Technical Expertise

With 14+ years of hands-on experience in packaging production and structural development, I bring comprehensive technical knowledge spanning packaging engineering, production operations, and manufacturing coordination. My expertise bridges creative design and technical execution, ensuring packaging solutions are both aesthetically compelling and structurally sound.

PACKAGING ENGINEERING & STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Container Measurement & Drafting

  • Measuring primary containers for secondary packaging specifications
  • Drafting technical drawings and die lines for carton construction
  • Label positioning and specification for fluted and non-standard containers

Prototyping & Mockup Production

  • Zund cutting table programming and operation for packaging prototypes
  • Creating physical mockups for client approval and manufacturing feasibility
  • Sample coordination and testing with manufacturing partners

Material Science & Specifications

  • Material selection based on structural requirements and cost parameters
  • Grain direction analysis to optimize package construction and prevent failures
  • Understanding substrate properties (paperboard, corrugated, plastics, films)
  • Stock specification for optimal print quality and structural performance

Structural Integrity Assessment

  • Evaluating package construction for durability and functionality
  • Identifying potential manufacturing issues before production
  • Troubleshooting structural problems and recommending solutions

PRODUCTION OPERATIONS & MANUFACTURING

Print Production Management

  • Offset printing (Komori 8-color, Heidelberg 6-color presses)
  • Digital printing (HP Indigo systems)
  • Flexographic printing techniques (metallic effects, specialty inks)
  • Large-format printing (environmental graphics, retail installations)
  • Screen printing and specialty processes

Finishing & Post-Production

  • Die cutting and laser cutting specifications
  • Embossing, debossing, and foil stamping
  • Lamination and coating applications (UV, aqueous, soft-touch)
  • Specialty finishing techniques for premium packaging

Vendor & Manufacturing Coordination

  • Coordinating with suppliers and manufacturers for samples and line trials
  • Overseeing quality control and testing to meet specifications
  • Managing production timelines and resolving manufacturing challenges
  • Cost optimization and material sourcing

TECHNICAL SOFTWARE & SYSTEMS

Adobe Creative Suite (14 years advanced proficiency)

  • Illustrator: Technical drawing, die line creation, vector artwork
  • Photoshop: Image editing, retouching, color correction, mockup creation
  • InDesign: Multi-page layouts, production documentation, packaging templates
  • Affinity Design and Layout Programs

Specialized Production Systems

  • Zund Cutting Systems: Programming and operation for prototype creation
  • Digital Asset Management: Custom system development and workflow optimization
  • Color Management: RGB/CMYK/PMS conversion and calibration
  • File Optimization: Preparing production-ready files for diverse output methods

Technical Documentation

  • Interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications
  • Creating production documentation and component specifications
  • Die line development and structural drawing creation
  • Technical communication with manufacturing partners

DESIGN & CREATIVE EXPERTISE

Core Design Competencies

  • Graphic design and layout principles
  • Typography and hierarchy
  • Color theory and application
  • Brand development and management
  • Packaging design (primary and secondary)
  • Large-format graphics and environmental design

Project Management

  • Multi-project coordination and timeline management
  • Cross-functional team collaboration
  • Client communication and expectation management
  • Budget management and cost control
  • Quality assurance and standards maintenance

INDUSTRY EXPERTISE

Beauty & Personal Care

  • Understanding regulatory requirements and industry standards
  • Premium finishing and shelf appeal optimization

Food & Beverage

  • FDA compliance and food-safe materials knowledge

Entertainment & Experiential

  • Large-scale production coordination and vendor management

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Behind the Bleed Educational Platform (Launching January 2026)

  • Developing comprehensive content teaching packaging engineering fundamentals
  • Topics include: container measurement techniques, label specifications, working with fluted containers, die line creation, print production basics
  • Bridging knowledge gap between graphic designers and production teams
  • Multi-platform presence: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Substack, YouTube

Internal Training & Documentation

  • Created extensive training video library documenting production workflows
  • Developed standardized procedures reducing onboarding time
  • Mentored team members on technical file preparation and quality control

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Designed and manage 8,000+ file asset management system, reducing retrieval time by 60%
  • Maintain 99%+ accuracy rate in technical packaging specifications
  • Implemented workflow optimizations reducing production timeline by 30%
  • Successfully managed packaging projects from concept through manufacturing for major national brands
  • Prevented costly production errors through proactive quality control and technical review

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