Cara Leonard Email & Phone Number

Portland, Oregon Area

• Finding creative manufacturing solutions to conceptual designs, bringing any project from render to reality, while constantly upending boundaries of what we do• Working with sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Columbia to revamp stores, reinvigorate headquarters, and refresh marketing campaigns through 3D wall graphics, LED lighting, digital displays, seasonal elements, and seeding kits• Virtually prototyping products to ensure proper fitment and operation of all parts, while creating shop drawings, cut files, templates, and bills of materials, critical to producing hundreds of products, often with only 2 weeks lead time

Hillsboro, Or

• Using a process of iterative user centered design, transformed a cord free tablet charging hub into a mobile solution that is comfortable to grip, easy to carry, and quick to dock and undock for use in a variety of settings from hospitals, to restaurants, to retail stores• Developed visual identity for tablet docking stations in MTI’s ArmorActive tablet enclosure division. This was accomplished by designing a kit of interchangeable components that can create a floor kiosk, a tabletop point-of-sale terminal, or a wall mount. By using this kit of parts, the common elements built a visual identity and reduced costs by minimizing tooling• Expanded upon existing line of loss prevention devices, designing and prototyping mechanical adapters for each client’s unique merchandising needs while accounting for customer experience and ease of installation• Designed second generation of ArmorActive tabletop stands with improved features, including new pivoting/rotating axes, more mounting options, better cable management, and matching accessory stands for smartphones or credit card readers

Fairfield, Nj

• Designed new products through a process of sketching, creating 3D CAD models in SolidWorks, rendering photorealistic images in PhotoView 360, working with engineering teams, specifying colors and materials, building prototypes, sourcing manufacturers, and approving samples• Analyzed areas for product optimization through human factors testing and scouring online reviews to improve user experience and safety while addressing intellectual property and adhering to FDA regulations as necessary• Assessed feasibility of product by measuring efficacy, safety, and manufacturing cost, making changes whenever possible to successfully launch retail rollouts over 1,000,000 units per product• Managed graphic design team to establish and maintain brand identity of 80+ test products each year through continuity in logo, packaging, instructions, and commercials

Irvington, Nj

• Collaborated with clients to design POP displays, seasonal windows, and permanent retail fixtures according to their brand image, cost targets, and each store’s needs. Clients included Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Movado, Swarovski, Bottega Veneta, and J. Crew• Recreated store environments in SolidWorks to visualize retail space, then developed blueprints of new store fixtures used directly by in-house and overseas manufacturers• Spearheaded interdepartmental coordination for submitting bids, purchasing materials, fabrication, packing, transportation, and billing, taking on any of these tasks as needed• Performed site surveys nationally to ensure dimensional accuracy and tolerances so installation would go smoothly

Bachelor Of Fine Arts (Bfa), Industrial And Product Design

Education record

- Fundamentals of Milling: Clackamas Community College, Spring 2016 - Art Wire Welding: Portland Community College, Fall 2015 – Winter.