Job Title: Fashion/Graphic Designer

Status: Exempt

Department: Art

IN HOUSE

Company Description:

Mad Engine is a leading Global Apparel and Accessories company that caters to all genders and sizes across a full range of licensed, private label, branded and influencer/celebrity products. With an evolving omni-channel distribution network, Mad Engine services direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, mass retail, mid-tier, department stores and specialty retail. Our talented and experienced team of artists and designers obsessively strive to deliver innovative products to fully meet the needs of our customers and brands.

Purpose:

The Apparel/Graphic Designer will work to develop and implement creative, unique, and innovative graphic design concepts and solutions to strengthen the brand image and promote company growth and brand recognition globally. The Graphic Artist collaborates with multiple team members to develop our image through the production of graphics, images, spec-sheets, garment hangtags, tradeshow exhibit graphics, and logos for apparel clients.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Create graphic driven apparel designs, using existing licensed asset libraries.
• Navigate the rules and requirements of each license, ensuring the product designs adhere to the License regulations for easy approval.
• Research current graphic trends related to verbiage, embellishments, print techniques, print placement and colour trends.
• Research current license market trends staying up to date on what licenses are hot for the categories you are assigned.
• Familiarize yourself with the asset libraries for trending licenses and ensure you are reviewing all newness coming from the license.
• Work in a Mac based environment using Adobe Creative Suites, with a focus on Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign
• Develop detailed line sheets for presentation & catalog purposes.
• Develop accurate production ready, graphically sound designs for apparel, including placed prints, embellished/novelty applications & AOP prints.
• Collaborate with the Product Development team daily to plan and execute the design direction for each presentation.
• Collaborate daily with the other Graphic Designers to brainstorm ideas and trouble shoot troubles.
• Analyze original samples and photos to sketch detailed and accurate technical apparel sketches.
• Accurately scale prints, graphics and apparel sketches to reflect the final product vision.
• Review sales data from previous seasons to better understand market trends and customer desires.
• Submit graphic concept art to Sales in collaboration with the Art Director & PD team for approval.
• Submit finalized designs to the licensor for approval.
• Complete work in a timely and effective manner.
• Offer fresh, creative and innovative design suggestions on a seasonal basis.
• Trouble shoot possible production issues with the PD team, offering solution-based remedies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suites with a focus on Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign
• Previous experience working with graphic apparel, garment construction and over-seas production an asset.
• Experienced working with 2D design & graphic driven printable products.
• Comfortable working in a fast paced, open concept workspace
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written
• Ability to collaborate with all team members, bringing an energy of positivity and openness.
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed.
• Flexible and open to change, including last minute project changes or additions.
• Ability to focus on a project for extended periods of time without losing momentum.
• Open to creative critique and able to take on constructive criticism with a positive attitude.
• Willingness to pivot design direction at any point of the design process if necessary.
• Passion for product design and graphic apparel, with a desire to bring innovation and excitement to each new project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or related field highly preferred.
• At least 2-3 years of full-time in-house graphic design experience
• Ability to present concepts to the design/marketing team in a persuasive manner.
• Successful 2-D design skills for the mass/commercial market
• Minimum software knowledge: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design
• CS 4.0+, Mac OS Ventura
• Must be able to communicate effective, both verbally and written
• Must be highly organized and flexible; able to work under tight deadlines.
• Repeat AOP Print Pattern making experience is highly preferred.
• Tech pack experience highly preferred
• 3-D rendering skills preferred