Bike

Lifestyle

Outdoor

Technical Designer/Product Developer

• Managed the development and fit of Blair Apparel line, including wovens & knits; tops, bottoms, dresses,
sweaters, athletic wear, outerwear, & swimwear. Size classes include Missy, Petite, Regular, Tall & Plus.
• Directed fit sessions, created fit reports, and communicated daily with vendors and manufacturers.
• Improved the efficiency of the workflow: reduced fit sample turn-over time by 40%, and technical
development time by 25%.
• Revised patterns as necessary to correct fit.
• Worked closely with Sourcing and Merchandising departments in order to merge customer-focused
aesthetic with production-friendly construction.
• Analyzed returns percentages, and took action to improve high returning styles.
• Reviewed and adjusted grade rules as necessary for new and existing styles.
• Increased profit margins by suggesting more cost-efficient construction methods where appropriate.
• Evaluated compliance testing reports & traveled to testing labs to ensure factory compliance.

• Enhanced and expanded the brand in collaboration with the owner by researching new trends in fit, silhouette and fabrication, and helping to create a new look for the line. As a result of this effort, sales for the Spring 2015 collection increased 24% from Spring 2014.
• Created a new system for tech design and QC that allowed the development process to run in a more efficient and effective manner. Self-started to build, lead & maintain the workflow of the tech dept.
• Created and revised patterns for new styles, and constructed 1st samples for fit and production.
• Lead a team of interns, including hiring and evaluation (2 direct reports at a time); and expanded the intern program at AoC.
• Directed fit sessions. Refined & standardized the overall fit of the brand.
• Standardized grade rules for the brand.
• Communicated with vendors and contractors to ensure quality and consistency on patterns and fit.
• Visited factories to better manage processes and expectations.

Lead Technical Designer/ Pattern Maker

• Pushed the direction of the brands, and brought innovative design concepts to the line.
• Oversaw product development through concept, fabrication, production and merchandising.
Collaborated with other departments to perfect the detail, fit and cost of each piece.
• Conducted thorough trend & market research. Presented trend reports to the sales & executive teams.
• Found creative product solutions within tight cost constraints in order to hit our profit margin targets.
• Traveled for trend research & materials sourcing. Built relationships with contractors & suppliers.
• Encouraged the initiative and innovation of our interns while managing their tasks and projects.
• Sought out insight and feedback from customers in our market while working trade shows.
• Co-directed fast-paced photo shoots in order to bring the design team’s vision for the line to life.

Designer of Performance Apparel

• Contributed to the development of cohesive, seasonal collections through research & innovative design.
• Oversaw the entire product cycle from concept through production. Became a liaison between
departments in order to ensure timely completion of the process for each style.
• Took the initiative to become the primary contact person for our overseas contractors. Communicated
with them daily and answered any questions they had about production.
• Created, organized and maintained all line sheets and individual style info for 6 separate lines.
• Created design & tech packs, and ensured that our contractors received all necessary samples & info.
• Reviewed fit samples from contractors to ensure quality standards.
• Analyzed lab dips & strike-offs, and communicated my reviews to manufacturers.
• Researched and sourced on-trend, price appropriate materials, and kept records of their use in our lines.
• Sketched technical flats, both by hand and in Adobe Illustrator.

Associate Designer/Production Assistant

• Worked directly with the head designers through the design and development process; including
sketch concepts, prototype garments, production samples and design & tech packages.
• Prepared samples for production by measuring specs and creating grading charts for all styles.
• Created import design and tech packs; including textiles & trims, embroidery/color layouts, BOM’s,
garment specs, sewing instructions & fitting notes.
• Lead communication with overseas factories regarding design, production, and sourcing details.
• Consulted with the head designers and head technical designer during fittings.
• Sketched technical flats and illustrations, and made layouts for color and embroidery.

Assistant Technical Designer (contract position)

• Worked and learned from the owners of the company in the areas of design, production,
merchandising, and creating/running a small business.
• Created original design concepts, as well as a small capsule collection for the Nasaani brand.
• Seized the opportunity for any and all learning experiences, including sourcing new materials,
communicating with potential contractors and buyers, and reaching out to local venues to set up
trunk shows.

Design Intern

Find out detailed information about Jessica Nitchmann, Technical Designer/Product Developer in Jamestown, NY

Jessica Nitchmann: Technical Designer/Product Developer in Jamestown, NY

Jessica Nitchmann

Bluestem Brands

Art of Cloth

Perform Group LLC

Jessica McClintock

Betsey Johnson

Nasaani

Washington University in St. Louis