Graphic Designer - Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Apparel
Company: Bandit Running
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: January 05, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (4-6+ years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity of Bandit Running's performance apparel through expert typographic design, badge creation, and iconography development.
• Translate seasonal brand narratives into compelling graphic motifs that resonate with the global running community.
• Ensure seamless integration of graphics across performance fabrics, apparel, and accessories, maintaining brand consistency and aesthetic integrity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional design and brand teams to elevate the visual language of the brand, blending fashion-forward aesthetics with athletic functionality.
• Contribute to the development of innovative product experiences by applying a clean, modern, and culturally relevant design sensibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a Graphic Designer with a deep specialization in apparel, focusing on the unique demands of performance wear. The emphasis on typography, badges, and iconography suggests a need for a designer who can build a cohesive and recognizable visual system for the brand's product lines.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute original typography, badges, iconography, and graphic motifs that align with seasonal direction and the core Bandit Running brand DNA.
• Explore and develop expressive typographic systems, including lockups and refined marks, for application across apparel and accessories.
• Construct robust badge and icon systems that ensure consistency and adaptability across multiple product categories and formats.
• Collaborate closely with design and brand teams to conceptualize and shape compelling seasonal graphic narratives and visual stories.
• Prepare production-ready artwork files, meticulously ensuring accuracy in scale, color separations, and formatting for various print and application methods.
• Provide precise technical specifications, including color comments, proportion notes, and placement guidance, to manufacturing and production teams.
• Ensure all graphic elements translate effectively and with consistent clarity across diverse performance fabrics and garment silhouettes.
• (Optional) Design repeat patterns or engineered prints that complement the core graphic design work, enhancing the overall aesthetic of apparel collections.
• (Optional) Support surface design development by applying an elevated graphic sensibility to prints and patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Graphic Development" and "Execution & Technical Craft" indicates a dual focus on creative ideation and practical, production-oriented execution. The inclusion of "Surface / Print (Nice to Have)" highlights a potential growth area for the role, suggesting that candidates with this additional skill set will be highly valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of expertise and experience.

Experience: 4–6+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within the performance apparel, fashion, or lifestyle apparel industries.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design, with a portfolio that demonstrably showcases typographic exploration, badge/icon development, and a refined graphic sensibility.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating and manipulating design assets.
• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, including proportion, layout, composition, and color theory.
• Demonstrated ability to create artwork that balances expressive creativity with the technical precision required for apparel production.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience in developing graphics for apparel applications, understanding how design elements interact with fabric and form.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in surface or pattern design, including the creation of engineered prints or repeat patterns for apparel.
• Familiarity with 3D visualization tools such as CLO or Browzwear for design mockups and prototyping.
• Interest in experimental or digital typography, pushing creative boundaries beyond standard applications.
• A genuine passion for running culture, art, and fashion, which can serve as inspiration and inform design decisions.
• Understanding of how various print techniques (e.g., sublimation, screen printing, heat transfer, digital printing) interact with performance fabrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4-6+ years of experience, combined with the specific skill set related to apparel graphics and production, positions this as a mid-level to senior designer role. The "Nice to Have" skills suggest areas where candidates can differentiate themselves and potentially influence future design directions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a robust collection of typographic exploration, demonstrating the ability to create unique and impactful type treatments for apparel.
• Include detailed examples of badge and icon system development, highlighting consistency, scalability, and application across different product types.
• Present case studies of graphic motifs and patterns designed for performance apparel, illustrating the creative process from concept to final execution.
• Demonstrate technical proficiency through examples of artwork prepared for production, including mockups showing how graphics translate onto garment silhouettes.
• Highlight projects where creative vision was balanced with technical requirements, such as color separations, scale accuracy, and fabric compatibility.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, from initial concept generation and mood boarding to final artwork delivery.
• Articulate the steps taken to ensure graphics are technically sound and suitable for the intended print methods and performance fabrics.
• Explain how feedback from design, brand, and production teams is incorporated to refine designs and ensure alignment with brand DNA and seasonal direction.
• Be ready to illustrate how they would approach building a cohesive graphic identity for a new seasonal collection.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role focused on apparel, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond aesthetic appeal to demonstrate a deep understanding of technical application, brand integration, and the specific demands of performance wear. The ability to articulate the design process and rationale behind creative choices is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary.
• Equity/Stock Options, offering potential for long-term financial growth and ownership in the company's success.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, allowing employees to manage their work-life balance effectively.
• Career-defining opportunity with a fast-growing brand in the running industry.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, on-site role, implying standard professional working hours (typically 40 hours per week), with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level to senior Graphic Designer in a high-cost-of-living area like Brooklyn, New York, especially within a fast-growing, specialized brand. The inclusion of equity alongside traditional benefits suggests a growth-oriented company that values employee contribution to its long-term success.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technical Performance Apparel / Sports & Recreation / Lifestyle. Bandit Running operates at the intersection of high-performance athletic gear and aspirational lifestyle branding.

Company Size: As the "fastest-growing brand in the sport" with "rocket-ship level momentum," Bandit Running is likely experiencing rapid expansion. While specific numbers aren't provided, the implication is a dynamic, growing company that may have started small but is scaling quickly. This suggests a culture that is adaptable, innovative, and focused on rapid execution.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's mission to "Evolve Running" and its rapid growth suggest a relatively modern company that has found significant market traction.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Design or Creative team, collaborating closely with apparel designers, brand marketers, and product developers.
• Reporting structure is not explicitly detailed but would typically fall under a Creative Director or Head of Design.
• Cross-functional collaboration is emphasized, with the role requiring interaction with brand and design teams to set collection tones and ensure cohesive visual language.

Methodology:

• Bandit Running emphasizes "disruptive excellence" and "challenging conventional brand-building norms." This suggests a data-informed but also highly creative and experimental approach to product development, marketing, and brand experience.
• The company's focus on the "global running community" implies a user-centric design philosophy, prioritizing the needs and experiences of runners.
• "Excellence" is a core value, indicating a high standard for quality, attention to detail, and innovative solutions in all aspects of the business.

Company Website: banditrunning.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be driven by a strong mission ("Evolve Running"), a commitment to high standards ("disruptive excellence"), and a focus on community. For a designer, this means an environment where innovation is encouraged, but also where technical execution and brand consistency are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior Graphic Designer, requiring 4-6+ years of experience. It offers the opportunity to significantly influence the visual identity of a rapidly growing brand.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Design, working within a tight-knit creative team. They will collaborate closely with other designers and brand managers.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts product appeal, brand perception, and market differentiation. Strong graphic design is crucial for a performance apparel brand to stand out, communicate its technical prowess, and connect emotionally with its target audience. The visual language developed will be a key driver of customer engagement and sales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in performance apparel graphics, surface design, and brand visual systems.
• Leadership: Potentially grow into a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role as the company scales, leading specific projects or design initiatives.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to explore experimental typography, 3D visualization, and advanced print techniques, potentially through company-sponsored training or by taking on new project challenges.
• Brand Building: Contribute to building an "enduring, iconic brand," gaining experience in high-growth, disruptive environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "rocket-ship level momentum" and "career-defining opportunity" suggest that this role offers significant potential for professional growth and impact within a fast-paced, innovative startup environment. The emphasis on "Evolve Running" implies that the company is open to fresh ideas and new approaches.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an "in-office" role, located at the company's headquarters in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This suggests a traditional office setting designed to foster collaboration and creative synergy.

Office Location(s): Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York. This is a vibrant creative hub known for its design studios and innovative companies.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is likely collaborative, given the emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional interaction. Designers will be working alongside other creatives and potentially product teams.
• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology is implied. The specific brand's commitment to "disruptive excellence" suggests a well-equipped creative workspace.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with product and brand teams will facilitate a deep understanding of project goals and brand vision.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, the company's "Trust, Empathy, & Excellence" values and flexible PTO suggest a culture that respects work-life balance, provided core responsibilities and deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site in Brooklyn provides proximity to a rich creative ecosystem. The company's stated values suggest a supportive and collaborative work environment, ideal for a designer who thrives on in-person interaction and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on a strong portfolio showcasing typography, badges, and apparel graphics.
• Screening Call: Discuss experience, motivation, and fit with the company's mission and values (Trust, Empathy, Excellence).
• Portfolio Presentation/Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their work, explaining their process, design choices, and how they align with Bandit Running's aesthetic. A design challenge focused on creating a graphic element for apparel or a badge system might be included.
• Team Interviews: Meet with members of the design and brand teams to assess collaborative potential and creative synergy.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a founder or senior leadership to discuss overall vision and long-term impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Include 3-5 of your strongest projects that specifically highlight your typography, badge/iconography, and apparel graphic design skills. Prioritize work relevant to performance or lifestyle apparel.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your design process – from concept and research to execution and final output. Explain your rationale behind key design decisions (e.g., font selection, color palette, composition).
• Highlight Technical Execution: Demonstrate your understanding of how graphics are applied to apparel. Include mockups showing scale, placement, and how the graphics interact with fabric and garment construction. If possible, show artwork prepared for production.
• Emphasize Brand Alignment: Explain how your designs align with Bandit Running's brand DNA, mission ("Evolve Running"), and aesthetic (refined, modern, culturally resonant).
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have examples of graphics that drove specific outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful product launch), highlight them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Bandit Running's current product line, marketing campaigns, and brand aesthetic. Identify their core values and target audience.
• Focus on Core Skills: Be prepared for a challenge that tests your ability in typography, badge design, or creating graphic motifs for apparel.
• Think Technically: Consider how your design would be implemented on performance fabrics. What are the constraints? What are the best practices for print methods?
• Present Clearly: Structure your presentation logically, starting with understanding the brief, outlining your approach, presenting your design, and explaining your choices. Be ready to receive and incorporate feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's specific focus, the portfolio review will be the most critical stage. Candidates should meticulously tailor their portfolio to showcase the exact skills Bandit Running is seeking, demonstrating both creative flair and technical aptitude for apparel graphics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, logos, badges, and typography.
• Adobe Photoshop: Crucial for image manipulation, creating textures, mockups, and preparing raster-based graphics.
• Adobe InDesign: Useful for layout, creating style guides, and preparing print-ready documents.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable for this creative role, but understanding how graphics contribute to brand engagement metrics might be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a non-negotiable requirement for this role. Familiarity with 3D design tools like CLO or Browzwear is a strong preference, indicating the company's investment in modern design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust: Implies a culture where team members are empowered to take ownership of their work and are trusted to deliver high-quality results. Open communication and reliability are key.
• Empathy: Suggests a supportive environment where team members understand and respect each other's perspectives, workloads, and personal needs. This fosters strong collaboration and team cohesion.
• Excellence: This is a driving force, meaning a commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and delivering outstanding work in all aspects of design and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with design, brand, and potentially product development teams to ensure cohesive visual output.
• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for constructive feedback is likely, enabling designers to refine their work and align with brand vision.
• Knowledge Sharing: As a growing company, there's an opportunity for shared learning and best practice development within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's three core values—Trust, Empathy, & Excellence—are central to its culture. For a designer, this means an environment that values open communication, mutual respect, and a relentless pursuit of high-quality, innovative design solutions that push the brand forward.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Growth: Adapting to the fast-paced, evolving nature of a rapidly scaling startup, where priorities and projects can shift quickly.
• Brand Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive and elevated visual identity across a growing product range and diverse applications while introducing new seasonal elements.
• Technical Integration: Ensuring graphic designs translate flawlessly across various performance fabrics and manufacturing processes, requiring constant attention to technical detail.
• Balancing Innovation and Brand DNA: Continuously pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the core aesthetic and mission of Bandit Running.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunity to master specialized apparel graphic design, including complex typography, engineered prints, and pattern development.
• 3D Design Exploration: Possibility to learn and apply 3D visualization tools for more effective design prototyping and communication.
• Brand Storytelling: Develop skills in visually communicating the brand's narrative and performance benefits through compelling graphic design.
• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in a leading performance apparel brand, understanding market trends, competitive landscapes, and consumer engagement strategies within the running community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a high-growth startup. They also represent significant opportunities for a designer to develop resilience, adaptability, and advanced problem-solving skills, all while contributing to the creation of an iconic brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a new typographic lockup or badge system for a performance apparel brand." (Focus on your methodology, research, and how you ensure scalability and technical feasibility.)
• "How do you balance creative expression with the technical constraints of apparel production (e.g., fabric type, print method, garment construction)?" (Provide specific examples from your portfolio.)
• "Walk us through a project where your graphic design significantly contributed to the success or appeal of an apparel product." (Highlight your role, design rationale, and any quantifiable impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Bandit Running's mission to 'Evolve Running' and our approach to brand building?" (Show genuine interest and understanding of the company's vision.)
• "How have you embodied the values of Trust, Empathy, and Excellence in previous roles, particularly within a creative team?" (Provide specific anecdotes.)
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders who may not have a design background?" (Demonstrate collaboration and receptiveness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling is Key: Structure your portfolio presentation around compelling narratives for each project. Explain the challenge, your creative process, the solution, and the outcome.
• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects that showcase your strengths in typography, badges, iconography, and apparel graphics for performance or lifestyle contexts.
• Demonstrate Technical Understanding: Clearly explain how your designs are production-ready, mentioning considerations for fabric, print methods, and scale. Use mockups effectively.
• Connect to Bandit Running: Explicitly link your skills and experience to Bandit Running's brand, mission, and aesthetic. Show that you understand their unique position in the market.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewers' time. Practice your presentation to be clear, confident, and enthusiastic. Be prepared for questions about your design choices and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a designer who not only has strong technical and creative skills but also understands the nuances of apparel design and can integrate seamlessly into Bandit Running's high-growth, values-driven culture. Your portfolio and presentation are your primary tools to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring your resume and a link to your online portfolio are included.
• Portfolio Curation: Carefully select projects that best highlight your expertise in typography, badge development, iconography, and apparel graphics. Prioritize work that demonstrates technical execution and brand alignment with performance or lifestyle apparel.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and specific achievements in apparel graphic design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Bandit Running's mission, values, current products, and overall brand aesthetic. Be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for their culture and vision.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and explaining how your work meets the requirements of this role. Be ready to discuss technical considerations for apparel production.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided information. Candidates should verify all details, especially regarding specific interview stages and expectations, directly with Bandit Running.