Collection Planning

Notebook with an embossed car design, patterned washi tapes, and a decorative box on an orange background.
Keychain with motel design inside gift box on orange background.

Archer & Olive Retro Summer Collection


 Category: Collection Planning
A 24-piece product launch delivered in 6 weeks, on theme, under budget, and record-setting in ROI

The Challenge
We aimed to design and produce a high-impact summer collection that would introduce new, coordinated products across categories—while meeting tight production timelines and budget constraints. With only six weeks from concept to manufacturing, we needed to balance speed, variety, cohesion, and customer demand.

My Role
I led collection planning across all product categories, working closely with our Art Director to shape the visual theme and production calendar. I selected and scoped all 24 items in the line—including new journal covers, accessories, and paper goods—to ensure every piece aligned with customer preferences and brand profitability. I also managed the timeline across teams and vendors, ensuring smooth execution from planning to delivery.

Strategy & Process

  • Chose product types and price points to maximize ROI and conversion across the full assortment

  • Balanced aesthetic cohesion with functional variety to create a compelling, mixable collection

  • Managed a production schedule for 24 unique SKUs across multiple categories

  • Maintained constant cross-team communication to hit a 6-week development window

  • Sourced materials and finishes that elevated perceived value while remaining budget-efficient

A flat lay of four pastel-colored notebooks in peach, blue, pink, and light blue shades. Surrounding them are colorful markers, washi tapes, and illustrated cards with various designs and motivational phrases. A boxed keychain and assorted decorative items add to the artistic arrangement on a white background.

Outcome

  • Successfully launched custom-branded watercolor sets that aligned with our seasonal campaigns

  • Strengthened our product line with a unique, story-driven offering not available through mass suppliers

  • Built a lasting vendor relationship that supported future product launches, both with and beyond our team

What I Learned
The best sourcing isn’t transactional—it’s relational. When you find a vendor who shares your values and vision, the products speak for themselves.

Light blue journal titled "The Creative Way: an Art & Wellness Journal" with floral designs and an elastic closure.

The Creative Way

An Art Wellness Journal from The Mint Gardener and Archer &Olive


Category: Collection Planning
A multi-format creative wellness launch executed from first draft to final brushstroke

The Challenge
We partnered with artist Sarah Simon to publish a custom-designed mental wellness book and accompanying watercolor tools. It was the artist’s first book with Archer & Olive, and our goal was to align her artistic voice with the brand’s audience while launching a cohesive, supportive product suite. I had never published a book before, and the process required close attention to quality, visual details, and production standards—on a fast-moving timeline.

My Role
I led planning and coordination for the entire collection—from setting the production timeline with Sarah, to working with manufacturers on custom watercolors and brush pens, to managing proofing, formatting, and quality testing for the book itself. I also coordinated proofreading, aligned the book’s layout with our internal art team, and ensured marketing spoke to both the artist’s objectives and the brand’s values.

Strategy & Process

  • Built and maintained a detailed production schedule for the book and product line

  • Selected and sourced high-quality, artist-approved watercolors and paint pens

  • Managed all manufacturer communication and oversaw physical proof cycles

  • Coordinated across marketing, editorial, and art departments for visual and brand cohesion

  • Balanced artist input with commercial objectives for a dual-branded customer experience

Set of four colored square tiles in a white box labeled "Archer & Olive"
Set of five Archer & Olive Acrylograph pens in pastel colors with packaging labeled 'The Mist Garden.'

Outcome

  • Successfully launched a full creative wellness experience, including:

    • A custom printed book

    • A curated set of watercolor paints and brush pens

  • Maintained strong artist-brand alignment across every touchpoint

  • Delivered the project on time with final products that met high quality and aesthetic standards

  • Built a launch model that combined publishing, art supplies, and artist collaborations for future product development

What I Learned
Creative partnerships thrive when every detail is intentional. Publishing a book taught me to respect every layer of the process—from proofreading to pigment selection—and that the best collections speak to both the heart and the hand.