Licensed Apparel Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Apparel Graphic Designer (Licensing & Apparel Graphics) Company: Fabletics Location: El Segundo, CA Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative / Design Operations Date Posted: September 24, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (4+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and execution of compelling apparel graphics, with a specialized focus on licensing agreements and strategic brand collaborations.
• Collaborate intrinsically with internal design teams, product development, production, marketing, and external licensing partners to translate brand visions into impactful visual assets.
• Drive creative direction and concept development by identifying key cultural, consumer, and category trends relevant to partnerships and collaborations.
• Ensure all graphic applications are commercially relevant, aesthetically aligned with Fabletics' brand, and faithful to partner brand guidelines.
• Manage the end-to-end graphic design lifecycle, from initial concept and pitch sheets to final artwork archival, ensuring accuracy, feasibility, and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Apparel Graphic Designer," its core responsibilities heavily involve managing creative assets for external brand partnerships, aligning closely with aspects of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations through visual asset strategy and cross-functional execution. The emphasis on licensing and brand collaborations suggests a need for strong project management and stakeholder communication skills, which are critical in operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create original licensed graphics, including illustrations, logo treatments, text compositions, and embellishment details (trims, packaging).
• Produce high-quality pitch sheets and concept presentations, effectively communicating creative direction, technique, and placement strategies to licensing partners.
• Adapt and recolor graphics to meet specific brand requirements and partner guidelines, maintaining a strong aesthetic sensibility.
• Translate partner brand identities into unique, elevated graphic applications that resonate with the Fabletics customer base.
• Research and present seasonal mood boards and inspiration specific to partnerships and collaborations, highlighting relevant print and graphic techniques.
• Act as a technical expert for graphic execution across diverse apparel categories and licensed product lines, ensuring feasibility and quality.
• Facilitate and manage the partner approval process, ensuring efficient workflow and timely execution of creative assets.
• Maintain organized tracking, archiving, and management of all artwork across multiple partnerships and seasonal collections.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product Development, Production, Marketing) to ensure seamless integration of licensed graphics into product lines and campaigns.
• Proactively contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and project management, akin to GTM operations where creative assets drive commercial outcomes. The need to manage approvals, track artwork, and collaborate across departments highlights the operational aspects of design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design or a closely related creative field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in apparel graphic design, with a strong preference for demonstrated experience in licensing or brand collaboration projects.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Suite Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for vector and raster-based graphic creation and manipulation.
• Graphic & Print Techniques: Deep understanding of various graphic techniques, including screen printing, embroidery, appliqué, and specialty finishes, with the ability to apply them effectively.
• Vector and Hand-Drawn Artwork: Proven ability to create compelling artwork in both vector formats and through hand-drawn illustrations, demonstrating artistic versatility.
• Color Theory & Adaptation: Strong eye for color, with the capability to adapt and recolor graphics to meet diverse brand and partner requirements.
• Organizational & Project Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple licensed projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met.
• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present creative concepts confidently to internal teams and external licensing partners.
• Brand Aesthetic Translation: Ability to understand and translate diverse brand aesthetics into commercially relevant and on-brand apparel graphic applications.
• Detail-Oriented & Solutions-Driven: Meticulous attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Licensing Project Experience: Prior experience specifically working with licensed intellectual property and managing relationships with licensors.
• Trend Forecasting: Ability to identify and leverage cultural, consumer, and category trends to inform graphic design opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product development, production, and marketing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a need for technical proficiency in design software and a strong understanding of production techniques, which are foundational for operationalizing creative concepts. The emphasis on organization and communication aligns with operational efficiency and stakeholder management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Brand Integration: Showcase examples of successfully integrating external brand identities and licensing elements into apparel graphics.
• Process Workflow Examples: Include case studies or visual examples that illustrate your design process from concept to final execution, highlighting problem-solving.
• Technical Execution Variety: Present a range of graphic techniques (e.g., screen printing, embroidery, appliqué, vector illustration) and their application on different apparel types.
• Collaboration & Presentation: Provide examples of how you've presented creative concepts to stakeholders or managed feedback from partners.

Process Documentation:

• Concept to Production: Illustrate a clear workflow for developing graphics from initial research and concept ideation through to final artwork preparation for production.
• Brand Guideline Adherence: Demonstrate how you interpret and apply complex brand guidelines or licensing requirements to create cohesive graphic applications.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Show how you've collaborated with other departments (e.g., product development, production) to ensure design feasibility and timely delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, serving as a tangible representation of operational capability in design execution. It should demonstrate not just creative talent but also the ability to follow processes, manage projects, and collaborate effectively, mirroring the requirements of a GTM or operational role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $65,000 - $100,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Offers flexibility to balance in-office collaboration with remote work.
• Discretionary Paid Time Off: Flexibility in managing personal time off.
• Summer Fridays: Enhanced flexibility during summer months.
• Healthcare Plans: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Fabletics products.
• 401k: Retirement savings plan with potential company match.
• Annual Bonus Program: Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Equity Program: Potential participation in company stock options or grants.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement that requires in-office presence and allows for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level to senior designer in the El Segundo, CA area. The benefits package is robust and includes elements that support work-life balance, which is often a key consideration for operations professionals seeking stability and well-being. The hybrid arrangement is a common operational model in today's work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Activewear, Fashion Retail, E-commerce. Fabletics operates within a dynamic and fast-paced fashion industry, requiring agility and responsiveness to market trends and consumer demands. Company Size: While specific numbers aren't provided, Fabletics is a well-established brand within the TechStyle Fashion Group, indicating a substantial organization with established processes. Founded: 2013. Fabletics has rapidly grown into a leading direct-to-consumer activewear brand, known for its innovative marketing and community engagement.

Team Structure:

• Reporting Line: Reports directly to the VP of Men’s Design, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design department.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with Product Development, Production, and Marketing teams, requiring strong interdepartmental communication and alignment.
• Creative Team Dynamics: Part of a fast-paced, energetic creative team focused on bringing fashion-forward activewear to market.

Methodology:

• Trend-Informed Design: Employs research into cultural, consumer, and category trends to inform creative output, particularly for collaborations.
• Brand Aesthetic Alignment: Prioritizes maintaining Fabletics' core aesthetic while successfully integrating external brand identities.
• Collaborative Workflow: Utilizes a collaborative approach with internal and external stakeholders to ensure creative vision and project success.

Company Website: fabletics.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Fabletics' culture is described as fast-paced and energetic, suggesting a need for adaptability and proactivity in operations and design roles. The emphasis on trend research and cross-functional collaboration is characteristic of efficient GTM operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level within the design function, offering opportunities to manage complex projects and influence creative output for key brand initiatives. It requires a level of autonomy and expertise comparable to a specialized operations role. Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the VP of Men’s Design places the role within a senior leadership framework, allowing for exposure to strategic decision-making within the design department. Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts product appeal, brand perception, and the commercial success of licensed collaborations, influencing revenue streams and market positioning. Effective execution of these graphics is a critical component of the go-to-market strategy for these specific product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Licensing: Deepen expertise in managing and designing for brand collaborations and licensing agreements, becoming a go-to resource.
• Creative Leadership: Potential to move into lead or senior designer roles, mentoring junior designers and taking ownership of larger creative projects.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain broader exposure to product development, production, and marketing operations through close collaboration.
• Brand Strategy Involvement: Contribute to the strategic planning of future collaborations and graphic design initiatives for Fabletics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "operations" title, the role demands operational rigor in managing creative projects, timelines, and stakeholder relationships, offering a pathway for growth into more operationally focused creative leadership roles or GTM strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, based at Fabletics Headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Office Location(s): El Segundo, California Headquarters.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The El Segundo HQ likely serves as a central hub for creative collaboration, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions.
• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard creative software and hardware is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with design peers, cross-functional teams, and leadership for feedback and project alignment.

Work Schedule:

• Hybrid model implies a structured schedule balancing in-office days for collaboration with remote days for focused individual work, typical for many modern operational environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key operational characteristic, requiring individuals to manage their work effectively across different locations and maintain productivity and collaboration regardless of physical presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of resume and portfolio by HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative fit.
• Creative/Technical Interview: A deeper dive into design skills, software proficiency, and understanding of graphic techniques, potentially with a portfolio review.
• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication abilities, and understanding of how design integrates with product development, production, and marketing.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Men's Design) to discuss strategic thinking, trend awareness, and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Licensing Success: Emphasize projects involving brand collaborations or licensing, showcasing your ability to navigate partner requirements and brand aesthetics.
• Showcase Process: Include examples that demonstrate your design process, problem-solving approach, and attention to detail from concept to final artwork.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Present a diverse range of styles, techniques, and applications to showcase adaptability and technical skill.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): While challenging for design, if any projects had measurable commercial success or specific impacts, briefly mention it.
• Concise Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and directly relevant to the role's requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to translating brand guidelines, your inspiration sources, and how you handle constructive criticism or feedback from partners.
• Familiarize yourself with Fabletics' current product lines and marketing campaigns to demonstrate understanding of their brand aesthetic and target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical operational gate for this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative output but also their process, adaptability, and ability to manage projects effectively, mirroring the expectations for operations professionals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic creation, manipulation, and final artwork preparation. Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop is paramount.
• Vector Graphics Software: Expertise in creating and managing vector-based artwork for scalability and print.
• Digital Illustration Tools: Capability in using digital drawing tablets and software for hand-drawn elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analysis role, understanding how graphics perform (e.g., through marketing campaigns) could be beneficial, though not explicitly required.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with project management or asset management systems that might be used internally for workflow tracking could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are centered around design software. For operations professionals, understanding how these creative tools integrate into broader workflows (e.g., asset management, production pipelines) is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity Driven: A core value is the generation of innovative and visually compelling designs.
• Collaboration Focused: Emphasis on teamwork and working effectively with internal and external partners.
• Customer Centricity: Designs aim to resonate with and appeal to the Fabletics customer.
• Trend Awareness: Staying abreast of fashion, cultural, and consumer trends to inform design decisions.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: While creative, the role requires adherence to deadlines and efficient project management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Works closely with product development, production, and marketing teams to ensure seamless execution of designs.
• Partner Engagement: Fosters positive and productive relationships with licensing partners, managing feedback and approvals effectively.
• Team Synergy: Contributes to a positive and energetic team environment, sharing ideas and supporting colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values emphasize a blend of creative excellence and operational effectiveness, requiring designers to be both artists and effective project collaborators.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetics: Effectively merging Fabletics' brand identity with diverse partner brand guidelines requires strong creative problem-solving.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Juggling feedback and approval processes from internal teams and external licensing partners can be demanding.
• Trend Translation: Accurately identifying and translating fleeting trends into commercially viable graphics for a specific market.
• Technical Execution Demands: Ensuring graphics are technically sound for various apparel production methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Licensing Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in the intricacies of licensing agreements and brand collaborations within the fashion industry.
• Advance Design Skills: Continuously refine graphic design skills, explore new techniques, and stay ahead of design trends.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Develop a broader understanding of the apparel product lifecycle, from design concept through to production and marketing.
• Brand Partnership Management: Enhance skills in managing external relationships and navigating complex partnership dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to develop specialized skills in a niche area of design operations, managing complex creative projects with external dependencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Discuss your process for creating graphics for licensed products, including how you balance partner brand guidelines with your own creative vision and Fabletics' aesthetic.
• How do you stay updated on cultural, consumer, and category trends, and how do you incorporate them into your design work?
• Describe a challenging project where you had to manage feedback from multiple stakeholders (internal and external). How did you navigate it?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What excites you about Fabletics as a brand, and how do you see your design skills contributing to its mission?
• How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of design, such as product development or marketing?
• Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Walk through your portfolio, explaining the context, your role, the challenges, your process, and the outcome for each relevant project, especially licensing examples.
• Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly articulate the software and techniques used for each piece.
• Highlight Problem-Solving: Emphasize how you overcame design challenges or met specific brand requirements.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and confidently, allowing time for questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only creative talent but also a structured approach to design, an understanding of brand integration, and strong interpersonal and project management skills, all crucial for effective operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Apparel Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on workdayjobs.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant apparel graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on any licensing or brand collaboration projects. Tailor your presentation to highlight your ability to adapt to different brand aesthetics and execute complex graphics.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 4+ years of experience, specific skills in Adobe Creative Suite, knowledge of print techniques, and any experience managing projects or collaborating with cross-functional teams. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process, creative decisions, and problem-solving approach for key pieces, particularly those demonstrating your ability to work with external brand guidelines.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fabletics' brand, its target audience, current product offerings, and recent marketing campaigns 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.