Hi, I’m
Katherine Johnson
Color and Fabric Assistant Manager
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Creative and detail-driven fashion professional with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Apparel & Textile design. Blends strong technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and garment construction with a sharp instinct for color, fabric, trends, and consumer needs. Known for translating market insights into fresh ideas, staying organized in fast‑moving environments, and collaborating seamlessly across teams to deliver on‑brand results.
Overview
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Meijer Corporate
Color & Fabric Assistant
10.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Independently managed the Fabric & Color department in the absence of a manager, overseeing all seasonal material and color development.
- Conduct trend research across multiple platforms and translate insights into direction aligned with Meijer’s customer profile and aspirational needs.
- Develop seasonal color trend boards based on comprehensive research from industry and consumer trend sources.
- Support NIT and Kids teams in Product Development by researching market‑specific color trends and building cohesive color palettes aligned with overarching seasonal themes.
- Color‑match fabric and trim samples to Pantone standards to ensure accuracy and consistency across categories.
- Maintain and organize the material library to ensure efficient access and accurate seasonal reference.
- Create, identify, and manage seasonal materials for 10+ brands within PLM, ensuring all data is accurate, complete, and aligned with testing results and PD requirements.
- Source and recommend fashion‑forward materials for Product Development to incorporate into upcoming collections.
- Communicate with GSO partners to align on brand vision and support execution across global teams.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions.
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
- Developed training materials for new hires, improving onboarding efficiency and knowledge retention.
Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
Textile Designer & Design Assistant
01.2020 - 03.2022
Job overview
- Transform original artwork by adjusting color, scale, and composition in Photoshop to produce fresh, market‑ready textile prints.
- Built and rendered more than 100 repeat patterns, print layouts, and embellishment designs for production.
- Conduct trend, market, and consumer research to inform seasonal concept development and product direction.
- Execute garment construction through hand and machine sewing; create patterns, technical sketches, and hand illustrations.
- Generate detailed specifications and original tech packs for new styles, ensuring accuracy throughout development.
- Update and maintain tech packs across all stages of the production cycle.
- Measure factory samples, record variances, and communicate corrections to ensure quality standards.
- Lead fit sessions, document revisions, and prepare clear, actionable instructions for overseas suppliers.
- Communicate daily with international factories and partners to support timely, accurate garment development and production.
- Coordinate seasonal photoshoots and assist with image editing, retouching, and asset preparation.
- Support digital and marketing teams by creating visual assets for brand platforms and social media.
- Manage domestic and international sample shipping and logistics.
- Assist with customer service needs and maintain physical inventory, samples, and stock.
- Train, onboard, and support newly hired team members to ensure smooth integration and workflow efficiency.
Michigan State University
Student Research Assistant
12.2018 - 05.2019
Job overview
- From Waste to Want: Upcycling Plastic Threads with Community" - Created installation panels made up of plastic bags, for upcoming exhibition at Scene Metrospace Art Gallery
- Deconstructing and upcycling recycled old MSU vinyl banners into tote bags.
- Cutting, crocheting and knitting over 300 plastic bags into new reusable bags and coasters.
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment
- Built and maintained professional relationships with students and faculty members
Adrianna Papell
Design Intern
06.2018 - 08.2018
Job overview
- Research and trend analysis.
- Hand sketched and digitally rendered original designs for the upcoming season.
- Assisted technical design by analyzing garments during fittings and adjusting the patterns for production.
- Garment alterations for sample room.
Iziko Museums
Curatorial Assistant
06.2017 - 09.2017
Job overview
- Taught children ages 4-10 years old various different textile design and printing techniques in the community of Capetown, South Africa
- Researched South African textile design techniques and visited over 20 different museums throughout Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa.
- Learned and practiced multiple different textile design techniques from local artisans such as screen printing, potato printing, lino-cuting, etching, carving, burning etc.
- Assisted in planning, artwork selection, installment and disassembly of exhibits.
- Designer/Seamstress of display mounts for textile exhibitions.
- Conservator apprentice of archive and all 11 historic sites under the Iziko Museum Umbrella.
- Photographed and catalogued diverse works to prepare for upcoming exhibitions.
- Engaged in hands-on training with gallery's curatorial team to advance curatorial skills in real-world setting.
Education
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI
Bachelors of Fine Arts from Apparel & Textile Design
05-2019
University Overview
- Michigan State University Apparel & Textile Design Fashion Show
March 2019Best in Show at the annual Apparel & Textile Design Fashion Show held at Michigan State University. My design was inspired by the juxtaposition of Nature and Architecture, more specifically the Bonsai Tree and the Eiffel Tower. - Michigan State University Social Justice Art Festival
February 2019Won the Best Artistic Display People's Choice Award for my light transfer screen printed textile design series inspired by the heightened Black maternal death rates during childbirth. - Statewide Michigan Collegiate Art Exhibition
February 2019Placed 3rd at the Michigan Collegiate Art Exhibition for a light transfer screen printed textile design series I created, inspired by the heightened Black maternal death rate during childbirth. - Michigan State University Apparel & Textile Design Exhibition
December 2017Best Fashion Illustrations in show
Skills
- Exceptionally accurate eye for color
- Detail Oriented
- Creative Thinking
- Technical Design
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Visual arts: painting, sketching
- Microsoft Excel
- Organizational skills
- Womenswear design
- Flexible and Adaptable
Accomplishments
- Gucci Change Makers Art Exhibition
July 2022 - Textile design featured in 2022 Gucci Changemaker Art Exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art & Design in Detroit, MI - Gucci Change Makers- Detroit Month of Design
September 2020 - Selected as one of the Artists for 'Design in The City (a UNESCO event funded by Gucci Changemakers) to create my own solo apparel & textile design exhibition in the restaurant 'The Kitchen' during Detroit Month of Design.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Color & Fabric Assistant
Meijer Corporate
10.2024 - Current
Textile Designer & Design Assistant
Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese
01.2020 - 03.2022
Student Research Assistant
Michigan State University
12.2018 - 05.2019
Design Intern
Adrianna Papell
06.2018 - 08.2018
Curatorial Assistant
Iziko Museums
06.2017 - 09.2017
Michigan State University
Bachelors of Fine Arts from Apparel & Textile Design