Product/Graphic Designer

Essential Functions

• Research and development, conceptualization. Developing and proposing 2D and 3D graphic solutions for consumer products and environments, in support of design and branding strategies to meet targeted audience sales goals. Requires researching new product ideas and current marketplace trends, brainstorming creative solutions, and developing modifications to existing products and molds. 25%.
• Design and production. Designing graphics materials and implementing ideas, delivering completed art and files for production, while working within structured budgets and timelines. Requires hands-on design and production using standard graphics software and 3D sculpting/rendering software. Areas of concentration: apparel design, illustration, layout, product design, environment design, image manipulation, packaging. Creating accurate technical specs sheets for final production. Project management of selected aspects of projects, including organization and tracking. 55%.
• Pre-press and final production review. Reviewing final art, to include that produced by outside designers, to ensure that the materials are accurate and ready for production or manufacturing, according to specs for a particular vendor. Includes confirming vendor specs before files are finalized. Also includes press approvals and proof approvals to ensure graphic quality of final printed/produced materials in various media, including offset printing, lithography, screen printing, and flexography. Maintaining high degree of attention to detail throughout projects. 5%.
• Troubleshooting. Studying and resolving production problems, including misregistration, separation and trapping errors, halftone and resolution problems, color imaging errors. Includes communicating with vendors, printers, and colleagues to troubleshoot problems in the most time- and cost-effective way, whether through written and electronic materials or through verbal exchanges. 3%.
• Organization. Maintaining accurate and complete records of work, including using PDQ or other tracking system, filing electronic data for archiving, following file naming protocol, and annotating printouts for reader clarity. Reporting to manager on job status and identifying areas of concern as early as possible. 10%.
• Technical and professional counsel. Keeping up with releases of the latest versions of graphics software and hardware, and advising manager on needs for the same. 2%.

Education, Skills and Experience Requirements

• Bachelors degree in graphic design, illustration, packaging, toy design, product design, or relevant field OR equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 4 + years’ experience as designer and/or illustrator in professional environment, such as in-house creative services department or design/advertising agency, where deliverables were created within budget and time constraints.
• Hands-on expertise in graphics and software (including but not limited to Adobe Creative Cloud / Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and 3D/modeling software (SketchUp, Keyshot, Maya, Fusion 360 and ZBrush); and specialized technical knowledge (such as Pantone color systems, 4-color process printing, cross-platform file conversions, pre-press troubleshooting, photography, and image manipulation). 
• Hands-on experience with 3D (product, package, environment), 2D (print), apparel (hats and t-shirts), and web design and production. Must be able to carry out all phases of design projects, from initial concept through final art and production.
• Strong conceptual, problem-solving, design, illustration, technical and communication skills. Ability to articulate thoughts, illustrate ideas, create turns, and prepare concept drawings in traditional (pencil, marker) and electronic (pixel- and vector-based drawing and image manipulation) media. Ability to focus on business needs and to take direction. 
• Ability to juggle multiple projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of import and domestic manufacturing processes, including model sculpting, injection and rotation molding, offset and screen printing.
• Professional portfolio of samples illustrating accomplishments in areas of expertise listed above.