Maria Danalakis

Graphic Artist/ Creative Art Director

NY, USA
I am a results-driven Creative Art Director, Graphic Artist and Illustrator, with a proven track record of creating trend forward and production ready original artwork and leading a team of artists. I am versatile enough to adapt my style to suit the needs of a variety of projects. My expertise in both digital and traditional media reflect my well rounded skill set.

Work Experience

Komar

Creative Art Director

Led a team of graphic artists in the production ready design of screen prints, sublimations, all over prints, and embellishments for big girls, infant, toddler girls and boys sleepwear, loungewear, and swimwear. Worked collaboratively with the design director to establish the visual direction for collections across multiple accounts, including Kirkland, Cuddl Duds, Wonder Nation, St. Eve, Nautica, and Marmaxx. Adeptly addressed unique needs for each account, encompassing diverse style artwork, themes, and color palettes. Researched current trends on platforms such as Fashion Snoops, WGSN and in store and online shopping to create all seasonal trend boards for retail presentations. Proactively assembled and delivered compelling presentations, ensuring alignment with brand vision, under tight deadlines.
Extensively experienced with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate and Rebelle
March 2020 - February 2024 New Jersey, United States

Komar

Senior Graphic Artist

Created production ready graphics for licensed and private label big girls, infant and toddler boys and girls sleepwear at Target, Gap, Old Navy, Costco, Walmart, Marmaxx, Kohls and Macys. Lead artist on F18 launch of Betsey Johnson girls sleepwear. Licenses include Warner Brothers, Sanrio, Peanuts, Dr. Seuss, Tonka, Disney Baby, Peppa Pig and more. Researched current trends on platforms such as Fashion Snoops, WGSN and in store and online shopping to create all seasonal trend boards for retail presentations.
Extensively experienced with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate and Rebelle. Experienced with Browzwear VStitcher and Lotta.
October 2015 - March 2020 New Jersey, United States

Garan

Graphic Artist, Infant/Toddler Girls Division

Created graphics for Garanimals and Faded Glory infant and toddler girls division, including screen prints, sublimations, all over prints, heat seals, embroideries and tack-ons. Ensured all artwork was production ready and in actual size.
Extensively experienced with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
June 2010 - October 2015 New York, United States

Snapfish

Freelance designer

Created a line of greeting cards inclusive of birthday cards, holiday cards, birth announcements, invitations, and more.
United States

Global Brands Group

Graphic Artist, AME/Girls Division

Lead graphic artist for tween, girls and juniors licensed and private label sleepwear. Accounts included Target, Kohls, JC Penny, Walmart, KMart Old Navy and Macy's. Licenses include Disney, Nickelodeon, Sanrio, and Warner Brothers. Lead artist on production of all graphics for tween S08 sleepwear launch of Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Jonas Brothers, Camp Rock, and Wizards of Waverley Place.

Extensively experienced with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Experienced with PLM
January 2006 - October 2010 New York, New York, United States

Centric Brands

Senior Graphic Artist, Briefly Stated

Sole graphic artist responsible for creating artwork for licensed and private label girls and boys sleepwear and daywear for Target, Kohls, JC Penny, Walmart, KMart and Macys. Licenses include Disney, Nickelodeon, Sanrio, and Warner Brothers.
Sole graphic artist responsible for launch of Joe Boxer boys sleepwear at K-Mart.
Extensively experienced with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
October 2004 - January 2006 New York, United States

Education

School Of Visual Arts (SVA)

BFA illustration and Cartooning

1999 - 2003 New York, United States

Fashion Institute Of Technology (FIT)

Select continuing education coursework included Licensing, Learn to Sew Like a Pro, Fashion Illustration, Silkscreen
New York, New York, United States

Languages

English (Native),
Greek (Advanced),

Skills

Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Firefly, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Art Direction, Browzwear, Embellishments, Fashion, Graphic Artist, Kids Fashion, Pantone Colors, Pattern Design, Production, Project Managment, Repeat Patterns, Screen Prints, Silkscreen, Sublimations, Surface Design, Trend Research,

Tools

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Creative suite, Mid journey, Procreate, Rebelle, Browzwear, PLM, PDN, Microsoft office suite, Wacom drawing tablet, Wacom Cintique, Pantone color books