m.copley@gmail.com  |  (859) 640-7764

TECHNICAL SKILLS & EXPERTISE

3D Modeling & Visualization: SolidWorks • Fusion360 • Rhino • KeyShot (Photorealistic Rendering) • Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator)

Design & Human Factors: User-Centered Design (UCD) • Hand Ergonomics • Component Space Optimization • High-Visibility CMF Strategy • User Research Translation

Engineering & DFM: Injection Molding • Overmolding & Elastomer Processing • Multi-Axis Hinge & Bearing Linkages • CNC Machining • Sheet Metal Fabrication

Product Lifecycle: Zero-to-One Concept Generation • Rapid Prototyping (FDM/SLA 3D Printing) • Vendor & Tooling Management • Cross-Functional Team Alignment

RELEVANT INDUSTRIAL DESIGN EXPERIENCE

Ernie Ball Music Man

San Luis Obispo, CA  
Industrial Product Designer

January 2019 – March 2026

  • Developed the compact hardware housing for the Fast Pitch Clip-On Tuner, integrating a minimalist one-button UI and a 360-degree rotating clip utilizing Fusion360 to manage component allocation for the color-changing LCD display, CR2032 battery housing, and main circuit board.
  • Led the end-to-end industrial design of the Pegwinder Plus, earning a 4.7/5-star user rating and Amazon Overall Pick designation; validating a 5x premium price point over market standards by engineering an ergonomic, rubberized grip and an ultra-smooth ball-bearing rotation mechanism.
  • Conceived the original product architecture for the Comfort Slides line, identifying market gaps to design a dual-material system featuring a soft elastomeric inner sleeve that eliminated finger slippage, cushioned sharp metal edges, and achieved global placement at retailers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater.
  • Pioneered the development of the Flex Capo utilizing an adjustable silicone rubber chassis, reducing overall product weight by 25% while maintaining uniform, buzz-free tension across irregular 6- and 7-string instrument necks.
  • Designed the Mute Noodle product line, translating acoustic data into an easy-to-use woven rubber geometry that mimics a permanent vintage rubber bridge tone without requiring tools or instrument modifications, earning an Amazon Overall Pick designation.
  • Spearheaded the design expansion of the world’s best-selling instrument strap into the acoustic market via the Acoustic Polypro Strap, developing a universal, low-profile headstock loop geometry that eliminated the need for separate guitar modification hardware, achieving Amazon Best Seller status.
  • Designed the contemporary “floating” Guitar/Bass Wall Hanger, concealing 100% of mounting hardware to achieve a minimalist home architecture display accessory utilizing a form-fitted cradle geometry that successfully balanced asymmetrical guitar and bass headstocks, earning 5/5-star reviews.

Hamilton Casework Solutions

Fairfield, OH
Senior Designer

2018

  • Executed precise 3D CAD modeling, technical drawings, and material specifications for modular healthcare and office casework systems over a 9-month tenure.

Hanser Music Group

Cincinnati, OH
Project Manager & Industrial Designer

2007 – 2018

  • Managed end-to-end product development for Fender Musical Instrumentselectronics lines, ensuring strict compliance with premium brand guidelines and quality benchmarks.
  • Spearheaded the industrial design and development of high-volume OEM projects for Guitar Center, translating retail margin targets and mass-market consumer needs into top-selling private-label commercial hardware.
  • Conducted extensive international factory deployments across China and Korea to audit production lines, validate tooling, manage vendor compliance, and resolve complex manufacturing issues on-site.

Peavey Electronics

Meridian, MS
Lead Industrial Designer

2005 – 2007

  • Co-designed the Peavey Chopper and limited-edition Peavey OCC Custom Guitar in a cross-brand collaboration with Orange County Choppers, managing tight design-to-manufacturing lifecycles featured nationally on Discovery Channel’s American Chopper.

Essential Design

Boston, MA
Freelance Industrial Designer

2004 – 2005

  • Delivered fast-turnaround consumer product concepts, 3D CAD modeling, and design research for diverse consultancy clients over a 6-month contract.

EDUCATION

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Industrial Design

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY

Guest Lecturer | Sands Montessori Elementary School
2017 – 2024

Presented design drawing concepts and outlined creative career paths to local students during annual school Art Week events.


Youth Sports Head Coach
| Community Athletics Leagues
2015 – Present

Lead logistics, safety training, and skill development for youth sports teams, mentoring 10–15 young athletes each season while fostering collaboration and sportsmanship.