Associate Graphic Designer, Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Graphic Designer, Apparel

Company: KITH

Location: HQ - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail

Date Posted: June 02, 2026

Experience Level: 2-3 years

Remote Status: 100% On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting the graphic design team in conceptualizing and producing original graphics for KITH's exclusive apparel lines, requiring a strong understanding of graphic apparel design principles.

• The position involves direct collaboration with the Senior Graphic Designer and Head of Graphic Design, emphasizing a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment within the apparel sector.

• Responsibilities extend to product development support, including the creation of detailed tech-packs and facilitating communication with factories for production and updates.

• A key aspect of this role is serving as a liaison between the Product Development, Production teams, and factories, ensuring seamless style launches and ongoing communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is firmly rooted in the fashion retail industry, specifically within apparel graphic design. While the input job description doesn't explicitly mention "Revenue Operations," "Sales Operations," or "GTM," the emphasis on product development, production communication, and cross-functional liaison suggests a critical link to the operational aspects of bringing apparel to market. Success in this role will indirectly impact sales through product desirability and timely launches, and directly influence operational efficiency in the product lifecycle. Therefore, while the title is "Graphic Designer," the operational context is crucial for understanding its place within KITH's broader business functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Graphic Designer and Head of Graphic Design on multiple graphic apparel projects, contributing to concept research and the creation of original graphics for Kith’s In-Store-Only graphics programs (Regional store exclusive graphics, In-Store-Only graphics, and Inline Graphics).

• Assist in the product development lifecycle of graphic apparel styles, including the meticulous creation of tech-packs that clearly define design specifications, materials, and construction details for factory partners.

• Facilitate clear and efficient communication with factories regarding product launches and style updates, ensuring all technical specifications and design intents are accurately conveyed and executed.

• Act as a key point of contact and liaison between the Product Development, Production, and factory teams, managing the flow of information related to style launches, revisions, and ongoing product updates to ensure timely and accurate execution.

• Support the Senior Graphic Designer in maintaining and updating design documentation, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all project-related assets and communication channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and critical operational support within the apparel product development pipeline. The emphasis on tech-pack creation and factory communication points to a need for detail-orientation and process adherence, directly impacting production timelines and product quality. The liaison role underscores the importance of cross-functional collaboration, a hallmark of effective operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, or a related field is highly beneficial and often expected for roles of this nature within the fashion industry. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 2-3 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong emphasis on apparel graphic design, demonstrating a proven ability to translate creative concepts into production-ready artwork.

• Experience working within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, preferably within the fashion or retail sector.

• Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems is a significant advantage, indicating an understanding of the operational aspects of product development and inventory management. Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are essential for creating and manipulating graphic assets.

• Tech-Pack Creation: Demonstrated ability to create detailed and accurate tech-packs for apparel, including specifications for print, embroidery, and garment construction.

• Production Communication: Experience in communicating design specifications and production requirements effectively to factories and manufacturing partners.

• Concept Research & Development: Ability to research trends, gather inspiration, and contribute original creative concepts for graphic apparel designs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively within a design team, take direction, and contribute positively to collaborative projects.

• Organization & Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Basic Spreadsheet Skills: Proficiency in Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel for managing project details, tracking updates, and basic data organization.

Preferred Skills:

• Illustration Skills: A strong portfolio showcasing illustration capabilities is a significant plus, enabling more unique and hand-drawn graphic elements.

• PLM System Experience: Prior hands-on experience with PLM software for managing product development workflows.

• Fashion/Graphic Apparel Design Background: Specific experience within the fashion industry, understanding of apparel construction, and knowledge of current graphic apparel trends.

• Understanding of Basic Apparel Production: Familiarity with the manufacturing processes involved in graphic apparel production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend creative design capabilities with essential operational competencies like tech-pack creation and production communication. Proficiency in Adobe Suite is a given for designers, but the specific mention of PLM systems and factory communication highlights the operational demands of this role within a retail brand focused on physical products. The "Who You Are" section further reinforces the need for proactive, organized, and team-oriented individuals, common traits for successful operations support staff.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Apparel Graphic Design Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating your ability to conceptualize and execute original graphics for apparel. For each case study, detail the design process, inspiration sources, target audience, and the final application (e.g., t-shirts, hoodies).

• Tech-Pack Examples: Include a sample tech-pack you have created for an apparel graphic. This should clearly illustrate your understanding of garment specifications, print/embroidery placements, color palettes, and other critical production details.

• Production Communication Samples (Optional but Recommended): If possible, provide anonymized examples of communication with factories or manufacturers regarding design specifications or production queries, demonstrating your clarity and professionalism.

• Adobe Suite Workflow Examples: Briefly explain or visually demonstrate your workflow in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for apparel graphics, highlighting efficiency and best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you approach translating a creative brief into a design concept and then into production-ready files, emphasizing efficiency and accuracy in your process.

• System Implementation & Integration: While this role is not directly implementing systems, understanding how your design files integrate into PLM systems and production workflows is crucial. Be ready to explain this understanding.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: While the Associate Graphic Designer may not be directly responsible for performance metrics, understanding how design choices impact sell-through rates or customer reception is valuable. Be prepared to discuss this awareness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate Graphic Designer role with operational responsibilities, the portfolio needs to demonstrate not just creative output but also an understanding of the production pipeline. Emphasizing tech-packs and clear communication examples will be critical. The "process documentation" points towards the need for candidates to articulate their design process in a way that aligns with operational efficiency and scalability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 annually

• This is a fixed annual salary, as stated in the job description. Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided job description, typical benefits offered by companies like KITH for full-time employees often include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)

  • Employee Discounts on KITH products

  • Potential for 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Opportunities for professional development and training Working Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• This position is 100% on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary of $75,000 annually for an Associate Graphic Designer with 2-3 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Brooklyn, NY, is competitive and aligns with industry standards for specialized creative roles requiring operational understanding. The "100% on-site" requirement is a key factor in the compensation structure, reflecting the need for in-person collaboration and access to physical resources.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Retail / Lifestyle Brand

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, KITH operates 16 standalone boutiques globally and 3 shop-in-shops, plus Kith Treats locations and restaurants. This suggests a medium to large-sized organization with a significant global footprint, likely employing several hundred to a few thousand individuals. The presence of a dedicated HQ in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, further indicates a substantial operational base.

Founded: 2011 in New York City.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: This role reports to the Senior Graphic Designer and works under the Head of Graphic Design, indicating a structured hierarchy within the design department.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Associate Graphic Designer will collaborate with and act as a liaison for the Product Development and Production teams, emphasizing a highly integrated workflow across departments.

• Reporting: The role is 100% on-site at HQ in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, implying direct daily interaction with colleagues and managers within the physical office space.

Methodology:

• Design Process: The team utilizes a concept-driven approach, focusing on original graphics and storytelling, often inspired by nostalgia and Kith's unique point of view.

• Product Development Workflow: A structured process involving concept research, design creation, tech-pack development, factory communication, and product launch coordination.

• Collaboration & Communication: Emphasis on clear, direct communication, both internally and with external partners (factories), to ensure design integrity and production efficiency.

Company Website: kith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: KITH is positioned as a premium lifestyle brand known for its curated collections and collaborations. The culture is likely fast-paced, trend-driven, and highly collaborative, demanding individuals who can operate effectively within this dynamic environment. The emphasis on "personal storytelling" and "uncompromising detail" suggests a culture that values quality, creativity, and a strong brand identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Graphic Designer, Apparel

• This is an entry-to-mid-level position within the creative and product development functions. It serves as a foundational role for aspiring apparel graphic designers who are looking to gain experience in a high-profile fashion brand. The role requires a blend of creative execution and operational support, bridging the gap between design ideation and tangible product. Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Senior Graphic Designer.

• Works under the guidance of the Head of Graphic Design.

• Acts as a liaison between Design, Product Development, and Production teams. Operations Impact:

• While not a direct revenue-generating role, the Associate Graphic Designer's work directly impacts KITH's product appeal and brand image. High-quality, desirable graphics contribute to product sell-through and brand loyalty. Efficient tech-pack creation and clear production communication minimize errors, reduce lead times, and ensure product quality, all of which have significant operational and financial implications. The success of store-exclusive and in-store-only graphics programs directly influences foot traffic and sales at physical retail locations. Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Graphic Designer, Apparel: Progressing to a senior role involves taking on more complex design challenges, leading projects independently, and mentoring junior designers.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in specific product categories or design techniques (e.g., advanced illustration, embroidery design).

• Product Development/Merchandising: With a strong understanding of the operational aspects, there's potential to transition into product development or merchandising roles that require design sensibility.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining deeper insight into production, supply chain, and retail operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an Associate Graphic Designer at a brand like KITH is typically within the design discipline, moving towards more senior creative responsibilities. However, the operational aspects of this role (tech-packs, factory communication) offer a unique opportunity to develop skills that are transferable to product development or even operations management roles within the fashion industry, especially in brands with integrated design and production processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Headquarters (HQ) - Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Office Location(s): HQ - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY. This is a 100% on-site role.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is situated within a fast-paced, team-oriented design department at KITH's HQ. Expect to work closely with designers, product developers, and production managers.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Suite) and potentially PLM systems. The environment is likely dynamic and creative, reflecting KITH's brand aesthetic.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct managers, fellow designers, and cross-functional teams involved in product lifecycle management.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, 40 hours per week.

• As an on-site role, employees are expected to adhere to regular office hours, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods or for critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 100% on-site requirement in a vibrant hub like Williamsburg suggests an environment that thrives on in-person collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and direct access to creative resources and team members. This is typical for design-intensive roles within fashion retail, where tangible product development requires constant physical presence and interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative output.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Often with an HR representative or hiring manager to discuss your background, general qualifications, and cultural fit. Be prepared to briefly discuss your operational understanding.

• Second Interview (On-site/Video): This will likely involve a more in-depth discussion with the Senior Graphic Designer and potentially the Head of Graphic Design. You may be asked to present your portfolio and discuss specific projects, design process, and your understanding of tech-packs and production.

• Design Challenge (Potential): You might be given a small design task or asked to elaborate on a hypothetical scenario related to apparel graphics, tech-packs, or factory communication.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or a cross-functional lead (e.g., Head of Product Development) to assess overall fit and operational comprehension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Apparel: Ensure your portfolio prominently features apparel graphic design work. Include examples of graphics applied to garments.

• Highlight Tech-Pack Skills: Dedicate a section to showcase your tech-pack creation abilities. Clearly label and explain the components of your sample tech-packs.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, briefly explain your design process, from concept to final artwork. Briefly touch upon how you ensured the design was production-ready.

• Showcase Collaboration: If possible, mention projects where you collaborated with others or worked with factory feedback.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for graphic design, if you have data on a design's success (e.g., popular store exclusive), mention it.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use a digital format (PDF or website) that is professional and easy to share.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand KITH: Research KITH's brand aesthetic, recent collections, and target audience. Understand their store-exclusive programs and collaborations.

• Tech-Pack Fundamentals: Brush up on the essential elements of a tech-pack for apparel graphics (placement, size, colors, print methods, fabric considerations).

• Production Communication: Think about common questions or clarifications needed when communicating with factories about graphic apparel.

• Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a design revision request from a factory or a tight deadline for a new graphic launch.

• Showcase Soft Skills: Be prepared to discuss your organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will heavily weigh both creative talent and practical operational understanding. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process in terms of efficiency and production feasibility, not just aesthetic appeal. The portfolio is the primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector-based graphic creation, logo design, and detailed artwork for apparel.

• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for raster-based image editing, mock-ups, and creating textured or photographic graphics.

• PLM Systems: Proficiency or familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management software (e.g., Centric PLM, Browzwear, or similar) is highly desirable for managing product data, tech-packs, and production workflows.

• Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel: For tracking project status, managing design specifications, communicating with internal teams, and organizing data related to product launches.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how design choices might impact sales data or customer engagement metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with retail analytics tools, if used by KITH for product performance, is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core functions, but an awareness of how design assets are managed and distributed within a larger company system is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Suite and PLM systems directly points to the operational needs of this role. Candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in these tools, especially PLM, will have a significant advantage, as it indicates they can seamlessly integrate into KITH's product development and production workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Detail-Oriented: A strong emphasis on precision in design execution, tech-pack creation, and communication to ensure product accuracy and minimize errors.

• Efficiency: A drive to streamline processes, meet deadlines, and contribute to the timely launch of apparel collections in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with designers, product developers, and production teams, fostering a supportive and communicative atmosphere.

• Proactivity: Taking initiative in research, concept development, and problem-solving to contribute positively to projects and anticipate needs.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding KITH's brand standards and aesthetic in all design work and communications.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working closely within the design team and cross-functionally with Product Development and Production.

• Communicative: Open and clear communication with managers, peers, and external factory partners is essential.

• Feedback-Driven: Willingness to receive and incorporate feedback from senior designers, product teams, and potentially market trends.

• Proactive Support: Actively assisting senior team members and contributing to the overall success of the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Who You Are" section in the original job description directly informs these cultural values. The emphasis on being proactive, organized, and team-oriented points to a culture that values both individual contribution and collective success, with a strong operational focus on execution and delivery.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity and Production Demands: Consistently creating original, on-brand graphics while adhering to strict production timelines, cost constraints, and factory capabilities.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various apparel graphic projects simultaneously, each with its own set of requirements and deadlines, in a fast-paced retail setting.

• Effective Factory Communication: Ensuring clear, precise communication with international factories to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to production errors or delays.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving fashion and graphic trends while maintaining KITH's unique brand identity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Deepening expertise in Adobe Suite tools and exploring new design software or techniques relevant to apparel graphics.

• Product Development Process Mastery: Gaining comprehensive knowledge of the end-to-end apparel product development lifecycle, from concept to final production.

• Industry Trend Insight: Exposure to current fashion, streetwear, and graphic design trends through KITH's market position and collaborations.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Developing a strong understanding of how design integrates with merchandising, production, and retail operations.

• Mentorship: Learning directly from experienced Senior Graphic Designers and the Head of Graphic Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an associate role in a fast-paced fashion brand, requiring a blend of creative resilience and operational pragmatism. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for skill expansion beyond pure graphic design into more operational and strategic areas within the fashion industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Operations: "Describe your process for taking a graphic concept from ideation to a production-ready file for apparel. How do you ensure accuracy for factory communication?" (Focus on your workflow, use of Adobe Suite, and understanding of tech-packs.)

• Collaboration & Communication: "How have you collaborated with teams like product development or production in previous roles? Can you give an example of a time you had to communicate complex design specifications to a manufacturer?" (Highlight your teamwork, clarity, and problem-solving skills.)

• Problem-Solving & Trends: "Imagine a factory states they cannot reproduce a specific graphic effect as designed. How would you approach this situation, considering both the aesthetic goal and production feasibility?" (Demonstrate your adaptability, technical understanding, and ability to find solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Understanding: "What appeals to you about KITH's brand and aesthetic? How do you see your design style fitting within our collections?" (Show you've researched KITH and understand their market position.)

• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic. How do you handle receiving constructive criticism on your designs?" (Emphasize your proactive, organized, and team-oriented nature.)

• Operational Awareness: "What is your understanding of the importance of tech-packs and clear production communication in the apparel industry?" (Show awareness of the operational impact of design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell the Story: For each project, don't just show the final graphic; explain the brief, your inspiration, your design choices, and the intended application.

• Highlight Tech-Pack Expertise: Clearly showcase your tech-pack examples, explaining the details and why they are crucial for production.

• Demonstrate Production Readiness: Explain how you prepare files for manufacturing (e.g., color modes, resolutions, file formats).

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work confidently and be prepared to answer questions about your process and decisions. Keep your presentation focused on the most relevant apparel graphic design projects.

• Showcase Software Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools you used for each project and how they helped achieve the final result.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a practical understanding of the apparel production pipeline. Candidates need to articulate how their design skills translate into actionable assets for manufacturing, highlighting their operational awareness and collaborative potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday application link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 2-3 years of experience in apparel graphic design, proficiency in Adobe Suite, and any experience with tech-packs, PLM systems, or factory communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio (PDF or website) that prominently features your apparel graphic design work, including at least one strong example of a tech-pack you have created. Be ready to discuss your process and production considerations for each piece.

• Prepare for the Interview: Research KITH's brand, recent collections, and target audience. Practice discussing your design process, how you approach production-ready artwork, and your understanding of the company's operational needs in apparel development.

• Understand the Role's Scope: Be ready to articulate how your graphic design skills directly support the product development and production teams, demonstrating your awareness of the operational impact of your role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided information. While this aims to provide a comprehensive view, all details should be verified directly with KITH during the application and interview process. The role is primarily a graphic design position with significant operational responsibilities within the apparel product lifecycle.