Resume
Esther Levine
Los Angeles, CA · estherlevinedesign@gmail.com · linkedin.com/in/estherlevine
Senior Creative Product Design Leader
Concept-to-Market Design, Transforming Cultural Insight into Iconic, Commercially Successful Products
Innovation leader driving end-to-end concept-to-market development for globally recognized iconic toy and consumer brands, delivering executive-level presentations that drive successful product outcomes. Expert in cultural, generational, and consumer behavior trend forecasting — translating evolving lifestyles, visual trends, materials, color direction, and market shifts into commercially successful, emotionally resonant product experiences. Effectively mentors designers and collaborates with cross-functional and global manufacturing teams across the U.S. and internationally. Fluent in English and Spanish.
$500M+ global lifetime sales7 generations of Barbie Dream Houses20+ award-winning productsPatented innovation
Core Competencies
- Product Concept & Development
- Creative Strategy
- Brand Architecture & Visual Direction
- Scale Prototyping
- Girls Toys & Play Environments
- Global Manufacturing & Vendor Collaboration
- Patented Product Innovation
- Sustainable & Environmentally Conscious Design
- Cross-Cultural Team Leadership
- Academic & Industry Engagement
Professional Experience
Mattel, Inc. — El Segundo, CA
Key Staff Designer – Barbie & Girls Brands, 2011–2026
- Headed design, concept development, and product innovation across Barbie play environments and girls’ toy platforms, generating $500M+ in global lifetime sales.
- Designed and developed 7 generations of iconic Barbie Dream Houses and lifestyle play environments, evolving the brand’s architectural identity, styling language, and interactive play features.
- Created over 20 award-winning products.
- Led creation of concept sketches, design renderings, and executive-level prototypes — producing high-fidelity models and directing model makers and sculptors.
- Developed features and patented innovations, transformation mechanisms, and interactive storytelling elements that drove product approval, captured consumer trends, and enhanced play value.
- Orchestrated global cross-functional execution across engineering, marketing, and manufacturing teams in the U.S., China, and Mexico, safeguarding design intent through production.
- Defined and codified visual and architectural standards for Barbie play environments adopted across multiple product lines.
- Mentored junior designers, accelerating skill development and improving quality and speed of concept development.
Spin Master — Culver City, CA
Staff Designer – Girls Toys, 2010–2011
- Developed new toy concepts grounded in consumer insights and market trends, playing a key role in shaping the brand’s visual identity, features, and immersive play experiences.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with design, marketing, and engineering to drive alignment on product direction, streamline development, improve efficiency, and achieve consistent on-time delivery of cohesive product lines.
Additional Relevant Experience
- Mattel, Inc. — Staff Product Designer, Barbie & Girls Brands
- Esther Levine Design — Founder & Creative Director, Toy, Health & Beauty Industry & Consumer Products
- N.F. Nagy Design — Industrial Designer, Consumer Products
- Altos Computers — Industrial & Graphic Designer, Mexico City
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS), Industrial / Product Design (Honors), ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, CA
- Bachelor of Science (BS), Industrial Design | Minor: Graphic Design, Universidad Ibero Americana, Mexico City, MX
Industry Recognition
- Served as design judge for HGTV Dream Home–related programming, contributing product design expertise alongside interior designers and television personalities.
- Achieved recognition for design work associated with Barbie Dream House architecture and environments, inspiring contemporary cultural interpretations, including the theatrical film Barbie.
Awards & Patents
- Named designer on multiple issued patents in toy and consumer product design.
- Played key role in Toy of the Year (TOTY) recognized product lines.
- Awarded Third Place — National Furniture Design Competition, Mexico City.
Academic & Industry Engagement
- Mentor and guest collaborator with ArtCenter College of Design and Otis College of Art and Design.
- Participated in portfolio reviews, mentorship, and emerging designer development initiatives.
Technical Skills
Adobe Creative Suite · SketchUp · Advanced Physical Prototyping and Model Building · Working Knowledge of SolidWorks
Languages
English — Fluent · Spanish — Fluent · Italian — Conversational