Frank Varela: in Arlington, VA

Design and create packaging and branding for toys. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency.

Provided freelance design services for clients nationwide, specializing in branding and packaging design.

Manage the creative process from concept to completion, work in partnership with Brightz staff on retail package designs, supervise plus mentor a young creative staff, collaborate with management to create strategic marketing plans, interface with freelancers/outside vendors, manage the Brightz brand campaigns across all channels both in print and all digital media platforms.

Creation and design of specialty and intellectual property packaging. Position was cut short due to company's issues during the financial crisis brought on by Covid 19.

Overseeing the design of packaging and internal/external marcom projects, art directing photo shoots as well as sales/promotional videos, directing the design of rebrands as well as gate-keeping the execution of existing brands, managing the creative services staff workload, mentoring members of my team, negotiating with as well as maintaining a stable of reliable freelancers/outside vendors, and staying within budget for the year.

Designing as well as the creation of toy packaging for preschool toy brands (PAW Patrol, Rusty Rivets).

Design and art direction of toy packaging for both mass distribution and collector markets, manage and coordinate projects with vendors and counterparts of the Mattel Hong Kong office, organize and lead brainstorms for best strategic positioning of product with marketing and product design departments.

Design and art direction of trade show graphics, premiums, and satisfying company wide design needs.

Design and art direction of one sheets, trade show graphics, sales collateral for MIPCOM (an international trade show), and oversaw freelancers as well as other creative staff.