Joe Allard Email & Phone Number

Greater Los Angeles Area

Design and Development Studio working with clients such as Disney, Hasbro, Mattel and others to Conceptualize, Design and Develop retail toys and collectibles as well as promotional items and marketing materials. Specializing in taking each project from concept to completion, from concept to final production art or physical prototype. • Assist clients in visualizing and expressing new innovative product ideas.• Provide Art Direction and Project Management through all stages of development, from concept to final product.• Manage and support artists, sculptors, painters, and factories during entire development process.• Coordinate assets and reference materials between licensor and vendor.• Creative consultation and Sourcing for vendors and partners.• Experienced in multiple types of manufacturing including; Print, Apparel, Hardlines, Softlines, Pins, Giftware, Collectibles and more.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Previously instructed the Photoshop for Toy Designers class - An Idea driven workshop that introduces students to Adobe Photoshop as a primary tool for use in the toy industry.• Instructed students on the basics of Photoshop with a focus on Toy Design.• Guided students on how to utilize Photoshop to express toy ideas andconcept art via exciting visuals crafted in Photoshop.• Worked with students on how to create presentation artwork for their ownproduct ideas that can be pitched to prospective buyers.

Design, Development and Management responsibilities including;Conceptualizing new product, producing concept illustrations and product designs aswell as offering direction and supervision from sculpt through finished product.• Provided Design Illustrations and Concept Art For all collectible lines.• Directed in-house and freelance artists and sculptors on multiple projects.• Managed Product Development from design through finished prototype.• Reviewed and approved designs, sculptures and prototypes at each stage ofdevelopment, suppling support and direction as needed.• Coordinated assets and reference materials between licensors and vendors.• Assisted in creation of promotional and internet sales assets.• Collaborated with Creative Director to ensure the unique product vision wasmaintained throughout development as well as sales and marketing.• Worked closely with the Production Department to ensure design intent andquality was maintained throughout production.

Use of illustration, computer skills and brainstorming sessions to conceptualize, designand develop retail toys, fast food premiums and promotional items for such companiesas Playmates Toys, DreamWorks, Pepsi, and Taco Bell.• Conceptualized new innovative product ideas and inventions• Created exciting presentation and promotional artwork.• Lead regular brainstorming sessions in the creation of new products.• Managed multiple artists and projects while maintaining deadlines.• Lead regular research trips to keep knowledgeable and up to date on currenttrends and styles.• Lead presentation pitches to licensors and clients.

Use of illustration and computer skills to creatively design and illustrate toys and gifts for various licenses, such as Star Wars, Disney, Warner Bros., Marvel Comics, and many others; using imagination and artistic skills to conceptualize fun and innovative new products. Promoted to Creative Manager on successful Star Wars Episode I products.• Provide Conceptual Art and Design Illustrations for all Hardline and Softlinegoods, including Pantone Colors, Turnaround Drawings and Spec sheets.• Designed and Directed over 85 product to market for the release of the film.• Oversaw every stage of development, from design to sculpt through finished product.• Worked with Project Planning to meet strict deadlines while exceeding quality standards.• Reviewed and approved each stage of development prior to submission to Licensors.• Held bi-weekly meetings with Lucasfilm to manage strict approvals and tight deadlines.• Worked with Licensing partners to ensure Brand Integrity across all lines.• Managed art assets and style guide reference materials between Licensors and Vendors.• Directed factories through production to ensure quality was maintained through final product.

Use of Adobe Photoshop to digitally paint interior comic book pages, Pin ups, ads, Trading cards and covers for all of Marvel and Malibu Comics monthly titles; using color to emphasize such aspects as mood, energy and emotion as dictated by the story line.• Digitally Color artwork for various Comic Books and Trading Cards and promotional materials.• Provide Color guides and color direction for multiple titles.• Maintain strict deadlines to meet the publishing windows.• Work with artists and editors to achieve a cohesive and exciting look.