Assistant Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer

Company: Dreamwear Inc

Location: New York, NY, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Graphic Design / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-12T21:03:00

Experience Level: 0-2 years (including internships)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on supporting the Graphics department with a strong emphasis on photo retouching and visual asset management for e-commerce and marketing materials.

• Responsibilities include assisting with the design and production of garment hangtags, logos, mock-ups, and print layouts, adhering strictly to brand guidelines across multiple diverse brands.

• The position involves end-to-end management of physical samples, including assisting at photoshoots and coordinating artwork proofs with factories and vendors.

• A key aspect is conducting weekly store shopping trips for market research to stay abreast of current design and fashion trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Assistant Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities heavily emphasize visual asset production and retouching, suggesting a specialized focus within the broader graphic design function. The role acts as a critical support function for the Graphics department, bridging design execution with production oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute photo retouching and other necessary edits for all graphic and e-commerce assets to ensure high-quality visual presentation.

• Assist graphic designers in the creation and refinement of garment hangtags, logos, mock-ups, and print layouts, ensuring brand consistency.

• Collaborate with the graphic design team to define requirements for new tags, look books, and other marketing collateral.

• Manage physical samples and provide on-site assistance during photoshoots, ensuring all visual requirements are met.

• Organize and review factory artwork proofs, coordinating with vendors to ensure accurate production.

• Conduct weekly store visits for market research to identify emerging design trends and competitive strategies within the fashion industry.

• Maintain brand guidelines across multiple diverse brands, ensuring consistent visual identity in all collateral.

• Support the end-to-end process of sample production and vendor coordination for packaging and tags.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution (retouching, design assistance) and operational support (sample management, vendor coordination, market research). The emphasis on "end-to-end process" and "coordination" points to a role that requires strong organizational and project management skills alongside creative talent.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not listed, a background in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Digital Media, or a related field is highly recommended.

Experience: 0-2 years of related professional experience, which can include internships. Prior experience in photo retouching is explicitly required.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in photo retouching and image manipulation.

• Strong typography skills are essential for creating impactful visual communications.

• Excellent attention to detail for accurate visual asset production and proof review.

• Exceptional organizational skills for managing samples, proofs, and market research data.

• Ability to function independently as a self-starter.

• Team-oriented with strong communication skills and a positive attitude for effective collaboration.

• Ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Working knowledge of current trends in design and fashion.

• Creative problem-solving abilities, especially under tight deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe CS/CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Familiarity with Flash.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel for communication and data management.

• Experience with FTP for file transfer.

• Familiarity with Capture One for photo editing workflows.

• Understanding of brand guidelines and their application across multiple brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level, coupled with the requirement for specific skills like strong typography and photo retouching, indicates that the company is looking for an entry-level talent with foundational creative skills and a willingness to learn and grow within their specialized graphics team. The inclusion of specific software like Flash and Capture One suggests a need for versatility or a desire for candidates exposed to a broader range of creative tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing strong photo retouching capabilities and creative design work.

• Examples demonstrating proficiency in typography and layout design for various applications (hangtags, logos, mock-ups).

• Case studies or project examples that highlight problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.

• Visual evidence of understanding and application of brand guidelines across diverse projects.

• Projects that reflect an awareness of current fashion and design trends. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly a documentation role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for retouching, design execution, and sample management.

• Ability to articulate processes for organizing factory artwork proofs and coordinating approvals.

• Readiness to explain the market research process undertaken during store visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio link underscores its importance. For this role, the portfolio should heavily feature retouching work and examples of how typography and design are applied to garment-related collateral. The emphasis on "end-to-end process" implies that demonstrating an understanding of workflow from concept to production approval will be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $52,000 - $60,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment benefits package (details not specified but typically include health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans).

• Opportunity to work with well-known brands in the intimate apparel and sleepwear industry.

• Exposure to end-to-end product lifecycle management within a graphics department.

• Potential for professional development within a thriving wholesale company.

• Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical full-time schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for an entry-level Assistant Graphic Designer role in New York City, reflecting the cost of living and the specialized skills required. The benefits are standard for full-time positions, but the unique aspect is the exposure to well-established brands and the comprehensive graphics process within the fashion wholesale sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wholesale Intimate Apparel and Sleepwear. Dreamwear Inc. partners with established brands like Nautica, Danskin, Juicy Couture, and Laura Ashley, positioning itself as a reliable supplier for leading global retailers.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "thriving partnerships worldwide" and managing multiple diverse brands suggests a medium to large-sized organization with established operational processes.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but its established partnerships indicate a long-standing presence and stability in the market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphics department appears to be a specialized unit responsible for all packaging and visual assets, including photography and retouching.

• It likely comprises senior graphic designers, a team lead, and this Assistant Graphic Designer role, working closely with other departments such as design, sales, and product development.

• Collaboration is key, as evidenced by the need to coordinate approvals and determine requirements with cross-functional partners. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes efficient production and expedited delivery, suggesting a focus on streamlined processes and vendor management.

• Data-driven decisions are implied through market research and adherence to brand guidelines.

• A strong emphasis on product quality and competitive pricing is a core business driver.

Company Website: https://dreamwear.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Dreamwear Inc. operates within a competitive fashion wholesale market, requiring agility and strong relationships with both brands and retailers. The culture likely values efficiency, brand integrity, and collaborative problem-solving to meet the demands of global partnerships. The graphics team plays a pivotal role in brand presentation and product appeal.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-level (0-2 years experience). This role is designed for individuals starting their careers in graphic design, with a specific focus on visual asset production and production support within the fashion industry.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Graphic Designer will report to a Graphic Designer or the Head of the Graphics Department. They will collaborate closely with the broader graphic design team and cross-functional partners.

Operations Impact: While not directly an "operations" role in the traditional sense (like RevOps or SalesOps), this position significantly impacts the operational efficiency of product launches and marketing campaigns by ensuring timely and high-quality visual assets. The accuracy and appeal of packaging and e-commerce imagery directly influence consumer perception and sales performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in photo retouching, typography, and brand-specific design.

• Project Management: Develop skills in managing multiple projects simultaneously, from initial concept through to production approval.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain in-depth understanding of the intimate apparel and sleepwear market, trends, and retail partnerships.

• Advancement: Potential to progress to a Graphic Designer role within Dreamwear Inc. or similar companies, with increased design responsibility and autonomy.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learn about sales, product development, and manufacturing processes through collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role serves as a foundational stepping stone. Growth will be driven by demonstrating strong creative execution, reliability in meeting deadlines, and a keen understanding of brand aesthetics. The company's structure, managing multiple brands, offers a broad learning experience for an aspiring designer.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description implies an on-site work environment within a corporate office setting that houses the Graphics department. This setting likely facilitates collaboration and access to necessary resources.

Office Location(s): New York, NY, US. Specifically, the mention of "weekly store shopping trips" implies the office is located in or near a major retail hub within the city.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace is expected, where the Assistant Graphic Designer will work alongside other designers and interact with cross-functional teams.

• Access to necessary design software (Adobe CS/CC) and potentially photography equipment or studios for photoshoots.

• The environment is likely fast-paced, driven by product launch cycles and retail demands.

• The need for physical sample management and store visits indicates a hands-on, dynamic work setting.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule, likely Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. Flexibility might be required for photoshoots or urgent production deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York City is significant. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, collaborative environment that demands both creative input and logistical support. The blend of office-based design work and external activities like photoshoots and market research defines the work context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, experience, and creative style.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to walk through their portfolio, highlighting specific projects, their creative process, and how they handled challenges, particularly photo retouching and design for apparel.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design exercise or a case study focusing on photo retouching or designing a specific piece of collateral (e.g., a hangtag).

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions to assess problem-solving skills, ability to work under deadlines, teamwork, communication, and cultural fit.

• Cross-functional Introduction: May involve meeting with members from other departments the Graphics team collaborates with (e.g., Design, Sales).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your photo retouching skills and design versatility across different brands.

• Highlight Retouching: Dedicate a section or clearly label projects that demonstrate your photo retouching expertise. Show before-and-after examples if possible.

• Showcase Typography: Include examples where typography is used strategically and effectively in layout design.

• Brand Adherence: If possible, include mockups or designs that demonstrate your understanding of and ability to adhere to specific brand guidelines.

• Process Explanation: Be prepared to articulate your creative process for each project, especially how you approached photo editing and design challenges.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable, well-organized, and visually appealing. A personal website is ideal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Retouching Proficiency: Practice common retouching tasks such as color correction, blemish removal, background cleanup, and compositing in Adobe Photoshop.

• Design Application: Be ready to design a simple garment tag or logo based on a brief, demonstrating quick comprehension and execution.

• Brand Interpretation: If given a brand persona, be prepared to sketch or outline design concepts that align with it.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within strict time limits, simulating a deadline scenario.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prioritize showing their retouching skills and ability to work within brand frameworks. The interview process will likely assess not just creative talent but also practical execution, organizational abilities, and collaborative potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe CS/CC: Essential for graphic design tasks. Proficiency in Photoshop (for retouching), Illustrator (for logos and vector graphics), and InDesign (for layouts and print production) is critical.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook for communication and scheduling, Excel for data management and potentially tracking samples or research findings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, familiarity with tools that might track asset usage or performance could be beneficial, though not explicitly required.

• Market research will likely involve manual observation and potentially note-taking or photo documentation. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function. However, understanding how design assets integrate into marketing or e-commerce platforms (which might use CRMs or automation tools) can be a plus.

• FTP clients are mentioned, indicating a need for secure file transfer protocols. Specialized Tools:

• Capture One: A professional photo editing software that may be used for advanced retouching workflows.

• Flash: While older, knowledge of Flash might be relevant for legacy projects or specific internal tools, though less common now.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on Photoshop for retouching. Familiarity with Capture One and FTP is a significant advantage, suggesting the company uses professional photography workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency: Emphasis on quick turnaround times for production approvals, sample management, and asset delivery.

• Quality: Maintaining high standards in photo retouching, design execution, and print accuracy for all branded materials.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with designers, sales, product development, and vendors to achieve project goals.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and enhancing the visual identity and guidelines of each diverse brand managed by Dreamwear Inc.

• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple brands and diverse design needs simultaneously, adapting to changing trends and deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a collaborative approach, requiring open communication and mutual support among designers.

• Close coordination with cross-functional teams is essential for approvals and project alignment.

• A positive attitude is highlighted, indicating a culture that values teamwork and a supportive atmosphere.

• The need to work with factories and vendors suggests a professional, results-oriented communication style is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances creative output with the practical demands of a wholesale business. Team members are expected to be proactive, detail-oriented, and adept at working with both internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure brand consistency and timely delivery of creative assets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Brands: Effectively switching between different brand aesthetics and guidelines requires strong organizational skills and design versatility.

• Tight Deadlines: The fashion industry is fast-paced; meeting production deadlines for packaging and e-commerce assets can be demanding.

• Photo Retouching Precision: Achieving flawless retouching that aligns with brand standards and product accuracy requires meticulous attention to detail and technical skill.

• Balancing Creativity with Production: Integrating creative vision with the practical constraints of manufacturing and vendor capabilities.

• Staying Current: Continuously adapting to evolving design trends and fashion industry shifts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Retouching Techniques: Deepening expertise in advanced photo editing and manipulation.

• Brand Design Expertise: Developing a nuanced understanding of how to apply and evolve brand identities for different product lines.

• Print Production Workflow: Learning the intricacies of preparing artwork for various print applications (hangtags, packaging).

• Industry Immersion: Gaining firsthand knowledge of the intimate apparel and sleepwear wholesale market.

• Cross-functional Understanding: Exposure to sales, marketing, and product development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides an excellent launchpad for a career in fashion graphics. The challenges are inherent to the industry and offer significant opportunities for skill development and hands-on learning, particularly in specialized areas like retouching and brand asset management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for photo retouching a product image for an e-commerce site. What are the key steps you take to ensure quality and accuracy?"

• "How do you approach working with multiple brand guidelines simultaneously? Can you give an example of a time you had to balance different brand aesthetics?"

• "Imagine you receive a factory artwork proof that has a design flaw. What steps would you take to address this, and who would you involve?"

• "Tell me about a time you had to solve a creative problem under a tight deadline. What was your approach and the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working with brands like Nautica, Danskin, or Juicy Couture?"

• "How do you stay updated on current design and fashion trends?"

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?"

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of visual branding in the fashion wholesale industry?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Lead with Retouching: Begin by showcasing your strongest photo retouching projects. Explain your techniques and the impact of your edits.

• Showcase Brand Adaptability: Present projects that demonstrate your ability to work with different brand styles. Clearly articulate how you met specific brand requirements.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools used, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: If a project involved a specific challenge (e.g., difficult lighting, tight deadline), explain how you overcame it.

• Be Concise: Focus on quality over quantity. Select projects that best represent the skills the company is looking for.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of technical retouching skills, design sensibility, organizational ability, and a collaborative spirit. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail and articulate your problem-solving approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the ADP WorkNow portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features your photo retouching work and any examples relevant to apparel or consumer goods design. Tailor your case studies to highlight your ability to meet brand guidelines and deadlines.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize the required skills such as photo retouching, typography, Adobe CS/CC proficiency, organizational skills, and experience with brand guidelines. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, particularly for retouching and brand-specific projects. Prepare to discuss your problem-solving approach and how you manage multiple tasks.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dreamwear Inc. and the brands they represent. Understand their market position and target audience to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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