Elsa Watkins

Designer | Brand Curator

Crested Butte | United States

Skills

Adobe Illustrator
Technical Design
Graphic Design
Merchandising

Interests

Skiing

Cooking

Drawing

Painting

Tattooing

Outdoor Recreation/Activities

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Industries

Fashion

Lifestyle

Outdoor

Skate

Snow

Streetwear

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Home Summary Activity Projects Work experience Education history Connections Companies

In my own words

— Elsa

I’m Elsa - a technical designer, illustrator, and brand curator from Crested Butte, CO.

To describe my career is like looking at one well curated charcuterie board. Want to design technical outerwear? Absolutely... Need a new top sheet design? Easy. Marketing? Host a gallery show? Color forecasting? Retail line assortment? Art direct a stunning video campagne? I gotchu. Simply put, my life is truly centered by one goal: Make cool sh*t with my friends. I was born in the heart of my mum’s ski shop and through those doors, I have harnessed lifelong experience and relationships that make the brands we love come to life. I aim to speak to the consumer in a way that is authentic and allows them a seat at our table.

Trajectory

Jan 2019 — Now

Founder & Designer · Elsa Grace Designs

Mar 2019 — Now

Founder & Designer · Slut Strand Society

Founder, designer, and operator of The Slut Strand Society: A global community focused on bringing femininity and inclusion to the action sports community with just two strands of hair. Slut Strand (N.) :Two strands of hair commonly used by the ladies of skiing & snowboarding to express femininity under all dat gear. No, they do not make someone a slut. And no, we do not support slut shaming. They are of comparable importance to your bindings themselves, a true staple to the lifestyle. We’re here to embrace em.

Jul 2011 — Now

Head Outerwear Buyer & Merchandiser · Butte & Co. and Elevate: R&R Sports

Researched latest winter trends, bought and picked out merchandise. Attended ski shows and on-snow demonstrations. Tuned skis and assisted customers. Attended SIA Snow Show & WWSRA from 2010-present as head buyer for Freeride and Snowboard collections.

Aug 2021 — Jun 2022

Women's Designer · LifeLabs Design

Aug 2019 — Mar 2020

Contract Design · Saga Outerwear

Aug 2019 — Mar 2020

Contract Design · DAKINE

Nov 2018 — Apr 2020

Contract Designer & Social Media Manager · Global Brands Group - Sports & Lifestyle

Nov 2018 — Apr 2020

Contract Outerwear Design & Social Media Manager · Spyder Active Sports-Global Brands Group

Dec 2017 — Dec 2018

Apparel Designer & Social Media Manager · Icelantic Skis

Aug 2015 — Aug 2017

Assistant Sales Representative · Giro Sport Design

Provide local retailers with crucial safety and technical information about Giro helmets and goggles. Attend on-snow demonstrations and clinics. Ensure retailers are fully equipped with the necessary products.

Jun 2012 — Dec 2015

Sales Associate · The Gypsy Wagon, Inc.

Recorded inventory, assisted customers, modeled, and provided styling input.