Lauren Benner

- Created and brainstormed original print ideas for all REI Brand products using a holistic approach to elevate and stay true to brand identity. - Re-worked existing and purchased artwork to fulfill the seasonal vision; put prints into repeat and made prints mill-ready. - Collaborated with company stakeholders to finalize scaling, color, and placement of prints within the full line of products.

• Designed color stories and palettes that supported the brand vision and seasonal storytelling. • Created color direction tools for all categories (apparel, bikes, tents, and gear) based on the color palette, brand guidelines, and trend forecasts. • Produced color palettes across Adobe programs, color-matched physical swatches to printers, and managed color swatch library. • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create print colorways, review print strike-offs, and facilitate excellent products with our overseas partners.

• Prepared artwork for production; created pitch sheets and color ways, reduced and edited print colors, put prints into repeat. • Designed new prints and modified/re-worked purchased and vintage artwork. • Built plaids from vintage artwork and created multiple color ways based on trend research.

• Researched and collected color inspiration, concept and trend images for mood, style and color boards. • Created color direction tools for distinct categories of product based on the color palette, brand guidelines and trend forecasts. • Managed the color matching process from start to finish across multiple platforms for a holistic color perspective.

• Created original prints using hand drawing, photography and digital design for contemporary studio specializing in tribal, floral, paisley and decorative prints for women's and junior’s clothing and accessories. • Designed original prints to support the seasonal creative story and strategy while being trend-conscious to the customer.

• Led development and design for belts; sourced new styles and materials with overseas vendors, presented mood/concept boards for belts and denim. • Created tech packs, sketched and designed new styles and pocket embroideries while meeting tight deadlines for the juniors market. • Reviewed and commented on washes, prints, lab dips, trims, and embroideries.

• Designed new denim styles and embroideries, executed tech packs and researched trends. • Maintained sampling chart for multiple overseas factories; evaluated samples and gave sample, trim, and lab dip comments.