Jess Norman
About Jess Norman
Jess Norman is a Product Designer at Oriental Trading Company, where he has worked since 2012, and is also the Co-Owner and Marketing Director at Smarty Dog Training. He has a strong background in designing engaging toys and educational products, with experience in both freelance and corporate settings.
Work at Oriental Trading
Jess Norman has been a Product Designer at Oriental Trading Company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, since 2012. In this role, Norman has worked on various projects that cater to both interior and exterior clients, focusing on engaging toys and promotional products. Prior to this position, Norman served as a Product Design Intern for six months in 2012 and later progressed to the role of Associate Product Designer from 2012 to 2014. This extensive experience at Oriental Trading has contributed to a deep understanding of product design within the toy and promotional product sectors.
Co-Ownership and Marketing at Smarty Dog Training
Since 2015, Jess Norman has been the Co-Owner and Marketing Director at Smarty Dog Training in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this capacity, Norman oversees marketing strategies, social media management, and logo design, while also working as a dog trainer. This role combines Norman's design skills with a passion for animal training, contributing to the growth and visibility of the business in the local community.
Education and Expertise
Jess Norman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts with a concentration in Graphic Communication Arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. This educational background, completed between 2007 and 2011, provided a foundation in graphic design principles and practices. Norman's expertise extends to designing educational readers, classroom decor, and stationery products, showcasing a versatile skill set in product design.
Previous Experience in Design and Leadership
Before joining Oriental Trading, Jess Norman held various positions that contributed to professional development. Norman worked as a Shift Leader at Dogtopia of Omaha from 2008 to 2012, where leadership skills were honed. Additionally, Norman served as a Freelance Designer for the Papillion-La Vista Schools Foundation from 2008 to 2010, gaining experience in educational product design. These roles provided valuable insights into both design and team management.
Passion for Toy Design
Jess Norman has a strong passion for creating vinyl, plush, and inflatable toys. This interest aligns with the work done at Oriental Trading, where engaging toys are a primary focus. Norman enjoys collaborating with content writers to develop educational products, demonstrating a commitment to creating functional and enjoyable items for various audiences.