Curiosity and creativity have always been central to who I am, shaping my journey as a designer. With a diligent and detail-oriented approach, I carefully consider every aspect to ensure nothing is overlooked. From a young age, my creative journey has been evolving, along with my approach to design. I'm passionate about infusing just the right balance of joy, harmony, and simplicity into my work. Collaboration energizes me, as it fosters the most dynamic brainstorming sessions and opens up endless possibilities.

Ashley Marcano

Curiosity and creativity have always been central to who I am, shaping my journey as a designer. With a diligent and detail-oriented approach, I carefully consider every aspect to ensure nothing is overlooked. From a young age, my creative journey has been evolving, along with my approach to design. I'm passionate about infusing just the right balance of joy, harmony, and simplicity into my work. Collaboration energizes me, as it fosters the most dynamic brainstorming sessions and opens up endless possibilities.

Available to hire

Curiosity and creativity have always been central to who I am, shaping my journey as a designer. With a diligent and detail-oriented approach, I carefully consider every aspect to ensure nothing is overlooked. From a young age, my creative journey has been evolving, along with my approach to design. I’m passionate about infusing just the right balance of joy, harmony, and simplicity into my work. Collaboration energizes me, as it fosters the most dynamic brainstorming sessions and opens up endless possibilities.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Product Design Intern at Xikar
August 1, 2014 - September 10, 2025
Worked with the industrial design team to develop luxury cigar accessories.
Industrial Designer II/III at Insight 2 Design
February 1, 2024 - September 10, 2025
Led CMF design, ensuring color, materials, patterns, finishes and trends aligned with product direction. Integrated AI tools (MidJourney and Viscom) into the design process. Collaborated with Product Managers, adapted to various personalities and working styles. Recognized as the go-to designer for quick, high-quality task completion; managed rounds of sample reviews and provided detailed comments/drawings to factories. Worked under tight deadlines and consistently delivered on time or ahead of schedule.
Product Design Instructor at The University of Kansas
May 1, 2018 - September 10, 2025
Instructed Drawing II for junior and senior Product Design students. Created and implemented grading criteria, coached students in-person twice a week, and taught analog/digital sketching skills (Photoshop, Sketchbook, Procreate).
Teacher’s Assistant at The University of Kansas
May 1, 2015 - September 10, 2025
Assisted in teaching BDS for all beginning design students. Supported drawing, photography, 2D and 3D modeling to push skills and creativity.
Freelance Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2025 - Present
Contracted to work on diverse design projects (Engenious, Demdaco, Kickr Design, Insight 2 Design) across medical, giftable, home decor, baby, and fashion markets.
Industrial Designer II / III, Lead Softgoods Designer at Insight 2 Design
February 1, 2024 - September 10, 2025
Led softgoods design across camping product categories (tents, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, camp pads, soft coolers, chairs, canopies, shelters, tables, and other camping accessories). Responsibilities included color theory, pattern design, CAD detail reviews, and ensuring alignment with product direction. Lead designer for Firefly! branded kids camping equipment. Increased independence within a growing team, mentored new designers, and maintained detailed factory communications. Excelled under tight deadlines and integrated AI tools (MidJourney and Viscom) into the design process, while collaborating with Product Managers to adapt to various personalities and working styles.

Education

BFA in Industrial Design at The University of Kansas
August 1, 2011 - May 1, 2015
BFA in Industrial Design at The University of Kansas
August 1, 2011 - May 1, 2015

Qualifications

U.S. Patent for Lantern and Flashlight Combination
June 1, 2019 - September 10, 2025
U.S. Patent D850683
June 1, 2019 - September 10, 2025

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Education, Retail, Media & Entertainment