Associate Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Graphic Designer
Company: Roots
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Creative Operations / Design
Date Posted: August 20, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-level to Junior (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the creative operations of a well-established Canadian lifestyle brand, focusing on the development and execution of visual assets for apparel and accessories.
• The Associate Graphic Designer will contribute to seasonal design collections, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with the company's heritage and aesthetic.
• The position requires a strong understanding of design principles and proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software to produce production-ready artwork.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including apparel design, merchandising, and product development, is a key aspect of this role, emphasizing a team-oriented approach to creative execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Associate Graphic Designer," the description emphasizes a need for foundational experience (1-2 years) in apparel graphic design, suggesting it leans towards a junior-level position rather than an internship or purely entry-level role without prior practical exposure. The focus on "creative operations" highlights the importance of process, brand consistency, and collaboration within a design context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal graphic collections, including logos, prints, and embellishments, across various product categories to support the brand's seasonal direction.
• Conduct trend research and create graphic mood boards to inform concept development and identify emerging design opportunities that align with the Roots brand.
• Collaborate with apparel designers, merchandisers, and product developers to ensure seamless integration of graphics with collection themes and product requirements.
• Prepare production-ready artwork files and provide clear, detailed feedback to vendors on graphic submissions to maintain quality control.
• Actively participate in design reviews, offering constructive creative input and insights to elevate the overall graphic and apparel design output.
• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the Roots design language, while also exploring innovative concepts that resonate with the target customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on collaboration and production readiness. The mention of "seasonal direction" and "brand consistency" points to the need for an organized approach to design projects and a keen awareness of brand guidelines. The involvement in "production-ready artwork" and "vendor comments" suggests a practical understanding of the apparel design lifecycle and manufacturing considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While a specific degree is not explicitly mentioned, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles with this level of responsibility and industry focus.

Experience:

• A minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in apparel graphic design is required, with a preference for candidates who have experience with lifestyle or fashion brands. This experience should demonstrate a proven ability to translate concepts into marketable designs within a retail or brand environment.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert command of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating vector graphics, raster images, and page layouts.
• Apparel Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding of typography, color theory, print techniques (e.g., screen printing, embroidery), and the principles of visual storytelling as applied to apparel.
• Trend Research & Analysis: Ability to identify and interpret fashion and cultural trends to inform seasonal graphic development and concept generation.
• Organizational & Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, ensuring timely delivery of assets.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and clear articulation of design ideas and feedback, both verbally and in writing.
• Brand Acumen: A demonstrated passion for and understanding of the Roots brand, its heritage, customer base, and overall aesthetic.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D design software or mock-up tools for visualizing graphics on apparel.
• Experience with digital design tools and platforms relevant to e-commerce and social media content.
• Basic understanding of production processes and vendor management in the apparel industry.
• Portfolio showcasing a range of graphic design work relevant to apparel, including prints, logos, and embellishments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "1-2 years of experience" requirement, combined with the "Associate" title, suggests that candidates with internships or co-op placements in relevant design fields, in addition to post-graduation experience, will be well-positioned. The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite is critical, as proficiency here is non-negotiable for producing production-ready artwork. The "passion for the Roots brand" indicates that candidates who can articulate their genuine connection to the brand will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Apparel Graphic Design Showcase: A curated digital portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of graphic design principles applied to apparel, including prints, logos, and embellishment techniques.
• Concept Development Examples: Visual evidence of the design process, from initial mood boards and trend research to final artwork, highlighting creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Production-Ready Artwork: Samples of completed artwork files that reflect attention to detail, proper file structure, and consideration for print production requirements.
• Brand Consistency Examples: Designs that clearly align with a given brand's identity, showcasing an ability to maintain a cohesive aesthetic across different product types and collections.
• Case Studies: Brief explanations or visual narratives accompanying selected projects, detailing the design challenge, process, and outcome, with a focus on how the design contributed to the product or collection.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, including stages such as concept ideation, design execution, feedback incorporation, and final art preparation for production.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design process, including how they manage feedback, iterate on designs, and collaborate with team members to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical skills and potential. It should not only showcase finished pieces but also provide insight into the candidate's design thinking and workflow. The emphasis on "production-ready artwork" means demonstrating an understanding of file formats, resolution, and color modes relevant to apparel printing.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Associate Graphic Designers with 1-2 years of experience in Toronto, the estimated salary range would be approximately CAD $45,000 - $60,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, portfolio strength, and the overall compensation structure of Roots.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive benefits package typically including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employee Discount: Significant discounts on Roots apparel and accessories, a key perk for brand enthusiasts.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Potential for employer-matched contributions to a retirement savings plan (e.g., RRSP).
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and exposure to industry events to enhance design skills.
• Creative Environment: Access to a dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on creativity and brand building.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically involving 35-40 hours per week, with standard business hours aligning with the Toronto time zone. Some flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily office-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in Toronto, considering the company's industry and the typical experience level for an "Associate" title. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in Canada, with a specific emphasis on employee discounts that align with the company's product offering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Apparel & Lifestyle) - Roots operates within the competitive Canadian retail landscape, known for its heritage brand appeal and focus on comfort, quality, and sustainability. This context means design needs are tied to seasonal collections, brand storytelling, and customer engagement. Company Size: Roots is a well-established national brand, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals across corporate and retail operations. This size suggests a structured environment with defined departments and processes, but also opportunities for cross-functional interaction. Founded: Established in 1973, Roots has a long-standing history and a recognized brand identity rooted in Canadian heritage and outdoor inspiration. This legacy informs its design philosophy and brand messaging.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Graphic Designer will likely be part of the broader Creative or Design department, reporting to a Graphic Design Manager or Director.
• The team may include other graphic designers, apparel designers, pattern makers, and potentially marketing or brand specialists.
• Collaboration will extend to merchandising, product development, and marketing teams to ensure design concepts are translated effectively across all touchpoints.

Methodology:

• The design process at Roots likely follows a structured seasonal calendar, involving trend research, concept development, design execution, and production handover.
• Data and customer insights may inform design choices, alongside creative intuition and brand expertise.
• There's an emphasis on "thoughtful, impactful design" and "cultural storytelling," suggesting a blend of strategic thinking and creative execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's history and established brand identity are key influences on the design team's work. The "inspired by the great outdoors" ethos and focus on "authenticity, quality, and community" will likely be reflected in the visual aesthetic and design themes. Understanding this brand DNA is crucial for an applicant.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an early career stage in graphic design within a corporate setting. It's an opportunity to build foundational skills, gain experience in a specific industry (apparel/lifestyle), and understand the workflow of a large retail brand. Reporting Structure: The Associate Graphic Designer will report to a senior member of the design team, likely a Graphic Design Manager or Lead Designer. This provides a direct line for mentorship and guidance. Operations Impact: The graphic design output directly influences product appeal, brand perception, and customer engagement. Successful graphics contribute to sales performance and brand loyalty by creating desirable and recognizable products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Progression can involve mastering new design techniques, gaining deeper expertise in specific print methods, and understanding broader aspects of apparel product development.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like print design, branding, digital graphics, or illustration within the apparel context.
• Increased Responsibility: Moving into roles like Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or Art Director, with greater creative ownership and strategic input.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about merchandising, marketing, and product development, broadening career perspectives within the fashion industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title implies a learning and development focus. Candidates should demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, take direction, and absorb knowledge about the brand and the apparel design process. Growth is expected to be incremental, building expertise and responsibility over time.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Toronto, indicating a corporate office environment typical for a national retailer, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, individual workstations, and potentially a design studio or sample room. Office Location(s): Primarily in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office details would be provided upon application or interview.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The company culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to facilitate idea sharing and project coordination.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and hardware will be provided. The environment will likely support digital workflows for design, feedback, and file management.
• Creative Inspiration: The office environment may reflect the brand's aesthetic, potentially incorporating elements of nature, Canadian heritage, or minimalist design to foster creativity.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time business hours (approx. 35-40 hours/week) are expected, with the potential for some flexibility. The on-site requirement means regular attendance at the Toronto office is necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, the physical workspace and team interaction are important aspects. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative office setting and be prepared to engage with colleagues from various departments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted resumes and portfolios by the recruitment team or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.
• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing selected projects, their design process, and how their skills align with the role and brand.
• Technical/Creative Assessment: A potential design test or challenge to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and response to creative briefs.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Questions focused on teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and cultural alignment with Roots' values and brand ethos.
• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership or department heads to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects, focusing on apparel graphics and demonstrating a range of skills.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Highlight your role and contributions.
• Showcase Brand Understanding: Include work that demonstrates an ability to adapt to different brand styles, and specifically, showcase any work that aligns with Roots' aesthetic or values.
• Highlight Production Readiness: Ensure some examples demonstrate your ability to create clean, organized, and technically sound artwork files.
• Digital Format: Present your portfolio in a clean, professional digital format (PDF or website) that is easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve creating a graphic concept for a specific product or theme, or refining existing artwork.
• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of the Roots brand, your creative approach, and your ability to meet project requirements within a given timeframe.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should meticulously select projects that align with apparel design and showcase their ability to work within brand guidelines. Being able to articulate the "why" behind design choices is as important as the final visual output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, prints), Photoshop (for raster graphics, photo manipulation, mockups), and InDesign (for layout and presentation).
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and distributing design assets may be beneficial.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with platforms like Asana, Trello, or Jira for tracking design projects and tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a graphic designer, understanding how design impacts sales or customer engagement could involve familiarity with basic e-commerce analytics or social media performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by graphic designers, but an understanding of how marketing campaigns utilize design assets may be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional familiarity with digital asset management or project tracking tools can be a plus, demonstrating an understanding of workflow efficiency within a corporate design department.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity & Quality: A commitment to genuine expression and high standards in design execution.
• Community & Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, mutual support, and shared creative input.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and pushing creative boundaries within brand guidelines.
• Sustainability: Aligning with the brand's commitment to responsible practices, which may influence design choices or material considerations.
• Customer Focus: Designing with the Roots customer in mind, ensuring resonance and appeal.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, encouraging open communication and feedback exchange among designers and cross-functional partners.
• Expect a culture where ideas are shared freely, and team members support each other's projects and development.
• Process reviews and constructive critiques are probably part of the workflow to ensure quality and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values, showing they are team players who value collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to brand integrity. Discussing how they've collaborated on past projects or contributed to team success will be beneficial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Heritage with Modern Trends: Effectively integrating the established Roots aesthetic with contemporary design trends to keep the brand fresh and relevant.
• Managing Multiple Collections/Projects: Juggling diverse design needs for apparel, accessories, and possibly marketing materials simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Vendor Communication: Ensuring clear and accurate communication with external vendors to maintain the integrity of design execution during production.
• Feedback Integration: Skillfully incorporating feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining creative vision and brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the entire product lifecycle from concept to retail, within a leading Canadian lifestyle brand.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and creative leads within the Roots team.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend workshops or online courses to deepen expertise in specific design software or techniques relevant to apparel.
• Portfolio Building: Developing a strong portfolio with real-world projects that can propel future career growth in the fashion and design industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are tied to gaining practical experience and developing a professional network within the apparel industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "How do you see your design style aligning with the Roots brand and its heritage? Can you provide examples?" (Prepare by thoroughly researching Roots' current and past collections, brand messaging, and visual identity).
• Process & Workflow: "Describe your typical process for developing a graphic for an apparel item, from concept to production-ready artwork." (Be ready to walk through your steps, mentioning research, sketching, software usage, and collaboration).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where a vendor misinterpreted a graphic design for a T-shirt. How would you address this to ensure the final product meets our quality standards?" (Focus on clear communication, providing detailed instructions, and verifying proofs).
• Collaboration: "Tell me about a time you collaborated with a cross-functional team (e.g., product developers, merchandisers) on a design project. What was your role, and how did you ensure alignment?" (Use the STAR method to structure your answer, highlighting communication and teamwork).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Roots' Appeal: "What do you admire about the Roots brand, and why are you interested in working here?" (Connect your personal values and aesthetic preferences to the company's mission and products).
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs, and how do you provide constructive feedback to others?" (Emphasize openness to feedback and a supportive approach to critique).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific contribution, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Showcase Process: Include early-stage work like mood boards or sketches where appropriate to demonstrate your thinking.
• Highlight Relevance: Prioritize projects that are most similar to the work described in the job description (apparel graphics, prints, branding).
• Be Concise: Practice presenting your strongest pieces efficiently, allowing time for questions. Aim for 2-3 minutes per project.
• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your work, such as file types, color modes, and print considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a genuine understanding of the Roots brand, a structured design process, and strong collaborative skills. Practicing portfolio presentations and anticipating questions about your design philosophy will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Dayforce.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features apparel-specific graphic design work, demonstrating your ability to create prints, logos, and embellishments relevant to lifestyle brands. Prioritize projects that showcase your understanding of typography, color theory, and visual storytelling.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 1-2 years of experience in apparel graphic design, emphasizing proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, collaboration skills, and any experience with fashion trends and production processes. Use keywords from the job description like "seasonal graphic collections," "print techniques," and "brand consistency."
• Interview Preparation Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clearly articulating your design process, your role in collaborative projects, and your understanding of the Roots brand. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
• Company Research: Deeply research Roots' brand identity, recent collections, and company values. Be prepared to discuss what specifically attracts you to Roots and how your design aesthetic aligns with theirs.

⚠️ 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.