Graphic Designer- Retail

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Retail

Company: Ryman Hospitality Properties (Opry Entertainment Group)

Location: Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Retail Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-02-13

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative visual strategy for retail product lines within iconic entertainment venues.

• Develop and execute original graphic designs for a diverse range of merchandise, including apparel, hardgoods, and packaging.

• Ensure brand consistency and incorporate current retail trends into product aesthetics and marketing materials.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, marketing, and vendors to bring creative concepts to life efficiently.

• Produce production-ready artwork, including technical specifications for manufacturing and decoration processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Retail Operations and Creative Services domain, focusing on the tangible product lifecycle from concept to production. The emphasis on "artists and fans" and "iconic venues" suggests a unique brand integration requirement, necessitating a strong understanding of lifestyle and entertainment marketing alongside core graphic design principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design original graphics, logos, and compositional artwork for apparel, soft goods, and various merchandise items, aiming for 10-20 new styles per month.

• Maintain and evolve existing brand aesthetics by adhering to style guides and researching current retail and lifestyle trends.

• Create supplemental artwork for digital and print marketing collateral, including e-commerce visuals, social media assets, banners, and in-store displays.

• Develop detailed CADs (Computer-Aided Designs) and tech packs to clearly communicate graphic placement, size, color, and other specifications to product development teams and external vendors.

• Prepare production-ready artwork for various decoration methods, such as textile screen printing, ensuring compliance with print limitations and best practices.

• Conduct thorough proofreading and verification of all design elements, including font types, graphic dimensions, copy accuracy, and logo specifications.

• Act as a liaison between design, product development, and manufacturing partners to ensure accurate execution of designs and quality control.

• Adapt and manipulate vendor art and logos for seamless integration into souvenir products and other merchandise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to produce 10-20 new styles monthly indicates a high-volume, fast-paced creative environment, requiring strong project management and efficient workflow. The mention of "CADs and tech packs" highlights a critical operational aspect of translating creative designs into manufacturable specifications, a key skill for operational efficiency in product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a strong preference for experience within the fashion, lifestyle apparel, or retail merchandising sectors.

• At least 2 years of hands-on experience designing apparel and soft goods, including practical knowledge of screen-printing and other common decoration techniques.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are non-negotiable for creating and manipulating artwork.

• Apparel & Product Design: Demonstrated ability to design for various product types, with specific expertise in apparel and soft goods.

• Technical Illustration & Documentation: Proficiency in creating CADs and tech packs for clear communication with manufacturing partners.

• Print Production Knowledge: Understanding of print best practices for various mediums, including screen printing and other decoration methods, and awareness of production limitations.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in reviewing and verifying all design specifications, ensuring error-free production artwork.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including product development, marketing, and merchandising.

• Communication Skills: Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication to articulate design concepts and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail Trend Analysis: Ability to research and integrate current retail and lifestyle trends into designs.

• Pattern Design: Experience in creating repeatable patterns for textiles and other applications.

• E-commerce Visuals: Familiarity with creating graphics optimized for online retail platforms.

• Brand Aesthetic Understanding: A strong appreciation for and ability to work within established brand guidelines, particularly related to country music and entertainment lifestyles.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for general business communication and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PDF or online portfolio is a critical component of the application process, serving as tangible proof of design capabilities and relevant experience. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight apparel design, technical illustration (CADs/tech packs), and any work reflecting an understanding of retail trends or entertainment-focused brands.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Versatility Showcase: A curated collection of work demonstrating a range of graphic design applications, with a strong emphasis on apparel, soft goods, and merchandise. Include examples of logo design, compositional graphics, and pattern work.

• Technical Documentation Examples: Include samples of CADs and tech packs that clearly illustrate garment placement, color palettes, and specific print instructions. This showcases the ability to translate creative vision into actionable manufacturing specifications.

• Trend Integration Case Studies: Present projects where current retail or lifestyle trends were successfully incorporated into designs, demonstrating market awareness and creative application.

• Production Artwork Samples: Showcase examples of print-ready artwork, highlighting attention to detail in technical specifications for screen printing or other decoration methods.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in managing design projects from concept to production, highlighting efficient workflows and adherence to deadlines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with product development, marketing, and manufacturing teams to achieve project goals.

• Vendor Communication: Illustrate your process for communicating design requirements and specifications to external vendors to ensure accurate product execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a visual showcase but a critical tool for demonstrating operational understanding. Candidates must be prepared to discuss the process behind their designs, not just the final output. This includes how they managed timelines, incorporated feedback, and ensured technical accuracy for production.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Employee Discounts: Potential discounts on merchandise, hotel stays, and attractions within Ryman Hospitality Properties' portfolio.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement in design software and industry best practices.

• Creative Work Environment: Access to a dynamic and collaborative creative team.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required to meet business needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly around product launch dates or special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on national averages for Graphic Designers with 4-5 years of experience, adjusted for the cost of living and average salaries in Nashville, TN, as well as the specialized nature of retail and apparel design. Benefits are typical for a full-time position within a hospitality and entertainment company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality, Entertainment, Tourism, Retail. Ryman Hospitality Properties operates iconic entertainment venues and attractions, including the Grand Ole Opry and Gaylord Hotels, with a significant retail component that connects artists and fans.

Company Size: Ryman Hospitality Properties is a publicly traded company (NYSE: RHP) with a significant employee base across its various properties and divisions. Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) is a key subsidiary. The specific retail team size is likely moderate, fostering a collaborative yet focused environment.

Founded: Ryman Hospitality Properties was founded in 1941. Opry Entertainment Group, as a distinct entity within RHP, has evolved over time, building on the legacy of its iconic brands.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Senior Product Designer, indicating a clear reporting line within the product development or creative services function.

• This role involves close collaboration with the broader retail team, product development specialists, marketing professionals, and external vendors.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative in nature, design decisions will likely be influenced by market trends, fan engagement data, and retail performance metrics.

• Iterative Design Process: Expect a workflow that involves concept development, feedback incorporation, revisions, and finalization for production.

• Brand-Centric Approach: All creative output will be guided by the established brand aesthetics of Opry Entertainment Group and its associated artists and venues.

Company Website: https://www.rymanhp.com/ and https://www.opry.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on entertainment and hospitality suggests a culture that values creativity, customer experience, and a connection to iconic brands. The retail operations within this context are crucial for enhancing the fan experience and creating memorable merchandise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 4+ years of experience and the ability to work independently on design projects while also integrating into larger team efforts. The responsibilities involve not just creative execution but also technical documentation and production liaison, bridging the gap between design and operations.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer reports to a Senior Product Designer. This implies mentorship opportunities and exposure to higher-level design strategy and decision-making within the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the visual appeal and marketability of retail products, influencing fan engagement and revenue generation. Effective design execution contributes to brand perception, sales performance, and overall customer satisfaction within the retail environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like apparel graphics, packaging design, or digital merchandising visuals.

• Senior Designer/Art Director Path: With continued growth and demonstrated leadership in design projects, progression to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role within the retail or creative team is possible.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Potential to gain experience in other areas of marketing or product development through collaborative projects.

• Industry Engagement: Opportunity to attend industry events or workshops related to retail design, apparel trends, and graphic design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" aspect of this role lies in the efficient and accurate translation of creative concepts into manufacturable products. Growth opportunities will likely stem from mastering this translation process, demonstrating an understanding of production constraints, and contributing to the strategic merchandising of retail offerings.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as an "in-office position based in a corporate environment." This suggests a professional workspace within the Opry Entertainment Group's corporate offices in Nashville.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is 1 Gaylord Dr., Nashville, Tennessee, 37214, which is within the Gaylord Opryland Resort area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting supports "focused work while encouraging regular interaction among colleagues," indicating a balance between individual tasks and team-based collaboration.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard corporate office technology, including computers, design software (Adobe Creative Suite), and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the Senior Product Designer, retail team members, and other creative professionals.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.

• A flexible schedule is mentioned, with the possibility of working evenings, weekends, and holidays to support business needs, which is common in retail and entertainment environments, especially during peak seasons or product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "moderate background noise typical of a collaborative office setting" suggests an environment that is not silent but conducive to communication and idea exchange, a common characteristic of creative teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, problem-solving approaches, and how they incorporated trends and technical specifications. Expect questions about their role in product development and vendor communication.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design challenge or exercise to evaluate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and ability to execute within brand guidelines or specific briefs.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion with hiring managers and team members to assess collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, communication effectiveness, and cultural alignment with Opry Entertainment Group's values.

• Final Interview: May involve discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss overall contribution to the retail strategy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements: apparel design, technical illustration (CADs/tech packs), retail product integration, and trend awareness.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, your specific contributions, and the impact of your design (e.g., successful product launch, positive feedback).

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be prepared to walk through your CADs and tech packs, explaining the level of detail and how they facilitate production.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: If possible, showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of lifestyle, entertainment, or brand-specific aesthetics.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your experience with production limitations, and your understanding of retail trends.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Design Exercises: If a design challenge is anticipated, practice creating graphics under time constraints, focusing on quick concept development and application of design principles.

• Brand Guideline Adherence: Prepare to work within hypothetical brand guidelines, demonstrating an ability to adapt your style while maintaining brand integrity.

• Technical Execution: Be ready to demonstrate basic functionality in Photoshop or Illustrator, such as creating simple layouts or manipulating existing artwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenge indicates that practical application and demonstrable skills are paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic and operational thinking behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Essential for raster image editing, digital painting, compositing, and preparing artwork for various applications.
  • Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logo design, typography, and creating scalable artwork for apparel and print.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For creating and editing tech packs, reports, and general documentation.
  • Excel: For organizing data related to design projects, tracking styles, and potentially managing vendor information.
  • PowerPoint: For presentations of design concepts, portfolio reviews, and internal pitches.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified as core requirements for this design role, but an understanding of how designs integrate into marketing automation platforms or e-commerce workflows can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is a fundamental requirement. The ability to create and manage CADs and tech packs implies a structured approach to design documentation that bridges creative output with manufacturing operational needs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging designs that resonate with the target audience and enhance the fan experience.

• Brand Integrity: A commitment to upholding and evolving the established brand aesthetic of Opry Entertainment Group and its associated artists.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with cross-functional teams, share ideas, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

• Attention to Detail & Quality: A meticulous approach to design execution, ensuring accuracy and high-quality output for all products.

• Efficiency & Adaptability: The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving creative briefs and business needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with product development, marketing, merchandising, and external vendors to ensure design concepts are feasible and aligned with business objectives.

• Feedback-Driven Improvement: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes to refine concepts and achieve optimal results.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing design insights, trends, and best practices within the creative team to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values likely emphasize a blend of artistic expression and business acumen, reflecting the operational reality of retail product development within a large entertainment organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetic with Trends: Effectively incorporating current retail or lifestyle trends while staying true to the established brand identity of Opry Entertainment Group and its artists.

• High-Volume Design Output: Consistently producing a significant number of original designs (10-20 per month) while maintaining quality and creativity.

• Technical Production Constraints: Navigating the practical limitations and requirements of various printing and decoration techniques for different product types.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (product development, marketing, vendors) are aligned on design intent and execution details.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn new software features, design methodologies, or specialized illustration techniques.

• Retail Merchandising Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of retail strategies, product placement, and consumer purchasing behavior.

• Production Process Deep Dive: Learning more about the intricacies of textile printing, manufacturing, and quality control for merchandise.

• Industry Trend Monitoring: Staying ahead of design and retail trends through research, conferences, or workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role highlight the need for a designer who is not only creatively talented but also operationally aware and adept at problem-solving within a business context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's specific brand aesthetic with incorporating a new, emerging trend. How did you approach this, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses ability to integrate trends within brand guidelines).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a tech pack for an apparel item. What are the critical details you ensure are included, and why?" (Evaluates understanding of technical documentation and production communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about designing for the Opry Entertainment Group brand and its connection to artists and fans?" (Gauges interest and understanding of the company's unique market).

• "Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a vendor or manufacturing partner to resolve a design or production issue. How did you communicate and what was the resolution?" (Assesses communication and problem-solving skills in a production context).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the objective, your role, the design process, technical considerations (CADs, print specs), and the final outcome.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any metrics related to product sales, fan engagement, or successful implementation.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with your portfolio pieces, explaining the tools and techniques used.

• Demonstrate Operational Awareness: Emphasize how your design process considers manufacturing constraints, cost-effectiveness, and brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also an operational mindset – understanding the practicalities of design execution, production, and brand integration within a retail environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the ADP job portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features apparel design, technical illustration (CADs/tech packs), and examples that demonstrate an understanding of retail trends and brand integration. Tailor your presentation to highlight relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience in retail product design, apparel graphics, screen printing, and proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, technical specifications, and how you collaborate with product development and vendors. Be ready to discuss your understanding of the Opry Entertainment Group brand.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ryman Hospitality Properties, Opry Entertainment Group, and the Grand Ole Opry. Understand their brand aesthetic, target audience, and the role retail plays in the fan experience.

⚠️ 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.