Graphic Designer - Smiggle

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Smiggle

Location: Location

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail Operations

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Experience Level: Midweight - Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative product innovation and design execution for a leading global children's lifestyle brand.

• Develop original prints, patterns, illustrations, and packaging that align with fashion trends and the Tween customer demographic.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure cohesive product ranges and collections meet brand standards and commercial objectives.

• Translate creative direction and mood boards into commercially viable and fashion-forward product solutions.

• Produce production-ready artwork and detailed product specifications for manufacturing partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Graphic Designer, its focus on product development, range cohesion, and commercial viability positions it within a broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations context, requiring strong collaboration with product, design, and potentially marketing teams to ensure successful product launches and market penetration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate fashion trends, mood boards, and creative direction into innovative, commercially relevant product solutions for the Tween customer.

• Develop original prints, yardages, illustrations, graphics, and artwork across accessories, lifestyle, and back-to-school product categories and packaging.

• Design cohesive product ranges, collections, and capsules that embody the Smiggle brand identity.

• Create detailed product specifications and supplier-ready finished artwork for a diverse range of products and packaging.

• Curate color palettes, select materials, and define prints, patterns, and finishes to create elevated and considered product ranges.

• Collaborate closely with designers and product developers to ensure design solutions are on-brand, on-trend, and fashion-forward, while adhering to timelines and budget constraints.

• Contribute to the overall creative vision and strategic direction of product development within the Smiggle brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "cohesive product ranges, collections, and capsules" and "commercially relevant product solutions" highlights the need for a designer who understands not just aesthetic creation but also the strategic planning and execution required for successful product go-to-market strategies. This suggests a role that bridges creative output with operational considerations for product line management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion Design, or a related creative field is typically expected for a midweight to senior role, though significant relevant experience can often substitute.

Experience: Midweight–Senior level experience (5-10 years) in fashion, accessories, lifestyle, multi-product design, or packaging design is required.

Required Skills:

• Strong fashion-led design sensibility with a deep understanding of the Tween customer and current youth culture.

• Proven ability to develop cohesive ranges and collections, demonstrating strategic thinking beyond individual product design.

• Excellent illustration, print, and yardage design skills, with a portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of color, materials, and finishes.

• Ability to translate trends and creative direction into compelling, commercially relevant product solutions.

• Experience developing detailed product specifications and production-ready finished artwork.

• Advanced Adobe Illustrator skills are essential for creating intricate designs and technical specifications.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills to effectively liaise with internal teams and external partners.

• Commercially minded, with the ability to balance creative vision with customer needs and price points. Preferred Skills:

• Trend forecasting experience is desirable to proactively identify and integrate emerging styles.

• Experience with other Adobe Creative Suite applications (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign) can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with product development cycles and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "advanced Adobe Illustrator skills" and the need to create "production-ready finished artwork" and "detailed product specifications" are critical operational requirements. This suggests that candidates must possess not only creative talent but also technical proficiency and an understanding of manufacturing workflows to ensure smooth product realization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating a range of graphic design capabilities relevant to fashion, accessories, or lifestyle products.

• Include examples of original prints, yardages, and illustrations with clear explanations of the creative process and inspiration.

• Present cohesive product range concepts, illustrating how individual pieces work together to form a collection.

• Feature packaging design examples, highlighting an understanding of brand application and structural considerations.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating trends and mood boards into tangible design outcomes.

• Highlight examples of production-ready artwork and product specifications, if possible, to showcase technical readiness. Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation isn't a primary output for this role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for:

  • Ideation and concept development from initial brief or trend research.

  • Iterative design refinement based on feedback.

  • Preparation of final artwork and specifications for manufacturing.

  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., product developers, buyers).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for a portfolio, especially one that includes "production-ready finished artwork" and "product specifications," indicates a strong emphasis on practical output and readiness for immediate contribution to the product lifecycle. This is a key differentiator for operations-minded candidates who can demonstrate not just creativity but also the ability to deliver tangible, usable assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Midweight to Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Melbourne (assuming "Location" refers to a significant Australian city given Smiggle's HQ), the estimated annual salary range would be AUD $75,000 - $105,000. This estimate considers the cost of living, demand for skilled design professionals, and the specific industry (retail/fashion).

Benefits:

• Generous staff discount on Smiggle products.

• Access to exclusive sample sales.

• Daily free coffee and hot drinks provided at the office.

• Central office location on St Kilda Rd, with access to Fawkner Park.

• Opportunity to work within a high-performing, supportive, and collaborative creative environment. Working Hours:

The role is assumed to be a standard full-time position, likely around 38-40 hours per week, with typical office hours. Flexibility may be offered based on team needs and project deadlines, but the core requirement is on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for this experience level and role in Australia. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation. The benefits package offers tangible perks that contribute to employee well-being and engagement, common in retail and creative environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail / Children's Lifestyle Products / Stationery & Gifts. Smiggle operates in a highly competitive, trend-driven market, requiring constant innovation and a strong connection with its target demographic.

Company Size: Smiggle is a significant global brand with over 300 stores worldwide and ongoing growth, indicating a structured corporate environment with dedicated departments for design, product development, marketing, and operations.

Founded: Smiggle was founded in 2003, establishing a strong brand presence and a proven track record in the children's retail sector. This history suggests a company with established processes but also one that embraces evolution and creativity.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of a dedicated Creative Team, reporting to the Graphic Design Manager.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Designers, broader Creative Teams, and Product Development departments.

• This role will also interface with other GTM functions, such as merchandising and potentially marketing, to ensure brand consistency and commercial alignment. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a primary function, the designer must interpret market trends, youth culture insights, and sales data (indirectly through product performance) to inform design decisions.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The designer will manage their own workflow for creating artwork and specifications, optimizing for efficiency and timely delivery to production.

• Automation & Efficiency: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and efficient file management are key to automating repetitive tasks and ensuring smooth handover to production.

Company Website: https://www.smiggle.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: Smiggle's focus on "vibrant product designs," "creativity," and "fun" suggests a dynamic and energetic company culture. For a designer, this translates to an environment that values bold ideas and a strong connection to youth culture, while still requiring the operational discipline to bring these ideas to market successfully.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Midweight to Senior Graphic Designer. It implies a level of autonomy in design execution and a responsibility for developing cohesive ranges, moving beyond individual tasks to contributing to strategic product line development.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to the Graphic Design Manager, indicating a clear line of management and potential for mentorship. This structure allows for guidance on creative direction and professional development.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts Smiggle's product offering, brand perception, and ultimately, sales revenue. By creating desirable and trend-aligned products, the designer plays a crucial role in the company's go-to-market success, influencing customer purchasing decisions and brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Development: Opportunity to deepen understanding of the product lifecycle, from trend forecasting and concept development through to production-ready artwork and manufacturing liaison.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific product categories (e.g., accessories, stationery) or design disciplines (e.g., print design, illustration).

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or Graphic Design Manager roles, involving greater strategic input, team leadership, and project management.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience by working closely with product development, merchandising, and potentially marketing teams, broadening understanding of the broader GTM strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a creative function that has direct operational impact. The emphasis on "cohesive product ranges" and "commercial relevance" suggests that career progression will be tied to the ability to deliver designs that not only look good but also perform well in the market, a key metric in operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a central office location on St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, suggesting a professional corporate setting that fosters collaboration and access to amenities.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located on St Kilda Rd, which is a well-connected business district in Melbourne, offering accessibility and proximity to Fawkner Park for potential breaks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company emphasizes working closely within a high-performing, supportive, and collaborative team. This means opportunities for brainstorming, feedback sessions, and shared creative problem-solving.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Illustrator is essential) and likely a creative-focused workspace designed to support design tasks.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Graphic Design Manager, fellow designers, product developers, and other creative team members, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 am to 5 pm). While creativity is key, the need to produce production-ready artwork and meet deadlines implies a structured approach to time management and a commitment to delivering on schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of a "central office location" and "collaborative environment" points to a traditional on-site work setting designed to facilitate teamwork and creative synergy, which is typical for design-centric roles within larger retail organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: The hiring team will review resumes and portfolios to assess candidates' experience, skills, and alignment with Smiggle's brand aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, walking through key projects, explaining their design process, inspiration, and commercial considerations. This is a critical stage to assess problem-solving and communication skills.

• Creative/Technical Assessment: A potential design exercise or challenge may be given to evaluate practical design skills, creative thinking under pressure, and proficiency in required software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator).

• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with the Graphic Design Manager and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the Tween customer and brand.

• Final Interview: May involve discussions about career aspirations, broader GTM understanding, and final alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize fashion-led, accessories, lifestyle, or packaging designs that demonstrate range development and commercial appeal.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the final outcome. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "designed a range that was a top performer in Q3").

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples of your illustration, print, pattern, and packaging design skills. Ensure your Adobe Illustrator proficiency is evident.

• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Explain how your designs considered the target audience (Tween customer), market trends, and commercial viability (price point, production feasibility).

• Showcase Range Cohesion: If you have examples of designing a full collection or range, emphasize this as it's a key requirement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Deeply familiarize yourself with Smiggle's current product lines, target audience, and brand voice.

• Trend Research: Be prepared to discuss current and emerging trends in youth fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products.

• Design Thinking: Practice articulating your design process – from ideation to final execution.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate potential design challenges and think about how you would approach them, focusing on solutions that balance creativity with brand and commercial needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on a portfolio and the potential for a design challenge highlight that this role heavily relies on practical skills and the ability to demonstrate them. Candidates should prepare to not only talk about their work but also to show the tangible results of their creative and operational process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential and required at an advanced level for creating detailed vector artwork, prints, patterns, and technical specifications.

• Adobe Photoshop: Likely used for image manipulation, mock-ups, and potentially creating raster-based artwork.

• Adobe InDesign: May be used for layout of presentations, spec sheets, or mood boards.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct user, the designer will need to interpret insights from trend reports and potentially sales performance data to inform design choices. Familiarity with how design impacts GTM metrics is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design assets are managed and distributed within a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system or project management tool could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Advanced Adobe Illustrator skills" is a critical technical requirement. For operations-minded candidates, demonstrating proficiency in these tools translates directly to efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to produce high-quality, production-ready assets, which are fundamental to the GTM process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, encouraging fresh ideas and unique designs that stand out in the market.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the Tween customer in mind, understanding their preferences, and creating products that resonate with them.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across design, product development, and other departments to achieve common goals.

• Commercial Awareness: Balancing creative vision with market realities, including trends, price points, and production feasibility.

• Fun & Playfulness: Reflecting the Smiggle brand ethos in designs and the workplace environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in design reviews, product development meetings, and providing constructive feedback to ensure designs are well-executed and aligned with business objectives.

• Process Review: Openness to feedback on designs and workflows, with a willingness to adapt and improve processes for greater efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where ideas and best practices are shared, fostering collective growth and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Smiggle's emphasis on "fun" and "creativity" aligns with a culture that encourages playful exploration, but the need for "commercial relevance" and "product development" indicates that these creative energies are channeled into operational outcomes that drive business success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend vs. Timelessness: Creating designs that are fashion-forward and relevant to current youth culture, while also maintaining a level of appeal that supports longer product lifecycles or brand consistency.

• Translating Trends: Effectively interpreting broad fashion trends into specific, commercially viable designs suitable for the Tween demographic and Smiggle's product categories.

• Managing Multiple Product Lines: Developing cohesive ranges across diverse product types (accessories, stationery, lifestyle) while maintaining a unified brand aesthetic.

• Production Constraints: Ensuring designs are feasible for mass production within specified budgets and timelines, requiring an understanding of manufacturing capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting Mastery: Deepen expertise in identifying and analyzing emerging trends relevant to the children's lifestyle market.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Gain a more comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end product development process, from concept to retail.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Enhance skills in working effectively with diverse teams, understanding their operational needs and constraints.

• Brand Strategy Integration: Learn how creative design contributes to broader brand positioning and marketing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the GTM process for a fashion-forward retail brand. Overcoming these requires not just creative talent but also a strategic, operations-minded approach to design execution and problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach translating abstract fashion trends into concrete product designs for a specific demographic like the Tween market?" (Focus on your process, research methods, and creative decision-making.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict commercial constraints (e.g., budget, production limitations). What was the outcome?" (Highlight your commercial awareness and problem-solving skills.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a cohesive product range, from initial concept to final artwork." (Emphasize your ability to think holistically about product lines.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Smiggle as a brand and our target customer?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the brand's unique selling proposition.)

• "How do you stay on top of youth culture and emerging trends?" (Demonstrate proactive research and engagement with relevant influences.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you typically work with product developers or other stakeholders?" (Assess your teamwork and communication style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.

• Context is Crucial: For each piece, explain the brief, your role, the inspiration, your creative process, and the final outcome. For product designs, discuss material choices, color palettes, and why you made those decisions.

• Highlight Range Development: If you have examples of cohesive collections, make them a focal point. Explain how the elements tie together.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your work, especially your use of Adobe Illustrator for creating production-ready files.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention the commercial success or impact of your designs (e.g., "This print was a bestseller," or "This packaging design improved shelf appeal").

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an understanding of the operational aspects of bringing products to market. This includes showing how you think commercially, manage processes, and collaborate effectively within a GTM framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on careers.pageuppeople.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your attached portfolio prominently features work relevant to fashion, accessories, lifestyle products, and packaging. Prioritize examples demonstrating range development and commercial appeal for a Tween audience.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in fashion-led design, Adobe Illustrator proficiency, trend interpretation, and product development collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "print design," "pattern design," "illustration," and "cohesive ranges."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, trend analysis methods, and how you approach commercial viability. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your ability to create production-ready artwork and specifications.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Smiggle's brand identity, current product offerings, and target market. Understand their market position and recent campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

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