Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: United Legwear Company LLC

Location: New York City, NY, US

Job Type: Contractor - 1099

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site 2-3 days/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of innovative and market-relevant graphic designs and print artwork for activewear apparel across women's, men's, and children's categories.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional design and production teams to ensure all developed graphics strictly adhere to established brand aesthetics and specific project mandates.

• Leverage advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), alongside Adobe Acrobat and PowerPoint, to produce high-quality, print-ready assets.

• Critically analyze and apply principles of print techniques, color theory, and fabric applications to ensure designs are not only visually compelling but also technically feasible for apparel production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a "Freelance Graphic Artist" on a project-based assignment, requiring a strong focus on apparel print design, particularly for activewear. The hybrid work model indicates a need for on-site collaboration in NYC.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop original all-over prints, repeat patterns, and graphic designs suitable for a wide range of activewear apparel items.

• Translate brand guidelines and creative briefs into compelling visual assets that resonate with target demographics in the active and lifestyle markets.

• Prepare and optimize design files for various production methods, including sublimation and direct-to-garment printing, ensuring technical accuracy and file integrity.

• Conduct thorough research into current market trends, competitor designs, and emerging visual styles within the activewear and lifestyle apparel sectors to inform creative output.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, from initial concept through to final file delivery, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and project timelines.

• Participate actively in virtual or in-person design reviews and feedback sessions, effectively articulating creative rationale and incorporating constructive criticism.

• Maintain meticulous organization of design assets, project files, and version control to ensure efficient workflow and easy retrieval of materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the end-to-end design process for apparel graphics, from ideation to production-ready files, with a specific focus on activewear and brand alignment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for this level of creative responsibility.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of demonstrable experience in apparel print design, with a strong portfolio showcasing work in women's, men's, and children's activewear or lifestyle apparel.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in creating innovative print designs and graphics for apparel.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for vector and raster graphics, layout, and pre-press preparation.

• Strong command of Adobe Acrobat for document management and PDF creation.

• Competency in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation of design concepts and project updates.

• Solid understanding of color theory, print techniques (e.g., sublimation, screen printing), and their application to various fabric types.

• Ability to develop and execute repeat patterns and all-over prints with precision.

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet project deadlines consistently.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience working with established activewear or lifestyle brands (e.g., Puma, Hurley).

• Familiarity with design software beyond the Adobe Suite, such as CorelDRAW or Procreate.

• Basic understanding of apparel construction and manufacturing processes.

• Experience with digital asset management (DAM) systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Suite applications and print design for activewear indicates a need for a technically skilled designer with a nuanced understanding of the apparel industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a strong range of apparel print designs, with a particular emphasis on activewear.

• Include examples of original all-over prints, repeat patterns, and graphic illustrations specifically created for apparel.

• Demonstrate versatility in design styles suitable for women's, men's, and children's wear.

• Showcase technical execution, including print-ready files or mock-ups that highlight understanding of color separation and scale.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept generation and research to final file preparation and collaboration with production teams.

• Ability to articulate how design decisions are informed by market trends, brand guidelines, and technical production constraints.

• Demonstrate understanding of workflow management for freelance projects, including communication, revision tracking, and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evaluation tool for design capability and industry relevance. Applicants must be able to clearly articulate their design process and demonstrate technical proficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50 - $60 per hour (based on $104,000 - $124,800 annual equivalent for a full-time role). This is an estimate based on the provided annual salary range for a contractor role in New York City with the specified experience level and required skills. Actual compensation will be project-dependent.

Benefits:

• Project-based compensation with clear payment terms for completed assignments.

• Opportunity to work with globally recognized brands (Puma, Hurley).

• Flexible work schedule within project deadlines.

• Exposure to the fast-paced apparel industry.

• Potential for ongoing project work based on performance and availability.

Working Hours: This is a contract position with project-based assignments. While the role requires 2-3 days per week on-site in NYC, the remaining work can be managed flexibly around project deadlines. A standard 40-hour work week is implied for project scoping and compensation calculations.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a 1099 contractor, traditional employee benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off) are not typically provided. Compensation is hourly, and the provided range reflects a mid-level graphic designer's rate in NYC for specialized apparel design work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Manufacturing & Distribution, Footwear & Accessories. United Legwear & Apparel Co. is a significant player in the global market, known for its diverse product lines and strong brand partnerships.

Company Size: Large (500+ employees). This suggests a structured corporate environment with established processes and a broad reach across various departments.

Founded: 1998. With over two decades of operation, the company has a history of growth and market presence, indicating stability and experience in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Artist will be part of the Puma & Hurley brand team, working closely with design and production departments.

• Collaboration is expected with brand managers, designers, and potentially product developers.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes quality, customer satisfaction, and timely delivery across its manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations.

• Design work is expected to align with brand aesthetics and market relevance, requiring a data-informed approach to trend analysis and creative execution.

• The culture values hard work, growth, collaboration, and charity, suggesting a professional yet mission-driven environment.

Company Website: https://www.unitedlegwear.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values unity, loyalty, advancement, and charity. For a graphic designer, this translates to a collaborative environment where creative contributions are valued, and professional conduct is paramount. The emphasis on quality and timely delivery in manufacturing also implies a need for efficient and reliable creative output.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level (2-5 years) specialist position within the creative function. It offers the opportunity to gain experience with prominent brands and contribute to high-volume apparel production.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Artist will likely report to a Design Lead or Brand Manager responsible for the Puma and Hurley lines. As a contractor, direct mentorship might be limited, but project-specific guidance will be provided.

Operations Impact: The graphic designs created directly influence the appeal and marketability of apparel products. Successful designs contribute to sales performance, brand perception, and overall revenue generation for the respective brands and the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in activewear print design, sublimation techniques, and repeat pattern creation. Gain experience with specific brand aesthetics and market demands.

• Portfolio Expansion: Add high-profile brands like Puma and Hurley to a professional portfolio, enhancing future career prospects.

• Networking: Build professional relationships within the apparel industry, potentially leading to future freelance or full-time opportunities.

• Project Variety: Exposure to diverse apparel categories and design challenges within the activewear space.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, it offers significant opportunities for skill enhancement and portfolio building within a reputable company and with well-known brands, which can be a strong stepping stone for further career advancement in apparel design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires 2-3 days per week on-site at the NYC office, with the remainder of the work potentially performed remotely.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY (Postal Code: 10018). This location suggests access to a vibrant fashion and design hub.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace will be an office setting, characterized by a quiet to moderate noise level.

• Collaboration will occur both virtually and in-person, requiring effective communication across different platforms.

• Access to standard office equipment and potentially design-specific hardware/software within the company's facilities.

• The hybrid model allows for focused, independent work at home, balanced with in-person collaboration and ideation sessions in the office.

Work Schedule: While specific daily hours are not detailed, the role requires on-site presence 2-3 days per week. The remaining work is project-based, allowing for some flexibility in scheduling, provided deadlines are met. A standard 40-hour work week is typical for project scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires self-discipline and effective time management to balance on-site collaboration with remote independent work. The NYC location is a significant draw for those in the fashion and design industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with brand aesthetics.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A detailed walkthrough of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on relevant apparel print design work, creative process, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about specific projects, design choices, and technical execution.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a short design challenge or test project to evaluate on-the-spot creative thinking and software proficiency under timed conditions.

• Cultural Fit & Logistics: Discussion about availability, communication style, ability to work independently, and understanding of freelance contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize apparel print designs, especially for activewear.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief narrative explaining the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, and how you arrived at the final design. Visuals of sketches, mood boards, or early concepts are beneficial.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, showcasing your ability to create print-ready files, repeat patterns, and manage color effectively.

• Brand Alignment: If possible, include work that demonstrates an understanding of brand aesthetics similar to Puma or Hurley.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use high-quality mock-ups to show designs in context on apparel.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a quick graphic concept or adapting an existing design for a specific activewear application.

• Practice working under time constraints and articulating your design rationale concisely.

• Familiarize yourself with current activewear trends and the visual language of brands like Puma and Hurley.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be ready to "show, not just tell" their design capabilities and demonstrate a clear understanding of the activewear apparel market and the technical demands of print design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and creating clean, scalable print designs and repeat patterns.
  • Photoshop: Crucial for raster graphics, image manipulation, texture creation, and preparing artwork for sublimation or digital printing.
  • InDesign: Useful for layout, creating spec sheets, and assembling design presentations.

• Adobe Acrobat: Required for managing and preparing print-ready PDF files, ensuring proper color profiles and resolution.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Necessary for presenting design concepts, project updates, and collaborating with teams.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly a part of the graphic designer's role, understanding how design performance is measured (e.g., sales data, market reception) can inform creative decisions.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is non-negotiable for this role, as they are the primary tools for creating apparel graphics and prints. The inclusion of InDesign and Acrobat indicates a need for professional file preparation and presentation skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, market-relevant designs that stand out.

• Brand Alignment: Strong adherence to the aesthetic and marketing objectives of brands like Puma and Hurley.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to delivering technically sound, print-ready artwork that meets high production standards.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively with a team, incorporate feedback, and meet project requirements promptly.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Delivering high-quality work on time, crucial for a contract position with deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be collaborative, working closely with design leads and production teams.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is key.

• Clear and proactive communication is essential, especially given the hybrid work arrangement and freelance nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of Unity, Loyalty, Advancement, and Charity translate into a professional, team-oriented environment where contributions are valued. For this role, this means being a reliable, creative, and communicative team player.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The apparel industry, especially with major brands, operates on tight deadlines and rapid trend cycles.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Mandates: Ensuring designs are innovative yet strictly adhere to specific brand guidelines and market expectations.

• Technical Production Constraints: Translating creative concepts into designs that are technically feasible and cost-effective for apparel manufacturing processes (e.g., sublimation limitations, color bridging).

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining productivity while splitting time between office and remote work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand-Specific Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the design requirements and market positioning for Puma and Hurley.

• Apparel Production Insights: Understanding the practicalities of print production for activewear, from initial design to finished garment.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with work from globally recognized brands, which can significantly boost future career prospects.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in activewear, athletic footwear, and lifestyle apparel design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a practical learning experience in the high-stakes world of branded apparel design. The challenges are typical of the industry and provide valuable experience for long-term career growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new all-over print for an activewear collection. What factors do you consider?" (Focus on research, concept development, technical execution, and brand alignment.)

• "How do you ensure your designs meet brand aesthetic requirements while still being innovative?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and your ability to push creative boundaries within those limits.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with the Puma and Hurley brands specifically?" (Showcase your knowledge of the brands and your enthusiasm for their aesthetic.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially from teams with different priorities?" (Emphasize your collaborative spirit and ability to handle constructive criticism.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with your most impactful and relevant apparel print design projects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the objective, your creative approach, the tools used, and the outcome. Quantify results if possible (e.g., "design was selected for the core collection").

• Show Technical Mastery: Clearly articulate your use of Illustrator and Photoshop, demonstrating how you prepared files for print. Show examples of repeat patterns and color separations if applicable.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Present key information clearly and efficiently.

• Engage: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices and processes in real-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative talent, technical skill, brand understanding, and professional reliability. A well-prepared portfolio and clear communication about your design process are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are attached.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature apparel print designs, especially for activewear. If you have work for brands like Puma or Hurley, highlight it.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience in apparel print design and lists proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and PowerPoint. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on explaining your creative process and technical execution for apparel graphics. Prepare to discuss your experience with repeat patterns and sublimation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with United Legwear & Apparel Co., its mission, and the brands Puma and Hurley. Understand their market positioning and aesthetic.

⚠️ 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.