Hi, I’m
Allen Michalik
Sr. Project lead: Leadership team member, Director of New Ventures, Special Projects Lead
Bloomington,MN
Summary
Professional Project Design Lead with over 23 years of experience. Highly skilled agile multitasker and idea communicator across a wide variety of client segments/category brands. Accomplished at developing clear artistic direction and timely and constructive feedback to improve effective creative executions and challenge boundaries while being respectful to capabilities, budgets, and schedules. Proven success at defining and aligning vision with expectations, and responsible for ensuring the overall quality of deliverables by development staff.
Overview
23
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Whiteboard Product Solutions
Creative Project Manager
09.2014 - Current
Job overview
- Managing 5 to 15 creative processes from concept to completion.
- Handled client communications and led meetings, providing clear direction and consistent updates on design progress.
- Maintained timeline and budget guidelines for daily operations and all projects.
- Hired, developed and managed creative services team of internal employees and freelancers.
- Coach and mentor creative services team across departments.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Understood, educated, and presented to company and to clients.
- Partnered closely with senior leadership and creative team to accumulate and disseminate best practices.
- Design, create and implement creative brand strategies.
- Sourced, vetted, and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Provide design direction in collaboration with compelling creative storytelling
- Guide projects through development and responsible for overall quality of work.
Hasbro
Senior Designer Project Manager
09.2012 - 08.2014
Job overview
- Established and enforced project timelines and deadlines 1+ years to 6 months.
- Researched design trends, technology, and processes and directed work of design team .
- Chaired design team meetings and issued action items.
- Communicated project updates to stakeholders at all levels.
- Wrote, updated, and maintained project documentation.
- Managed and expedited complex projects.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully complete projects.
- Created materials and designs in Adobe and MS Office Suite for use in presentations and communications.
Mattel
Senior Product Designer
09.2009 - 08.2012
Job overview
- Collaborated with teams of engineers and technology specialists to develop new products.
- Brainstormed with peers and other members of design team to determine enhancements and product features for new and existing brands.
- Identified changes in project scope and modified job schedule accordingly.
- Wrote comprehensive instructional manuals for new products and additional support documentation.
- Contacted proper stakeholders to share changes to project scope and timelines.
- Managed multiple projects effectively in demanding environments with tight deadlines.
- Suggested enhancements to product design that would improve user experience.
- Created visuals and renderings communicating product design concepts.
- Converted project specifications into drawings and other materials that would be used to create product.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Radica Games
Senior Product Designer
01.2000 - 08.2009
Job overview
- Collaborated with team of engineers and technology experts to develop new products.
- Produced rapid prototypes to prove out functions.
- Traveled to manufacturing facilities to evaluate product creation and resolve issues.
- Followed quality control procedures.
- Researched and identified best-fit materials and technologies for new products.
- Brainstormed with peers and other members of design team to determine enhancements and product features.
- Created game UI / UX program flow charts
- Created 3D CAD files for manufacturing using Solid Works that met economics, ascetics, and manufacturing requirements.
- Managed multiple projects effectively in demanding environment with tight deadlines
- Created visuals and renderings communicating product design concepts
- Converted project specifications into drawings and other materials that would be used to create product
Education
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Inc, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bachelor of Science from Industrial And Product Design
05.1999
University Overview
- Honoree of magna cum laude
- IDSA Merit Award
Meramec Community College, Kirkwood, MO
No Degree from Graphic Design
Skills
- Program Leadership
- Proposal Creation
- Creative Thinking
- Training Junior Team Members
- Concept Development
- Process Improvement Initiatives
- Effective Communication
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Department Development
- Emotional Intelligence
- Adobe CC Suite
- Office 365 suite
Accomplishments
- 2023- Launch of major DOW 30 corporation initiative to improving the post-customer experience across entire private consumer product brands. Setting up system methods, standards, brand guide, templates, tools, and training materials. Accommodating the wide range of experience, capabilities, and access of the end-users
- 2020- B4 adventures Slackers Build-A-Branch™ and Adventure Treehouse™
- 2019-Stratasys additive manufacturing Aerospace trade show display.
- 2015-TOTY “Game of the Year” | 2014 National Parent Product Awards “Game of the Year” for Hasbro “Simon Swipe”
- 2011-Q4 Mattel “Best at Play Award” for Innovation, Project Planning and Execution with Exceptional Energy and Spirit.
2011-Mattel BIG IDEA: “People’s Choice Award for new girl’s collectable line” (Confidential) - 2011-PopSci: “Tech Toy of the Year” for Mattel “Mind Flex Duel,” selling 150k+ units year 1.
- 2009-Top 10 Amazon Christmas picks “Electronic Toy” & Mattel “Inventor Tech Toy of the Year” for Radica U-create Music.
- 2008-Head of development for first of its kind texting device - Radica Girl Tech “IM-me”.
- 2007-Patented design and engineering development for Radica PSP Media Station and PSP 3in1 Grip “#1 PSP Accessory”
- 2007-Patented design and engineering development for Radica
- 2004-Fast-track development and launch of Radica “World Poker Tour” licensed handheld electronics.
- 1996 BSA “Eagle Scout” rank
Certification
- Mattel Learning center
Brain Blast Brainstorming techniques 2011 - SMU COX, Dallas, TX 2007
Competing Through People: A Certificate Program in Leadership
Biking, Hiking, Camping
I love the outdoors through activities of Mt. Biking, Hiking and Camping with my family, friends and my sons Scout troop.
Timeline
Creative Project Manager
Whiteboard Product Solutions
09.2014 - Current
Senior Designer Project Manager
Hasbro
09.2012 - 08.2014
Senior Product Designer
Mattel
09.2009 - 08.2012
Senior Product Designer
Radica Games
01.2000 - 08.2009
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Inc
Bachelor of Science from Industrial And Product Design
Meramec Community College
No Degree from Graphic Design
- Mattel Learning center
Brain Blast Brainstorming techniques 2011 - SMU COX, Dallas, TX 2007
Competing Through People: A Certificate Program in Leadership
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