Assistant Graphic Designer, Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Graphic Designer, Apparel

Company: KITH

Location: HQ - Williamsburg, Brooklyn, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Retail

Date Posted: 2025-10-23

Experience Level: 1-3 years professional experience

Remote Status: 100% On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design apparel and creative assets for monthly Kith Treats releases, focusing on imaginative, food-inspired concepts.

• Develop original illustrations and characters that embody the brand's nostalgic, confectionary-inspired world.

• Collaborate closely with the Treats team to brainstorm concepts and bring monthly creative directions to life through thoughtful, story-driven design.

• Create engaging, nostalgic games for cereal box-inspired packaging.

• Support the broader graphic design team with collections such as in-store exclusives and illustrative-focused capsules.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a specialized graphic design position within a prominent lifestyle and retail brand, with a strong emphasis on apparel and unique product lines like Kith Treats. The focus on food-inspired nostalgia and direct presentation to leadership (CEO and Head of Graphics) indicates a highly creative and impactful role within the organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute apparel designs, including tees, hoodies, and additional graphics, for monthly Kith Treats releases from initial idea to final artwork.

• Generate unique illustrations and characters that align with Kith Treats' established food-driven brand narrative and nostalgic aesthetic.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions with the Treats team to define concepts and visual themes for each monthly release, ensuring alignment with specific flavors or narratives.

• Design interactive and engaging content for cereal box-inspired packaging, such as word searches, puzzles, and scrambles, to enhance product experience.

• Provide design support for other Kith collections, including exclusive in-store items, regional capsule collections, and projects requiring a strong illustrative focus.

• Present design concepts and proposals directly to the CEO and Head of Graphics, articulating creative vision and rationale.

• Prepare detailed tech packs for approved designs, liaise with manufacturing factories for production, and meticulously review incoming samples for quality assurance and design accuracy.

• Ensure all design output strictly adheres to Kith Treats' established visual language, brand guidelines, and overall aesthetic standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, brand stewardship, and production oversight. The expectation to present directly to the CEO and Head of Graphics signifies a significant level of responsibility and trust in the candidate's design capabilities and communication skills. The inclusion of tech pack creation and factory liaison indicates a hands-on approach to the design lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring a strong foundation in design principles and creative execution.

Experience: 1-3 years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with prior experience in the apparel industry and an understanding of fashion design cycles.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Strong digital illustration capabilities, comfortable using tools like a Wacom tablet, Procreate, or equivalent software for character and graphic development.

• Excellent command of fundamental design principles, including color theory, composition, and typography, to create visually appealing and effective designs.

• Meticulous attention to detail, coupled with strong organizational and file management skills, crucial for handling numerous projects and assets efficiently.

• Demonstrated ability to brainstorm creative concepts and visualize ideas, particularly those tied to food, culture, and nostalgia.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with apparel production processes and the creation of technical packs (tech packs) for manufacturing.

• Experience in designing for a lifestyle or streetwear brand, understanding its unique audience and market dynamics.

• Ability to design narrative graphics and tell stories through visual elements.

• Understanding of Kith Treats' specific brand voice, tone, and visual identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is specific to professional graphic design, with a clear preference for apparel industry involvement. The emphasis on illustration and digital tools, alongside core design principles, points to a role that is heavily focused on visual creation and brand storytelling through artwork.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 strong apparel design projects, demonstrating concept development, illustration skill, and final garment application.

• Include examples of character design and narrative graphics that highlight your ability to create engaging, story-driven visuals.

• Present at least one project that illustrates your process for creating engaging packaging inserts or games (e.g., puzzles, word searches) if available.

• Demonstrate proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and digital illustration tools through the quality and execution of your portfolio pieces.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, briefly outline your design process, from initial concept ideation and research to final execution and refinement.

• Clearly articulate the inspiration and narrative behind your designs, especially for food-themed or nostalgic concepts.

• Detail how you incorporated brand guidelines and maintained visual consistency within your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display creative talent but also showcase the ability to translate abstract concepts (food, nostalgia) into tangible apparel designs and supporting creative assets. Demonstrating an understanding of the design-to-production workflow, even if not a primary requirement, will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000 annually. This range is competitive for an Assistant Graphic Designer role with 1-3 years of experience in a high-cost-of-living urban area like Brooklyn, NY, especially within the fashion and retail industry.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment with KITH, indicating eligibility for standard company benefits.

• While specific benefits are not detailed in the posting, typical offerings for full-time employees in this industry and location may include:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

  • Employee Discounts on KITH merchandise

  • Opportunities for professional development and training

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses or raises over time Working Hours: 40 hours per week, 100% on-site. This indicates a standard full-time schedule, requiring consistent presence at the Williamsburg, Brooklyn headquarters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for the role and location. While detailed benefits are not listed, it's reasonable to infer standard industry benefits. The "100% on-site" requirement is a key factor for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Lifestyle, Specialty Retail, Apparel, Footwear, Food & Beverage (Kith Treats). Kith operates at the intersection of fashion, culture, and retail, known for its curated collections and strong brand identity that evokes nostalgia and personal storytelling.

Company Size: Kith operates 16 standalone boutiques globally, plus 3 shop-in-shops, and 10 Kith Treats locations. This indicates a significant, growing international presence with a substantial employee base across retail, corporate, and operational functions.

Founded: Established in 2011 in New York City by Ronnie Fieg, Kith has rapidly grown from a sneaker boutique to a globally recognized lifestyle brand.

Team Structure:

• The Assistant Graphic Designer will report to the Head Designer and work closely with the Kith Treats team.

• This role is part of the broader graphic design department, which likely collaborates with marketing, merchandising, and product development teams.

Methodology:

• Kith's approach emphasizes personal storytelling, nostalgia, and collaborations with best-in-class partners.

• Design decisions are driven by a distinct creative vision, focusing on high-quality fabrication and design.

• The brand maintains a strong visual identity that is applied across all touchpoints, from apparel to retail spaces and digital platforms.

Company Website: https://kith.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kith is a brand deeply rooted in culture, fashion, and storytelling. The company fosters a creative environment that values unique concepts, high-quality execution, and a strong connection to its audience. The blend of retail, apparel, and food (Kith Treats) creates a dynamic and multifaceted operational landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at an "Assistant" level, indicating an entry-to-mid-level role for a graphic designer. It's a foundational position within the creative department, designed for someone with 1-3 years of experience to grow their skills and understand brand-specific design processes.

Reporting Structure: The Assistant Graphic Designer reports directly to the Head Designer. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, crucial for skill development and understanding of design direction. The role also involves close collaboration with the Kith Treats team.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of process optimization or revenue cycles, this position has a significant impact on the Kith Treats brand's visual identity and product appeal. The designs created directly influence consumer perception, product sales, and the overall brand experience, particularly for the popular Kith Treats line.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in apparel design, illustration, and brand-specific visual storytelling within the Kith ecosystem.

• Skill Advancement: Progress to a Graphic Designer or Senior Graphic Designer role, taking on more complex projects and greater creative autonomy.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and leadership qualities, potential to move into a lead design role for specific collections or product lines.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various departments, understanding the broader business context of design and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear pathway for growth within a prestigious lifestyle brand. The structured reporting and direct exposure to senior leadership provide excellent development opportunities for aspiring designers focused on apparel and brand-driven creative work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Kith's HQ in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This is described as a 100% on-site position.

Office Location(s): Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City. This is a vibrant, creative hub known for its arts and culture scene, likely offering an inspiring work environment.

Workspace Context:

• As a 100% on-site role, expect a collaborative office environment where designers work together and interact with other teams.

• The workspace will likely be equipped with the necessary design tools and technology, including high-performance computers and access to Adobe Creative Suite.

• Opportunities for spontaneous collaboration and feedback sessions with the design team and Kith Treats collaborators are inherent in an on-site setting.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. This implies a standard Monday-Friday work week, with the expectation of consistent presence during business hours to facilitate collaboration and project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Williamsburg HQ environment is likely to be dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting Kith's brand energy. The 100% on-site requirement emphasizes the value Kith places on in-person collaboration, team synergy, and the creative process that thrives from direct interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and creative fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates present their work, showcasing design process, creative thinking, and ability to meet brand aesthetic requirements. Expect to discuss specific projects, inspirations, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or exercise to evaluate your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, and ability to work within brand constraints under timed conditions.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussions with the Head Designer and potentially members of the Kith Treats team to gauge collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Kith's culture.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Graphics, possibly CEO for final approval) to discuss strategic vision and present key design concepts.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight apparel design, illustration, and narrative graphics. Prioritize work that aligns with Kith's aesthetic and the Kith Treats theme (food, nostalgia).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate your design process, the inspiration behind it, the challenges you faced, and how you resolved them. Focus on the "why" behind your creative choices.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with different styles and mediums, especially digital illustration and graphic application on apparel mock-ups.

• Highlight Brand Understanding: If possible, include a speculative piece or a project that shows you understand and can effectively translate a brand's identity (like Kith Treats) into compelling designs.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio clearly and concisely, highlighting key achievements and demonstrating enthusiasm for the role and brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself: Understand Kith's brand, particularly the Kith Treats line, its history, aesthetic, and typical product offerings.

• Practice Core Skills: Be ready to demonstrate proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and digital illustration. Practice creating quick character sketches or applying graphics to apparel templates.

• Think Conceptually: Prepare to brainstorm ideas quickly based on prompts related to food, nostalgia, or specific themes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and the candidate's ability to present their work and creative process effectively. Direct presentation to senior leadership is a significant aspect, so strong communication and presentation skills are critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logo design, character illustration, and preparing artwork for apparel.
  • Photoshop: Crucial for raster image editing, mock-up creation, texture application, and preparing artwork for print.
  • InDesign: Useful for layout and potentially for creating packaging designs or other collateral.

• Digital Illustration Hardware:

  • Wacom Tablet (or equivalent): Necessary for digital drawing, sketching, and detailed illustration work.
  • Procreate (or equivalent): Popular software for digital illustration on tablets.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design impacts sales or brand engagement metrics might be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, is a non-negotiable requirement. The explicit mention of digital illustration tools like Wacom tablets and Procreate highlights the hands-on, illustrative nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Storytelling: A core value at Kith, emphasizing the importance of narrative and personal connection in all designs.

• Nostalgia & Authenticity: Designs aim to evoke fond memories and a genuine sense of connection, particularly through food and cultural references.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Uncompromising attention to detail in fabrication and design is a hallmark of the Kith brand.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within teams and with external partners is key to bringing Kith's vision to life.

• Innovation: While rooted in nostalgia, Kith constantly explores new creative directions and collaborations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with the Kith Treats team, product development, and potentially marketing to ensure cohesive product launches.

• Feedback-Driven: An open environment for sharing and receiving feedback to refine designs and ensure brand alignment.

• Mentorship: The reporting structure to the Head Designer suggests a culture that supports learning and development through guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kith's culture is built around a strong brand identity, creative expression, and a deep understanding of its audience. Values like storytelling, quality, and collaboration are integrated into daily work, and designers are expected to embody these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The need to design for monthly releases means working under tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Brand Alignment: Consistently translating the unique Kith Treats aesthetic and nostalgic themes into fresh, engaging designs without becoming repetitive.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively presenting and defending design choices to senior leadership, including the CEO, and incorporating feedback.

• Production Understanding: While not a necessity, developing an understanding of apparel production and tech packs will be crucial for successful product realization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastery of Apparel Design: Deepen expertise in garment design, illustration for textiles, and production considerations.

• Brand-Specific Design Acumen: Develop a sophisticated understanding of Kith's brand identity and how to apply it creatively across various products.

• Creative Presentation Skills: Hone the ability to present design concepts persuasively to executive-level stakeholders.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience within a globally recognized lifestyle brand, building a strong foundation for a career in fashion and graphic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for a designer to grow within a highly respected brand. The challenges are typical of a fast-paced creative industry role, offering significant learning experiences and a chance to build a compelling portfolio.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your personal design philosophy, how you approach creative briefs, and your inspirations.

• Brand Interpretation: How would you interpret and visually represent "food-inspired nostalgia" for Kith Treats? Have examples ready.

• Problem-Solving: Describe a time you had to overcome a creative block or a challenging design problem. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?

• Process Explanation: Walk us through your process for designing an apparel graphic from concept to final artwork, including any illustration or research steps.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Kith Brand Affinity: Why are you interested in Kith and specifically the Kith Treats line? What do you admire about the brand's aesthetic and storytelling?

• Collaboration Style: How do you typically collaborate with team members and incorporate feedback from different stakeholders?

• Pace Management: How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Relevance: Select projects that directly showcase apparel design, character illustration, and narrative graphics.

• Tell the Story: For each piece, clearly explain the brief, your creative process, the inspiration, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and digital illustration tools.

• Mock-ups Matter: Include well-executed apparel mock-ups to show how your designs would look on a final product.

• Conciseness is Key: Aim for a presentation that is engaging, informative, and respects the interviewer's time, likely around 15-20 minutes for your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing creative talent, understanding of brand identity, and the ability to articulate design decisions and processes clearly. Demonstrating passion for Kith and its unique brand voice will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Kith External Careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features apparel design, illustration, and narrative graphic examples that align with Kith Treats' food and nostalgia themes.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight relevant experience (1-3 years), specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, digital illustration tools), and any apparel industry background. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication of your design process and creative vision. Be ready to discuss Kith's brand and your passion for it.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kith, its history, its brand aesthetic, and the Kith Treats line. Understand their storytelling approach and visual language.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for creative roles. All details should be verified directly with KITH before making application decisions. Be wary of any communication not originating from a kith.com or kithnyc.com email address, as remote or hybrid work arrangements are not offered for this position.