Amanda Rodriguez
Denver,CO
Summary
Dynamic designer with a proven track record, excelling in apparel trend analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Spearheaded collections generating $66 million in sales, showcasing strong technical sketching, and creative problem-solving skills. Adept at mentoring junior designers and managing product lifecycles, ensuring innovative, market-aligned designs that captivate and engage.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Designer/Graphic Artist
COCO BRANDS
New York, NY
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Conducted market research to inform design decisions and trends analysis.
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and specifications.
- Reviewed and revised designs based on feedback from clients and team members.
- Worked with the development team to ensure a smooth transition from concept to production-ready assets.
Designer- Casual Woven Tops
CATO CORPORATIONS
Charlotte, NC
05.2024 - 02.2025
- Responsible for designing a $200 million sales category, with CWT contributing $66 million in sales.
- Designed monthly apparel collections that align with market trends and customer preferences, with SKUs ranging from 20 to 60 styles.
- Updated key programs and launched new initiatives, such as high-price-point collections and plus-size exclusives.
- Created detailed technical sketches and specifications for production teams.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on product development, fabric selection, color palettes, and styling details.
- Participated in daily fittings and benchmark meetings, ensuring that fit, quality, and design concepts were presented in a clear and concise manner.
- Tracked the product lifecycle from concept to completion in the PLM FLEX system, as well as owned the end-to-end design process from sketch to final tech pack.
Designer- Knit Bottoms & Jackets
CATO CORPORATIONS
Charlotte, NC
02.2022 - 06.2024
- Created a monthly flow of new styles ranging from 20 to 30 SKUs, while offering updates to key programs.
- Modified styles from Missy to Plus to align with the Plus customer needs.
- Designed tailored workwear, resort wear, and everyday essential capsules.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative design concepts.
- Created detailed technical specifications for garment production and quality control.
- Researched fabric trends and sourced materials for new product lines.
- Developed mood boards to communicate design inspiration and direction effectively.
- Participated in fitting sessions, providing feedback on fit and style adjustments.
Interim Designer- Woven Bottoms & Jackets
CATO CORPORATIONS
Charlotte, NC
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Designed monthly collections aligning with current fashion trends and client preferences, with SKUs ranging from 20 to 40 styles, while also maintaining the Knit Bottoms and Jackets category.
- Maintained and updated core programs, while rolling out new fashion capsules.
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure quality standards and timely delivery.
- Developed detailed technical sketches for garment construction and production specifications.
- Researched materials and textiles to select appropriate fabrics for designs.
- Managed fittings, adjusting designs based on client feedback and fit evaluations.
Designer- Sleep, Active, Lounge, Lifestyle
CATO CORPORATIONS
Charlotte, NC
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Design lead, responsible for the monthly creation of capsule collections across four categories.
- Developed mood boards to communicate design inspiration and direction effectively.
- Managed project timelines to ensure on-time delivery of design prototypes.
- Managed all aspects of the design process from initial concept through final production.
- Worked closely with sales reps to ensure products were meeting customer expectations.
- Responsible for the direction of print, color, graphics, and styles from concept to final product.
- Attended daily fittings to ensure the best representation of the garment.
- Mentored junior designers on design techniques and industry best practices.
- Researched fabric trends and sourced materials for new product lines.
Senior Designer- Dearfoams, Tommy Hilfiger, Lucky Brands, Caterpillar & Character Licenses
CENTRIC BRANDS
New York, NY
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Lead a small design team of four to achieve and accomplish specific design goals and tasks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop multiple seasonal collections.
- Executed organized, and thorough technical development packages.
- Produced custom prints, appliqués, and graphics tailored to each season.
- Reviewed 3D renderings of garments and prints with the Final Art team to ensure the best representation of the garment.
Designer- Nicole Miller, Adrienne Vittadini, Private Label Sleepwear and Loungewear
DREAMWEAR, INC.
New York, NY
08.2019 - 01.2021
- Head Designer for the Nicole Miller Sleepwear label, managing the collection's timeline to ensure brand consistency and quality.
- Contributed to and launched two new private-label brands in major retailers, generating revenues from $100K to $500K in their first year.
- Managed the design and print team that oversaw the two private-label brands.
- Oversaw and managed the workload and collections of my direct report for the Adrienne Vittadini sleepwear label.
Associate Designer- Dearfoams Sleepwear and Loungewear
DREAMWEAR, INC.
New York, NY
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Researched market trends and collaborated with cross-functional teams to create seasonal collections.
- Managed technical development packages, including sketches, fabrics, trims, and colors.
- Communicated with overseas factories to ensure smooth production and timely deliveries.
- Attend daily fittings.
- Approve strike-offs, prints, and lab dips.
Designer/Graphic Artist- Intimates, Sleepwear and Activewear
UNDERBOSS PRODUCTIONS, LLC
New York, NY
05.2014 - 08.2018
- Developed innovative design concepts to align with brand identity and client needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive project execution and delivery.
- Utilized software tools for creating visual mockups and prototypes for client presentations.
- Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, adhering to timelines and project specifications.
- Mentored junior designers on best practices and effective design methodologies.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends to enhance creative solutions and designs.
Designer, Photo Editor- Izod boy's & men's Outerwear
CDB APPAREL INC.
New York, NY
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Create innovative, on-trend designs for infant, toddler, boys, men, and big men's bottoms, including denim, cargos, shorts, and pocket details in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their design needs and preferences.
- Reviewed and revised designs based on client feedback and project requirements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Design and Merchandising
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA01.2012
Skills
- Technical sketching
- Apparel trend analysis
- Fabric sourcing
- Product lifecycle management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Creative problem solving
- Mentoring junior designers
- Patterning skills
- Adobe creative suite
- Art direction
- Product development
- Brand management
- Team leadership
- Garment construction
- Cost estimation
- Apparel production
- Trend forecasting
- Material selection
- Fit analysis
- Vendor relations
- 3D Apparel Design- Basic (CLO)
Affiliations
- Outdoor Adventure: Hiking, cycling, road tripping.
- Sustainable Hobby Sewist
- Crossfit, Yoga, Cycling, Running, all things fitness.
- Painting, Lino-printing, all things art.
- Learning the Drums
Life Events
Moved to Denver, Colorado, 06/01/25
Timeline
Contract Designer/Graphic Artist
COCO BRANDS
04.2025 - 07.2025
Designer- Casual Woven Tops
CATO CORPORATIONS
05.2024 - 02.2025
Designer- Knit Bottoms & Jackets
CATO CORPORATIONS
02.2022 - 06.2024
Interim Designer- Woven Bottoms & Jackets
CATO CORPORATIONS
02.2022 - 12.2022
Designer- Sleep, Active, Lounge, Lifestyle
CATO CORPORATIONS
10.2021 - 02.2022
Senior Designer- Dearfoams, Tommy Hilfiger, Lucky Brands, Caterpillar & Character Licenses
CENTRIC BRANDS
01.2021 - 10.2021
Designer- Nicole Miller, Adrienne Vittadini, Private Label Sleepwear and Loungewear
DREAMWEAR, INC.
08.2019 - 01.2021
Associate Designer- Dearfoams Sleepwear and Loungewear
DREAMWEAR, INC.
08.2018 - 06.2019
Designer/Graphic Artist- Intimates, Sleepwear and Activewear
UNDERBOSS PRODUCTIONS, LLC
05.2014 - 08.2018
Designer, Photo Editor- Izod boy's & men's Outerwear
CDB APPAREL INC.
08.2013 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Science - Design and Merchandising
Drexel University
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