Seven years experience in the Nickelodeon Consumer Products team at Viacom International. A vast and highly regarded company that houses a variety of globally recognised multimedia brands including the long established and uniquely versatile Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Initially developed by Eastman & Laird, there are multiple versions of the TMNT franchise making it a fantastic example of brand development. The original comic book and the classic look of the 80's appeals to an older audience, allowing for a brand tangent for apparel and original fan product. Nickelodeon also developed a new CGI-animated TMNT television series for younger audiences and partnered with fellow Viacom company Paramount Pictures to bring a new TMNT movies to the cinema. All brand avenues presented differing creative strategies and a diverse range of assets for a diverse set of target audiences.
• As a Product Development Design Manager I successfully managed the creative aspect of all product development for thirteen agent markets to include Australia, New Zealand, Benelux, Scandinavia, South Africa & Russia.
• Oversaw all consumer product development cross category to include: Fashion Apparel & Accessories, Toy & Game, FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), Home and BTS (back to school).
• Worked with the in-territory agents to develop relationships and ranges for key retailers including: Cotton On, Target, H&M, Kmart, Babyshop, Big W, Ackermans & Mr Price.
• Brand guardian and quality control across all brands, categories and territories.
• Designed and developed the first global core 101 styleguide to support all designers working with the brand for the first time.
• 55 pages of information including the show overview, character breakdowns, sizing & colour information, artwork types, creating compositions, phrasing & typography, innovative ideas, approvals and legal information.
• Continual trend analysis, research and idea generation. Sourcing and brainstorming new ideas for styleguide output, production techniques, product development and branding.
• Initiated and drove creative development meetings and creative output with partners to discuss brands, existing product, brand planning, available assets, processes & creative strategies.
• Developed new and existing in-territory agents to Strategic Partner standard while continually training and recruiting new creative personnel.
• Organised and implemented the annual Creative Summits for all agents to attend for updates on Brand Management, Retail Opportunity, Creative Assets, Creative Responsibility, Innovation and Processes.
• Ensured the smooth running of the approval process whilst identifying where improvements could be made.
• Worked with the New York based Operations team to devise planning, roll out and adjustments to the Nickcentral asset housing system.