# Natalie Magnuson > Product Design + Illustration Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/nataliemagnuson 18+ years of professional experience designing unique and compelling products for the retail and giftware industries. Experience includes illustration and design of greeting cards, stationery, pet products, seasonal giftware, tabletop, collectibles, and decor, from concept to final production. Freelance work includes greeting cards, stationery, home decor, editorial, and children's book illustration. Specialties: product design and development, traditional and digital design skills, hand lettering, surface design, editorial illustration, children's book illustration, trend research, concepting, and art direction. ## Work Experience ### Illustration + Product Design @ Natalie Magnuson Design Jan 2005 – Present Freelance product design and illustration for seasonal giftware and decor, tabletop, stationery, editorial and children's books. Selected clients include: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Papyrus Demdaco Gartner Studios Garven Design Group Capstone Publishing ### Illustration and Lettering Manager @ Papyrus Jan 2015 – Jan 2021 | Napa, California, United States ### Product Designer @ PetSmart Jan 2013 – Jan 2015 | Phoenix, AZ Responsible for the design and development of proprietary branded pet products. Product categories include: plush and multi material pet toys, pet feeding bowls, pet beds, leashes and collars, small animal, reptile and aquatic habitat décor accessories, gift cards, and other pet specialty products. Responsible for developing and managing these design initiatives through cross-functional collaboration with the Product Managers and Merchandising teams. Reported to the Product Design Manager. ### Holiday Lane Trim Designer @ Macy's Jan 2011 – Jan 2012 | Greater New York City Area -Responsible for the design, development, selection and approval of materials, silhouettes, colors and patterns for Macy’s Holiday Lane. Products include tree ornamentation, decor, animated plush, and giftables. -Conceptualizes and designs products through the entire development process, from ideation to final production. -Provides recommendations for materials, construction, shape, color, surface, finish and manufacturing processes. -Prepares design materials for overseas vendors and provides timely feedback on samples. -Prepares line and presentation material for trim line previews and buy meetings. -Presents concepts for review with various internal groups, including all levels of management, merchandising, branding and sourcing. -Extensive travel to Asia to oversee development, maintain product quality, and to ensure conformance with design intent. - Reported to the Design Manager. ### Product Designer @ Enesco, LLC/Department 56 Jan 2007 – Jan 2011 | Eden Prairie, MN -Design and development of tabletop, trim, and décor within seasonal and everyday giftware collections, from conceptualization to final output -Trend research and concept board development for seasonal trend presentations -Participation in artwork review process with cross-functional team -Ideation, brainstorming, and sketching of concepts including icon, pattern and character development, product design and specifications -Provide reference materials and images to support technique or materials -Drawing of side views and technical sketches to explain form and function -Preparation of decals and graphics for print -Format and spec final artwork for transfer of art to vendors -Review and correct sculpts from vendors -Provide production assistance to external freelance designers -Experience working with licensed brands such as Disney, Peanuts, and Dr. Seuss -Worked closely with Senior Designer -Reported to Creative Director ## Education ### BFA in Illustration Minneapolis College of Art and Design ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/natalie-magnuson-85334120 --- Source: https://flows.cv/nataliemagnuson JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/nataliemagnuson/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13