I'm Borah Ahn, a multidisciplinary visual designer with a strong background in event design, visual merchandising, store design, 3D design, and global brand presentation. Over my career, I have led concept development and execution for major beauty and fashion brands, blending creative vision with practical production and cross-functional collaboration. Based in Brooklyn, I thrive on turning complex ideas into photorealistic renderings and compelling in-store experiences, from seasonal fixtures to large-scale global programs. I am passionate about elevating brand storytelling through design, data-driven presentation, and hands-on project leadership.…

Borah Ahn

I'm Borah Ahn, a multidisciplinary visual designer with a strong background in event design, visual merchandising, store design, 3D design, and global brand presentation. Over my career, I have led concept development and execution for major beauty and fashion brands, blending creative vision with practical production and cross-functional collaboration. Based in Brooklyn, I thrive on turning complex ideas into photorealistic renderings and compelling in-store experiences, from seasonal fixtures to large-scale global programs. I am passionate about elevating brand storytelling through design, data-driven presentation, and hands-on project leadership.…

Available to hire

I’m Borah Ahn, a multidisciplinary visual designer with a strong background in event design, visual merchandising, store design, 3D design, and global brand presentation. Over my career, I have led concept development and execution for major beauty and fashion brands, blending creative vision with practical production and cross-functional collaboration.

Based in Brooklyn, I thrive on turning complex ideas into photorealistic renderings and compelling in-store experiences, from seasonal fixtures to large-scale global programs. I am passionate about elevating brand storytelling through design, data-driven presentation, and hands-on project leadership.

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Language

English
Fluent
Korean
Fluent
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Visual Merchandising 3D Designer at Anastasia Beverly Hills
January 1, 2025 - Present
Conceptualised and designed event designs and permanent & seasonal VM fixtures; created photorealistic 3D renderings for final presentations for retailers and external vendors; updated 3D renderings seasonally using 3D programs such as SketchUp and KeyShot; collaborated with VM and cross-functional teams daily.
Freelance Visual Merchandising Concept Designer at Victoria’s Secret & Co
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Concept development and final output of presentations for seasonal and permanent fixtures; created photographic-quality renderings for presentations and production; built digital 3D models for design development, production and pre-engineering; collaborated with internal and external cross-functional teams on a daily basis.
Freelance Visual Designer at Lafayette 148
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Designed and updated seasonal visual guidelines and planograms; produced final production 2D files for prints for external vendors; created photographic-quality renderings using 3D programs; worked with VM and Store Design teams to create CAD designs for US and China markets.
Head of North America Merchandising & In-Store Excellence at Coty Prestige Fragrance
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
Oversaw store and merchandising setup in the US & Canada; developed US & Canada strategy and maintained brand equity; directed merchandising and packaging layout concepts and executions; collaborated with Paris HQ and local teams; managed global and local merchandising offerings and production; liaised with internal marketing, trade marketing, events and local creative 2D teams; collaborated with external vendors and design agencies.
Visual Merchandising Global Director at Estee Lauder Companies Travel Retail Worldwide
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Developed and maintained merchandising guidelines and planograms across all distribution; partnered with Brand VM teams to develop strategies; trained and supported markets through workshops and visits; collaborated with brand marketing to address regional needs and produced signage, production and display needs; ensured consistency and brand representation.
Visual Merchandising Global Director at Bobbi Brown
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Directed global VM projects and regional VM initiatives; conceptualized and executed VM campaigns; updated main unit, opensell, and special counter units for seasonal launches; collaborated with Education, Global & Regional Marketing, Operations and Product Development; renovated and customized units; managed programs to meet shipping and on-counter schedules; budget forecasting and vendor coordination.
Visual Merchandising Global Director at Estee Lauder Brand
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2015
Directed global VM projects including skincare category layout and product placement; developed global guidelines and planograms; updated launch units and fixtures; renovated skincare bars; led the design process with cross-functional teams and coordinated with Operations and Marketing; contributed to cross-category Innovation projects.
Art Director, Head of Industrial Design Department at Raison Pure International
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
Led brand vision and design direction across packaging, merchandising and brand positioning; coordinated strategy between graphic and industrial design; managed up to 10 projects with budgets and schedules; oversaw external vendors and client interactions.
Industrial Design Manager at BrandImage-Desgrippes & Laga
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Led internal Industrial Designers; oversaw package and merchandising design processes; developed concepts for production; collaborated with clients including Unilever, Coca-Cola, Cadbury, and others; guided design direction across multiple projects.
Industrial Design Manager at LG Electronics USA
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005
Formulated usability studies and lifestyle analyses to guide design directions for LG cell phones and home appliances; defined product vision and mentored junior designers.
Industrial Design Manager at Ecco Design Inc.
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 2002
Established overall aesthetic communication direction for product, packaging and interactive design; led end-to-end design procedures from research to production; managed multiple clients including Acco, Colgate Palmolive, Levi, and others.
Art Director: Head of Industrial Design Department at Raison Pure International
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2012
Led brand vision and design direction focusing on package, merchandising and brand positioning. Formulated protocol to unify strategy, graphic design and industrial design departments. Managed up to 10 concurrent projects with schedules and budgets; oversaw external vendors and client interactions.

Education

Master of Industrial Design at Pratt Institute
October 31, 1996
Brooklyn, New York
Bachelor's degree in Metal Art at Seoul National University
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1993

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Other, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality
    uniE621 3D Rendering Portfolio
    Keyshot, SketchUp, Soldworks, Alias were mainly used. Luxury goods, package & merchandising renderings focus. No problem with rendering mobile products - had experience on electronics as well.…