Gi Kim
Edgewater,United States
Summary
Versatile industrial designer and creative director with a strong, proven record of leading cross-functional teams from concept through production, while maintaining brand integrity, generating savings, and driving innovation. Committed to sustainable design with proven success in streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing forward-thinking solutions.
Known for building effective relationships across all organizational levels to support business goals. A motivated and results-driven professional with extensive experience in the beauty industry, skilled in balancing team performance, operational efficiency, and customer expectations. Decisive leader with strong planning, problem-solving, and organizational abilities, dedicated to optimizing procedures and fostering team growth in fast-paced environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Asst. Manager, Visual Merchandising Development
Estée Lauder Companies
New York, NY
05.2022 - Current
- Led VM initiatives for Estée Lauder, Le Labo, and Clinique brands to ensure design excellence and brand consistency.
- Collaborated with multiple brand teams on design engineering, printing, and production to align project goals.
- Managed execution of VM programs from promotional campaigns to permanent fixtures within budget and timelines.
- Drove innovation in sustainability for VM displays by integrating eco-friendly materials to enhance brand reputation.
- Spearheaded vendor recruitment, achieving cost savings of 20 to 40% across multiple brands' promotional programs.
- Challenged outside vendors to adopt sustainable practices in material sourcing and production.
- Conducted research on new materials and manufacturing techniques to enhance display quality.
- Assisted in development of graphic design collateral to support VM initiatives.
Senior Industrial/Packaging Designer
Merkury Innovations
New York, NY
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Developed packaging solutions for consumer electronics to enhance usability and market appeal.
- Engineered primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging components along with graphics.
- Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to deliver high-quality design mockups and prototypes.
- Ensured standardization across all packaging designs to maintain brand consistency.
Short-Term Freelance: Sr. Graphic/Packaging Designer
32 Degrees
New York, NY
01.2021 - 02.2021
- Designed packaging and graphics for the Men’s Division, producing production-ready artwork and mockups that adhered to stringent quality standards.
Creative Director
ICON International
Greenwich, CT
12.2018 - 09.2020
- Established inaugural Creative Department, streamlining operations and improving production efficiency.
- Managed high-profile projects for retailers including Costco, CVS, and Walmart from inception to execution.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering a collaborative culture that promoted innovative design solutions.
Sr. Design Manager / Sr. Conceptual Designer
Preferred Displays, Inc.
Clifton, NJ
06.2015 - 12.2018
- Produced engaging 3D renderings for prestigious cosmetic brands, exceeding client expectations and enhancing brand visibility.
- Led the design and development of Revlon’s first high-end mall kiosk and set a new industry standard.
Sr. Dual Skill Designer
West Rock
Totowa, NJ
10.2013 - 05.2015
- Developed impactful temporary packaging displays for Johnson & Johnson, enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement through innovative designs.
Sr. Graphic Designer
TimBar Packaging & Displays, Inc.
Fair Lawn, NJ
09.2011 - 10.2013
- Led the Graphic Department by managing designers and freelancers to generate striking conceptual 3D designs while guaranteeing exceptional production artworks and efficient prototype creation for client presentations.
Sr. Structural and Graphic Designer / Project Mgr.
Packaging Corp. of America
Cranbury, NJ
04.2004 - 09.2011
- Managed comprehensive project lifecycles, collaborating closely with clients to deliver designs that met specifications and brand guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Design
Kean University
New Jersey05-2000
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe XD
- Artios CAD
- Autodesk – 3D Studio MAX
- Autodesk – Auto CAD
- Rhino 3D
- V-Ray
- Keyshot
- Sketch
- Figma (For UI/UX)
- Invision
- Visual merchandising
- Design engineering
- Graphic design
- Packaging solutions
- Sustainable practices
- Project management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Brand consistency
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Vendor management
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Business development understanding
- Goal setting
- Business development
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Budget management
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Project management abilities
- Meeting facilitation
- Strategic planning
- Strategic thinking
- Time management
- Cost control
- Cost reduction
- Staying proactive
- Staying on top of latest trends
Languages
English, Korean
Hobbies and Interests
Chess, Video Games, Cooking, Making Craft Cocktails, Instagram, Travel, Dining and trying different cuisines, Watching Movies, Learning AR / VR, Running, Weightlifting, Poker
Accomplishments
- POP Design Award for temporary displays in 2006
- Generating savings of 20-40% by introducing new outside suppliers to be more competitive.
Certification
- UX Design Certification in August 2020.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Korean
Native/ Bilingual
Affiliations
- Volunteer at God's Love We Deliver food pantry in NYC.
- Volunteer at NY Common Pantry in Harlem, NYC.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Asst. Manager, Visual Merchandising Development
Estée Lauder Companies
05.2022 - Current
Senior Industrial/Packaging Designer
Merkury Innovations
05.2021 - 04.2022
Short-Term Freelance: Sr. Graphic/Packaging Designer
32 Degrees
01.2021 - 02.2021
Creative Director
ICON International
12.2018 - 09.2020
Sr. Design Manager / Sr. Conceptual Designer
Preferred Displays, Inc.
06.2015 - 12.2018
Sr. Dual Skill Designer
West Rock
10.2013 - 05.2015
Sr. Graphic Designer
TimBar Packaging & Displays, Inc.
09.2011 - 10.2013
Sr. Structural and Graphic Designer / Project Mgr.
Packaging Corp. of America
04.2004 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Design
Kean University
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