Graphic Designer - Trend

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Trend

Company: Macy's

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-12

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for translating abstract trend visions into tangible, dynamic presentation tools and visual assets for Macy's enterprise-wide.

• It involves a blend of graphic design, video creation, and an understanding of visual trends to inform creative output.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for developing innovative presentation templates, mood boards, and other media that communicate key trend predictions.

• Success in this role hinges on strong design sensibilities, proficiency with design software, and the ability to collaborate effectively with the Trend Research & Forecasting team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Graphic Designer - Trend," its focus on presentation materials, visual communication of trends, and supporting an enterprise-wide team positions it strongly within the broader scope of Creative Operations or Marketing Operations, with a specialized emphasis on trend forecasting. The emphasis on creating "dynamic presentation tools" and "enterprise-wide" support suggests a need for standardized, scalable creative solutions rather than purely individual artistic expression.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate trend vision into dynamic presentation tools, forms of media (i.e., mood boards, videos, trend books, presentations, sample cards) for the enterprise organization.

• Design captivating and user-friendly color templates based on Trend Research & Forecasting team predictions, ensuring visual appeal and clarity.

• Create print and digital media by researching and utilizing product-related graphics and other available resources.

• Foster cultural curiosity and build expertise in visual trends and their application within the retail environment.

• Design and produce a range of materials including trend forecasting templates, printed publications, digital presentations, videos, strategy presentations, environmental graphics/signage for press events, and market, runway, and street style recaps across all relevant product categories.

• Engage in ongoing professional development through travel, immersions, and training to stay at the forefront of design and trend innovation.

• Seek out and implement innovative solutions to address existing customer and/or Company challenges through design.

• Communicate ideas with candor and encourage open debate to foster the development of the best creative solutions.

• Develop concepts and implement design strategies for creative and compelling templates and layout solutions that align with trend forecasts.

• Scan, retouch, and optimize all image content for various media outputs, ensuring high quality and brand consistency.

• Research editorials, blogs, and key fashion websites to maintain currency on graphic and visual trends relevant to the retail industry.

• Maintain and enforce the quality of digital design documents, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and error-free execution.

• Manage a workflow calendar to ensure projects are planned, executed, and delivered according to schedule, coordinating with team members and stakeholders.

• Maintain an industry presence to foster connections, identify new business opportunities, and generate innovative ideas for Macy's, while upholding the Macy's brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute visually but also strategize and influence. The emphasis on "enterprise-wide" impact, "trend vision translation," and "industry presence" indicates a role that requires strong business acumen alongside creative talent, suggesting experience in B2B creative support or internal brand marketing would be beneficial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience: Ideally, 4+ years of progressive experience in graphic design and video creation, with a demonstrable focus on presentation design and visual trend interpretation.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating high-quality visual assets.

• Video Creation & Motion Graphics: Proven ability in video editing and motion graphics creation using tools like Adobe After Effects or similar software.

• Presentation Software Expertise: Extensive knowledge of tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva for developing dynamic and engaging presentations.

• AI Tools Integration: Familiarity and experience with AI tools for design assistance, ideation, and content generation.

• Visual Trend Research: Strong ability to research, identify, and interpret visual trends across fashion, culture, and design, and translate them into actionable design concepts.

• Typography, Color Theory, and Composition: Solid understanding and application of fundamental design principles to create visually compelling and cohesive materials.

• Image Retouching & Manipulation: Skill in scanning, retouching, and manipulating images to meet project requirements and maintain brand aesthetic.

• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and influence partners and stakeholders effectively.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team, build strong relationships, and contribute positively to a shared creative vision.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and adhere to workflow calendars and deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Trend Forecasting Experience: Prior experience specifically within a trend forecasting or research team, understanding the lifecycle of trend identification and dissemination.

• Digital Media Design: Experience creating assets for various digital platforms and understanding their specific requirements.

• Environmental Graphics Design: Familiarity with designing for physical spaces, including signage and event branding.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Proven ability to work within and enforce established brand guidelines while still innovating.

• Retail Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the retail landscape, fashion cycles, and consumer behavior.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI Tools," "Video Creation," and "Motion Graphics" alongside traditional graphic design skills indicates a modern design role. The requirement for "trend vision translation" and "enterprise-wide" application suggests that candidates with experience in internal creative agencies, brand marketing departments, or large retail organizations will be particularly well-suited.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that demonstrate expertise in graphic design, video creation, and presentation development.

• Case studies showcasing the ability to translate abstract concepts (like trends) into concrete visual outputs.

• Examples of dynamic presentation templates and materials that effectively communicate information to a broad audience.

• Projects that highlight proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, video editing software, and Canva.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have managed project workflows, from initial concept to final delivery, including any calendar management or scheduling tools used.

• Provide evidence of how you have researched and incorporated visual trends into your design process.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with stakeholders, gathering feedback, and iterating on designs based on input.

• Include examples of how you have maintained quality control and ensured accuracy in your design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to execute on visual storytelling and presentation design. The inclusion of "AI Tools" and "video creation" in the required skills means portfolio pieces utilizing these technologies are highly recommended. The focus on "trend vision translation" implies that projects demonstrating the ability to interpret and visualize abstract ideas will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 4+ years of experience in New York City, the estimated salary range for this role is approximately $81,120 to $135,120 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in New York City and the competitive nature of creative roles in the retail sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Access to robust health and wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a company match to support long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off to ensure work-life balance.

• Paid Holidays: Eight paid holidays throughout the year.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Leadership Development: Programs designed to foster leadership potential and career advancement.

• Colleague Resource Groups: Involvement in groups that promote diversity, inclusion, and community.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Company-supported initiatives for community engagement.

• Merchandise Discounts: Significant discounts on Macy's products.

• Performance-Based Incentives: Potential for bonuses tied to individual and company performance.

• Annual Merit Review: Regular performance reviews leading to potential salary adjustments.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services including mental health counseling, legal, and financial advice.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for pursuing further education.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. The role may necessitate a flexible schedule based on department and company needs, which could include occasional evenings or weekends to meet project deadlines and support company events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range has been estimated based on the provided AI salary data and common compensation practices for Graphic Designers in a high-cost-of-living area like New York City with 4+ years of experience. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided text and highlight a comprehensive package. The working hours note emphasizes the potential need for flexibility, which is common in creative and retail environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail. Macy's operates as a major department store chain, known for its broad range of merchandise, iconic events, and significant presence in American consumer culture. The trend forecasting aspect of this role places it at the intersection of creative strategy and market intelligence within the fast-paced retail sector.

Company Size: Macy's is a large, publicly traded retail corporation, indicating a structured environment with established processes and a wide network of employees across various functions and locations.

Founded: Macy's has a rich history dating back over 160 years, signifying a company with deep roots, enduring brand recognition, and a legacy of innovation within the retail space.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will be part of the Trend Research & Forecasting team, likely a specialized unit within the broader Marketing or Creative departments. This team is responsible for identifying and communicating future trends to inform business strategy and product development.

• This role will collaborate closely with trend forecasters, merchandisers, buyers, and other creative professionals to translate trend data into actionable visual assets.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Trend Interpretation: The team likely uses a combination of market research, consumer behavior analysis, social media monitoring, and global fashion intelligence to forecast trends.

• Visual Communication Focus: The core methodology involves translating complex data and insights into easily digestible and inspiring visual formats like mood boards, presentations, and trend books.

• Iterative Design Process: The role emphasizes speed and iteration, suggesting a workflow that allows for rapid prototyping, feedback incorporation, and refinement of creative assets.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Macy's as a legacy retailer with a strong brand. The role's placement within Trend Research & Forecasting suggests a forward-looking and strategic function that requires a deep understanding of both creative execution and market dynamics within the retail industry. The emphasis on "enterprise-wide" impact means the team's work is critical for informing decisions across many departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within the creative operations or marketing support function. It requires a solid foundation in graphic and video design principles, coupled with specialized knowledge in trend interpretation and presentation development. The "Graphic Designer - Trend" title suggests a focus on a specific niche within creative services, demanding both technical design skills and strategic visual communication abilities.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Manager or Director within the Trend Research & Forecasting team, or potentially a broader Creative Director overseeing specialized design functions. This position will involve close collaboration with trend analysts and other creative team members, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence and align with partners.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the organization's ability to effectively communicate and leverage future trends. By creating compelling visual assets, the Graphic Designer enables various departments (merchandising, marketing, product development) to make informed decisions, stay ahead of market shifts, and present a cohesive brand vision. This directly influences product assortment, marketing campaigns, and the overall perception of Macy's as a trend-aware retailer.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, AI-assisted design, or retail trend forecasting, potentially moving into Senior Designer or Art Director roles within specialized teams.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition into roles that manage creative projects or teams across different departments, leveraging a broad understanding of Macy's operations and brand strategy.

• Creative Strategy Roles: Grow into positions focused on developing creative strategies for trend dissemination or brand storytelling, requiring a blend of creative vision and business insight.

• Management Track: Progress into team leadership roles, managing junior designers and overseeing the creative output of the Trend Research & Forecasting function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities outlined are based on the role's mid-level placement and the skills required. The emphasis on "enterprise-wide" impact and "trend vision translation" suggests pathways into strategic creative roles or management positions that oversee creative operations supporting key business functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment within Macy's corporate headquarters or a dedicated creative hub. The setting is likely collaborative, designed to foster teamwork and spontaneous idea generation among creative professionals.

Office Location(s): The role is based at Macy's corporate offices at 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001. This location is in the heart of Manhattan, offering access to a vibrant urban environment and proximity to industry events and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction with colleagues from the Trend Research & Forecasting team and other creative departments. This facilitates idea sharing and cross-pollination of creative concepts.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design hardware and software, including high-performance workstations, Adobe Creative Suite, video editing suites, and potentially specialized trend research tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project-specific collaborations, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective achievement.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. However, the role requires flexibility to accommodate the demands of the retail calendar, project deadlines, and potential company events. This may involve working occasional evenings or weekends to ensure timely delivery of critical creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major metropolitan hub like New York City suggests a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The mention of "flexible schedule" and "enterprise-wide" support implies that candidates should be prepared for periods of high demand and the need to adapt to evolving project requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's creative and technical requirements.

• Creative Assessment/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or provide a deeper dive into specific portfolio pieces, demonstrating their approach to trend interpretation and visual execution. This might involve translating a hypothetical trend into a presentation format.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, design philosophy, understanding of trends, and ability to collaborate within a team environment. Questions will likely explore your process for creating dynamic presentations and working with feedback.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Potentially, interviews with members from departments that rely heavily on trend forecasting (e.g., merchandising, marketing) to gauge your ability to communicate effectively and meet their needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Trend Translation: Include projects where you've effectively translated abstract ideas or research into compelling visual narratives. Highlight your process for understanding and visualizing trends.

• Demonstrate Presentation Design: Feature examples of dynamic and informative presentations, mood boards, or trend books. Emphasize clarity, visual appeal, and the ability to convey complex information concisely.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, motion graphics, and any AI tools used. Provide context on the tools and techniques employed.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, include projects where you collaborated with others, detailing your role and how you integrated feedback.

• Tailor to Macy's: If you have retail or fashion industry experience, highlight it. Consider how your work aligns with Macy's brand aesthetic and its position in the market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Trend Cycles: Familiarize yourself with current and emerging fashion, cultural, and design trends.

• Practice Presentation Design: Be ready to articulate your design choices, including color palettes, typography, and layout, explaining how they support the intended message and audience.

• Prepare for AI Tool Discussions: Be ready to discuss how you leverage AI tools in your design workflow and how they can enhance creative output.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your design process, from initial concept and research to final execution and stakeholder feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review for this role will heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to visually communicate complex information and trends. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not only their technical design skills but also their strategic thinking and collaborative capabilities within a creative operations context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all graphic design tasks.

• Video Creation Software: Expertise in tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar for video editing and production.

• Motion Graphics Software: Experience with Adobe After Effects or equivalent for creating dynamic animated graphics and visual effects.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides, alongside proficiency in Canva for creating visually engaging presentations and digital assets.

• AI Design Tools: Familiarity and experience with emerging AI tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Midjourney, DALL-E) for concept generation, asset creation, and workflow enhancement.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Other Relevant Tools:

• Trend Research Platforms: Familiarity with platforms or methodologies for visual trend research (e.g., WGSN, Fashion Snoops, Pinterest Business, industry blogs, editorial sites).

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with project management and collaboration software such as Asana, Trello, Slack, or Microsoft Teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a blend of foundational design software and cutting-edge AI tools. Proficiency in these areas is critical for creating modern, dynamic visual content that aligns with current industry trends and Macy's creative output.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new design techniques, technologies (like AI), and visual approaches to keep Macy's at the forefront of trend communication.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, valuing open communication and shared contributions to achieve collective goals.

• Efficiency & Speed: An understanding of the fast-paced retail environment, requiring the ability to deliver high-quality work efficiently and iterate quickly on design solutions.

• Data-Driven Creativity: Using trend research and market insights as a foundation for creative decisions, ensuring that design is both aesthetically pleasing and strategically aligned with business objectives.

• Brand Stewardship: A dedication to upholding and enhancing the Macy's brand through consistent, high-quality visual design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively engages with various departments, including merchandising, marketing, and product development, to ensure trend insights are understood and actionable across the organization.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: An open culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and used to refine designs and processes, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design inspiration, industry insights, and best practices within the team and across related departments to elevate the overall creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values reflect a blend of creative excellence and operational efficiency, essential for a large retail organization. The emphasis on "innovation," "collaboration," and "efficiency" suggests a dynamic and results-oriented environment where designers are expected to be both creative problem-solvers and effective team players.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Trends: The primary challenge will be to visually interpret and communicate complex, often abstract, future trends in a way that is clear, inspiring, and actionable for diverse internal stakeholders.

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Standards: Maintaining a balance between innovative design and adherence to Macy's established brand guidelines and aesthetic.

• Pace of the Retail Cycle: Working within the fast-paced and demanding schedule of the retail industry, requiring efficient workflow management and the ability to deliver under pressure.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively integrating rapidly evolving design technologies, such as AI tools, into the creative workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software & AI Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, motion graphics, and emerging AI design tools, potentially through workshops or online courses.

• Trend Forecasting Immersion: Gaining deeper insights into the methodologies and industry trends within trend forecasting through specialized training, conferences, or mentorship.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Learning about the strategic needs and operational challenges of departments like merchandising and marketing, enhancing the ability to create impactful visual communications.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Continuous opportunities to build a strong portfolio with impactful projects that showcase growth and expertise, supporting career advancement within Macy's or the broader industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a creative role in a large retail environment focused on future trends. The growth opportunities are designed to address these challenges by fostering continuous learning and skill development, preparing the individual for increased responsibility and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a broad trend forecast into specific visual assets like mood boards or presentation slides. What steps do you take to ensure the message is clear and impactful?" (Focus on process, clarity, and stakeholder needs.)

• "How do you stay current with graphic design trends, AI advancements, and fashion/retail trends? Can you provide an example of how you've applied a new trend or technology in a past project?" (Focus on continuous learning, innovation, and application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Macy's as a brand and our role in the retail industry, particularly concerning trend forecasting?" (Focus on brand alignment and industry interest.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who may have different perspectives or levels of design understanding?" (Focus on collaboration style and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, don't just show the final output. Explain the brief, your process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work.

• Highlight Trend Translation: Emphasize projects where you've demonstrated the ability to interpret and visualize abstract concepts or data into compelling design.

• Showcase Technical Versatility: Clearly present your skills in Adobe Creative Suite, video, motion graphics, and any AI tools used. Explain the technical decisions you made.

• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have metrics on how your designs performed (e.g., engagement rates, positive feedback), be ready to share them. For this role, qualitative impact on clarity and inspiration is also key.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to discuss your approach to hypothetical design scenarios or to critique and improve existing designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of visual communication, trend interpretation, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a corporate retail environment. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their creative process and showcase how their skills align with Macy's brand and strategic objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud application link for Job ID 87820.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your graphic design, video creation, and presentation design skills, particularly highlighting any work related to trend interpretation or visual storytelling. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online (e.g., personal website, Behance, LinkedIn).

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, video editing, motion graphics, AI tools, and any experience in trend research or presentation development. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on the impact of your design work.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail during an interview. Practice explaining your design process, the challenges you overcame, and the impact of your work, focusing on how you translated trends into visual assets.

• Research Macy's: Familiarize yourself with Macy's brand, its current marketing campaigns, its position in the retail market, and any recent trend-related initiatives. Understand the company's culture and values to articulate your 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.