Justin Gloston
c#225.235.6348
Justin.Gloston@gmail.com
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Louisiana State University A&M, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
(1999 - 2004)
Major: Studio Art
Concentration: Painting and Drawing
Associate of Arts - Bauder College, Atlanta, Georgia
(2005 - 2006)
Major: Fashion Design
WORK EXPERIENCE
Designer, Handbags - Forever 21,inc Los Angeles, CA
(April 2011 - Current)
o Conceptualizes and designs seasonal handbag and small goods collections for Forever21 brand.
o Conceptualizes and creates sketches as well as technical packages for all handbags designed internally.
o Works directly with overseas factories and vendors to develop product prototypes and develop/review materials and hardware.
o Manages Assistant Designer to ensure timely execution and accuracy of new developments and to build/maintain style archive.
Designer, Handbags and Accessories - Ann\'s Trading Co, Inc. Vernon, CA
(December 2009 - March 2011)
o Conceptualizes and designs seasonal handbag and small goods collections for 3 brands as well as supports Production team in executing final pieces for retail stores.
o Conceptualizes and creates sketches as well as technical packages for seasonal collections.
o Works directly with overseas factories and vendors to develop product prototypes and develop/review materials and hardware. Includes frequent travel to work with factories and search market for new materials.
o Attends domestic trade shows(WWDMAGIC, Project, ATS, Coterie) and works with buyers for NY and LA market weeks.
o Manages in house Graphic designer and Photographer to ensure timely execution and accuracy of website and catalog content.
Associate Designer, Handbags and Accessories - BCBGMAXAZRIA Vernon, CA
(June 2006- November 2009)
o Supported four Directors, and designed seasonal Handbag and small leather goods collections for three brands (BCBGMAXAZRIA, BCBGMAXAZRIA Runway, Herve Leger).
o Conceptualized and designed seasonal handbag and small goods collections for 3 brands as well as supported Production team in executing final pieces for retail stores.
o Conceptualize and create sketches as well as technical packages for seasonal collections.
o Collaborate with internal departments such as Merchandising, Research and Development, and Graphics Team on a regular basis to ensure smooth and seamless design process from concep to creation.
o Work directly with factories and vendors (both domestic and overseas) to develop product prototypes and develop/review materials, hardware, and leather. Includes traveling to work with factories.
Design Intern, Sportswear/Collections - BCBGMAXAZRIA Vernon, CA
(March 2006- May 2006)
o Assisted with daily Design room duties (organize, file, copies)
o Assisted designers with flat sketching/technical drawing, beading layouts, and simple pattern making.
o Assisted Creative Director with organizing and minor errands.
o Assisted in the Receiving, Cataloging, and Archiving process of Vintage Herve Leger apparel direct from Paris.
Freelance Artist/Designer Currently based in Los Angeles, CA
(2004 Current)
o Oil paintings/portraits for private clients.
o Logo designs for private companies.
o Illustration work including but not limited to fashion sketches(apparel and accessories), models, flats, character designs, and storyboards.
o Handbag and small leather good collection design and consultation for private companies/designers.
Administrative Assistant, Collections Division - State of Louisiana Attorney General Office Baton Rouge, Louisiana
(1999 2004)
o Office administrative/secretarial duties.
o Legel Runner- delivered/filed legal documents with Parish courthouse.
o Supervised office interns.
Skills
o Strong understanding of construction, small details, and functionality of handbags and small leather goods.
o Extremely organized and adheres to time lines set for seasonal development and market presentations.
o Excellent communication with fellow Designers, Directors, and other internal divisions to ensure smooth and seamless design process from concept to creation.
o Extremely proficient in all computer applications(Illustrator, Photoshop, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) Versatile in both PC and MAC.