Position Overview
The
Design Associate - Production Graphics Specialist plays a critical role in converting client artwork and concepts into production-ready digital assets for the custom apparel industry. This role focuses on graphic design production rather than fashion designspecifically vectorizing art, creating embroidery-ready files, and producing client mockups and proofs. You'll work closely with production and operations teams to ensure every design is optimized for screen printing, embroidery, DTG (Direct-to-Garment), and heat transfer processes.
This is an ideal role for
graphic designers, mockup artists, and creative professionals who understand the technical side of custom apparel production and thrive in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
Primary Responsibilities
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Vectorization & File Preparation: Convert client sketches, raster images, and artwork into clean, scalable vector graphics suitable for all printing and embroidery processes
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Embroidery Digitization: Digitize artwork into embroidery-ready files (DST, EMB, PES, or similar formats), adjusting stitch types, densities, and sequencing for optimal output on embroidery machines
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Raster Image Optimization: Prepare, clean up, and optimize raster images for screen printing and DTG using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other specialized tools
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Mockup & Proof Creation: Create high-quality digital mockups and client presentations that accurately represent designs on various apparel items (t-shirts, hoodies, polos, hats, etc.)
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> File Testing & Quality Assurance: Test and proof vector and embroidery files to ensure clarity, color accuracy, correct scaling, and production readiness
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Production Collaboration: Work with production teams to ensure artwork meets technical specifications for screen printing, embroidery, DTG, and heat transfer processes
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Digital Asset Management: Maintain an organized digital library of artwork, mockups, vector files, fonts, and design assets for easy retrieval and reuse
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Design Revisions: Update and revise designs based on feedback, troubleshooting common production issues such as thread breaks, alignment problems, or color mismatches
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Industry Standards Compliance: Stay current with emerging graphic design tools, embroidery and print techniques, production software updates, and custom apparel industry best practices
Minimum Qualifications
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design, specifically in the custom apparel, promotional products, embroidery, or print merchandise industry
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Strong working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator (primary), Photoshop, and related design tools
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Vectorization & Digitization Skills: Demonstrated expertise in converting raster images to vector graphics and creating embroidery-ready files
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Embroidery Software Knowledge: Experience with embroidery digitization software (Wilcom, Hatch, SewArt, Tajima, or similar) is highly preferred
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Understanding of Custom Apparel Processes: Solid knowledge of screen printing, DTG, embroidery, heat transfer, and other apparel decoration methods
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Mockup & Proof Creation: Experience creating professional digital mockups for client presentations and product visualization
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Color Management & File Setup: Proficiency in color management, print file optimization, and CMYK/RGB color separation
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Production Knowledge: Understanding of file formats, resolution requirements, and technical specifications for different printing and embroidery methods
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Technical Attention to Detail: Excellent organizational skills, precision in design execution, and commitment to quality
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet tight deadlines, and prioritize effectively in a remote environment
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Client Communication: Clear, professional communication skills with ability to translate client requests into production-ready assets and explain technical limitations or requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Experience working with U.S.-based clients or exporting custom apparel products internationally
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Portfolio demonstrating vectorization, embroidery digitization, or mockup creation work
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Experience with design automation software or batch processing tools
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Knowledge of collegiate, corporate, or sports merchandise design standards
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Familiarity with Canva or other quick mockup tools for rapid client visualizations
What We Offer
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> A creative, fast-paced environment with direct impact on production and client satisfaction
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Competitive compensation with flexible PTO and autonomy in a fully remote work setting
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Access to industry-standard design tools and collaboration with experienced apparel production professionals
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Opportunity to work on diverse projects across collegiate, corporate, and specialty merchandise
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> Continuous learning opportunities in the custom apparel industry
- p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0> A supportive team environment where your design expertise directly contributes to business success
Skills: embroidery,artwork,graphics,digitization,printing,design,apparel
