Year
2025
Industry
Graphic Design
Space of work
Graphic Design, Print & Materials, Illustration
Timeline
Depends on Objective
Material Matters
At Portland Leather Goods, I focused on print and PR materials with one core belief: the moment a customer opens a package matters. From the first peel of tape to the last card pulled from the box, every touchpoint was designed to feel intentional, branded, and human. With help from my design director, I aided in the lifecycle of print assets — preparing and proofing files, managing bleeds and production specs, and ensuring everything met press standards. Using Illustrator & Photoshop, I designed custom packaging tape, product cards, and over 5,000 illustrated sticker sheets distributed in customer orders. I also created incentive-driven product inserts that invited customers to join the Insiders community, turning packaging into a lasting brand conversation rather than a single transaction.
Passion Projects Into Personal
Before joining Portland Leather Goods, my experience with print and packaging was limited to personal projects — I had designed and self-published two zines, one of which was sold at PinkyPDX in 2020. Stepping into a professional environment, I quickly realized that packaging design required a whole new level of precision: managing bleeds, prepping print files, talking with vendors, understanding production constraints, and ensuring every touchpoint felt cohesive and on-brand. It was a steep learning curve, but by leaning on my design fundamentals and embracing hands-on experimentation, I quickly gained confidence. One of the highlights of my time at Portland Leather Goods was illustrating custom keychains. Collaborating closely with my creative director, I learned how to prepare files for production with precision, while also exploring playful, expressive designs. Seeing the final product come to life and sell out within minutes was incredibly rewarding, and it gave me full confidence in translating my illustrations into tangible, high-quality accessories that excite customers.
Moving Forward
Each project, no matter the scale, reinforced how much impact thoughtful, tangible design can have on a customer experience. Looking back, I started with only a couple of self-published zines under my belt, but now I approach print and packaging with confidence, knowing how to balance creativity with production requirements. Designing for touch, interaction, and delight has become a core part of how I think about every project, and it’s a skill set I continue to refine and carry forward in my work.
