Creative production manager
Custom kits that celebrate furry family members
Creating custom pet portraits that people could paint themselves was more than a creative challenge. It was an opportunity to turn memories into meaningful experiences. At Apple Pie Painting, I led the production of hundreds of personalized kits, combining illustration, workflow design, and brand strategy to deliver a product that was both emotionally resonant and scalable. From concept through fulfillment, every detail was carefully crafted to celebrate the bond between people and their pets. This project highlights my passion for thoughtful design, operational precision, and creative storytelling that builds connection.
Creative direction in action: turning pet photos into paintable memories
As Creative Manager, I led the design and production of hand-illustrated canvases, each carefully labeled to guide customers through a smooth and enjoyable painting experience. Every kit came complete with paints, brushes, a palette, and a reference photo featuring a custom color guide tailored to each pet. I worked closely with artists and production teams to ensure every portrait captured the pet’s personality while maintaining consistency across thousands of orders. I streamlined workflows and developed scalable systems that improved efficiency without sacrificing quality. I also introduced new processes that enhanced clarity for both the team and the customer, making the experience more intuitive and rewarding. This project blended creativity, operational design, and customer delight, highlighting my ability to lead with both heart and strategy while delivering a product that was personal, polished, and repeatable.
System design in action: building a custom color framework from scratch
At Apple Pie Painting, I built the entire paint swatch and Color Set system from scratch to improve consistency, clarity, and customer experience. Each Color Set (A through D) included a gradient scale labeled from 1 (lightest) to 8 (darkest), allowing for smooth shading across different pet types. I created reference swatches for backgrounds, eyes, tongues, noses, and extra colors, ensuring every detail was thoughtfully represented. Every pet received a custom color swatch paired with a reference photo that matched the final painting outcome, helping customers feel confident and supported. This system streamlined production, reduced errors, and improved order accuracy. It also led to higher customer satisfaction and increased repeat orders. Before I joined, no system existed. I designed and implemented every part of it to make the painting experience easier, more personal, and scalable.
Scaling production with smart systems and remote collaboration
Customers could choose from three canvas sizes: 8"x10", 11"x14", and 16"x20", each priced at $49.99, or bundle up to four for $149.99. We also offered the option to include multiple pets on a single canvas for an added charge. I managed all incoming orders and oversaw the entire fulfillment process, from intake to shipment. To meet growing demand, I built and trained a remote illustration team through Freelancer.com, teaching them how to turn pet photos into vector line art using Adobe Illustrator. Before I joined, each canvas was hand-traced, which made scaling difficult. I created a new system where line art and reference numbers were printed directly onto blank canvases in bulk, allowing for faster production and more consistent results. I coordinated every step of the process, ensuring each kit was accurately assembled and shipped with care. This system reduced manual labor, improved turnaround times, and increased customer satisfaction, helping the business grow while maintaining quality.
The process
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Step 1
Choose your canvas and upload your pet photo: customers select a canvas size (8"x10", 11"x14", or 16"x20") and upload a photo of their pet. They can also bundle multiple kits or request multiple pets on one canvas for an additional fee.
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Step 2
Custom illustration and kit creation: using Adobe Illustrator, our trained remote team transforms each pet photo into a hand-drawn vector illustration. I developed a system to print the line art and numbered sections directly onto blank canvases in bulk. Each kit includes paints, brushes, a palette, and a reference photo with a custom color swatch.
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Step 3
Fulfillment and shipping: I managed the entire production pipeline, from order intake to shipment. Kits are assembled with care and shipped to customers, giving them everything they need to create a simple, satisfying pet portrait at home.
