Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Suspicious Antwerp Location: Antwerp, Belgium Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative Operations / Brand Design Date Posted: July 12, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Support the creation of innovative and original designs that align with Suspicious Antwerp's unique brand DNA and target audience.
• Contribute actively to the creative development process, from initial concept generation to final design execution for apparel and marketing materials.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including senior designers, product developers, and production, to ensure seamless project progression.
• Prepare technical specifications and design details essential for sampling and mass production, ensuring design integrity.
• Assist in managing project timelines and tasks to ensure the efficient delivery of design assets within the development calendar.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a Graphic Designer role, the emphasis on "brand's DNA," "streetwear," "marketing campaigns," and "product strategies" indicates a strong connection to brand operations and Go-To-Market (GTM) initiatives. The role requires not just creative execution but also an understanding of how design supports commercial objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist senior designers in conceptualizing and developing original, trend-setting graphic designs for apparel, accessories, and marketing collateral, ensuring alignment with Suspicious Antwerp's bold brand identity.
• Contribute to the ideation phase by generating sketches, mood boards, and visual concepts that inspire new product lines and campaign aesthetics.
• Prepare detailed technical drawings, select appropriate materials, and define design specifications for sampling and production, ensuring accuracy and manufacturability.
• Collaborate effectively with product development, merchandising, and production teams to support projects from initial design through to final product, facilitating clear communication and feedback loops.
• Support the creation of compelling visual materials for internal presentations, marketing campaigns, and external partner collaborations, enhancing brand storytelling.
• Manage and track design tasks and project timelines, ensuring timely delivery of assets and adherence to the overall product development calendar.
• Engage with AI tools and technologies to explore innovative design approaches and enhance creative workflows, demonstrating a forward-thinking mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for structured design support, implying a focus on process efficiency and quality control within the creative workflow, akin to operational excellence in design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Fashion Design, or a closely related creative field is required, providing a foundational understanding of design principles and practices.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in graphic design, ideally within the fashion, lifestyle, or streetwear industry. This entry-level positioning emphasizes a focus on learning and development within a dynamic operational environment.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Demonstrated ability in creating visually appealing and effective graphic designs.
• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Strong command of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for design creation, manipulation, and layout.
• Technical Design Preparation: Ability to translate creative concepts into technical specifications and production-ready artwork.
• Creative Concept Development: Skill in brainstorming, sketching, and developing visual ideas that align with brand direction.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including design, product development, and production.
• Presentation Assistance: Competence in creating visual aids and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Calendar Management: Organizational skills to track tasks and meet deadlines within a fast-paced development cycle.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design execution and technical specification, ensuring high-quality output.
• Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.
• Passion for Streetwear & Lifestyle: Genuine interest and understanding of the streetwear and lifestyle market trends.
• Adaptability & Learning: Eagerness to learn new skills, embrace new technologies (including AI tools), and adapt to evolving design trends and company needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Dutch Language Fluency: Additional proficiency in Dutch is a plus, facilitating communication within the local team and market.
• AI Tool Integration: Familiarity or demonstrated interest in leveraging Artificial Intelligence tools within the creative design process.
• 3D Design Software: Exposure to 3D design software could be beneficial for advanced product visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software (Adobe Suite) and transferable skills like "technical preparation" and "calendar management" points towards the operational aspects of a design role, preparing candidates for structured workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility Showcase: Present a range of graphic design projects demonstrating versatility across different mediums (e.g., apparel graphics, marketing visuals, social media assets).
• Brand Alignment Examples: Include projects that clearly illustrate an ability to understand and translate a brand's unique identity and aesthetic into compelling designs.
• Technical Specification Samples: If possible, include examples of technical drawings or design specifications created for production, showcasing attention to detail and manufacturability considerations.
• Concept to Execution Case Studies: Select 1-2 projects that detail the process from initial concept ideation through to the final executed product or campaign, highlighting problem-solving and creative decision-making.
• Collaboration Evidence: Projects that show successful collaboration or integration with other functional areas (e.g., product development, marketing) are highly valued.

Process Documentation:

• While not a formal requirement to submit detailed process documents, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, including:
• Workflow Design & Optimization: How they structure their design process from brief to final delivery, including any methods used to improve efficiency.
• Implementation & Automation: Any experience with tools or techniques that automate repetitive design tasks or streamline the production handoff.
• Measurement & Performance: How they gauge the success of their designs, considering factors like brand alignment, market reception, and production feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the need for a portfolio that not only showcases creative output but also demonstrates an understanding of design processes and their operational integration, particularly in preparing designs for production and working within a structured timeline.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for an entry-level Graphic Designer (0-2 years experience) in Antwerp, Belgium, the estimated salary range is approximately €28,000 - €36,000 annually. This range accounts for the cost of living in Antwerp, the company's positioning in the premium streetwear market, and the specific skill set required.

Benefits:

• Dynamic Work Environment: Opportunity to work within a fast-paced, creative, and rapidly growing streetwear brand.
• Skill Development: Direct learning and mentorship from experienced designers, fostering growth in design, production, and brand strategy.
• Creative Impact: Chance to contribute meaningfully to brand campaigns and product lines, seeing your designs come to life.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a passionate team where ideas are valued and collaboration is key.
• Brand Exposure: Gain experience with a globally recognized streetwear brand with a strong online presence.

Working Hours:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours typically around 40 hours per week. The company culture suggests a dynamic environment where occasional flexibility might be needed to meet project deadlines, particularly during peak campaign periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on general Belgian employment data for junior creative roles and adjusted for the specific industry and location. Benefits are inferred from the company description's emphasis on growth, collaboration, and impact within a creative industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion (Streetwear) Company Size: While not explicitly stated, "Founded anno. 2017" and the dynamic description suggest a growing, likely mid-sized company that is agile and responsive to market trends, possibly employing 50-250 individuals. This size indicates a hands-on environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. Founded: 2017, indicating a relatively young company that has rapidly established a strong brand presence in the competitive streetwear market.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Creative department.
• They will report to a Senior Graphic Designer or Creative Director.
• Collaboration will be frequent with Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and Production teams.
• The team structure is likely flat and collaborative, encouraging direct communication and idea sharing.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative in nature, the company's mention of "marketing approach that keeps on surprising" and catering to "Gen Z" suggests a data-informed approach to understanding consumer behavior and market trends.
• Agile Development: The fast-paced nature implies an agile workflow, where design processes are iterative and responsive to market feedback and trends.
• Brand Consistency: A core operational methodology will be maintaining a consistent and strong brand identity across all touchpoints.

Company Website: suspiciousantwerp.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is inferred to be energetic, trend-focused, and driven by a strong brand vision, typical of successful direct-to-consumer streetwear brands. The emphasis on "surprising" and "excitement" points to a culture that values innovation and bold execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (0-2 years) Graphic Designer role, positioned as a foundational step within the creative operations of the brand. The focus is on skill acquisition and contributing to established design processes. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report into a Senior Graphic Designer or a Creative Lead, who oversees the brand's visual output and guides junior talent. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and product appeal. High-quality, on-brand designs are critical for driving sales and customer engagement, making this role operationally significant for the brand's commercial success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to develop expertise in specific areas of graphic design, such as apparel graphics, digital marketing visuals, or packaging design, based on project involvement and interest.
• Design Process Mastery: Gain hands-on experience in end-to-end design workflows, from concept to production, learning best practices for efficiency and quality.
• Brand Strategy Insight: Develop a deeper understanding of how design functions within a broader brand and marketing strategy for a fast-growing consumer brand.
• Potential for Advancement: Successful performance and demonstrated growth could lead to opportunities as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer, or even specialized roles within the creative team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth is framed within the context of operational contribution and skill development relevant to the creative industry, focusing on practical experience and career progression within a brand's operational structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company is based in Antwerp, Belgium, at Rijnkaai 100/11. This location suggests a modern, potentially urban office environment conducive to creative work and collaboration. Office Location(s): Primarily Antwerp, Belgium. Candidates are expected to be based in Belgium or willing to relocate.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect an environment that encourages interaction, idea sharing, and teamwork among creative and cross-functional teams.
• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Suite) and potentially other creative tools and hardware necessary for high-quality design output.
• Brand Immersion: The workspace is likely to be visually inspiring, reflecting the brand's aesthetic and culture, fostering a creative and motivating atmosphere for operations.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, likely Monday to Friday. The dynamic nature of a fashion brand may require some flexibility to meet critical deadlines or participate in events, but core hours will be structured.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is portrayed as dynamic and collaborative, emphasizing the importance of physical presence for team synergy and creative ideation, typical for on-site roles in fast-paced creative industries.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for qualifications and creative alignment.
• Portfolio Presentation/Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how their work aligns with Suspicious Antwerp's brand.
• Technical/Creative Assessment: Potentially a small design challenge or task to evaluate practical skills in Adobe Suite and creative problem-solving.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, cultural fit, passion for streetwear, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess overall fit and potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to streetwear and brand aesthetics.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, your role, the tools used, and the outcome or intended impact. Emphasize how you solved design challenges.
• Highlight Brand Alignment: Clearly articulate how your designs fit Suspicious Antwerp's unique style and target audience.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, particularly for apparel graphics or marketing materials.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, your understanding of streetwear trends, and your interest in AI tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is issued, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly, managing your time effectively, and producing a clean, on-brand deliverable. Present your rationale clearly, even if the output isn't perfectly polished.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both creative talent and operational fit, with a strong emphasis on the candidate's ability to present their work and thought process effectively, demonstrating how their skills can contribute to the brand's operational success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks. Candidates must be proficient in:
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and apparel artwork.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital mockups.
  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design of presentations, lookbooks, or marketing materials.
• AI Design Tools: Interest and potential familiarity with AI-powered design software (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, Adobe Sensei features) are a plus, indicating a forward-thinking approach to creative operations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how designs perform (e.g., engagement on social media, conversion rates for marketing campaigns) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards for social media or e-commerce platforms could be an advantage.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but an understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or e-commerce workflows would be a bonus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design software, with a nod towards emerging AI tools, highlighting the operational need for efficient and innovative creative production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the brand's "outside the box" mindset and commitment to fresh, surprising designs.
• Brand Authenticity: Upholding the unique DNA and aesthetic of Suspicious Antwerp in all visual communications and products.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers work closely with other departments to achieve common goals.
• Passion & Drive: A shared enthusiasm for streetwear, lifestyle, and pushing creative boundaries.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring the highest quality in design execution and technical specifications.
• Adaptability & Growth: Embracing new trends, technologies, and learning opportunities to stay ahead.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to actively collaborate with product developers, marketers, and production teams, participating in discussions and providing creative input.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Open to constructive feedback from peers and superiors to refine designs and processes.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication to ensure alignment and efficient project flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is characterized by a blend of creative freedom and operational discipline, emphasizing the integration of design into the broader business objectives and collaborative workflows.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Keeping Pace with Trends: The streetwear industry evolves rapidly; staying ahead of trends and maintaining brand relevance is a constant challenge.
• Balancing Creativity and Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs are original and exciting while strictly adhering to Suspicious Antwerp's established brand identity.
• Production Handoff: Translating creative vision into precise technical specifications that can be executed flawlessly by manufacturers.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple projects with tight deadlines in a dynamic, high-growth company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced designers, offering insights into career development and advanced design techniques.
• Industry Exposure: Working on campaigns and product lines for a recognized streetwear brand provides valuable industry experience.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to learn about different facets of the apparel industry, from design to production and marketing, broadening operational understanding.
• Technology Adoption: Exposure to and potential training on new design technologies, including AI tools, to enhance creative workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the operational demands of the fashion industry and a fast-growing brand, with growth opportunities directly tied to skill development and operational contribution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "How would you describe the Suspicious Antwerp brand aesthetic, and how would your design approach contribute to it?" Prepare by thoroughly researching the brand's current collections, marketing campaigns, and overall visual language.
• Creative Process: "Walk us through a design project from concept to completion. What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" Have a specific project in your portfolio ready to detail, highlighting your problem-solving and decision-making.
• Streetwear Trends: "What current trends in streetwear design are you most excited about, and how do they align with our brand?" Show you understand the market and can connect trends to the brand's direction.
• Technical Skills: "Can you describe your experience preparing artwork for apparel production? What are key considerations?" Be ready to discuss technical specifications, file formats, and resolution for print.
• AI in Design: "What are your thoughts on using AI in the creative process, and how might you leverage it at Suspicious Antwerp?" Demonstrate an open mind and a proactive approach to new technologies.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Suspicious Antwerp specifically?" Show genuine interest in the brand, its mission, and its place in the streetwear culture.
• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" Prepare to discuss your ability to receive and act on feedback professionally.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Choose projects that demonstrate not just aesthetic appeal but also a clear purpose and potential impact on the brand or consumer.
• Concise Storytelling: For each project, be brief but informative. Highlight your role, your process, and the outcome.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, professionally presented, and easy to navigate.
• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design, streetwear, and the opportunity to contribute to Suspicious Antwerp.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, brand understanding, and an operational mindset geared towards contributing effectively to the company's goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Recruitee.
• Portfolio Tailoring: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to streetwear, lifestyle brands, and graphic design for apparel or marketing. Highlight any projects that showcase technical preparation for production.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your Adobe Suite skills, any relevant design experience (even internships), and your passion for streetwear. Quantify achievements where possible, even in educational projects (e.g., "Designed a cohesive brand identity for a hypothetical streetwear label, resulting in positive feedback on visual consistency").
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work aligns with Suspicious Antwerp's brand DNA. Be ready to discuss your interest in AI's role in design.
• Company Research: Thoroughly familiarize yourself with Suspicious Antwerp's current collections, marketing campaigns, and brand voice. Understand their target audience and their "no box to think outside of" philosophy.

⚠️ 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.

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