Jim Wendol Email & Phone Number

United States

I have been working closely with various clients for many years, conceptualizing and creating original pieces of artwork, helping to bring their personal vision to life. With my years of experience, diverse style and ability to translate and synthesize direction, I have been able to work on a broad array of projects through the years. Some of my past and present clients include: DKNY Jeans, U.S. Polo Assn., Kenneth Cole, J.Crew Factory, Bass Pro Shop, Ascend, Red Head, Bob Timberlake, Mexx, Tim Gunn, Amy Coe, Liz Claiborne, Colgate, Toys R US, as well as many independent companies. I also have extensive experience working on licensed character brands, including Disney, Nickelodeon, Marvel, Lucas, Universal, Pokémon, Nintendo.My specialties include, but not limited to:• digital and hand-drawn graphics and illustrations for apparel and print• logo development and brand identity• repeat patterns and prints• package design and product development

Sports And Entertainment Licensing Group

VP of Creative Direction for the Licensed Character, Lionel Messi, Gap and Private Label Sleepwear and Sportswear Division (Infant-Adult, both genders)• Direct a Division of 21 Artists to develop graphics, prints, trims, packaging and presentations.Design Director and Senior Graphic Artist for the Knit Hosiery, Legwear, Footwear and Accessory Division. • Developed unique designs for all categories of socks, 3D slippers, rain boots and winter boots, as well as gift sets and box sets for both genders in all size ranges from infant through adult.• Led a team of Designers to develop original and trend right Seasonal product lines. • Created impactful Product Development Boards, working closely and collaboratively with the Sales Team to effectively present our Product Line to the Buyers.• Knowledge of the cost limitations associated with different tiers of distribution, including off-price, specialty stores, big box and club stores. • Worked seamlessly with the Packaging Team to produce creative and unique packaging solutions and box designs for our giftable sets, such as advent boxes and gift with purchase box sets. • Licenses include Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, Peanuts, Universal/Dreamworks and Hasbro and Paramount, to name a few.• Communicated directly with overseas Factories to work through quality control issues, source novelty treatments and embellishments and create new product development. • Worked directly with Licensing Team, setting up Approvals and sharing Tech Packs through PLM and Teams platforms. • Success in finding white space to develop into, in stores such as Walmart, Target and Costco increasing Company annual revenue.

Greater New York City Area

Creative Art Director and Senior Graphic Artist for Character License, Branded and Generic Boys and Girls Apparel. Layette, Infant and Toddler 4-7 size ranges. • Licenses include Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Warner Bros., DC, Nickelodeon, Dreamworks and Mattel.• Brands include Cherokee, Army, and Multiple Rock band properties including Nirvana, Pink Floyd, ACDC, Kiss, Bruce Springsteen, Beatles Lyrics, John Lennon, Beastie Boys, Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Def Leppard, Woodstock.

Greater New York City Area

Design Director for the Men's T-Shirt Division of Sean John• I was responsible for all aspects of development from start to finish, including all trend and market research, inspiration, sample shopping, sketching and CAD board creation, graphic and print conceptualization, technical packs, prototype review and troubleshooting with overseas factories.• I possess a strong knowledge of 3D/Novelty embellishments and trims.• I created graphic t-shirts that were able to fit within various parameters based on different tiers of distribution in order to hit margin targets.• Managed deadlines in accordance with the corporate calendars.

Greater New York City Area

I worked collaboratively with the Creative Art Director and a team of amazing artists to create trend driven graphics and prints for apparel while maintaining and building brand identity for Quiksilver, DC Shoe Co., Under Armour, Zoo York, Spyder, Roxy, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.• Each brand demanded a different art aesthetic which I masterfully tackled, using my strong drawing, typography and computer skills. I needed to jump from creating hand-drawn characters and illustrations, type and logo driven vector graphics, photo-real photoshop renderings and repeat prints for the various skate, surf, street, active sport and lifestyle brands.• I created trend boards by collecting inspiration through trend and market research, competitors websites analysis and sample shopping.

Greater New York City Area

I was the Creative Art Director and Senior Graphic Artist for the Branded Girls and Boys apparel lines New Balance, Nautica and U.S. Polo Assn. for the Asian Market. • I successfully managed a team of Graphic Artists and collaborated with my Merchandiser, Clients and Designers to create the aesthetic vision and brand identity, while directing and conceiving graphics and prints for apparel, accessories and packaging. • I was chosen to help lead a team of six members to successfully launch a startup team in Asia. • I performed seasonal fashion and culture trend analysis, forecasting and storyboard presentations through online research and sample shopping. • I maintained, balanced and organized project schedules to consistently meet aggressive deadlines in a high-stress environment using my strong ability to multi-task and efficient time management skills. • I effectively built, motivated and directed Art & Production Teams, displaying strong managerial and communication skills. • I skillfully used my thorough knowledge and understanding of various graphic techniques and methods for repeat patterns, screen printed graphics, embroideries, welds, appliqués, etc. to adhere to the limitations within different price points to hit specific margins. • I utilized my expert technical production knowledge from start to finish, including setting up production ready tech packs and troubleshooting with foreign manufacturers. I have also travelled to foreign factories to help streamline the creative and production process.

Greater New York City Area

I led multiple teams of Graphic Artists in both Character License and Branded divisions for Boys and Girls product for all size ranges, including Newborn, Infant, Toddler, Young Adult and Teen. Some of the Brands included U.S. Polo Assn., X-Games, Kenneth Cole, French Connection UK, Enyce, And One, Ocean Pacific, Paul Frank, G-Unit, Hit-Man and Calvin Klein. Some of the Licenses include Disney, Star Wars, Nickelodeon, Pokemon, Warner Brothers, Marvel, Peanuts and Hello Kitty. • Team leadership and process development• I mentored and trained Graphic Artists to become Team Leaders and Directors• Trend analysis, forecasting and storyboard presentations,• I maintained and organized project schedules to consistently meet tight deadlines• Client and vendor relations.

Greater New York City Area

• I mastered all aspects of creating graphics for College wear, Golf wear and Resort wear from start to finish for all size ranges from baby to adult for both genders.• I gained a full knowledge of creating production-ready artwork for screen prints, embroideries and repeat prints.

Greater New York City Area

Illustrator for Medical, Scientific and DYI manuals and textbooks.