Craig Elias

Apparel Graphic Designer and Creative Director with 25+ years of experience developing original graphics, licensed merchandise, apparel collections, packaging, and consumer products from initial concept through production. Extensive hands-on experience creating placement graphics, typography, illustrations, screen print artwork, embroidery applications, appliqués, patches, specialty print treatments, and production-ready artwork for apparel and accessories. Highly experienced translating creative concepts into detailed manufacturing specifications, including Pantone color references, dimensions, placement, scale, production callouts, print techniques, and construction details.

Proven ability to communicate with domestic and overseas manufacturers, review samples and production submissions, manage revisions, and ensure approved artwork is executed accurately. Strong background working with licensed entertainment properties, artists, major brands, apparel manufacturers, and cross-functional creative and production teams.

Advanced Adobe

Illustrator and Photoshop skills with a strong understanding of print production, garment decoration, color, typography, composition, and apparel manufacturing.

Creative Lead - One More Time VIP

(2025-01)

• Lead creative direction and merchandise development for VIP tour programs, creating elevated apparel and consumer-product graphics for music and entertainment audiences.
• Develop original apparel graphics, placement artwork, typography, illustrations, and merchandise concepts from initial creative direction through production.
• Translate creative concepts into production-ready artwork with detailed placement, dimensions, color, Pantone references, and manufacturing specifications.
• Develop artwork for tees, apparel, accessories, VIP merchandise, packaging, and collectible products.
• Collaborate with manufacturers and vendors to determine appropriate execution methods, including screen print, digital print, embroidery, patches, appliqué, specialty treatments, and other embellishment applications.
• Review production submissions and samples for artwork accuracy, scale, placement, color, print quality, and overall execution.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining deadlines, artwork organization, approvals, and production communication.
• Work with licensed entertainment properties and artist brands while ensuring creative execution remains consistent with established brand standards.

Executive Director, Creative Services / Merchandising Creative Director - Danny Wimmer Presents

(2021-01 - 2024-12)

• Directed creative development for merchandise and apparel programs supporting major music festivals, artists, brands, and entertainment properties.
• Led apparel graphic development for a broad portfolio of artists and entertainment properties, contributing creative direction and hands-on artwork across hundreds of merchandise programs.
• Created original placement graphics, typography, illustrations, logos, apparel artwork, patches, and merchandise applications for tees, fleece, headwear, accessories, and specialty products.
• Prepared production-ready artwork with Pantone specifications, dimensions, placement instructions, color callouts, print requirements, and manufacturing notes.
• Collaborated with product development, merchandising, production, vendors, and manufacturers to move artwork from concept through final production.
• Evaluated appropriate production techniques, including screen printing, digital printing, embroidery, appliqué, patches, heat transfers, and specialty embellishments.
• Reviewed artwork samples, strike-offs, pre-production submissions, and finished goods to identify inconsistencies in color, scale, placement, artwork, and production execution.
• Communicated detailed revisions and approvals to vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure final products matched approved artwork.
• Managed multiple seasonal, tour, and festival programs simultaneously within demanding production schedules.
• Worked extensively with licensed artists, entertainment properties, and brand guidelines, ensuring artwork followed required approval processes.

Executive Creative Director - Future Beat / On Location

(2018-01 - 2021-12)

• Directed creative strategy and apparel/merchandise development for 300+ VIP tour clients, creating premium products and experiences for music and entertainment audiences.
• Developed apparel and merchandise graphics tailored to individual artists, tours, brands, and VIP programs.
• Created production-ready apparel artwork, placement graphics, typography, illustrations, logos, and packaging.
• Developed creative concepts that translated across apparel, accessories, packaging, credentials, VIP gifts, and collectible merchandise.
• Prepared detailed production specifications and communicated artwork requirements to vendors and manufacturing partners.
• Reviewed samples and production submissions to ensure approved artwork, colors, placement, proportions, and finishes were accurately executed.
• Partnered with manufacturers and production teams to select appropriate print and embellishment techniques.
• Managed multiple creative programs and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining detailed artwork files and production documentation.

Creative Director - Universal Music Group / Bravado / Epic Rights

(2013-01 - 2018-12)

• Led creative development for licensed merchandise and consumer products representing entertainment brands and intellectual properties.
• Developed apparel and merchandise graphics for licensed entertainment properties and major artists.
• Created original artwork and adapted existing IP into production-ready apparel and consumer-product applications.
• Worked within strict licensor brand guidelines and approval requirements while maintaining creative quality and commercial appeal.
• Prepared artwork specifications for manufacturers, including color, scale, placement, print requirements, and production details.
• Collaborated with licensing, merchandising, product development, and manufacturing partners through concept, revision, approval, and production.
• Reviewed samples and production submissions to ensure approved artwork was accurately executed.

Art Director - Live Nation

(2007-01 - 2012-12)

• Helped establish and develop Live Nation's creative and merchandise operations, providing hands-on creative direction and apparel artwork for artists, tours, and entertainment programs.
• Created original apparel graphics, typography, illustrations, logos, and merchandise artwork for major artists and touring programs.
• Developed graphics for tees and apparel using screen print and other commercial production techniques.
• Prepared production-ready files and communicated artwork specifications to manufacturers and production partners.
• Reviewed color, placement, artwork scale, print execution, and finished merchandise for quality and consistency.
• Collaborated with merchandise, licensing, artists, vendors, and internal creative teams to deliver artwork within demanding tour and production schedules.