Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: KITH

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

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 07, 2026

Experience Level: 4-5 Years

Remote Status: 100% On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design original graphic apparel collections for men's, women's, and kids' inline products, as well as for in-store, web, and location-specific programs.

• Conceptualize, research, and develop visual references for graphic apparel collections, ensuring alignment with KITH's brand aesthetic and storytelling.

• Manage the end-to-end product lifecycle for graphic apparel, from initial concept and design through to production approvals and final launch.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, product development, and tech design, to ensure high-quality execution of apparel graphics.

• Prepare and present design concepts and collection pitches to senior leadership, including the CEO and Creative Director.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the fashion retail sector, focusing on the operational aspects of bringing graphic apparel concepts to life. The emphasis on managing collections from concept to production, creating tech packs, and working with factories highlights a need for strong project management and production understanding, critical for operations professionals in the creative space.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, research, and pull reference tears for graphic apparel collections, ensuring thematic coherence and brand alignment.

• Design graphic apparel collections for men’s, women’s, and kids’ inline product assortments.

• Develop graphic apparel designs tailored for specific retail environments, including in-store promotions, web campaigns, and unique location-based initiatives.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, product development, tech design, and domestic/overseas factories, to achieve high-quality product execution and adherence to brand standards.

• Present and pitch design ideas and concepts for assigned projects to the CEO/Creative Director during team design meetings, articulating the strategic vision and market relevance.

• Manage the entire lifecycle of graphic apparel collections, from initial concept generation through to final production approvals, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.

• Complete detailed tech packs for all approved designs, providing precise specifications for manufacturing and production.

• Work effectively under tight timelines, balancing the need for rapid turnaround with the imperative to maintain the quality and integrity of deliverables.

• Oversee product lifecycle stages, securing necessary approvals on color, fabric, art, branding, and finishing techniques from initial launch phases through to mass production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for operational rigor within a creative function. The emphasis on managing timelines, completing tech packs, and coordinating with factories points to a role that requires strong process management and execution skills, akin to project management within a GTM or product operations framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 4-5 years of dedicated experience within the fashion industry, with a strong focus on apparel graphic design and its application to garments.

• Proven track record of creating original graphics, wordmarks, and logos that consistently align with and enhance a brand's established aesthetic.

• Experience with various embellishment, printing, and finishing techniques relevant to apparel production.

• Demonstrated understanding of the product development process, including the ability to launch approved designs with factories using PLM software and meticulously create tech packs.

• Strong background in graphic design, with expertise in creating and manipulating art files ready for factory production.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for graphic creation and manipulation.

• Proficiency with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for managing product development data and workflows.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with diverse teams and external partners.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address design and production challenges and elevate product standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific printing techniques such as screen printing, DTG, embroidery, and heat transfers.

• Familiarity with sustainability practices and materials in apparel production.

• Understanding of visual merchandising principles for in-store and web displays.

• Experience in trend forecasting and market research to inform design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of creative talent and operational proficiency. The explicit mention of PLM systems and tech pack creation, alongside Adobe Creative Suite, points to a need for candidates who can bridge the gap between creative ideation and manufacturing execution, a common requirement in GTM and product operations roles focused on physical goods.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5-7 distinct apparel graphic projects, demonstrating a range of styles and applications (e.g., t-shirts, hoodies, accessories).

• Include detailed case studies for at least 2-3 key projects, outlining the design process from concept to final production, including any challenges encountered and their resolutions.

• Present clear examples of original graphics, wordmarks, and logos, highlighting their relevance to the brand's aesthetic.

• Highlight experience with production-ready files, including examples of print-ready artwork and any specific technical considerations for manufacturing.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of workflow management and process optimization in previous roles, such as how projects were tracked and managed from concept to completion.

• Include examples of collaboration processes with cross-functional teams (merchandising, product development, factories) and how communication was managed.

• Showcase experience with PLM systems or similar inventory/product lifecycle management tools, detailing how these systems were utilized to track progress and manage data.

• Document how design approvals were managed throughout the product lifecycle, including feedback incorporation and sign-off procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that bridges creative and production, a portfolio demonstrating process management is crucial. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to show not just creative output but also their ability to execute through structured processes, manage production workflows, and utilize relevant systems like PLM, which is highly valued in operations roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee discount on KITH merchandise.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Contribution to a 401(k) retirement savings plan.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during peak periods. This is a 100% on-site role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific and aligns with industry standards for a Graphic Designer with 4-5 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like New York City, especially within a prominent retail brand. The benefits package is standard for full-time employees in the fashion retail sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Lifestyle Apparel & Retail, Fashion, Footwear. KITH operates as a globally recognized lifestyle brand and specialty retailer, known for its curated seasonal collections and strong collaborations.

Company Size: KITH is a growing company with a significant global presence, operating multiple boutiques and shop-in-shops worldwide. The team size for graphic design likely consists of a dedicated group of designers working within a larger creative department.

Founded: Established in 2011 in New York City by Ronnie Fieg, KITH has built its reputation on personal storytelling, uncompromising detail in fabrication and design, and a dynamic point of view that evokes nostalgia.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Design team operates within the broader Creative department, reporting to senior design leadership.

• Collaboration is expected with Merchandising, Product Development, Tech Design, and external factory partners.

Methodology:

• Design concepts are driven by brand storytelling, personal narrative, and market trends, with a focus on evoking nostalgia.

• A strong emphasis is placed on detail, fabrication, and the application of graphics to various products to ensure high-quality output.

• Collaboration is key, ensuring that creative vision is translated effectively into production-ready assets and high-quality merchandise.

Company Website: https://kith.com

📝 Enhancement Note: KITH's culture is built around a strong brand identity, personal storytelling, and a premium aesthetic. For operations professionals, this means understanding the importance of brand integrity, meticulous execution, and seamless collaboration to maintain this high standard across all product lines and customer touchpoints.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an intermediate level, requiring 4-5 years of experience. It involves significant responsibility for managing projects from concept to production, indicating a move beyond junior-level design tasks towards more autonomous project ownership.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to senior design leadership within the Creative department. They will also work closely with cross-functional partners in Merchandising and Product Development.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts KITH's product offerings, brand perception, and revenue through the creation of appealing and high-quality apparel graphics that drive consumer demand. Effective management of the design-to-production process ensures timely product launches and minimizes costly errors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas of apparel graphics, embellishment techniques, or product categories.

• Leadership: Potentially transition into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading specific collection initiatives or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Gain exposure to broader product development and merchandising operations, potentially leading to roles in those departments or in GTM strategy.

• Skill Expansion: Acquire proficiency in new design software, production technologies, or project management methodologies relevant to the fashion industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded individuals, this role offers a pathway to understand the commercialization of creative products. Growth opportunities lie in deepening operational expertise within a creative context, managing more complex projects, and potentially moving into roles that optimize the go-to-market process for apparel.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a 100% on-site position located at KITH's HQ in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It suggests a dynamic, in-person collaborative environment typical of fashion headquarters.

Office Location(s): HQ - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. This location is a hub for creative industries, offering a vibrant work environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, likely featuring design studios and shared creative spaces.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially physical resources for mock-ups and material exploration.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, creative directors, and other stakeholders to facilitate real-time feedback and workflow.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. However, the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry and KITH's operations may require flexibility and occasional overtime to meet deadlines for collection launches and seasonal demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 100% on-site work highlights the value KITH places on in-person collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and direct engagement with physical product samples—all critical for efficient operations in the fashion sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess creative skills, relevant experience, and understanding of apparel graphics.

• Creative Assessment: A potential design challenge or portfolio presentation to evaluate conceptual thinking, technical execution, and problem-solving abilities. This may involve presenting a mini-collection concept or solving a specific design problem.

• Team/Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the design team to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Leadership Interview: Meeting with senior leadership (CEO/Creative Director) to present concepts, discuss vision, and ensure alignment with the brand's strategic direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to design apparel graphics, create original artwork, and manage projects from concept to production.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief overview of your design process, research, and how you collaborated with others or overcame production challenges.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Tailor your presentation to show how your design aesthetic aligns with KITH's brand identity and storytelling.

• Tech Pack Examples: If possible, include a sample tech pack or documentation that illustrates your understanding of production specifications.

• Quality Over Quantity: Ensure all presented work is high-resolution and professionally displayed.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy, inspirations, and how you stay current with fashion and graphic design trends.

• Practice articulating your design choices and how they serve the brand's objectives and target audience.

• Familiarize yourself with KITH's current and past collections to understand their aesthetic and market positioning.

• Think about how you would approach designing graphics for different product types (e.g., a graphic tee vs. an embroidered hoodie).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process, particularly the portfolio review and potential design challenge, is crucial. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creative talent but also their operational understanding of the product lifecycle, from ideation to manufacturing, showcasing their ability to execute efficiently and effectively within a brand's framework.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all graphic creation, manipulation, and layout tasks. This includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially InDesign.

• PLM System: Proficiency in a Product Lifecycle Management system is required for managing product data, tracking development stages, and collaborating with factories. While the specific system isn't named, general familiarity is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but awareness of how design assets are managed and distributed internally for marketing and e-commerce may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and PLM systems identifies the core technical requirements. For operations professionals, demonstrating a strong understanding of how these tools integrate into a broader product development and go-to-market workflow is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Detail-Oriented: A strong emphasis on precision in design, technical specifications, and production quality.

• Collaborative: Working effectively with diverse teams across creative, merchandising, and production departments.

• Brand-Centric: A deep understanding and commitment to upholding KITH's unique brand identity and storytelling ethos.

• Solution-Driven: Proactively identifying and solving design and production challenges to ensure successful product delivery.

• Adaptive & Versatile: Ability to respond to evolving trends, market demands, and project requirements in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active participation in design reviews and team meetings.

• Cross-functional partnerships are essential, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate creative ideas into actionable production requirements.

• A culture of constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: KITH values a blend of creative excellence and operational discipline. For candidates, demonstrating an understanding of how to balance creative vision with the practicalities of production and brand representation will be key to fitting into this culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Translating innovative design concepts into feasible, cost-effective, and high-quality physical products requires navigating factory limitations, material availability, and production timelines.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all graphic applications align with KITH's established aesthetic and storytelling across a wide range of products and collections.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting tight deadlines for seasonal collections and special releases while maintaining a high standard of quality and originality.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design intent and requirements to diverse teams who may have different priorities or technical focuses.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Fashion Industry Knowledge: Gain comprehensive insight into the end-to-end product lifecycle within a leading lifestyle brand.

• Advanced Production Techniques: Learn about various garment embellishment, printing, and finishing methods directly from industry professionals and factory partners.

• Brand Strategy: Understand how graphic design contributes to overall brand strategy, marketing, and retail presence.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced designers and creative directors within KITH's established team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in the operations of creative industries. For individuals seeking growth, these challenges offer opportunities to develop robust project management, negotiation, and problem-solving skills directly applicable to GTM and product operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a graphic collection for a specific KITH location, considering its unique culture and history?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance a creative vision with production limitations or factory feedback. What was your process and outcome?"

• "How do you ensure your graphic designs effectively communicate the brand's story and aesthetic?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically about KITH's brand and design philosophy resonates with you?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to KITH's collaborative team environment?"

• "How do you stay updated on current trends in fashion, art, and graphic design?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story for each project, from concept to execution, highlighting your role and impact.

• Design Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your research, ideation, and refinement stages.

• Production Focus: Emphasize any experience with preparing files for manufacturing, working with factories, or understanding production techniques.

• Brand Relevance: Explain how your work aligns with the target audience and brand identity, using KITH as a reference point where applicable.

• Concise Delivery: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a specified timeframe, focusing on key highlights and impactful examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative flair and operational awareness. Candidates should be ready to discuss their design process in detail, highlight their understanding of apparel production, and articulate how their skills align with KITH's brand strategy and operational needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the KITH External Careers portal via the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature apparel graphic design projects, original artwork, and examples of production-ready files. Include at least one case study detailing the process from concept to production, ideally showcasing collaboration or problem-solving.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 4-5 years of fashion industry experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and PLM systems, and specific skills in apparel graphics, tech pack creation, and production techniques. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, brand alignment, and understanding of KITH's aesthetic. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your approach to managing design projects from concept through to factory production.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research KITH's brand ethos, recent collections, collaborations, and overall market positioning to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit. Understand their emphasis on storytelling and detail.

⚠️ 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.