Michael A Smith
Creative Designer
Expert Services
Experience
2014 - 2019
PACIFIC NORTHERN, INC
Account Executive
-
Top preforming company wide in sales, project execution, and management
-
Enhance and expand relations with major retail companies in their display/fixture needs globally- current clientele includes Estée Lauder, Tom Ford, Clinique, John Hardy, Michael Kors, Fossil, Seiko, Coach
-
Aid in the development and fulfillment of new and existing display/fixture programs for clients
-
Manage and assist with entire project from conceptual to actual between client and PN teams
-
Assist client to achieve excellence in their position through customer support in all areas of the display/fixture programs
2005 - 2008
ZALE Corporation
Visual Merchandising Manager
Brands - Zales, Peoples, Mappins
-
Responsible for the overall visual merchandising and store design for the flagship brand, including over 1,000 stores throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada while overseeing all new store openings
-
Managed the Visual Merchandising staff, budgets, and maintained brand aesthetic
-
Served as a liaison between corporate merchandising and the field; wrote all field communications
-
Directed the planogram process including: preliminary merchandise setup, photography, and field distribution
-
Designed seasonal décor, merchandise packaging, store fixtures, and window concepts
1998 - 2004
HAROLD'S Corporation
Visual Merchandising Manager
-
Managed visual merchandising responsibilities and standards for 43-store chain
-
Designed and implemented window displays, communicated detailed execution guides for stores
-
Developed planograms and monthly merchandising / presentation manuals from concept to store distribution
-
Styled, sourced props, and constructed sets for web and catalog shoots
-
Created seasonal wardrobe books; oversaw event planning and floral design for executive, corporate and private events
-
Work featured in visual merchandising trade publication, VMSD
2019 - 2020
HOLIDAY FOLIAGE
Creative Director
-
Responsible for company’s creative direction
-
Manage all social media presence
-
Set design intent for the year ahead with tend reports and story boards keeping the brand and clients in mind
-
Design new products & special request items, including displays, trims,furniture, fixtures, & installations
-
Catalog product selection, photography, pagination/layout, and production
2007 - 2013
Self Employed
Owner & Freelance Stylist/Merchandiser
Owner of Three Star Farms - Professional Dog Breeder/Handler & Pet Accessory Retailer
-
Managed dog breeding program through record keeping and maintenance in accordance to USDA, AKC, and Veterinarian standards and regulation guidelines
-
Developed client relations for puppy placement and provide long-term support to owners
-
Designed and managed five websites for our dog breeds and farm
-
Handled specific breeds in AKC and UKC show rings
-
Purchased, merchandised, and sold pet accessories through trade shows, fairs, internet, and other events, under the company name Bowzie Wowzie
Freelance Stylist / Merchandiser Dallas, TX
-
RAZ Imports: Dallas World Trade Center showroom merchandiser
-
Caley Wheeler Studio: J.C. Penney catalog product shoot coordinator and stylist
-
Relevance Creative Group: Lead stylist and prop sourcing
2004 - 2005
MAGGIES
Visual Merchandising Director / Buyer / Store Manager
-
Directed visual merchandising and store design for independent retailer of soft goods, home décor and table top
-
Oversaw merchandise content and development for strategic floor plans and merchandising concepts
-
Created store window displays, directing and communicating merchandising plans, and store layouts