Designer - Offline Graphics

POSITION TITLE: Designer – OFFLINE Graphics (Apparel/Active/Accessories)
REPORTS TO: Design Director
SUPERVISES: Assistant Designer

OFFLINE is activewear for everywhere life takes you. Leggings, sports bras and accessories built for real movement, designed for real comfort and created for real good. These are pieces that help you sweat it and forget it because activewear should feel amazing every way that you chill, play or move

Get to Know the Role:
Work within the Graphics and CAD team and implement the Offline pattern and graphic direction in all aspects of the design process, from initial concept stage and presentation, to development and execution of the final product.

What You’ll Do:
GRAPHICS

• Work with Design Director and Concept teams to establish pattern/color/graphic trend direction and interpret into artwork appropriate for brand
• Oversee all aspects of presentation from boards to articulation of ideas and market direction
• Create graphic design concepts and board presentations for each season; Make frequent presentations to design
• Create Offline graphics that remain true to the heritage of the brand for all categories- apparel, active, accessories
• Delivering newness and Innovation is key; elevate the brand aesthetic by delivering on trend fashion graphics
• Organize and own seasonal assortment of graphics for chain/web/international needs
• Maintain seasonal line sheets and update throughout the year
• Create production ready files and upload to PLM systems; communicate with design and merchant partners
• Collaborate with Production team on graphic scale, placement and print quality; maintain all strike off and sample approvals
• Manage all graphic artwork approvals with Legal team and maintain ongoing legal approval charts
• Lead and manage all licensing development and approval processes; maintain approval charts
• Responsible for all strike off approvals and communication

PATTERN

• Create and illustrate print, yarn-dye and knit patterns using Kaledo software
• Create technical breakdown of all pattern layout and plaid specifications for design as communication tool for vendor fabric development
• Develop pattern repeats and produce alternate color ways for developed prints and plaids
• Provide production ready artwork, in both print and electronic format, for internal and external partners
• Collaborate with Design on the visualization, presentation, and communication of pattern concepts through CAD artwork

ADDITIONAL

• Manage day to day work flow to prepare for key milestone meetings, provide direction and feedback for direct reports
• Communicate with Design Director on daily changes/updates
• In person/in-office collaboration is required, the frequency of such in-person/in-office collaboration (e.g., portion of week, entire week) is dictated by business needs. Such collaboration includes work centralized around product development, milestone meetings, fittings, and approvals.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Design or Textile Design (or equivalent experience in CAD Design)
• At least 5 years of related graphic design experience
• Graphic Design for Apparel experience required
• Experience with CAD systems (Kaledo) a plus
• Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator & PhotoShop required
• Knowledge of repeat patterns, textile printing, yarn dye reproduction
• Strong sense of color for the creation of color ways and the ability to match colors accurately
• Ability to act as liaison between many departments: excellent communication and analytic skills

Why You’ll Love it Here

• Generous Associate Discount: Treat yourself to the best our brands offer!
• Summer Fridays (For Pittsburgh, NYC and Remote Corporate Associates): More time for the sun and the weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• Casual Dress Code: Come as you are (and stay comfy).
• Hybrid Schedule: Enjoy a blend of home-office focus and in-office collaboration.
• In-Person Connection: While we love our digital tools, we love our people even more! To keep our culture thriving, in-person presence is required at one of our Pittsburgh or NYC headquarters, distribution centers or field locations for interviews, orientation and periodic quarterly meetups.
• In-Office Events: Exciting company-wide events you won’t want to miss!

Pay/Benefits Information:

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.