Contact -Derek Peoples
DCreativePeoples@gmail.com
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Hard Goods
MOLDED DRINKWARE
HOME GOODS
LUGGAGE
CERAMICS / GLASS
MOLDED TOYS
Fashion
APPAREL
ACCESSORIES
FOOTWEAR
COLD WEATHER
Licensing
CREATIVE DIRECTION
STYLE GUIDE CREATION
CHARACTER DIRECTION
MERCHANDISE STRATEGY
Strategy
BRAND DEVELOPMENT
BRAND STRATEGY
PRODUCT MARKETING
PROMO MERCHANDISE
PACKAGING
Howdy, I'm Derek Peoples, and for the past 30 years, I've been immersed in the art of storytelling and creative leadership. My career has been a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of brand development, trend forecasting, and consumer goods design. Simply put, I am passionate about shaping narratives, building impactful brands, and creating meaningful connections between products and people.
My professional expertise lies at the intersection of creativity and strategy. Over the years, I’ve worked with brands to craft compelling stories that resonate with their audiences. Whether it’s through brand management, graphic design, or licensing, my mission has always been to breathe life into ideas and inspire authentic engagement. I’ve honed my skills in consumer goods product design, specializing in innovative brand development, while also overseeing overseas product production—a valuable experience that has given me a global perspective on design and production. One of the cornerstones of my work is trend forecasting. I pride myself on my ability to identify and anticipate cultural and market trends, ensuring that the brands I collaborate with stay ahead of the curve. I find immense joy in translating these trends into innovative products and campaigns that not only captivate consumers but also drive measurable success.
As a creative leader, I’ve had the privilege of managing talented teams and mentoring the next generation of designers and thinkers. I believe that great creativity thrives in an environment built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision, and I strive to foster that in every team I lead. From guiding young professionals in their careers to helping seasoned creatives refine their craft, mentorship is a responsibility I take seriously. I see it as a way of paying forward all the wisdom and support I’ve received throughout my own journey. When it comes to tools of the trade, I’m an expert in the Adobe Suite and have leveraged this knowledge to produce polished, professional, and impactful designs across a variety of mediums. I relish the challenge of taking complex ideas and translating them into visuals that tell a story and communicate a brand’s essence. My work often bridges the gap between creativity and commerce, ensuring that great design also meets strategic goals.
Public speaking and presenting have become significant aspects of my career as well. Over the years, I’ve had countless opportunities to share my knowledge and experiences with both teams and audiences. Whether it’s pitching big ideas, presenting creative concepts, or leading workshops, I thrive on connecting with others and sparking inspiration through stories and insights.
At the core of my career is my belief in the power of connection—whether that’s connecting consumers to brands, brands to culture, or people to their own creativity. I’ve always seen storytelling as the thread that ties everything together. It’s what brings brands to life, and it’s what motivates me to constantly push boundaries and strive for new creative heights. After three decades in this dynamic industry, I’m proud of the path I’ve traveled and the body of work I’ve built. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to lead, mentor, and create, and I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. For me, every project is a new story waiting to be told, and I’m always eager to turn the page and begin the next chapter
EXPERIENCE
09/16 – 08/24 DIRECTOR, CREATIVE GLOBALSERVICES, Insights & Innovations
BAMKO - SGC Superior Group of Companies. Los Angeles /Clearwater, Florida
● ExecutiveCreative Lead and Presenter for all large-scale (1 Mil+) Creative RFPS
● (Director of Creative Services, Merchandising, and Marketing creative teams responsible for creative analytics/forecasting, product ideation, packaging, display, graphics, production art & marketing solutions servicing global sales
● Managed team of 17 in 4 global offices (LA, NYC, Guangzhou, China, Dehradun, India
● SeniorCreative on the Executive team and Sponsor of GLAMCO global DE&I InternalResource Group
● EnterpriseCustomers: Dunkin’ Donuts, Amazon, Taco Bell, John Deere, Nestle Group.
● bamko.net Additional Customer/ Projects, https://bamko.net/customer-story - Case Studies
02/14– 05/16 DIRECTOR, CREATIVE / MERCHANDISING & DESIGN LICENSED SOFTLINES
RANDA ACCESSORIES / Chicago- Rosemont / Shanghai
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories (Headwear / Cold Weather / Gloves) for Levi’s,Dockers, Kenneth Cole
● PrivateLabel Director Headwear /. Soft Accessories / Gloves
● Manageddomestic and Shanghai-based Product Development and Sourcing teams
● In-Factory(China, Taiwan, Korea) Material / Product Development of Substrate YarnDevelopment to Finished Engineered Knits
04/11–01/14. SENIOR DESIGN / MERCHANDISER SOFT LINES / FOOTWEAR
CLAIRES/ ICING STORES / Chicago-Hoffman Estates / Hong Kong
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories (Headwear, Cold-Weather, Scarves, Belts, Footwear,Loungewear) Icing Stores
● Manageddomestic and Hong Kong-based Product Development and Sourcing teams
● In-Factory(China, Taiwan, Korea) Material / Product Development of Substrate YarnDevelopment to Finished Engineered Knits
● Graphicsand Print Design
08/07 – 10/10. DIRECTOR, CREATIVE LICENSING ACCESSORIES / FOOTWEAR NORTHAMERICA/ AUS.
DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS / Glendale
● ExecutiveCreative Lead developing and implementing a cohesive Omni Channel creativevision for various product categories, consumer segments, and price pointsseasonally by collaborating with all licensees to execute compellingstorytelling through innovative product development.
● Manageda team of 8 Designers, approving all product submissions and maintaining thehighest brand standards, character consistency, and character execution,averaging 30,000 SKUs per year from Top-Tier Specialty to Off-price.
● Collaboratingwith the DCP Merchanting team to identify and execute Cobrand campaigns (Launched Global Disney – Adidas Branded Footwear / Apparel)
08/06 – 08/07. DIRECTOR CREATIVE, HEADWEAR / HANDBAGS LICENSING
FORTUNE FASHION IND / Los Angeles
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories (Wal-Mart and Direct to Parks) License Disney, GM,Hasbro, Simpsons, Alpine Stars
05/04 – 07/06. DIRECTOR CREATIVE, HEADWEAR / HANDBAGS LICENSING
GOORIN BROTHERS / San Francisco
● CreativeDept Head / Designer / Graphic Artist / Marketing for all Goorin Headwear andbags
● Launchedvertical retail Goorin Brothers brick-and-mortar stores
● Elevatedthe brand and product to expand into Top-Tier & Specialty Retailors (Nordstrom,Urban Outfitters, Beams Tokyo, Colette Paris, 10 Corsocomo Milan)
● In-Factory(China) Material / Product Development of Substrate Yarn Development toFinished Engineered Knits and Skin Purchasing
12/98 – 05/03. DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES, SENIOR DESIGNER LICENSING
FANTASIA INC / New York
● CreativeDept Head/ Soft Accessories License Disney, Wal-Mart, GM, Hasbro, Simpsons,Alpine Stars
● SeniorProduct and Graphic Designer Sanrio SLGs / Helly Kitty Cosmetic Bags
12/96– 11/98 SENIOR DESIGNER, CREATIVE SERVICE LICENSING
IDEA NUOVA / New York
● SeniorProduct and Graphic Designer Pokémon Stationary / Home- Lighting
10/92 – 10/85. SENIOR DESIGNER.
PAPI SPORTSEAR, LOUNGEWEAR, UNDERWEAR / New York
● SeniorFashion Loungewear /. Underwear. Marketing /Packaging Graphic Designer
ADDTIONAL HISTORY PROVIDED UPON REQUEST