Junior Graphic Designer - Character Licensed Apparel

The Keystone Distinction Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Sick days

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Keystone Distinction Group is seeking a Junior Graphic Designer to support licensed apparel development in New York. You will design original graphics for licensed sleepwear, loungewear, and intimate apparel, and help create tech packs that guide manufacturing.

You will collaborate with design and merchandising teams to move concepts through production, evaluate samples for accuracy, and coordinate with vendors to ensure designs meet brand standards and licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, or related discipline.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is required; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop is a plus.
• Strong visual design abilities, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Interest in licensed merchandise, character-based artwork, and apparel product development.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain organization in a fast-paced setting.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Eagerness to learn about garment construction, technical design, and apparel manufacturing.
• Previous experience preparing tech packs or working with apparel manufacturers is beneficial but not required.
• Packaging design experience is an additional plus.

Responsibilities

• Artwork & Graphic Development: Design original graphics, prints, patterns, and other artwork for licensed apparel.
• Technical Documentation: Prepare and maintain apparel tech packs detailing artwork placement, color variations, measurements, materials, and garment construction requirements.
• Product Design & Development: Partner with design and merchandising teams to move products from concepts to final production.
• Sample Evaluation: Inspect samples for graphic accuracy, color matching, artwork positioning, and compliance with design specifications.
• Team & Vendor Coordination: Work with merchandising, production, and overseas manufacturing partners to ensure products follow approved designs.
• File & Specification Management: Keep artwork files, tech packs, product specifications, and notes organized for ongoing development.
• Packaging Support: Assist in creating packaging graphics and packaging-related technical documentation when needed.

Skills

Strong visual design

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Eagerness to learn

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Junior Graphic Designer – Licensed Apparel

Location: New York, NY

An established apparel company is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Junior Graphic Designer to support the development of licensed sleepwear, loungewear, and intimate apparel. The company works with well-known entertainment properties, including major studios, networks, and character brands.

This role offers an opportunity for an early-career designer to contribute to products sold in the retail market while gaining experience throughout the apparel design and development process. The ideal candidate has strong Adobe Illustrator skills, a solid creative eye, and an interest in expanding their knowledge of apparel specifications, technical documentation, and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Artwork & Graphic Development: Design original graphics, prints, patterns, and other artwork for licensed apparel. Help develop concepts that reflect licensing requirements, brand standards, and current market trends.

• Technical Documentation: Prepare and maintain apparel tech packs detailing artwork placement, color variations, measurements, materials, and garment construction requirements to support accurate manufacturing.

• Product Design & Development: Partner with design and merchandising teams to move products from initial concepts through final production.

• Sample Evaluation: Inspect samples for graphic accuracy, color matching, artwork positioning, and compliance with design specifications. Provide feedback and communicate necessary adjustments.

• Team & Vendor Coordination: Work closely with merchandising, production, and overseas manufacturing partners to ensure products are developed and produced according to approved designs.

• File & Specification Management: Keep artwork files, tech packs, product specifications, and sample review notes organized and up to date for ongoing development and repeat production.

• Packaging Support: Assist in creating packaging graphics and preparing packaging-related technical documentation when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, or a related discipline.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator is required; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop is a plus.

• Strong visual design abilities, creativity, and attention to detail.

• Interest in licensed merchandise, character-based artwork, and apparel product development.

• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and maintain organization in a fast-paced setting.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams.

• Eagerness to learn about garment construction, technical design, and apparel manufacturing.

• Previous experience preparing tech packs or working with apparel manufacturers is beneficial but not required.

• Packaging design experience is an additional plus.

What the Company Offers

• The opportunity to develop products featuring recognizable entertainment properties and licensed characters.

• Practical, hands-on involvement in creating products for the retail marketplace.

• Exposure to the complete apparel design and product development lifecycle.

• Collaboration with an experienced team within a growing apparel business.

• A competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, sick days, and paid holidays.