CARA LEONARD

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

+1 973 865 1843

Portland, OR

linkedin.com/in/caraleonard

HOW IT BEGAN

Since high school, I never doubted that I wanted to make things for a living, but it took me until graduation day from Parsons School of Design to realize how obvious it was that the people around me shaped my career path. When your family consists of a woodworker, a seamstress, and manufacturers, making things is in your blood. So, like my relatives before me, I aim to make beautiful, durable, functional products that others can take pleasure in experiencing.

WORK EXPERIENCE

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ENGINEER

Infinity Images | 2016 - Present

Finding creative manufacturing solutions to conceptual designs, bringing any project from render to reality, while constantly upending boundaries of what we do
Working with sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Columbia to revamp stores, reinvigorate headquarters, and refresh marketing campaigns through 3D wall graphics, LED lighting, digital displays, seasonal elements, and seeding kits
Virtually prototyping products to ensure proper fitment and operation of all parts, while creating shop drawings, cut files, templates, and bills of materials, critical to producing hundreds of products, often with only 2 weeks lead time

SENIOR INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER

Mobile Technologies Inc. (MTI) | 2015 - 2016

Expanded upon an existing line of powered loss prevention devices, designing and prototyping mechanical adapters for each client’s unique merchandising needs, while accounting for customer experience and ease of installation
Developed a visual identity for tablet docking stations in MTI’s ArmorActive tablet enclosure division. This was accomplished by designing a kit of interchangeable components that can create a floor kiosk, a tabletop point-of-sale terminal, or a wall mount. By using this kit of parts, the common elements built a visual identity and reduced costs by minimizing tooling

PRODUCT DESIGN MANAGER

Telebrands: As Seen on TV | 2013 - 2015

Designed 80+ products per year through a process of sketching, creating 3D CAD models and renderings, working with engineering teams, building prototypes, specifying colors and materials, managing graphic design team, and sourcing manufacturers
Analyzed areas for product optimization through human factors testing and scouring online reviews to improve user experience and safety while addressing intellectual property and adhering to FDA regulations as necessary
Assessed feasibility of all products by measuring efficacy, safety, and manufacturing costs to successfully launch retail rollouts over 1,000,000 units per product

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN

Infinite Manufacturing Inc. | 2009 - 2012

Collaborated with clients to design POP displays, seasonal windows, and permanent retail fixtures according to their brand image, cost targets, and each store’s needs. Clients included Burberry, Chanel, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Movado, Swarovski, Bottega Veneta, and J. Crew
Recreated store environments in SOLIDWORKS, after performing site surveys nationally, to visualize retail space. Developed mechanical drawings of new store fixtures for manufacturing both in-house and overseas
Spearheaded interdepartmental coordination for submitting bids, purchasing materials, fabrication, packing, transportation, and billing