Freelance Graphic Designer

POSITION TITLE: Freelance Graphic Designer

REPORTS TO: Art Director- Print & Concept

ASSIGNMENT CLARIFICATION:

This position/assignment is temporary. You will be considered an employee of System One, our 3rd party partner of our contractor population, and/or of your specific freelance agency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

In partnership with the Art Director- Concept, you will be responsible for creation and maintenance of brand style guides, image libraries, and internal presentations and documents. You will also support the Art Director & Graphic Designer of Concept with seasonal concept builds, including seasonal mood boards, logo development, typography studies, etc. You will support all three of our design functions as needed: concept & print.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• First priority is to elevate the brand projection by focusing on consistency, aesthetic and technical excellence in the creation and release of all assigned projects.

• Create and maintain internal and external style guides, brand asset libraries, image libraries, presentations and documents through cross-functional collaboration.

• Concept

• Support seasonal concept development / sign-off processes by helping print, cut and set window room presentations

• Support initial prototype releases, development and sign-off

• Support internal milestone presentations and installations (Concept, Pre-Assortment, Coordination)

• Support seasonal sizzle/marketing recap presentations

• Logo and branding projects as assigned

• Print

• Support print team during floorset build / sign-off which may include designing, printing, cutting and setting signage

• Support the physical build and placement of signage as needed during floorset sign-off.

• Track schedule of all assigned projects to ensure deadlines are met for review meetings and release dates. Work through scheduling concerns and roadblocks with manager.

• Special projects, DM, OOH/Ads, coupons, handouts as assigned.

• Spec and release assigned projects.

• Proof and review all routing packets to ensure flawless release.

• Research current design and graphic trends in art and design, fashion, retail and marketing.

• Create and maintain a positive environment for full cross-functional team; key focus on collaboration between all team members.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Able to work in a hybrid environment, which will require working in person/in-office for a portion or all of a week based on the needs of the business

SOFT SKILLS:

• Active listening & solution-oriented thinking; empathy
• Clear, concise and purposeful visual & verbal communication style
• A passion for the work and ability to present effectively to cross-functional team members
• A self-starter with a keen eye for design; drive to collaborate and inspire
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, time-management and planning skills; AKA comfortable working in a fast-paced, detail- and deadline-oriented environment with the ability to drive productive and positive conversations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design or related field
• 0-3 years experience as a graphic designer in a retail or agency environment (or equivalent experience and abilities)
• Expert level of knowledge in Adobe creative suite (Photoshop, Illustrator & Indesign)
• Experience in Figma.

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION:

Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.

• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service. For additional information, please click here
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.