<p>Ester Kneen studied a Foundation Dipola in Art and Design at Plymouth College of Art and completed the course in 2006. Now Ester is Design Manager for Animal and works on developing multi-product seasonal menswear and womenswear collections.</p> <p>Ester manages the development process from sourcing supply base, trend research, design, fitting samples, negotiating prices, placing bulk production and organising process through to DC shipment.<br /><br /> As a Design Manager Ester oversees multi-product menswear and womenswear range from concept through to final product. It is her responsibility to research trends and then present concept boards and seasonal colour palettes.</p> <p>A key part of Ester’s job involves working with the branding and marketing team to develop a brand identity, from logo design through to website. Throughout these processes Ester has learnt to negotiating prices and regularly needs to present costings and budgets to management. Ester enjoys travelling to tradeshows and fabric fairs and learns lots though development trips.</p> <p>“I knew I wanted to pursue a career in design but I didn’t know exactly what. Being at the college allowed me to explore different avenues and focus on the areas I found most rewarding. I was given the time to experiment before I committed to anything, which helped me find a career I love. I feel so lucky to be creative, travel the world and get paid for it!”</p>