Junior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: Zalando

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Graphic Design / Fashion Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Shape seasonal collections through the creation of compelling graphic concepts for apparel, including placement prints, all-over prints, typography, and branding elements across diverse private label brands.
• Collaborate closely with fashion designers and cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive storytelling and visual consistency across collections, integrating graphic design with fashion design principles.
• Contribute to the entire graphic design lifecycle, from initial trend research and concept development through to preparing production-ready artwork and tech packs, considering various print techniques and fabric applications.
• Maintain and organize digital graphic asset libraries and design archives, contributing to efficient workflow management and knowledge sharing within the design team.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of seasonal apparel graphics, including creation of original artwork, adaptation of existing designs, and development of typographic treatments for diverse clothing lines.
• Work collaboratively with fashion designers to translate collection themes and visions into impactful graphic elements that enhance the overall aesthetic and market appeal of garments.
• Prepare precise, production-ready artwork files and detailed tech packs, ensuring clear specifications for print techniques, color separation, sizing, and placement for manufacturing partners.
• Conduct in-depth trend research within the fashion and graphic design landscapes, analyzing emerging styles, color palettes, and graphic techniques to inform and inspire new design concepts and seasonal moodboards.
• Communicate effectively with external suppliers and manufacturers to review samples, strike-offs, and production proofs, ensuring design integrity, quality, and adherence to specifications throughout the development process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree or diploma in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, or a closely related creative field is required. A strong foundation in design theory, visual communication, and apparel design principles is highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in a graphic design role is required, with a strong preference for experience gained within the fashion or lifestyle industry. Experience should be clearly demonstrated through a compelling portfolio showcasing relevant design projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition, with a strong understanding of visual hierarchy and branding.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, for creating and manipulating vector graphics, raster images, and preparing artwork for production.
• Demonstrated illustration skills, with the ability to create original sketches, digital illustrations, and graphic elements suitable for apparel application.
• Solid understanding of various print techniques commonly used in apparel production (e.g., screen printing, digital printing, embroidery, heat transfers) and their implications for design and artwork preparation.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of garment application processes and considerations for applying graphics to different fabric types and garment constructions.
• Experience with trend forecasting and market research, with the ability to translate insights into commercially viable design concepts.
• Familiarity with digital asset management systems and best practices for organizing and archiving design files.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate your graphic design aesthetic, showcasing a range of projects relevant to apparel graphics, including examples of placement prints, all-over patterns, typographic designs, and branding elements.
• Include detailed case studies for selected projects that walk through your design process from concept and inspiration to final artwork, highlighting your problem-solving skills and creative approach.
• Present high-quality visuals of your designs, including mock-ups on garments or product applications where possible, to demonstrate your understanding of how graphics translate to physical products.
• Showcase your technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, by including examples of production-ready artwork and technical specifications.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, document your research and discovery phase, including trend analysis, moodboard creation, and initial sketching or ideation.
• Detail your ideation and iteration methods, showing how you explored different design options and refined your concepts based on feedback or technical constraints.
• Explain any validation or testing approaches you employed, such as creating prototypes or seeking feedback, and how these influenced your final design decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated, a Junior Graphic Designer position in Berlin, Germany, with 2+ years of experience in the fashion industry would typically command a salary in the range of €38,000 to €48,000 annually. This estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in Berlin, taking into account the cost of living and industry standards for junior-level design professionals in the fashion sector.

Benefits:

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a large, established fashion e-commerce company.
• Supportive onboarding process to help you integrate into the team and company culture.
• Potential for learning opportunities related to fashion trends, design technologies, and apparel production processes.
• Inclusion in a diverse design team that values creativity and collaboration.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically involving standard business hours. Flexibility within the design workflow may be possible depending on team needs and project deadlines.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Zalando operates in the fashion and lifestyle e-commerce industry, a dynamic and fast-paced sector driven by trends, consumer preferences, and digital innovation. The design team plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity and product offering across numerous private label brands.

Company Size: Zalando is a large public company with over 10,000 employees globally. Working within a large organization provides opportunities for collaboration with diverse teams and exposure to large-scale design projects.

Founded: Founded in Berlin in 2008, Zalando has grown into one of Europe's leading online fashion platforms, indicating a history of growth and adaptation within the e-commerce landscape.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely structured to support multiple private label brands, with graphic designers potentially specializing in specific product categories or brand aesthetics.
• Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting a matrix or cross-functional team structure where graphic designers work closely with fashion designers, product developers, and merchandising teams.
• Reporting structure would likely involve reporting to a Senior Graphic Designer or Design Manager responsible for specific brand categories or collections.

Methodology:

• The design process likely involves a blend of trend research, conceptualization (moodboards, sketches), digital design (using Adobe Creative Suite), and close collaboration with product development and production teams.
• Design thinking principles may be integrated into the process to ensure user-centered design solutions and address market needs effectively.
• Iteration and feedback loops are likely crucial for refining designs and ensuring alignment with brand identity and production requirements.

Company Website: http://jobs.zalando.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a Junior Graphic Designer role, typically an entry-level to early-career position focused on developing fundamental graphic design skills within a professional fashion context. Responsibilities involve supporting senior designers and contributing to specific design tasks.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Senior Graphic Designer or Design Manager who will provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship, supporting your development within the team.

Design Impact: As a Junior Graphic Designer, your work will directly contribute to the visual appeal and brand identity of Zalando's private label collections, influencing product design and potentially impacting sales and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunities to advance to a Mid-Level or Senior Graphic Designer role within the fashion design team, taking on more complex projects and potentially leading design initiatives.
• Skill development through exposure to diverse design challenges, collaboration with experienced designers, and potential training opportunities in new software or design techniques.
• Potential to specialize in specific areas of fashion graphic design, such as print design, typography, or branding for particular product categories or target audiences.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The role is listed as on-site in Berlin, suggesting work will be conducted from a physical office or studio location. This environment likely fosters collaboration and direct interaction with the design team and other departments.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Berlin, Germany. Zalando has multiple offices, but this role is specifically tied to the Berlin location, likely one of their main design hubs.

Design Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to facilitate creative work, potentially including dedicated design studios, collaborative areas for brainstorming, and access to necessary design tools and resources.
• Being on-site allows for direct interaction with fashion designers, product developers, and other team members, fostering real-time feedback and collaboration on design projects.
• The environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the nature of the fashion and e-commerce industries.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically following a standard work schedule. The on-site nature implies a regular presence in the office, although some flexibility might be possible depending on company policy and team arrangements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening of resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience, skills, and design aesthetic. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and clearly showcases your fashion graphic design work.
• Potential first-round interview focusing on your background, experience, and fit for the team and company culture. Be prepared to discuss your passion for fashion and graphic design.
• Subsequent interviews may involve a portfolio review session where you present selected case studies and discuss your design process in detail. Practice walking through your projects clearly and concisely.
• Expect a design challenge or take-home assignment to assess your practical design skills, ability to follow a brief, and creative problem-solving abilities within the fashion context.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight your strongest and most relevant work for apparel graphic design. Focus on projects that demonstrate your versatility in creating different types of graphics (prints, typography, branding).
• Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem or brief, your design process (research, ideation, iteration), your role in the project, and the final outcome. Quantify impact where possible.
• Present your work visually with high-quality images, mock-ups, and potentially short descriptions explaining the design intent and technical considerations.
• Be prepared to discuss your technical skills and workflow in Adobe Creative Suite, explaining how you prepare files for production.

Challenge Preparation:

• If given a design challenge, pay close attention to the brief and any specific constraints or requirements.
• Manage your time effectively to complete the challenge within the given timeframe.
• Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and explain your choices during the presentation or review of the challenge.

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Apparel Graphics, Print Design, All-Over Prints, Placement Prints, Typography, Branding, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Trend Research, Moodboards, Tech Packs, Production-Ready Artwork, Print Techniques, Garment Application, Portfolio, Case Study, Visual Communication, Design Process, Collaboration, Creative, Detail-Oriented, Team Player, Berlin, Germany, Full-time, Junior Graphic Designer.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, all-over patterns, placement prints, and preparing scalable artwork for various garment applications. Proficiency in using layers, swatches, and graphic styles is crucial.
• Adobe Photoshop: Used for creating and editing raster images, photo manipulation, creating textures, and potentially for mock-ups and visual presentations. Skill in working with layers, masks, and color modes is important.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Likely use of project management or collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) for task management, communication, and tracking design progress within the team and with cross-functional partners.
• Use of file-sharing and cloud storage platforms (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) for sharing design files and assets with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Potential use of specific handoff tools or methods for providing technical specifications and artwork files to manufacturers.

Research & Testing:

• Use of online platforms and resources for trend research and inspiration gathering.
• Potential use of internal systems or databases for accessing historical sales data or customer feedback to inform design decisions.
• While formal user testing might be less common for graphic design compared to UI/UX, gathering feedback from internal stakeholders and potentially conducting informal reviews of designs on prototypes or samples is likely.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Creativity and innovation are highly valued, encouraging designers to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries within the context of brand guidelines and market trends.
• Collaboration is a core value, emphasizing teamwork, open communication, and working effectively with fashion designers, product developers, and other colleagues.
• A detail-oriented mindset is essential, ensuring accuracy in artwork preparation, technical specifications, and adherence to brand standards.
• Passion for fashion and lifestyle is likely a shared value, driving the team's enthusiasm and understanding of the target audience.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely employs a collaborative approach with regular meetings, design critiques, and feedback sessions to refine concepts and ensure alignment across collections.
• Cross-functional collaboration with fashion designers, product development, and merchandising teams is crucial for integrating graphic design into the overall product lifecycle.
• Open communication and a willingness to share ideas and provide constructive feedback are likely key aspects of the team's collaboration style.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Balancing creative vision with commercial viability and brand guidelines across multiple private label brands, requiring adaptability in design style and understanding of different target audiences.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Staying updated on the latest fashion trends, graphic design techniques, and apparel production processes to ensure designs are relevant and technically feasible.
• Effectively communicating design concepts and technical specifications to both internal teams and external suppliers, ensuring clarity and accuracy throughout the development process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Opportunity to develop expertise in specific areas of fashion graphic design, such as textile design, pattern making for prints, or specialized graphic techniques.
• Exposure to a wide range of apparel categories (womenswear, menswear, kidswear), providing a broad understanding of design applications across different product types.
• Potential for mentorship from experienced graphic and fashion designers within the team.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your typical design process, from initial inspiration and research to concept development and final artwork preparation. Use examples from your portfolio to illustrate your approach.
• Explain how you collaborate with fashion designers and other stakeholders during the design process. Provide examples of successful collaborations from your past experience.
• Discuss how you approach problem-solving in your design work. How do you handle creative challenges or technical constraints?

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Zalando's brand values and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your own values and design philosophy align with the company culture.
• Consider how you would contribute to a collaborative and diverse design team. Be ready to share examples of your teamwork skills.
• Think about how you stay informed about fashion trends and industry developments. This demonstrates your passion and commitment to the field.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select a few key projects from your portfolio that best showcase your skills and experience in fashion graphic design.
• For each project, tell a compelling story that highlights your design process, challenges faced, and the impact of your work.
• Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, including software used, file formats, and considerations for production.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Customize your resume to highlight your experience in graphic design, particularly within the fashion or lifestyle industry, and emphasize relevant skills like Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, print techniques, and illustration.
• Ensure your online portfolio is easily accessible and curated to showcase your strongest work in apparel graphics, including case studies that detail your design process.
• Prepare for the interview process by practicing discussing your portfolio projects and articulating your design process and rationale.
• Research Zalando and their private label brands to demonstrate your understanding of their aesthetic and target audience during interviews.