Apparel Graphic Designer

EMERGING BLUE; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

EMERGING BLUE is looking for an Apparel Graphics Designer to join their creative team in New York. This role involves developing seasonal graphic apparel collections that align with trends and youth consumer markets.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in graphic design for apparel, strong skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and the ability to mentor junior designers. A salary range of $75,000 to $125,000 annually is offered for this full-time position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of graphic design experience within the apparel or fashion industry.
• Experience designing for youth and active lifestyle categories.
• Proven ability to mentor junior designers.

Responsibilities

• Create original graphic concepts for apparel collections.
• Develop seasonal graphic direction for products.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Mentor and develop junior design team members.

Skills

Graphic design experience

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite

Strong illustration skills

Ability to manage multiple deadlines

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Apparel Graphics Designer

Job Description

Reports To: Director of Graphic Design / Senior Director of Graphic Design / VP of Graphic Design / SVP of Design

Direct Reports: Assistant Graphic Designer / Associate Graphic Designer / Senior Associate Graphic Designer

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Graphic Designer to join their creative team and play a key role in developing seasonal graphic apparel collections across multiple licensed and private‑label programs. This individual will collaborate closely with Design, Merchandising, Sales, and Product Development teams to create trend‑right graphics that resonate with fashion‑conscious youth consumers and active lifestyle markets.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong eye for color, typography, illustration, and emerging trends, with experience creating graphics for apparel programs that balance fashion, sport‑inspired influences, and commercial appeal.

Key Responsibilities

• Create original graphic concepts, prints, and artwork for apparel collections, including t‑shirts, fleece, activewear, and fashion basics.
• Develop seasonal graphic direction aligned with customer, category, and market needs.
• Execute artwork from concept through final production while ensuring adherence to licensing and brand standards where applicable.
• Prepare graphics for internal presentations, line reviews, and customer meetings.
• Create production‑ready artwork and color separations for screen printing and other embellishment techniques.
• Review strike‑offs, lab dips, and artwork submissions, providing clear and actionable feedback to Product Assurance and Production teams.
• Coordinate standards, artwork packages, and supporting materials throughout the development process.
• Research fashion, graphic, color, and cultural trends relevant to youth, active, and lifestyle apparel markets.
• Shop retail and digital channels to identify emerging trends, competitive opportunities, and white‑space concepts.
• Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, Sales, and Brand Management teams to conceptualize and launch seasonal collections across multiple channels of distribution.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting calendar deadlines.
• Ensure line sheets, design catalogs, artwork libraries, and production logs are organized and up to date.
• Support showroom merchandising and seasonal market presentations.
• Mentor and develop junior design team members, providing guidance, feedback, and creative direction.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• 5+ years of graphic design experience within the apparel, fashion, or consumer products industry.
• Experience designing for youth, teen, and active lifestyle categories strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of fashion graphics, trend forecasting, typography, color, and print techniques.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong illustration skills are a plus.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior‑level designers.
• Portfolio demonstrating a trend‑forward aesthetic with a strong understanding of youth fashion and sport‑inspired design.

Work Environment

This position requires a consistent in‑office presence to facilitate collaboration, product reviews, and hands‑on engagement with apparel samples, fabrics, trims, and graphic applications. Regular interaction with cross‑functional teams ensures alignment on product vision, quality standards, and seasonal objectives.

Compensation

Salary Range: $75,000 – $125,000 annually