Production Graphic Designer, Team Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Production Graphic Designer, Team Apparel

Company: New Balance

Location: Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Design Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-28

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the graphic design direction for team uniforms and complementary training apparel, driving brand consistency and innovation within the New Balance sports categories.

• Prepare technically accurate final production files for partners and vendors, ensuring high-quality output for screen printing, sublimation, and other embellishment techniques.

• Develop impactful sales tools and graphic templates that effectively communicate design concepts and support the sales team's efforts in presenting new apparel lines.

• Research and create cohesive graphic stories and systems that align with team sports trends and performance apparel requirements, demonstrating a strong understanding of the category.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends creative graphic design with production-level execution and sales enablement, requiring a candidate who can translate creative vision into manufacturable assets and compelling visual presentations for key stakeholders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually compelling uniforms and associated team training apparel graphics across various New Balance sport categories, ensuring alignment with brand identity and performance needs.

• Meticulously prepare and format final design files for external partners and vendors, adhering strictly to their specific setup requirements to guarantee print quality and accuracy.

• Consistently meet daily output targets and larger project deadlines as dictated by established process calendars and product development timelines.

• Create adaptable graphic templates optimized for digital customization platforms and advanced sublimation printing processes, enabling efficient use across multiple applications.

• Develop and lay out impactful sales tools, including presentations, lookbooks, and visual merchandising aids, to effectively showcase new apparel concepts to internal teams and external clients.

• Conduct thorough research to conceptualize and develop relevant, cohesive graphic narratives and design systems that resonate with target sports audiences and athlete needs.

• Produce and maintain individual style pages and merchandising boards that visually represent design directions and product assortments for team apparel categories.

• Present graphic concepts, sketches, and final designs to internal product teams, collegiate partners, and management, articulating design rationale and strategic objectives.

• Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings, collaborating with product management, development, and sales to gain a comprehensive understanding of product lifecycles and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong production art skills, detailed understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, and the ability to influence sales through compelling visual communication, indicating a role that is both technically demanding and strategically important for the team apparel division.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of relevant, hands-on experience in the apparel industry, with a focus on graphic design for team uniforms or performance apparel.

Required Skills:

• Graphic Production Expertise: Thorough understanding of graphics production processes, including screen-print color separation, sublimation printing, and various apparel graphic embellishment techniques.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating and manipulating vector and raster graphics.

• Apparel Design Acumen: Solid understanding of team uniform aesthetics, performance training apparel requirements, and basic garment construction principles.

• Artistic & Visual Skills: Strong artistic ability with excellent drawing skills, a keen sense of image and typography, and a sophisticated understanding of design principles and color theory.

• Sales Tool Development: Proven ability to create impactful sales tools, including layout design, visual merchandising, and presentation materials.

• Project & Time Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to meet daily output and project deadlines consistently.

• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present concepts and designs to diverse internal and external audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Team Sports Knowledge: In-depth understanding of team sports, including specific design trends, athlete needs, and the competitive landscape for uniforms and performance apparel.

• Digital Customization: Experience in creating graphic templates suitable for digital customization platforms and e-commerce applications.

• MS Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for general business tasks and reporting.

• Merchandising Boards: Experience creating and maintaining merchandising boards and style guides for product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both artistic ability and production-level file preparation, alongside knowledge of specific apparel manufacturing techniques, suggests a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between creative ideation and commercial viability, a common requirement in fast-paced apparel environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A high-quality, professional portfolio showcasing a range of apparel graphic design work, with a strong emphasis on team uniforms, athletic apparel, and brand integration.

• Demonstrations of technical proficiency in preparing final production-ready files for various printing methods (screen print, sublimation).

• Examples of graphic systems and cohesive design stories developed for apparel lines.

• Visuals of sales tools, merchandising boards, or presentation materials created to support product launches or sales initiatives. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing design projects from concept to final production, highlighting how they ensure accuracy and efficiency.

• The ability to articulate how they research and develop design concepts and graphic systems based on market trends, brand guidelines, and client requirements will be assessed.

• Examples of how they have collaborated with product development, manufacturing, or sales teams to bring designs to life or support business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a production-focused design role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not only creative talent but also technical execution and understanding of manufacturing constraints. The job description implies a need to see how a candidate translates creative ideas into practical, production-ready assets.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,600.00 - $110,400.00 Annual. The actual base pay will vary based on factors including but not limited to relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health: Three medical insurance options, dental insurance, and vision insurance.

• Financial Security: 401K plan, life insurance, and student loan support ($100 monthly).

• Professional Development: Online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, and mentorship programs.

• Lifestyle & Wellness: Yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays, and generous parental leave.

• Perks: Associate discount on New Balance products.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work schedule requiring 3 days in the Boston, MA office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). The company also offers a "Work from Anywhere" policy for four weeks per calendar year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a broad estimate that likely encompasses entry-level to mid-career professionals within this specific role and location. The comprehensive benefits package, especially the student loan support and lifestyle reimbursement, is a strong incentive for attracting talent seeking both career growth and personal well-being support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Footwear & Apparel Manufacturing; Sports & Recreation. New Balance operates in a highly competitive global market, emphasizing innovation, quality craftsmanship, and community impact through sport.

Company Size: Large enterprise (implied by scale of operations and benefits offered). This size suggests established processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: 1906. With over a century of history, New Balance has a deep legacy of innovation and commitment to quality, which influences its current culture of challenging conventions and driving positive change.

Team Structure:

• The Production Graphic Designer will likely be part of a larger Product Design or Marketing team, specifically focused on the Team Apparel category.

• The role involves close collaboration with Product Management, Product Development, Sales teams, and potentially external vendors and partners.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Design Manager or Director within the Apparel division. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the role requires research into market trends, competitor analysis, and understanding of performance requirements to inform design decisions.

• Process-Oriented Execution: Emphasis on meeting deadlines, preparing accurate production files, and adhering to established workflows is critical for successful output.

• Collaborative Innovation: New Balance fosters a culture of challenging conventions, suggesting an environment where new ideas are encouraged, but must be grounded in practical application and business objectives.

Company Website: https://www.newbalance.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: New Balance's long history and stated values ("innovate fearlessly," "challenge conventions") suggest a dynamic yet principled work environment. The focus on community and positive change indicates a company culture that values purpose beyond profit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist within the design and production pipeline. It requires a blend of creative talent and technical production skills, moving beyond entry-level design tasks to direct involvement in manufacturing-ready output and sales enablement.

Reporting Structure: The Production Graphic Designer will report to a design leadership role, likely a Design Manager or Director, within the Team Apparel division. This structure ensures guidance and oversight on creative direction and production standards.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the company's ability to effectively present and produce team apparel. High-quality design execution and accurate production files are crucial for meeting sales targets, ensuring product quality, and maintaining brand reputation in the competitive sports apparel market. The visual tools created also directly support the sales team's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific apparel design areas (e.g., advanced sublimation techniques, specific sport performance wear).

• Creative Leadership: Advance to Senior Production Graphic Designer or Art Director roles, leading design initiatives and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, Merchandising, or broader Marketing roles within the apparel division, leveraging a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Skill Development: Access to New Balance's learning resources (online courses, tuition reimbursement) can support the acquisition of new design techniques, software, or business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the design and production specialization, with potential to move into broader product or marketing roles. The emphasis on technical production skills alongside creative talent makes this a valuable stepping stone for designers aiming for leadership in the apparel industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a requirement to be in the Boston, MA Headquarters three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). The office environment is described as fully open with available amenities.

Office Location(s): Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB). This central location in a major city offers access to a vibrant professional community and potentially numerous amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The 3-day in-office requirement is designed to foster rich in-person experiences, teamwork, and connection, essential for a hybrid model.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and likely high-performance workstations is expected, supporting complex graphic creation and file preparation.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with design, product management, development, and sales teams will be a key part of the daily work, facilitating idea exchange and project alignment.

Work Schedule: While the core is 40 hours per week, the hybrid model with "Work from Anywhere" for four weeks per year offers significant flexibility. The mandated in-office days (Tue, Wed, Thu) likely support key collaboration and team-building activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with designated in-office days is a common approach to balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, particularly important in creative and product development roles where spontaneous idea-sharing and team cohesion are vital.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio. Candidates will be assessed on their technical design skills, production knowledge, and relevant industry experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be expected to present their portfolio, elaborating on key projects, their design process, technical challenges overcome, and the impact of their work. Specific emphasis will be placed on team apparel and production-ready file examples.

• Technical & Creative Assessment: May include a design challenge or a detailed discussion of production techniques, color separation, and file preparation for specific printing methods.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with hiring managers and potential team members from product development, merchandising, or sales to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and understanding of business objectives.

• Cultural Fit: Evaluation of alignment with New Balance's values, including innovation, teamwork, and commitment to quality.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize team apparel, uniform design, and examples demonstrating production file preparation.

• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative process, design rationale, technical challenges (e.g., color separation, sublimation constraints), and the final outcome or impact.

• Highlight Production Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and your understanding of manufacturing processes like screen printing and sublimation. Show examples of final production files if possible.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention how your designs or sales tools contributed to sales, brand recognition, or product success.

• Tailor to New Balance: Emphasize any experience with athletic apparel, team sports, or brands that share similar values to New Balance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a task that might involve creating a graphic concept for a specific sport or team, or adapting an existing design for a different production method. Focus on speed, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Technical Questions: Review common production issues, color modes (CMYK vs. RGB), file formats (AI, EPS, PDF), and the nuances of screen printing vs. sublimation.

• Process Discussion: Be ready to discuss your workflow for managing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and collaborating with non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that includes production-ready files and sales tools suggests that New Balance is looking for a designer who can seamlessly integrate into their product development and sales enablement processes, not just a creative artist.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, pattern creation) and Adobe Photoshop (for raster graphics, image manipulation, mockups).

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word (for documentation), Excel (for data tracking, basic analysis), and PowerPoint (for presentations and sales tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, understanding how design impacts sales metrics (conversion rates, sell-through) and being able to interpret basic performance data for design feedback is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this design role, but awareness of how designs are integrated into e-commerce platforms or digital customization tools might be a plus. Other Potential Tools:

• 3D Design Software (e.g., CLO 3D, Browzwear): Increasingly used in apparel design for realistic mockups and prototyping; familiarity would be advantageous.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com): Experience with tools used for task tracking and team collaboration.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Understanding how design assets are stored and managed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is deep proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with a strong emphasis on their application within apparel graphics production. The mention of "digital customization" hints at a need for designers to be adaptable to evolving digital workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Craftsmanship: New Balance values pushing boundaries through fearless innovation while maintaining a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship in all its products.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: The company emphasizes in-person teamwork and connection, fostering a collaborative environment where associates work together to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Respect: A culture where every associate feels welcomed and respected, with an ethical approach to business and product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While creative, decisions are informed by market research, performance data, and strategic objectives, ensuring designs are both appealing and commercially viable.

• Efficiency & Execution: The role's focus on production deadlines and accurate file preparation underscores the importance of efficient execution and attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with product management, development, sales, and potentially marketing teams to ensure designs meet technical, commercial, and brand requirements.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment that encourages constructive feedback on designs and production processes to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: The hybrid model and emphasis on in-person connection likely facilitate informal knowledge sharing and problem-solving sessions among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: New Balance's stated values, particularly around innovation, craftsmanship, and teamwork, suggest a company culture that is both aspirational and grounded in practical execution. The hybrid model reinforces the value placed on in-person collaboration for creative and product teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Demands: The primary challenge is translating creative vision into production-ready files that meet strict technical specifications, deadlines, and cost constraints.

• Rapid Trend Cycles: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving team sports trends, color palettes, and design aesthetics while maintaining brand consistency.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating design intent and technical requirements to teams with different priorities and expertise (e.g., product development, sales).

• Adapting to New Technologies: Keeping pace with advancements in apparel manufacturing technologies, digital customization tools, and design software.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply new graphic design techniques, software features, and production methods relevant to apparel.

• Industry Trends & Insights: Access to market research, trend forecasting reports, and potentially industry events to stay informed about the sports apparel landscape.

• Product Lifecycle Understanding: Gaining deeper knowledge of the entire product development and manufacturing process through cross-functional collaboration.

• Mentorship: Participation in New Balance's mentorship programs can provide guidance for career advancement and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an excellent opportunity for a designer to hone their production skills and gain a comprehensive understanding of the apparel product lifecycle, which are critical for long-term success in the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating production-ready files for apparel graphics. What are the key considerations for screen printing versus sublimation?" (Focus on technical detail and accuracy).

• "How do you approach developing a cohesive graphic system or story for a new apparel line, and how would you present this to a collegiate partner?" (Highlight research, creativity, and presentation skills).

• "Walk us through a challenging project where you had to balance creative vision with strict production constraints or tight deadlines. What was your solution?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and resilience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about New Balance's approach to team apparel, and how do you see your design philosophy aligning with our brand values?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with your team when working remotely and in-office?" (Address adaptability and communication strategy).

• "How do you measure the success of your graphic designs, particularly in the context of sales tools or product appeal?" (Focus on impact and data-informed perspectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with an overview of your strongest projects, then dive into detailed case studies. For each, clearly outline the objective, your role, the process, challenges, solutions, and the outcome.

• Showcase Production Files: Be prepared to show examples of final artwork, highlighting technical specifications, color separations, or mockups that demonstrate your production readiness.

• Quantify Achievements: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback on how your designs have performed or been received.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the presentation as a conversation. Be ready to answer questions about your design choices, software techniques, and understanding of apparel manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not only creatively talented but also technically proficient, business-minded, and a strong collaborator, capable of translating creative ideas into tangible, commercially successful products.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Production Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the New Balance careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords related to apparel graphic design, production, Adobe Creative Suite, specific printing techniques (sublimation, screen print), team sports, and any experience with sales tools or merchandising. Highlight quantifiable achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant work, focusing on team apparel, uniform design, and strong examples of production-ready files and graphic systems. Ensure it’s easily accessible (e.g., PDF, personal website).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, technical skills, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach New Balance's team apparel challenges.

• Research New Balance: Understand their brand, recent product lines (especially team apparel), and company values. Consider how your design aesthetic and approach align with their brand identity and commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

⚠️ 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.

---