Kate Meadows
Greensboro
Summary
Dynamic designer with a proven track record at Wrangler, specializing in creative direction and market trends analysis. Achieved consecutive sell-outs with the viral 'Brushpopper' shirt collection. Expert in Adobe Creative Suite and team leadership, driving innovative design solutions that enhance brand identity and consumer appeal.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Designer
Wrangler
Greensboro
02.2023 - 05.2025
- Oversaw men's western tops design team, delivering distinctive product lines.
- Designed the viral vintage-inspired Western 'Brushpopper' shirt collection, achieving consecutive sell-outs.
- Partnered with merchandising and licensing to create 'Cody Johnson' co-branded dress shirts.
- Coordinated multiple categories and seasonal schedules, maintaining consistent on-time delivery.
Technical Designer (Contract)
Nordstrom
Remote
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Coordinated fully remote fittings for women's contemporary cut-and-sew knits (dresses and tops) in collaboration with design, development, and pattern teams.
Designer
Freelance
Remote
03.2020 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with independent direct-to-consumer brands on vision, assortment, and material selection.
- Advised on color palettes, silhouettes, and fit for optimal product alignment.
- Served clients including Antero Outdoors, And for Good, and Kastlfel.
- Facilitated design processes to enhance brand identity and consumer appeal.
Technical Designer
Fresh Produce
Boulder
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Women's dresses, tops, and soft woven bottoms.
- Successfully oversaw and executed a size inclusivity initiative, extending all styles up to 3X.
- Led grading standardization of legacy styles, improving fit consistency, and reducing returns.
- Led efforts to align grading standards, successfully minimizing inconsistencies and returns.
Designer
Sears Holdings Corp
San Francisco
10.2016 - 07.2017
- Owned direction and design for missy women's line, 'Basic Editions.'
- Successfully directed and curated multi-technique embellishments, utilizing freelance graphic and embellishment designers.
- Achieved a reduction in both calendar length and sampling iterations through working at factory with international vendors on multiple continents.
- Simultaneously managed multiple design projects to meet challenging deadlines consistently.
Associate Designer
Sears Holdings Corp
San Francisco
07.2016 - 10.2016
- Collaborated with Senior Designer to produce focused briefing decks for vertical vendors, reducing lead-time and enhancing sample accuracy.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to generate innovative design concepts.
Product Development Assistant
Levi Strauss & Co.
San Francisco
02.2015 - 07.2016
- Utilized design experience to strengthen cross-functional team dynamics, resulting in improved trust.
- Managed approval process for all denim and non-denim production wash approvals and shade bands.
Assistant Designer (Contract)
Levi Strauss & Co.
San Francisco
01.2013 - 02.2015
- Developed visual design trim template, enhancing accuracy of PLM BOMs by 75%.
- Created hand-sketched watercolor and marker illustrations to elevate concept direction presentations.
- Researched fashion trends to guide design decisions and product development.
- Managed digital presentation materials for internal design reviews, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Assistant Designer
Freelance
San Francisco
11.2011 - 12.2012
- CAD artist for women's soft woven dresses, & blouses at Gap, & Banana Republic
- Collaborated with clients to understand design needs and preferences.
- Created design concepts using Adobe Creative Suite and other design tools.
Assistant Designer
Active Fashion Group
Greater Denver Area
02.2010 - 10.2011
- Collaborated with creative director and graphic artist to develop playful, print-driven collections for women's, men's, and girls' lines.
- Researched industry trends to generate innovative design solutions.
- Coordinated with vendors for sourcing materials and production components.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fashion Design
Otis College of Art And Design
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Market trends analysis
- Creative direction and vision
- Hand illustration
- Technical sketches
- Tech pack creation
- Draping
- Fitting
- Fabric and trim selection
- Wash development processes
- Print and pattern development
- Team leadership skills
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Adobe Creative Suite expertise
- Procreate proficiency
- Product lifecycle management (PLM)
- Browzwear / VStitcher knowledge
- NED Graphics proficiency
Special Interests
- Antique textiles and garments, pre-1950
- Shibori indigo dyeing
- Plant-based textile dyeing
- Traditional cultural fiber arts
- Watercolor and gouache painting
- Yarn arts (knitting, weaving)
- Applique, embroidery, and beadwork
- Draping and patternmaking using non-traditional pattern shapes
- Sustainability
- Vintage Denim & Workwear
Timeline
Designer
Wrangler
02.2023 - 05.2025
Technical Designer (Contract)
Nordstrom
02.2022 - 07.2022
Designer
Freelance
03.2020 - 01.2022
Technical Designer
Fresh Produce
04.2019 - 04.2020
Designer
Sears Holdings Corp
10.2016 - 07.2017
Associate Designer
Sears Holdings Corp
07.2016 - 10.2016
Product Development Assistant
Levi Strauss & Co.
02.2015 - 07.2016
Assistant Designer (Contract)
Levi Strauss & Co.
01.2013 - 02.2015
Assistant Designer
Freelance
11.2011 - 12.2012
Assistant Designer
Active Fashion Group
02.2010 - 10.2011
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fashion Design
Otis College of Art And Design