Leonard Lim
I have recently finished working as Head of Design / Product Design Manager for the last 8 years. I have progressed from graphic designer through to leading the design team.
I have decided to take a new direction of running my own design company.
In the meantime, i am looking for casual / temporary / contract work.
- Design Skills: Creative thinking, translating limited briefs, creating and developing design concepts for product, print design and packaging, typography and Web design.
- Product Development Skills: Understanding of the product lifecycle, product ranging decisions determined by sales, strong research ability and keep up-to-date trend, understanding of fabrics & materials, problem solving.
- Marketing and Advertising Skills: Product presentation, trade show presentation, online/offline marketing support.
- Management Skills: Decision making, motivating staff, staff development, time management, capable of working under pressure/to deadlines, contributions to company strategy.
- Communication & Team Skills: Excellent visual communication, maintaining strong relationships with customers & suppliers, contributions to company strategy.
- Technical Skills: Pre-press production, colour separation, photography and/or photographic direction.
- Computer Skills: Excellent in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop. Advance in Indesign, Macromedia Dreamweaver, proficient in Microsoft Office package.
Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand | Bachelor of Art & Design | Completed 2003
Central Academy of Art, Malaysia | Diploma in Graphic Design | Completed 2001
Period 14/06/2004 to 1/08/11
Organisation DQ Company Limited, Auckland Office
Position Head of Design
Responsibilities
• Lead and direct the design team through the entire creative process from concept development, artwork design, product specification, sample assessment, product sign-off and product completion. I am responsible for ensuring that the Director’s vision is translated for the design team.
• Manage all brands individually to ensure consistent use and presentation of each, with an overall commonality of DQco design.
• Organise and manage all product and branding requirements for local and international trade shows.
• Drive constant improvements and redevelopment to ensure that the brands and products remain ahead of the competition through market awareness.
• Develop and organise internal and external product presentations to ensure that they are professional, engaging and persuasive.
• Undertake market research to assist our design team to develop new products and refine current products, as well analysing competitors’ products.
• Develop and manage commercial relationships with domestic and overseas suppliers, including local printers, colour separators, photographers, freelance designers, website creators and overseas suppliers.
• When required, negotiate supply agreements, including approaching suppliers for quotes, negotiating costs and terms of supply in support of the sourcing team.
• Monitor domestic and overseas suppliers to ensure quality control for all products through sampling and reviewing mass production on arrival to the warehouse.
• Train, supervise and evaluate staff performance to ensure the company’s high creative standard and production process is maintained. Support the design team in development and training.
• Design, manage and monitor the company’s E-commerce websites and online marketing campaigns.
• Developed and maintained quality standards for products to ensure performance and reliability of goods produced and in turn brand recognition on the market for a high caliber product. DQco now supply to a distributor in Japan, a market where high quality standards are required.
• Set design parameters, expectation and standards for creative team not only work execution but similarly in their work attitude, behaviour, teamwork and professionalism ensuring team culture is paramount and staff enjoy the environment.
• Managed product requirements and branding for annual trade fairs in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Managed & exhibited along with the DQco team in Germany.
• Designed processes across key stakeholders in each department to ensure the creative process runs smoothly. Processes include product specification document (for sales and operations input), product development working document (as a mechanic to ensure each design team member understands their timeframe and next expected input), and project tracking document (transparency to the business regarding workload and completion timeframes).
Brand Specific Achievements
• DQ Company (www.dqcompany.com)
DQco has evolved from a small New Zealand giftware importing business to a global travel accessories brand in my time with the company. As the business has grown so has my role and responsibilities from graphic designer through to leading the design team - including an assistant designer and sourcing agent as well as a product development and marketing assistant. My skill base has grown, including decision making, becoming the in-house fabric and material specialist and independent range creation and development.
Within this brand, four ranges are offered to the market twice annually, selling in 13 countries. The designs are varied whilst being true to the brand, and have a wide global appeal. The continued success and unique designs of the brand has seen huge growth into new markets such as Korea, Japan, and the Philippines during the last 12 months with new opportunities in major retailers throughout Australia and the USA.
• DQco E-Commerce Website (www.dqcompany.com)
Recently in February, we introduced a global e-commerce platform into our site. I have been involved in the website design and development with minimal support and guidance. I have utilized my strong design skills to give the website its look and feel whilst maintaining a strong focus on the functionality and usability. This project has given me opportunity to study and understand the features and advantages of e-commerce and how it applies to our business. During the development I have seen the advantages of an online platform promoting an unlimited number of products, increasing
sales, reducing internal workload and offering product support for wholesalers, retailers and distributors.
• NZ Identity Designer Souvenirs (www.nzidentity.org)
NZ Identity launched into the market 6 years ago, with a small offering of Kiwi inspired souvenir products with a designer look and feel. I have contributed to the creation and development of this brand with a focus on not only offering visitors a point of difference but also offering local New Zealanders icons to cherish. With a national following, the brand continues to thrive in the market.
• idkoop – (www.idkoop.com)
On the success of NZ Identity, Aus Identity was developed and established in the Australian market. As DQco grew into other countries, it became evident this idea of localized souvenir could be developed for every country. The brand idkoop was formed to enable the introduction of country specific souvenirs across the globe. My strong research ability and insights obtained into local markets have enabled production of strong designs appreciated by visitors and locals alike. The brand maintains an overall style seen throughout the different countries, and generates a global following.
The brand has now become well-known across Australia and we have recently had the opportunity to design exclusively for the Sydney Opera House. Other exclusive customers include Newslink, Discover & Australia Way each with their own brand specific product as well as our core range.
• Exclusives
I have produced designs specific to a customer requirement for both promotional activity and as core ranges in large chain stores throughout our key markets. Customers include Whitcoulls, Living & Giving, Angus & Robertson, Borders, nood & Kathmandu.
Available on Request
M: 021 49 33 39
E: designbyleonard@gmail.com
Member Profile
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