Summary of Qualifications
∙ Adept in a wide range of fabrication methods, CAD and software for prototyping & print, amongst other mediums
∙ Continuously challenging myself to innovate, leading to award-winning designs in paperboard packaging
∙ Synthesized realistic 3D renders of packaging products for a research project, followed by creating course content therein
∙ Led and trained a team that repeatedly outperformed our weekly goals by 20% when fundraising for charities
∙ Managed teams throughout creative process to deliver fresh deliberate designs for international competitions
∙ Imparted knowledge upon dozens of trainees and students, continuously monitoring to provide constructive feedback
∙ Conducted independent thesis research into sustainability of an emerging market
∙ Interpreted results to generate useful insights augmented with my perspective as a member of Gen Z
∙ Collected and examined results where voluntary participation exceeded target by 350%
Awards
2022
Employee Spotlight for Packaging Design Day
2021
CTLxDFZ Grant Recipient
2020
First Place Winner - International Paperboard Packaging Alliance Student Design Challenge
2019
Prophecy Branding and Structural Packaging Design Competition Winner
2017 - 2021
Canadian Printing Industries Scholarship Trust Fund Recipient
Tools
Adobe:
HIGHLY CONFIDENT IN
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- AfterEffects
- Dimension
STILL CONFIDENT IN
CAD:
- ArtiosCAD
- Fusion 360
- Solidworks
Prototyping Capabilites:
- Vacuum Forming
- 3D Printing
- Plotter Table
- Use Testing
- Digital UV Printing
GCM Taught:
- EFI Metrix
- Esko i-cut
- MailChimp
- Kodak Preps & Prinergy
- Xinet Webflows
- EnFocus Switch & PitStop
- i1 Profiler
Coding Languages:
Spoken Languages:
- English
- Czech
- Serbian
- Mandarin
Other:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Projects
- Google Docs Suite
- Advanced knowledge in AV
Experience
SEPT 2021 - AUG 2023
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER
WESTROCK | AJAX, ON
- Spearheaded the development of cost-effective and innovative paperboard packaging, with a strategic focus on the food & beverage industry, working on over 550 designs. Dozens slotted to produce M+ copies annually.
- Pioneered cutting-edge design initiatives at the Ajax production facility, proactively resolving plotter table challenges, implementing testing technologies, and establishing comprehensive design & board libraries.
- Capitalized on local production site and harnessed WestRock's extensive resources to elevate industry expertise early in my career. Leveraged customer capabilities and machinery insights to drive data-informed product design.
- Orchestrated the concurrent management of multiple high-stakes projects, achieving remarkable design turnarounds , soliciting feedback on 600+ shipped samples in my final year, 72% sent to customers within 48hours.
- Adeptly handling multifaceted responsibilities, including product photography, structural integrity testing, 3D modeling, marketing research, transportation and automation trials. Collaborated seamlessly with my international team, customers, and sales, as well as larger cross-functional teams to craft optimal structural design solutions.
MAY 2021 - NOV 2021
PACKAGING EXTRAORDINAIRE
TALKMEDIA | TORONTO, ON
- Solely conceptualized intricate sensory packaging experience to complement virtual storytelling events.
- Researched options to produce with low budget , delivering hand-cut versions for trial event of the 10pcs design. 500 copy production cut out by printer, where I configured an assembly line to efficiently prepare to ship in <3 days.
- Furthered user experience in virtual space with consultations on how to reduce potential user errors, maximize flow and interactions , as well as imagining space concepts to convert journalistic pieces into the new medium.
DEC 2020 - DEC 2021
PACKAGE PROTOTYPING TEACHING ASSISTANT
TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY | TORONTO, ON
- Assisted with feedback meetings and with student engagement during virtual classes.
- Created efficient workflows for student communication, files, and prototyping. Outputting over 200 prototypes for students using Ricoh flatbed UV printer and Esko Kongsberg cutting table.
- Developed course materials, including 3D modeling and CAD tutorials.
- Graded assignments for over 70 students per semester on a quick turnaround with accurate feedback
SEP 2020 - APR 2021
VP OF COMPETITIONS OF METPACK
TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY | TORONTO, ON
MetPack (formerly RyePack) is a student group dedicated to the exploration and advancement of all things packaging. My primary role was to make the competitions accessible to all year groups (raising participation by 20% this year) and assisting with entries.
- Facilitated research, production, and submission for competition teams
- Helped TMU GCM students with packaging related projects
- Planned and executed workshops to share packaging related skills with peers
- Closely managed competition teams and helped propel ideas to be simultaneously commercially viable and innovative
MAR 2019 - AUG 2020
FUNDRAISING TEAM LEADER
PUBLIC OUTREACH | TORONTO, ON
- Managed and trained groups of trainees to become effective and knowledgeable canvassers
- Planned routes to maximize potential donor count and minimize redundant travel time
- Led a team that repeatedly outperformed our weekly goals by 20% when fundraising for organizations such as Princess Margaret Hospital, UNICEF, CAMH and Amnesty International
- Formulated positive customer experiences with varied communication tools to successfully retain donors
MAR 2020 - JUN 2020
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
DONNA RAZIK | TORONTO, ON
- Played a pivotal role in assisting my professor's research focusing on the impact of recycling labels on packaging , by providing valuable insights and support, including leveraging CAD and 3D rendering software to create visually engaging artwork
- Administered surveys via online platforms, achieving a remarkable 110% increase in responses compared to the initial expectations, demonstrating exceptional data collection and engagement skills
- Analyzed the extensive survey results and delivered meaningful insights, contributing as a member of the Gen Z demographic, which were instrumental in drawing critical conclusions for the research.
- High quality of work resulted in further requests year after role to illustrate diagrams for publication
DEC 2019 - MAR 2020
COSMETIC PACKAGING & BRAND DESIGNER
PROPHECY BOTANICALS | TORONTO, ON
- Distinguished performance in the coursework of GCM808 Package Prototyping led to the unique opportunity to collaborate further with local cometic company, Prophecy Botanicals via freelance work
- Spearheaded a comprehensive brand transformation for Prophecy Botanicals, designing their logo, labels, and the structural framework of their primary packaging. Leveraged Adobe Creative Suite to create visually appealing and functional packaging elements that resonated with the brand's identity for the serum product line
Education
SEPT 2017 - APR 2021
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT (B. TECH)
TORONTO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY | TORONTO, ON
Canada’s only degree-granting program for the printing industries, focusing on the application of theory to practical problems with a balance of technology and business management, completed with a 3.4CGPA along with a Packaging concentration while also undertaking minors in Advertising and Communication & Design.
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