Lisa "Lees" Théa
I’m a graphic artist, product designer, and art director with a focus on building visually iconic products, physical experiences, and brand stories. With 15+ years across apparel, film, toy, lifestyle, and boutique retail, I translate bold visuals into real-world design — from surface art and product development to creative direction and branded environments.
My work lives where image meets object — turning graphic storytelling into collectable pieces, tactile experiences, and emotionally resonant products. I’ve led product development at Mattel, created graphics in surf/skate culture, and directed art, product development and branding for a Los Angeles boutique clothing store.
I collaborate with brands and visionaries in fashion, interiors, beauty, and culture — helping them design one-of-a-kind products, launch limited-edition collections, and build immersive brand identities with edge and soul.
Brands I've worked with:
Resume
Professional Experience
Art Director & Designer | Visual & Product Design for Culture and Brand Experience
Freelance (Toys, Film, Apparel, Boutique Retail, Lifestyle) – CA & Remote | 2007 – Present
Freelance (Toys, Film, Apparel, Boutique Retail, Lifestyle) – CA & Remote | 2007 – Present
Art direction, illustration, and design for film, boutique clothing store, action sports apparel, greeting cards, and lifestyle.
Designed product lines including apparel graphics, fragrance packaging, and seasonal giftables.
Oversaw creative direction and production for branded merchandise, print campaigns, in-store experiences and on-screen visuals.
Led concept-to-launch execution for boutique product lines, from ideation to vendor management.
Delivered full brand refresh and continual design support for a Los Angeles based clothing brand: logos, signage, visual storytelling, and environmental design.
Produced art-based collections (greeting cards, prints) sold via pet boutique retail in Los Angeles and San Francisco and e-commerce.
Built long-term client relationships through strategic communication and aesthetic alignment.
Collaborated on creative event projects for Red Bull, supporting brand activation and immersive audience experiences.
Product Development Designer
Mattel Inc. – Contract (Full-Time) | El Segundo, CA (on-site) | December 2010–April 2012
Mattel Inc. – Contract (Full-Time) | El Segundo, CA (on-site) | December 2010–April 2012
Managed full product development for Polly Pocket, from concept to manufacturing, including sample approvals and troubleshooting.
Designed and refreshed accessories for multiple Mattel brands, improving aesthetics and usability based on customer feedback.
Collaborated across design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to align with user expectations and business objectives.
Implemented structured feedback loops, improving cross-functional alignment and production efficiency.
Presented customer insights to senior leadership, influencing product enhancements that improved market positioning.
Industrial Designer (Contract)
Taco Bell – Kids' Meal Toy Program | Jul 2009 – Dec 2010
Taco Bell – Kids' Meal Toy Program | Jul 2009 – Dec 2010
Designed toys and packaging for national quick-serve campaigns.
Balanced brand identity, safety regulations, and cost requirements to deliver on-time promotions.
Skills & Tools
Design & Development: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, Figma
Business & Ops: Google Suite, Salesforce, CW
Specialties: Product Development, Art Direction, Vendor Coordination, Brand Strategy, Visual Storytelling, Client & Customer Experience, Cross-Functional Collaboration
Business & Ops: Google Suite, Salesforce, CW
Specialties: Product Development, Art Direction, Vendor Coordination, Brand Strategy, Visual Storytelling, Client & Customer Experience, Cross-Functional Collaboration
Education
BFA in Industrial Design
California College of the Arts – San Francisco, CA
California College of the Arts – San Francisco, CA
Recommendations
Lisa was so wonderful to work with! Her rendition of the dogs captured not only their personalities but their spirit as well. She made the whole process enjoyable and so easy. I am overjoyed with the end product.
-M. Off
Press
