JESSICA KNELL

Melbourne, VIC
0421 307 317 | jessica.mckinlay.knell@gmail.com

Product Designer | Graphic Designer | Product Development & Innovation

PROFILE

Melbourne-based designer specialising in graphic design, product design, and development, with extensive experience delivering commercially successful products from concept through to production. Skilled in textile design, garment construction, and supplier collaboration across international markets. Combines strong creative direction with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to design and innovation.

CORE CAPABILITIES

Design & Development
 Apparel & Product Development
Textile & Print Design (Illustrator, Photoshop)
Patternmaking & Garment Construction
Range Planning & Costing

Technical & Production
 Supplier & Factory Liaison (China, Europe, USA)
Technical Specifications & Garment Documentation
Sustainable Material Integration

Commercial & Systems
 E-commerce (Shopify, ShipStation)
Sales Analysis & Range Strategy

Communication
 Client Relations
Team Collaboration & Leadership
Fluent French (spoken & written)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Head of Product Development / General Manager

First Choice Distributors | Jan 2011 – Jun 2014, Dec 2017 – Nov 2021

  • Led end-to-end product development, managing a team of 7 to deliver commercially successful ranges

  • Oversaw design, sourcing, and production across USA, Europe, and China

  • Developed textile prints, trims, and full garment specifications

  • Managed supplier relationships, costing, and production timelines

  • Analysed sales data to inform future product strategy

Apparel & Gear Designer

Savic Motorcycles | Nov 2021 – Jan 2023

  • Designed apparel and technical gear aligned with brand and performance requirements

  • Produced detailed tech packs, measurement charts, and product documentation

  • Conducted market research and trend analysis to inform product direction

  • Liaised with international suppliers for sampling, costing, and production

  • Introduced sustainable materials (ePET) into product development

  • Managed Shopify and ShipStation systems

Freelance Graphic Designer

Self-Employed | Oct 2021 – Present

  • Designed commercially produced textile print repeats for Lowes Menswear and various Womenswear brands

  • Delivered designs aligned with brand identity and commercial outcomes

Lecturer of Fashion Design

RMIT University | Jul 2017 – Jan 2024

  • Delivered courses in patternmaking, textile transformation, textile science, and Adobe

  • Mentored students across both conceptual design and technical execution

ADDITIONAL DESIGN EXPERIENCE

Milliner (Self-Employed) | 2011 – Present

  • Designed and produced bespoke bridal and racewear millinery

  • Clients include Scanlan Theodore and Luci Di Bella

Contract Milliner / Accessories
 Mariana Hardwick | Various periods

Maker / Designer
 MAIIKE Studio | Jun 2014 – Nov 2015

RELEVANT CLIENT & RETAIL EXPERIENCE

Sales Associate – National Tiles | 2024
Sales Associate – Aquila | 2024
Retail Assistant – Hermès (Paris) | 2006 – 2009
Bridal Stylist & Fitter – Raffaele Ciuca Bridal | 2016 – 2017

  • Delivered high-level customer experience across luxury and design-focused environments

  • Developed strong product knowledge and client relationship skills

EARLY CAREER

Hospitality & Retail Roles

  • Built strong communication, multitasking, and service skills in fast-paced environments

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Design (Fashion) (Honours)
RMIT University | 2005 – 2009

CERTIFICATIONS

Professional Grooming Certification
Dog Diversity | 2024

REFERENCES

Available on request