Graphic Designer (m/f/x)
๐ Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer (m/f/x)
Company: Carhartt WIP
Location: Berlin, Germany
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Design (with Marketing & Brand Alignment)
Date Posted: 2026-02-23
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)
Remote Status: On-site
๐ Role Summary
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This role focuses on translating brand identity and marketing strategies into compelling visual assets for both digital and physical channels, requiring a strong understanding of graphic design principles and their application in the fashion industry.
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The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in developing visual concepts for marketing campaigns, including social media, newsletters, website assets, POS displays, and out-of-home advertising, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.
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A key aspect of the role involves the design and development of printed materials and publications, encompassing layout, image editing, and meticulous print file preparation, with oversight to ensure correct implementation.
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The position also requires creating compelling visuals for the clothing collection itself, including seasonal prints, patterns, and motifs, directly contributing to product appeal and brand narrative.
๐ Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into brand marketing and apparel design. This is not a typical Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, but rather a creative position within a fashion company. The enhancement focuses on framing the role's operational aspects within a design context, such as process management for print production and brand consistency.
๐ Primary Responsibilities
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Design and develop visual concepts and graphics for a wide range of marketing campaigns, encompassing digital platforms (social media, newsletters, website assets) and physical executions (POS displays, out-of-home advertising).
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Plan, design, and prepare print-ready files for various marketing collateral and publications, including layout creation, image editing, and ensuring adherence to print specifications and timelines.
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Create and develop unique visual assets for the Carhartt WIP clothing collection, including seasonal prints, patterns, and motifs that align with collection themes and brand aesthetics.
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Collaborate closely with the Art Director to conceptualize and execute visual strategies, and participate in planning and feedback meetings with creative, marketing, and collection departments to ensure cohesive brand messaging.
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Work cross-functionally with various internal teams to guarantee that all visual materials consistently reflect the Carhartt WIP brand identity, values, and overall marketing strategy.
๐ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are standard for a graphic designer in a fashion context. The enhancement adds emphasis on brand alignment, campaign execution, and cross-functional collaboration, which are operational aspects of a creative role.
๐ Skills & Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
- Relevant professional experience as a Graphic Designer and/or Apparel Graphic Designer is essential.
Required Skills:
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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating visual assets.
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Experience with After Effects for motion graphics and dynamic visual content creation.
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Strong understanding of design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
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Ability to conceptualize and execute visual ideas for marketing campaigns, both online and offline.
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Skill in preparing print files with accuracy to ensure high-quality output for physical materials.
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A solid understanding of the Carhartt WIP consumer, fashion trends, and competitive landscape within the fashion industry.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with 3D animation software such as Blender and Cinema 4D is a significant advantage.
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Familiarity with motion graphics and video editing techniques.
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Knowledge of marketing trends and competitor analysis within the fashion industry.
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German language proficiency is considered an advantage.
๐ Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section has been expanded to include foundational design principles, which are implicit but crucial for a graphic design role. "Preferred Skills" highlights the specific software and industry knowledge that would make a candidate stand out.
๐ Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong grasp of graphic design principles across various mediums (digital, print, apparel).
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Showcase of visual concepts and graphics developed for marketing campaigns, highlighting adaptability to different channels like social media, web, and out-of-home advertising.
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Examples of printed materials and publications designed, including layout work, image editing, and print file preparation, ideally with an explanation of the process.
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Visuals created for clothing collections, such as seasonal prints, patterns, and motifs, demonstrating an understanding of apparel design integration.
Process Documentation:
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The ability to document and articulate the design process, from initial concept to final asset delivery, including print production workflows.
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Understanding of how to manage design projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of assets while maintaining quality and brand consistency.
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Familiarity with feedback loops and iteration processes within a creative team environment.
๐ Enhancement Note: This section is tailored to a design role. The emphasis is on showcasing the breadth of design work and the candidate's process in delivering creative assets, rather than traditional operations metrics.
๐ต Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
Benefits:
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Full-time employment with a well-established and respected brand in the fashion industry.
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Opportunity to work on global marketing campaigns and contribute to the visual identity of a renowned streetwear brand.
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Potential for professional development and skill enhancement, particularly in areas like 3D animation and apparel graphics.
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Collaborative work environment with creative, marketing, and collection teams.
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Employee discounts on Carhartt WIP products.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time working hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available depending on project needs and team agreements.
๐ Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on typical mid-level graphic designer compensation in Berlin, Germany, considering the company's industry and the provided experience level. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings for full-time employees in reputable companies.
๐ฏ Team & Company Context
๐ข Company Culture
Industry: Apparel & Fashion (Streetwear/Workwear Heritage)
Company Size: Carhartt WIP is a global brand with a significant presence, likely falling into the 'Large Enterprise' category based on typical industry structures, suggesting a structured yet dynamic work environment.
Founded: Carhartt WIP (Work In Progress) was established in 1994 as a distinct line from the original Carhartt, focusing on fashion-forward interpretations of workwear. This heritage provides a unique blend of durability, functionality, and contemporary style.
Team Structure:
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The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Creative department, reporting to an Art Director.
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The role involves close collaboration with other designers, marketing specialists, collection developers, and potentially external agencies.
Methodology:
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Design conceptualization driven by brand identity, fashion trends, and consumer insights.
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A process-oriented approach to campaign and collection asset creation, from initial brief to final execution and delivery.
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Emphasis on iterative feedback and collaborative refinement to achieve optimal visual outcomes.
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Integration of digital and physical design strategies to create a unified brand experience.
Company Website: Carhartt WIP Website
๐ Enhancement Note: Company culture and methodology are inferred from the brand's positioning (fashionable streetwear with workwear roots) and the typical structure of creative departments in global fashion companies.
๐ Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level:
Reporting Structure:
- The Graphic Designer will report directly to the Art Director, who provides creative direction and oversees the overall visual output.
Operations Impact:
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Directly influences brand perception and consumer engagement through compelling visual storytelling and campaign execution.
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Contributes to the commercial success of clothing collections by creating appealing prints, patterns, and graphics.
Growth Opportunities:
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Senior Graphic Designer: Progression to a senior role with increased responsibility for leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more strategically to brand visual direction.
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Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as 3D animation, motion graphics, or apparel print design, potentially leading to specialized roles.
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Art Direction: With significant experience and demonstrated leadership, a path towards Assistant Art Director or Art Director roles within the company could be possible.
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Cross-functional Moves: Development of skills in marketing strategy or brand management could open doors to roles in those departments.
๐ Enhancement Note: Career growth is mapped based on typical progression within creative roles in the fashion industry, emphasizing skill development and increased strategic contribution.
๐ Work Environment
Office Type: Carhartt WIP is likely to have a modern, design-conscious office environment that reflects its brand aesthetic. This could include open-plan areas for collaboration, dedicated design studios, and meeting rooms equipped for creative reviews.
Office Location(s): The role is based in Berlin, Germany, at the "Berlin Office VSN ATB." This location suggests a vibrant urban setting with access to a strong creative and fashion community.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace will likely be equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware.
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Opportunities for collaborative brainstorming and feedback sessions with art directors, marketing teams, and collection developers.
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A dynamic environment where inspiration can be drawn from the surrounding fashion and cultural landscape of Berlin.
Work Schedule:
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A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles.
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While core hours will exist, there may be flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and creative workflows, especially during campaign launches or collection development phases.
๐ Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on typical expectations for creative roles within a fashion brand operating in a major European city like Berlin.
๐ Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the brand's aesthetic.
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Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A likely step involves presenting a curated selection of work, discussing design choices, process, and how it aligns with Carhartt WIP's brand. This will be followed by an interview with the hiring manager (likely Art Director) and potentially other team members.
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Skills Assessment/Test: A practical design challenge or assignment may be given to evaluate design skills, problem-solving abilities, and speed under pressure.
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Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions to gauge interest in fashion, understanding of the Carhartt WIP consumer, and ability to collaborate within the team.
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Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or HR representative to discuss final terms and company culture.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant work. Prioritize pieces that demonstrate skills in digital marketing assets, print design, and apparel graphics.
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Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, your creative process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact.
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Highlight Brand Alignment: Explicitly demonstrate how your designs align with Carhartt WIP's aesthetic and target audience. If you have personal projects inspired by similar styles, include them.
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Showcase Versatility: Include a range of work that proves your proficiency across different design tasks and software.
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Include Salary Expectations: As requested, clearly state your salary expectations, ideally within a reasonable range based on your experience and market research.
Challenge Preparation:
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Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the brief, asking clarifying questions if needed.
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Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across concept development, design execution, and refinement.
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Brand Consistency: Ensure any design created for a challenge adheres strictly to brand guidelines.
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Presentation: Be prepared to present your solution, explaining your rationale and design decisions clearly and concisely.
๐ Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio tips are tailored to a creative role where a strong portfolio is paramount. Emphasis is placed on understanding the brand and demonstrating relevant skills.
๐ Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and intricate design elements.
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Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics for digital and print.
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Adobe InDesign: Required for layout design of publications, brochures, and other multi-page print materials.
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Adobe After Effects: Used for creating motion graphics, animations, and dynamic visual content for marketing campaigns and digital assets.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
3D Design Software (Preferred):
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Blender: A powerful open-source 3D creation suite.
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Cinema 4D: A professional 3D modeling, animation, and rendering application.
๐ Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly derived from the "Your Profile" section of the job description, with added context on their usage in a design workflow.
๐ฅ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the creation of fresh, engaging visual content that pushes brand boundaries.
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Brand Integrity: A deep commitment to upholding and enhancing the Carhartt WIP brand identity across all visual communications.
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Collaboration: A belief in working together across departments to achieve cohesive and impactful marketing efforts.
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Passion for Fashion & Culture: A shared enthusiasm for contemporary fashion, art, and culture that informs design decisions and resonates with the target audience.
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Quality & Craftsmanship: An emphasis on delivering high-quality design work, reflecting the brand's heritage of durability and attention to detail.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with marketing, collection, and art direction teams to ensure visual output aligns with business objectives and seasonal themes.
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Constructive Feedback: An open environment where design concepts are shared and refined through constructive critique from peers and superiors.
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Shared Vision: A collective effort towards a unified brand message and aesthetic, ensuring all visual elements contribute to a cohesive brand narrative.
๐ Enhancement Note: Company values and collaboration style are inferred from the brand's positioning as a fashion-forward streetwear label with a workwear heritage, suggesting a culture that values creativity, authenticity, and quality.
โก Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all visual outputs, across diverse mediums and campaigns, consistently reflect the Carhartt WIP brand identity and aesthetic.
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Balancing Creative Vision with Marketing Objectives: Translating marketing goals and consumer insights into visually compelling designs that also meet strategic requirements.
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Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously monitoring evolving design trends, fashion movements, and digital platform changes to keep Carhartt WIP's visual communications fresh and relevant.
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Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design tasks for different campaigns, collections, and marketing channels simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and prioritization.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to master 3D animation software (Blender, Cinema 4D) or advanced motion graphics techniques.
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Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the broader fashion industry, marketing strategies, and collection development processes.
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Mentorship: Learning from experienced Art Directors and senior designers within the company.
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Portfolio Expansion: Building a diverse portfolio with high-impact projects for a globally recognized brand.
๐ Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the typical demands of a graphic designer role in a fast-paced fashion environment, and growth opportunities are aligned with career progression within the creative field.
๐ก Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"How do you approach translating a marketing brief into a visual concept for a campaign?" (Prepare to walk through your process, from understanding objectives to ideation and execution.)
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"Describe a time you had to adapt your design style to fit a specific brand identity. How did you ensure brand consistency?" (Focus on your understanding of brand guidelines and your process for maintaining them.)
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"How do you stay updated on current design trends, fashion, and cultural movements relevant to a brand like Carhartt WIP?" (Be ready to discuss your sources of inspiration and how you integrate them.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What specifically appeals to you about Carhartt WIP's brand and aesthetic?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the brand's positioning and target audience.)
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"How do you envision your design contributions aligning with our brand identity and consumer base?" (Connect your skills and style to the company's needs.)
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"How do you approach collaboration with non-designers (e.g., marketing, product teams)?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Focus on Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your skills for this specific role (marketing campaigns, apparel graphics, print).
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Explain Your Process: Don't just show the final image; explain the problem, your solution, and why you made certain design choices.
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Highlight Key Strengths: If you have 3D animation or advanced print experience, ensure those projects are prominent.
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Be Concise: Practice presenting your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects of each project.
๐ Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe for design thinking, brand awareness, technical proficiency, and collaborative ability, all critical for a graphic designer role in a fashion context.
๐ Application Steps
To apply for this Graphic Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided application link on the Carhartt WIP careers portal.
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Curate Your Portfolio: Carefully select your most relevant design work, emphasizing projects that showcase your skills in digital marketing assets, print design, and apparel graphics. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your ability to align with the Carhartt WIP brand aesthetic.
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Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your professional experience as a Graphic Designer or Apparel Graphic Designer, specifically mentioning proficiencies in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects) and any experience with 3D animation software. Quantify achievements where possible.
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Prepare Your Salary Expectations: Clearly state your salary expectations in your application, as requested by the company, based on your research and experience level.
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Research Carhartt WIP: Familiarize yourself with the brand's history, current collections, marketing campaigns, and target audience to effectively articulate your understanding and fit during the interview process.
โ ๏ธ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Carhartt WIP during the application and interview process.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a strong interest in fashion, contemporary culture, and design, along with relevant professional experience as a graphic or apparel graphic designer. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects) is required, and a degree in graphic or communication design is necessary.