Jewelry & Packaging Graphic Designer, Bridge & Costume

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Jewelry & Packaging Graphic Designer, Bridge & Costume

Company: American Exchange Group

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating fashion trends into commercially viable jewelry collections and integrated packaging designs within the bridge and costume jewelry segments.

• The designer will be instrumental in the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial concept and trend forecasting to technical drawing and final production alignment.

• A key focus will be on creating cohesive brand experiences through innovative packaging solutions that resonate with retail partners and end consumers.

• This position requires a blend of artistic creativity, technical proficiency in design software, and a strategic understanding of retail market demands and production capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title and description focus on graphic design, the responsibilities clearly indicate a role deeply embedded within product development and merchandising operations for the fashion accessory industry. The emphasis on "bridge & costume" jewelry and "packaging" suggests a need for understanding market segmentation and retail presentation strategies, aligning it with operational aspects of Go-To-Market (GTM) product launches.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Executive Team and cross-functional departments (Sales, Production, Sourcing) to conceptualize and execute innovative jewelry designs that align with brand vision, target customer profiles, and market demand.

• Design complete jewelry collections by researching and interpreting seasonal trends, translating them into brand-appropriate concepts that meet specific price points and sales objectives.

• Develop cohesive packaging concepts that complement and enhance the jewelry assortments, ensuring brand consistency and market appeal.

• Prepare detailed technical drawings and potentially CAD renderings of proposed jewelry products to facilitate clear communication with the production team and ensure manufacturing accuracy.

• Create repeat patterns and graphic layouts for packaging materials, display units, and other collateral, maintaining a high standard of visual appeal and brand integrity.

• Photograph and organize catalog images throughout the development process, from initial samples to confirmed production pieces, for internal reference and client presentations.

• Generate comprehensive recaps and compelling presentations for internal sales meetings and external market appointments, effectively communicating design strategies and product offerings.

• Maintain a rigorous standard of creativity, precision, and efficiency while managing multiple projects concurrently and adhering to strict deadlines within the product development calendar.

• Continuously update packaging designs seasonally to reflect evolving trends and client requirements, ensuring freshness and relevance.

• Support research and development of emerging fashion directions by creating quarterly trend guides and style plans to inform design strategies.

• Interpret design and style trends within established pricing strategies and the technical capabilities of the production team, ensuring designs are both desirable and manufacturable.

• Take on ad-hoc projects and responsibilities as needed to support departmental and broader company objectives, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a hybrid role bridging creative design with operational execution. The emphasis on "technical drawings," "production," "sales needs," and "client use" highlights the operational aspects of bringing products to market, requiring coordination and understanding of manufacturing and sales processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Jewelry Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field is preferred.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience specifically in jewelry design, accessory design, or a related creative role within the fashion industry.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for graphic design and layout creation.

• Demonstrated ability to design full jewelry collections aligned with current fashion trends, target customer demographics, and price point strategies.

• Experience in developing cohesive packaging concepts and graphic layouts for retail applications.

• Strong understanding of jewelry design principles, materials, and market positioning within the bridge and costume jewelry segments.

• Ability to translate seasonal trends into commercially viable and executable product designs.

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and meeting tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork with cross-functional departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with technical drawing software, CAD rendering, and packaging design software.

• Familiarity with wholesale (WS) retail environments, including experience designing for multiple retail accounts and understanding their diverse brand identities.

• Knowledge of retail timelines, margin structures, and merchandising strategies.

• Experience with photography and image organization for catalog and internal use.

• Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Previous experience working within the jewelry industry is strongly preferred.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Core Qualifications" section in the raw data provides a more nuanced breakdown of required expertise, particularly emphasizing "Jewelry Industry Expertise" and "Wholesale (WS) Retail Experience," which are critical for understanding market dynamics and operational constraints in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 projects demonstrating end-to-end product development from concept to execution, highlighting your role in trend interpretation and design creation.

• Include specific examples of jewelry collection designs, clearly outlining the inspiration, target market, and key pieces developed.

• Present distinct packaging design projects that illustrate your ability to create cohesive visual identities and functional retail packaging solutions.

• Demonstrate technical design capabilities through clear examples of technical drawings, CAD renderings (if applicable), or detailed product specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process from trend research and concept ideation through to final artwork and production hand-off.

• Articulate how you approach translating market trends and sales needs into design briefs and actionable design plans.

• Explain your methods for ensuring design consistency across jewelry pieces and coordinating them with complementary packaging.

• Detail your workflow for managing multiple design projects, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines within a product development calendar.

• Be ready to explain how you incorporate feedback from sales, production, and executive teams into your design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is standard, but its content needs to reflect the operational aspects of design. It should not just be aesthetic, but demonstrate an understanding of market viability, production constraints, and retail presentation, which are critical for a role bridging creative and operational execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated base salary for this position is $70,000 - $80,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits: Includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: With a company match, offering financial security for the future.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: Providing work-life balance and time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Flexible Fridays: Enjoy shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons, enhancing work-life integration.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options for managing healthcare expenses with tax advantages.

• Tax-Free Commuter Benefits: Assistance with commuting costs.

• Exclusive Employee Merchandise Discounts: Opportunities to purchase company products at a reduced price.

Working Hours: The standard work week is 40 hours, with a hybrid work arrangement. Specific daily hours may vary, but the "Flexible Fridays" benefit suggests a culture that supports work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the New York metropolitan area for a mid-level creative role with operational responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a full-time position in the US, with specific perks like "Flexible Fridays" that enhance the overall employee value proposition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion Accessories, Brand Management, Retail Distribution. American Exchange Group operates within a highly dynamic and trend-driven market, focusing on delivering value and quality across a diverse range of products including footwear, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, home goods, and beauty. This positions the company at the intersection of manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods.

Company Size: American Exchange Group is a significant player in the fashion accessory market, implied by its distribution to major retailers internationally and its broad product portfolio. The company size suggests a robust operational structure capable of managing global distribution and brand partnerships.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's description as an "industry leader" and its focus on "raising the bar by disrupting the status quo" points to a company with established market presence and a forward-thinking approach to business and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into the "EGH Prod Merch" department, suggesting a close connection to product development and merchandising operations.

• Collaboration is expected with the Executive Team, Sales, Production, and Sourcing teams, indicating a cross-functional and integrated operational environment.

Methodology:

• The company's ethos emphasizes "disrupting the status quo with value and quality," suggesting a culture that encourages innovation, efficiency, and a keen eye for market trends.

• A "hustle" mentality combined with "heritage" implies a blend of hard work and established expertise.

• Data-driven decisions are likely paramount, especially in trend forecasting and product assortment planning to meet sales needs and retail demands.

Company Website: www.axnygroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description as an "industry leader" and its broad distribution network imply a sophisticated operational framework. The emphasis on "disrupting the status quo" suggests a culture that values innovation and efficiency, which is highly relevant for operations professionals seeking to drive improvements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Mid-level" position, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It sits between entry-level design and senior management, offering a blend of creative execution and operational responsibility. The scope includes contributing to product strategy, executing design according to market needs, and collaborating across departments to ensure successful product launches.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to the "EGH Prod Merch" department, likely under a Design Manager or Director of Product Development. Regular interaction with the Executive Team is also noted, indicating visibility at higher levels of the organization.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the company's product offerings, brand perception, and ultimately, sales revenue. By creating trend-aligned jewelry and packaging, they influence consumer purchasing decisions and ensure the company's products meet the demands of major retail partners, thereby contributing to the overall Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for accessories.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Potential to deepen expertise in jewelry design, packaging innovation, and trend forecasting within the fashion accessory market. Opportunities to gain experience in technical drawing, CAD, and photography for product development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Growth through close collaboration with Sales, Production, and Sourcing teams, providing insights into the broader operational aspects of product commercialization and supply chain management.

• Advancement: Potential to move into senior design roles, lead specific product categories, or transition into merchandising or brand management roles within American Exchange Group, leveraging a strong understanding of product development and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a solid foundation in product development operations within a fast-paced consumer goods environment. Growth opportunities are tied to mastering the blend of creative design and operational execution, with clear pathways into more strategic GTM and product management functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring presence in the New York City office for a portion of the work week. This suggests a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York, New York (specific address not provided, but postcode 10018 suggests a Midtown Manhattan location). This location offers access to a vibrant fashion and business hub.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid nature implies a collaborative office environment for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on design work, complemented by remote work capabilities.

• Access to design software and potentially a photography studio for product cataloging is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (Sales, Production, Sourcing) will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative workspace.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The "Flexible Fridays" benefit indicates a company culture that values work-life balance by offering shortened workdays during specific seasons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and NYC location are attractive for many creative professionals. The emphasis on collaboration with diverse teams is critical for understanding the operational flow of product development and GTM.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving skills, and how they approach trends and production constraints. A practical design exercise or case study related to jewelry or packaging might be included.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Sales, Production, and potentially Executive Team members to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of retail dynamics, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership to confirm overall fit and potential for growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in jewelry design, packaging design, and your understanding of the fashion retail market.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate your thought process – from initial brief and trend research to concept development, design execution, and any production considerations. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Retail Relevance: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of wholesale/retail environments, target customer profiles, and the ability to meet specific price points and brand guidelines.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Include examples of technical drawings, CAD renderings, or detailed specifications where relevant, alongside final visual designs.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to successful product launches, increased sales, or positive client feedback, be prepared to mention this.

• Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio showcases experience relevant to bridge and costume jewelry, and that your packaging designs are sophisticated and retail-ready.

Challenge Preparation:

• Trend Analysis: Be ready to discuss current and emerging trends in jewelry and fashion accessories, and how you would translate them into a collection.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you handle design challenges, conflicting feedback, or tight deadlines.

• Brand Alignment: Practice articulating how you would ensure designs align with specific brand identities and market segments.

• Technical Skills: If a design exercise is given, focus on clear communication of your design intent and efficient use of time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges indicates that the company values practical application of skills. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to move from creative concept to commercially viable product, demonstrating an understanding of operational realities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for all graphic design, layout, and image manipulation tasks.

• Canva: Mentioned as a tool, suggesting its use for quick graphics, presentations, or internal collateral.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard requirement for general business operations, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for reports, data tracking, and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Additional Preferred Tools:

• Technical Drawing Software: Experience with tools for creating precise technical specifications for manufacturing.

• CAD Rendering Software: Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering tools for product visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design software. However, the mention of technical drawings and CAD rendering points to a need for skills that bridge creative software with engineering/manufacturing specifications, a critical operational interface.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value, driving the creation of fresh, market-relevant jewelry collections and packaging concepts that disrupt the status quo.

• Quality & Value: Commitment to delivering high-quality products at competitive price points, a key differentiator in the mass-market and bridge segments.

• Efficiency & Precision: Maintaining high standards of creativity while also being precise and efficient, especially when managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working closely with the Executive Team, Sales, Production, and Sourcing to ensure cohesive execution and alignment across departments.

• Trend-Awareness: A proactive approach to researching and interpreting fashion trends to inform design strategies and maintain market relevance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Sales (to understand market needs and client requirements), Production (to ensure designs are manufacturable), and Sourcing (to understand material and cost implications).

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that likely involves iterative design processes, incorporating feedback from various departments and stakeholders to refine concepts.

• Presentation-Oriented: The need to generate presentations for internal and external meetings highlights a culture that values clear communication and the ability to articulate design rationale and strategy effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and operational rigor. A candidate who can balance artistic vision with practical considerations for production, sales, and market trends will thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Trend with Commercial Viability: The primary challenge will be to interpret fast-moving fashion trends and translate them into jewelry and packaging designs that are not only aesthetically appealing but also commercially successful and manufacturable within specific price points and production capabilities.

• Managing Multiple Brands & Retailers: Designing for diverse retail accounts simultaneously requires adaptability to different brand identities, customer bases, and aesthetic requirements, demanding strong organizational skills and brand awareness.

• Tight Deadlines & Fast Pace: The fashion accessory industry is highly trend-driven, requiring designers to work efficiently under pressure to meet seasonal product development calendars and market appointment deadlines.

• Technical Execution: Ensuring that creative designs are accurately translated into technical drawings and specifications for production can be challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail and clear communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Industry Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in bridge and costume jewelry market segments, understanding nuances in materials, construction, and consumer preferences.

• Expand Technical Skills: Develop advanced proficiency in technical drawing, CAD rendering, and potentially 3D modeling for more complex product visualizations and manufacturing specifications.

• Understand Retail Operations: Learn the intricacies of wholesale merchandising, retail margin structures, and the demands of major retail accounts from a design perspective.

• Brand Management Exposure: Contribute to the visual branding of various product lines, understanding how design impacts brand perception and market positioning.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept through sourcing, production, sales, and retail distribution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a dynamic creative role within a product-focused operation. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to build a career at the intersection of design and commercial strategy in the fashion industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for researching and forecasting jewelry and fashion accessory trends. How do you translate these trends into commercially viable collections for a specific price point?" (Focus on methodology, market research, and commercial execution.)

• "Walk us through a packaging design project from conception to completion. What were the key considerations, challenges, and how did you ensure it aligned with the product and brand?" (Highlight problem-solving, collaboration, and retail readiness.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with the technical capabilities and cost constraints of the production team?" (Emphasize collaboration, practical execution, and communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about American Exchange Group and our role in the fashion accessory market?" (Research the company's brands, market position, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with sales and production teams, especially when there are differing opinions on design direction?" (Discuss your communication style and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you prioritize and ensure timely delivery?" (Demonstrate organizational skills and time management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the objective/brief, explain your process and challenges, showcase your design solutions (jewelry and packaging), and discuss the outcome or impact.

• Highlight Key Contributions: Clearly articulate your specific role in each project, especially if it was a collaborative effort.

• Emphasize Retail Thinking: For packaging, discuss functionality, shelf appeal, and brand messaging. For jewelry, discuss target customer, price point, and wearability.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: If you've included technical drawings or CAD, be ready to explain them and discuss their importance in the production process.

• Show Enthusiasm for the Brand: Connect your design aesthetic and experience to American Exchange Group's product categories and market approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent and operational understanding. Candidates need to prove they can not only design beautiful products but also execute them effectively within a commercial and production framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Jewelry & Packaging Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the American Exchange Group careers portal (axnygroup.bamboohr.com/careers/240).

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest projects in jewelry design and retail packaging, specifically showcasing your ability to work within bridge and costume jewelry segments and align with wholesale/retail requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 3-5 years of relevant experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other relevant tools, and any specific experience in the jewelry industry or wholesale retail. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, trend interpretation skills, and experience with technical execution. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently and discuss how your skills align with American Exchange Group's needs.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research American Exchange Group, its brands, its market position, and its company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.