Howdy!

I'm not usually one to brag, but I'm told it's ok in this format. So, here I go. I've been a designer for about 12 years. Currently, my design work for Russell Stover and Whitman's (owned by Russell Stover) can be found in retail stores across the US, and in nearly 70,000 wholesale accounts, located in more than 20 countries. Grocery stores, big box stores, dollar stores, gift stores...even Air Force One! (Seriously!) They are the biggest producer of boxed chocolates in the world, and the 3rd largest chocolate manufacturer - behind Hershey and Mars. I've designed chocolate related gifts for every situation, every season, and for almost every demographic. I have a specific expertise in creating exclusive seasonal designs for the big customers including Walmart, Target, Macy's, CVS, Walgreens and QVC. My portfolio includes all kinds of package design, interior/exterior graphics and signage, presentation design, campaigns including direct mail and print ads, style guides, logo design, trend research and more. I'm a worker bee. A smart, curious worker bee (with a questionable sense of humor), and I thrive among like minded creatures.

Fun Fact: The first Valentine I ever received was a heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates, from my 7th grade boyfriend! It's an incredible feeling to be a part of the gifting experience. I love the thought that my job is to help create cherished moments, memories and traditions. Over the past few years, I've been part of a deep dive into the brand equity for both Russell Stover and Whitman's. These are true American Heritage brands, beginning in 1923 and 1842 respectively. To understand the complexities and the rich history of these brands is an opportunity that my design-student-self has enjoyed beyond words. Hearing from consumer focus groups, story after story, of how emotionally connected the customer is to these brands has been an invaluable experience for me. And an invaluable design tool as well! It's only when you really understand who a brand is, and who they want to connect with, that you can identify strengths and weaknesses - and develop those into opportunities for growth. How can we take what we learn about that brand connection, and translate it across all platforms? This is a challenge that I love.

Ok, so that's the view from 20,000ft! Now let's talk the nitty-gritty.

Execution is everything. The design group at Russell Stover is a tiny team, who all wear many many hats. I was responsible for every part of getting my designs produced, from concept to completion. Trend research, concept presentation, actual design and prepress setup, vendor communication, press checks, sample approvals, etc. My job was to work with (and stalk for information if necessary!) brand managers, quality control, purchasing department and the sales team. I had to figure out (and sometimes translate) what the client buyers were looking for. I managed my own timelines - and sometimes expectations about those! I had to understand costs, so I could do my part to design for material that would make the dollars work hard for us - and still look great. I had to learn the technical aspects of setting up files for vendor execution across all kinds of printing techniques: Litho Gravure, Flexo, Digital, etc. And how to push back on them if that color isn't quite right, or if the material isn't the quality we expected. From domestic press checks on the East Coast, to hour-long phone calls to a China vendor (sometimes with an interpreter), I've learned that the biggest part of being a successful designer is to become a successful communicator.

My Crew. Finn & Harvey. These guys are pretty amazing, if you ask me. We have a lot of fun, and they've been known to stop me in the candy isle to critique my design work...but they're super cute so it's ok.

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions or comments on what I've shared, please do reach out - amymariner@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.