Assistant Print & Graphic Designer (Apparel)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Print & Graphic Designer (Apparel) Company: Fabletics Location: El Segundo, CA Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Creative) Date Posted: August 22, 2025 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the Sr. Design Manager, Color, Print, and Materials in the execution and management of print, graphic, and color design for Fabletics Women’s apparel.
• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration between design, product development, and vendors through clear communication and organized project management.
• Manages and maintains digital archives of color palettes, patterns, and artwork, ensuring timely and effective organizational solutions.
• Contributes to the product development process by preparing designs for pitch sheets, PLM systems, and Smartsheets.
• Stays informed on industry trends, new techniques, and resources in print and graphics to enhance design output and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily design-focused, its operational responsibilities in managing archives, cross-functional communication, and system preparation (PLM, Smartsheets) align it with a "Design Operations" or "GTM Operations (Creative)" category, emphasizing the process and organizational aspects that support the Go-To-Market strategy for apparel collections.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the creation of comprehensive pitch sheets for seasonal print and graphic concepts, ensuring clear visual representation of design direction.
• Support the design of branded trims, graphics, and prints, translating creative concepts into actionable design assets.
• Organize research materials and contribute to the creation of compelling presentations throughout the design season to effectively communicate ideas to stakeholders.
• Develop precise layouts for artwork and logo placements, ensuring aesthetic coherence and brand consistency across apparel lines.
• Prepare and process designs within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system and Smartsheets, maintaining data integrity and workflow efficiency.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with cross-functional teams including Design, Product Development, and external Vendors to ensure smooth project progression.
• Develop and maintain AI and PDF versions of digital color and pattern archives by season, ensuring accurate and accessible historical design data.
• Organize existing projects and perform administrative design tasks, including maintaining organized color palette libraries, visual boards, and print/graphic archives.
• Track the development of prints and graphics, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines.
• Support the maintenance of the color design chart, ensuring accuracy and consistency in colorway management.
• Assist in strike-off reviews when needed, providing feedback and ensuring print quality meets brand standards.
• Act as an inspiring, energetic, and positive team member, contributing to a proactive and collaborative work environment.
• Demonstrate interest in industry trends, new techniques, and resources within print and graphics to foster continuous improvement and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management. The emphasis on organizing research, maintaining archives, using PLM and Smartsheets, and cross-functional communication points to a role that requires structured project management and process adherence, key aspects of operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Art, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a related creative field, or a minimum of 1 year of equivalent professional experience in a design-focused role.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a design assistant or graphic design role, preferably within the apparel or fashion industry.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design projects, organizing assets, and maintaining digital archives.
• Familiarity with product development workflows and cross-functional team collaboration.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating vector-based artwork, manipulating graphics, and preparing files for production.
• Vector & Hand-Drawn Art Creation: Ability to create original artworks using vector software and/or hand-drawn techniques, with the capability to recolor and adapt existing prints.
• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of foundational graphic design principles including typography, composition, color theory, and layout design.
• Color Theory & Trend Awareness: An excellent eye for color, understanding of color theory, and ability to identify and interpret emerging fashion and graphic design trends.
• Multi-Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder interaction.
• Organizational & Detail Orientation: Highly detail-oriented and organized, with a systematic approach to managing files, archives, and administrative tasks.
• Solution-Driven Mindset: Proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving, with an emphasis on efficiency and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software.
• Familiarity with Smartsheets for project tracking and management.
• Knowledge of print production processes and textile printing techniques.
• Experience in apparel merchandising or product development.
• Basic understanding of 3D design software for visualizing apparel prints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, vector/hand-drawn art creation, color theory, and trend awareness are core to design, but the requirement for managing multiple projects, organizational skills, and familiarity with PLM/Smartsheets indicates an operational component crucial for efficient workflow and project execution in a fast-paced apparel environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Execution & Versatility: Showcase a range of print designs, graphic applications, and artwork styles relevant to apparel, demonstrating versatility and technical skill.
• Process Visualization: Include examples of how you've organized design research, mood boards, or trend boards, illustrating your approach to visual planning and ideation.
• System Preparedness: Present examples of file organization, naming conventions, or mock-ups that reflect an understanding of how design assets are prepared for digital systems (e.g., PLM, digital archives).
• Brand Alignment: Demonstrate an ability to create designs that align with brand aesthetics and target market preferences, showcasing an understanding of brand identity.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, such as workflow for creating and approving prints, or methods for maintaining digital asset libraries.
• Examples of how you've contributed to or followed established workflows for design handover to product development or production teams.
• Evidence of meticulous record-keeping for design assets, color palettes, and print archives, ensuring traceability and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a design role, the expectation for organization, system preparedness, and process documentation implies a need for a candidate who can contribute to the operational efficiency of the design department by maintaining structured workflows and digital assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hourly range for this position is from $26.68 to $33.00 per hour.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is typical for an entry-level to junior designer role in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, reflecting the competitive market for creative talent in a high-cost-of-living region. The specific rate will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and the precise scope of responsibilities within the defined range.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Offers flexibility by allowing work from both the office and home, promoting work-life balance.
• Discretionary Paid Time Off: Provides flexibility in taking time off for personal needs and well-being.
• Summer Fridays: Offers an enhanced work-life balance by allowing for shorter workdays or time off on Fridays during the summer.
• Healthcare Plans: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families.
• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Fabletics apparel and other products, promoting brand loyalty and employee appreciation.
• 401k: Retirement savings plan with potential company matching to support long-term financial security.
• Annual Bonus Program: Opportunity to earn a bonus based on individual and company performance, incentivizing achievement.
• Equity Program: Potential for stock options or other equity grants, aligning employee success with company growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid schedule allows for some flexibility in daily start and end times, while ensuring core business hours are covered for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefit package is robust, indicating a company that values employee well-being and offers competitive compensation. The hybrid work schedule and Summer Fridays are particularly attractive for work-life balance, which is a significant factor for many professionals in creative and operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Activewear and Athleisure Apparel: Fabletics operates within the highly competitive and trend-driven fashion industry, specifically focusing on high-performance activewear and stylish athleisure wear. This requires a dynamic approach to design, marketing, and operations to keep pace with consumer demand and fashion cycles.
• E-commerce & Direct-to-Consumer (DTC): As a DTC brand, Fabletics relies heavily on digital channels for sales, marketing, and customer engagement. This DTC model necessitates efficient operations, data-driven decision-making, and a strong understanding of online consumer behavior.

Company Size:

• Fabletics is part of the larger Savage X Fenty and TechStyle Fashion Group, indicating it is a significant entity within the fashion tech and e-commerce space. While exact employee numbers for Fabletics alone might vary, the parent group is substantial, suggesting a well-resourced and structured organization with established operational processes.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: A larger company structure often means more defined roles, established hierarchies, and potential for specialized operational support, which can be beneficial for career growth and learning within specific functions like design operations.

Founded:

• Fabletics was founded in 2013. Its relatively recent founding, coupled with rapid growth, suggests a culture that is innovative, agile, and adaptable to market changes.

Team Structure:

• Reporting to Sr. Design Manager: The Assistant Print & Graphic Designer reports directly to the Sr. Design Manager, Color, Print, and Materials, indicating a clear reporting line within the design department.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly mentions working cross-functionally with Design, Product Development, and Vendors. This suggests a team environment where collaboration is key to moving projects from concept to completion.
• Design Department Specialization: The team likely comprises specialized roles within design, such as print designers, graphic designers, color specialists, and material experts, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment.

Methodology:

• Trend-Driven Design: The company's success is heavily influenced by its ability to identify and capitalize on fashion trends, requiring a research-intensive and forward-thinking design methodology.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Given its DTC model, Fabletics likely uses customer data, sales performance, and market analytics to inform design choices, product assortments, and marketing strategies.
• Agile Product Development: The fast-paced nature of fashion and e-commerce often necessitates agile product development cycles, where efficiency and speed are paramount.

Company Website:

• https://www.fabletics.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Fabletics' position as a rapidly growing DTC brand within the fashion tech industry is crucial. This context implies a work environment that values speed, innovation, and data-driven decision-making, requiring operational excellence to support creative output and market responsiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned at an entry-level or junior level within the design operations spectrum, focusing on supporting senior designers and managing foundational design assets and administrative tasks. It serves as a stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in fashion design operations or specialized creative support roles.

Reporting Structure:

• The Assistant Print & Graphic Designer reports to the Sr. Design Manager, Color, Print, and Materials. This provides a direct line of mentorship and guidance from an experienced leader in the field. The role also involves significant collaboration with Product Development teams, offering exposure to the broader product lifecycle.

Operations Impact:

• By ensuring the timely and accurate management of print, graphic, and color assets, this role directly impacts the efficiency of the design department and the speed at which new collections can be brought to market. Well-organized archives and standardized design files streamline the work of product developers and vendors, contributing to a more efficient Go-To-Market (GTM) process for apparel.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Potential to grow into a dedicated Print Designer, Graphic Designer, or Color & Materials Specialist role within Fabletics.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, gain hands-on experience with PLM systems, and learn about the intricacies of the apparel product development lifecycle.
• Operational Proficiency: Develop strong organizational, project management, and administrative skills specifically tailored to the demands of a fast-paced fashion design environment.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with various departments, potentially leading to roles in broader Product Development, Merchandising, or even GTM strategy coordination.
• Mentorship: Benefit from guidance from the Sr. Design Manager and exposure to senior design and product development professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the design and operations framework of a leading fashion brand. The emphasis on practical skills, system familiarity, and cross-functional interaction provides a solid foundation for a career in fashion operations or creative management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The position is based in El Segundo, California, indicating a physical office headquarters. The job description mentions a "Hybrid Work Schedule," suggesting a blend of in-office and remote work. This allows for collaborative work and access to office resources while maintaining flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• El Segundo Headquarters, California. This location is known for its concentration of tech and entertainment companies, suggesting a vibrant and dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studio: The work environment likely includes a design studio space equipped with the necessary tools for creative work, potentially including digital workstations, physical mood boards, and material libraries.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially internal systems like PLM and project management tools within the office network.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with fellow designers, design managers, and product development teams, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere for brainstorming and problem-solving.
• Hybrid Flexibility: The hybrid nature of the role allows for focused, individual work at home and collaborative, team-oriented work in the office, catering to different work styles and project needs.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. The hybrid schedule offers flexibility in how and where these hours are performed, with likely core hours designated for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, signaling a modern approach to workplace flexibility. This setup is designed to optimize productivity by allowing individuals to choose the best environment for their tasks, whether it's deep work at home or collaborative sessions in the office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Sr. Design Manager to evaluate design skills, technical proficiency (Adobe Suite), understanding of apparel design, and alignment with team needs. This may involve discussing past projects and design philosophies.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio electronically or in person. A practical design challenge or a case study related to print/graphic design for apparel may be administered to assess problem-solving skills, creativity, and execution under time constraints.
• Cross-Functional Interview: Potentially an interview with a member of the Product Development team to assess collaboration capabilities and understanding of the product lifecycle.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or HR for a final assessment of cultural fit and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 5-8 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase print design, graphic applications, and artwork creation for apparel.
• Showcase Process: Include examples of your research, mood boards, trend analysis, and how you translated ideas into final designs. Highlight your organizational methods for digital assets.
• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Clearly show your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Provide examples of vector artwork, recoloring techniques, and intricate graphic details.
• Explain Your Role: For collaborative projects, clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities.
• Highlight Brand Awareness: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of brand identity and target market appeal, especially within the fashion or activewear space.
• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design choices, process, and the outcome of each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge prompt, paying attention to target audience, product type, and brand guidelines.
• Focus on Brand Aesthetic: Consider Fabletics' existing brand aesthetic and target market when developing your designs.
• Technical Execution: Ensure your output is technically sound, using appropriate software and file formats as requested.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe to simulate interview conditions.
• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process, design decisions, and how you approached the challenge, similar to a portfolio review.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their technical design skills, creative process, and ability to organize and present design assets effectively, demonstrating not just creativity but also the operational rigor required to support the design workflow.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for vector artwork creation, logo design, print layouts) and Adobe Photoshop (for image manipulation, texture application, digital mock-ups).
• PLM System (Product Lifecycle Management): Familiarity with systems like Centric PLM, Oracle PLM Cloud, or similar platforms used for managing product data, specifications, and workflows throughout the development process.
• Smartsheets: Experience with Smartsheets for project tracking, task management, and cross-functional collaboration, as indicated in the job description.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for this role, an understanding of how design assets contribute to visual merchandising or online product presentation could involve familiarity with basic web analytics or e-commerce platform data.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design support role, but an awareness of how design assets are integrated into marketing campaigns or customer-facing platforms is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with PLM and Smartsheets demonstrates an understanding of the operational systems used in apparel product development and project management, making candidates significantly more competitive.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the creation of fresh, trend-forward designs that resonate with the Fabletics customer base.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across departments to bring products to market efficiently and effectively.
• Efficiency & Organization: Valuing structured processes, meticulous record-keeping, and organized digital asset management to ensure smooth operations.
• Customer Focus: Designing with the Fabletics customer in mind, understanding their needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
• Passion & Energy: A positive, proactive, and energetic approach to work, reflecting the dynamic nature of the fashion industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates close collaboration with Product Development, Design, and external Vendors, requiring clear communication and a team-oriented approach.
• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is shared and utilized to refine designs and processes.
• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open communication to address potential issues or opportunities early in the design and development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "inspiring, energy-giving," "positive," and "proactive and energetic" suggests a culture that values enthusiasm and a can-do attitude, particularly important in a fast-paced creative environment. The operational aspect is supported by the need for organization and efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace of Fashion Trends: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving fashion and graphic design trends in the competitive activewear market requires constant research and adaptability.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Balancing the demands of various print and graphic design projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines and requirements.
• Cross-functional Communication: Effectively translating design ideas and feedback between creative teams, product developers, and external vendors can be complex.
• Digital Asset Management: Maintaining an organized and up-to-date archive of digital assets requires meticulous attention to detail and consistent adherence to protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Trend Forecasting & Market Research: Opportunities to deepen knowledge of emerging trends in apparel prints, graphics, and color palettes through industry resources and market analysis.
• Software Proficiency: Further development of skills within Adobe Creative Suite and potential training on new design or project management software.
• Apparel Production Knowledge: Gaining practical insights into the technical aspects of apparel production, including print application methods and material compatibility.
• Product Lifecycle Understanding: Learning the end-to-end process of bringing an apparel product from concept to customer, enhancing overall business acumen.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced design professionals within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an excellent opportunity for an aspiring designer to gain practical experience in a high-volume, trend-driven industry. The primary challenges revolve around managing creative output within operational constraints, which directly contributes to professional growth in both design and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Inspiration: "Walk me through your process for developing a new print or graphic for an apparel line. Where do you typically find inspiration?" (Be ready to discuss your research, mood boarding, and conceptualization steps.)
• Adobe Suite Proficiency: "Describe a complex design project you completed using Illustrator or Photoshop. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them technically?" (Prepare to discuss specific tools and techniques used.)
• Trend Analysis: "What are some current trends in activewear prints or graphics that you find particularly interesting, and why? How would you adapt them for the Fabletics brand?" (Demonstrate your awareness of the market and ability to apply trends.)
• Organization & Systems: "How do you approach organizing your digital design files and maintaining an archive? Have you used systems like PLM or Smartsheets before?" (Highlight your organizational skills and familiarity with relevant tools.)
• Collaboration & Communication: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team or vendor on a design project. How did you ensure clear communication and a positive outcome?" (Be prepared to share examples of cross-functional teamwork.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What specifically attracts you to Fabletics and our brand aesthetic?" (Research Fabletics' mission, values, and recent collections.)
• "How do you stay motivated and energetic in a fast-paced design environment?" (Relate your answer to the company's emphasis on positivity and proactivity.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to learning and improvement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the brief, your process, the challenges, your solutions, and the final result. Focus on the impact or purpose of the design.
• Highlight Operational Aspects: When discussing organization or system use, clearly articulate the benefit to the overall workflow and efficiency.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Prepare a concise overview for each project and be ready to elaborate on specific details as requested.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. Use clear descriptions for each piece.
• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the software and techniques used for each design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their creative abilities but also their organizational skills and understanding of operational processes within a design context. Highlighting familiarity with tools like PLM and Smartsheets, and showing a structured approach to file management and project execution, will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Fabletics career portal.
• Prepare a curated portfolio that highlights your print and graphic design work for apparel, emphasizing your organizational methods and technical proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Include examples that showcase your ability to manage digital assets and prepare files for systems like PLM.
• Tailor your resume to emphasize relevant design experience, technical skills (Adobe Suite), organizational capabilities, and any exposure to product development workflows or project management tools (PLM, Smartsheets). Quantify achievements where possible.
• Research Fabletics: Understand the brand's aesthetic, target market, and recent collections to articulate your interest and how your design style aligns with their vision during interviews.
• Practice your portfolio presentation: Be ready to articulate your design process, technical choices, and organizational strategies clearly and concisely for the hiring manager and design team.

⚠️ 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.