
lifelong commitment to work, and share
similar values with me for my co-workers
and managed team.

24. How to excel in this industry
1. Work hard, don’t complain
2. Consistency is key
3. Offer up ideas at the right moment
4. Never lose your excitement
5. Work hard like a farm boy
6. Have a neurotic personality(nothing ever
feels completed)
7. Observe the rest of the world (music,
sports, art, literature)
Source
1. Come in early, leave late
2. Learn your strengths and weaknesses
3. Know your priorities
4. Rise above drama
5. Position yourself (location wise)
6. Stand out in an interview by preparing
Source
“You have to believe in the beauty of fashion, whether it's the power of colour, structure
or line. With fashion, you have to be enamoured by it, never fully understanding it and
always wanting to know more.” - Kelly Cutrone
Kelly Cutrone, People’s Revolution, Fashion PR Rachel Zoe, The Zoe Report creator

25. How to move on to the next level in this industry
Develop connections within the industry
Continue to develop skills on computer
Develop communication skills
Manage time more efficiently
Communicate with superiors and co-workers effectively
Further educate myself through books and or schooling
Learn Chinese /Spanish
Learn French/ Italian
Make something everyday
Sketch everyday
Write down ideas
Develop ideas
Execute on those ideas
Fail fast

26. How to reach top of organization
1. Seek line jobs- salespeople, sales managers, product managers,
foremen, supervisors, and general managers.
2. Do something difficult and solitary(raises toughness)-jogging in the
morning alone, studying for midterms, etc.
3. Do one hour of thinking a day- planning next season, planning next
year, budgeting, practicing pitches
4. Send hand written notes- these are more memorable than
emails/texts/phone calls. Thank you notes, Holiday Cards
5. Look sharp- clothes should fit company culture, professional
appearance, brush teeth, keep hair/fingernails clean. Polish shoes
regularly.
6. Be a part of the shouldn’t have club- take risks instead of being part
of the I should’ve club.
7. http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-to-become-the-ceo-
2015-3

27. What friends will think
Some may be upset because of time spent away.
Some will be proud of me.

28. How I will react
Surround myself with people that share the same goal
Set short term and long term goals

29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=735uH-zCgyw