Creative Director of Product Graphic Design for Officially Licensed Apparel Repeating Pattern Design

We are a growing officially licensed collegiate men’s apparel company seeking an experienced graphic designer who can double as a creative director of product to lead the creative development of sophisticated print repeat patterns from concept through production-ready artwork. This role is more about your ability to execute creative direction at scale all while having a deep understanding of US sports teams. We need a creative partner who can take broad direction, conduct visual research, identify compelling themes and design elements, develop an original creative concept, and translate it into a cohesive repeating pattern suitable for premium apparel. The role will require to work highly independently to execute the design vision from start to finish based on our existing product designs to maintain consistency. Responsibilities: Conducting extensive and thorough creative research for each licensed team, identifying key design elements to incorporate into each design. This is the primary and most important part of the job. Be able to delegate work to other graphic designers to achieve designs at scale. Your primary responsibility is end-to-end execution from vision concept to end product result. Work with our supplier to conduct test prints of new designs to ensure accurate colors and legibility is captured. The role requires a strict, unwavering attention to detail Leverage artificial intelligence to generate design elements to deliver designs at rapid speeds. We are a fast growing company that emphasizes creativity and uniqueness, so there is a strong need to leverage technology to achieve high quality creative artwork with speed Ensure design legibility - a common challenge we encounter is ensuring designs are legible even when printed in a small size on fabric Own the design process from initial research through final artwork Establish the creative direction for each new pattern Identify relevant imagery, symbols, themes, and visual references Illustrate original design elements in a consistent style Build balanced, sophisticated seamless repeats Explore color palettes and create alternate colorways Incorporate feedback and refine concepts efficiently Prepare clean, organized, production-ready files Maintain consistency across a growing collection while ensuring each design feels distinct As the role and the company matures, be able to lead unique creative designs that have not been done before in the market. Be able to create seasonal designs and introduce creative refreshes into old styles while retaining the original look that our brand is known for. The ideal designer: Deep and extensive understanding of US/American sports and college teams - the ability to resonate with our customer base and know what they like based on our past sales history Has strong experience in surface pattern, textile, or apparel design Can demonstrate excellent judgment in composition, scale, color, and visual hierarchy Is comfortable working with dense microprints and multiple illustrated elements Can turn research into an original concept rather than relying on generic stock graphics Understands how artwork translates from a screen to a finished garment Is highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator Communicates clearly, meets deadlines, and can manage projects independently Is interested in an ongoing relationship rather than occasional one-off assignments Experience with men’s apparel, performance apparel, licensed products, resort wear, or sophisticated novelty prints is a plus. Please include: Examples of repeating patterns or apparel graphics you personally created that may be relevant A brief explanation of your process from research through final repeat Your weekly hourly capacity Your pricing structure for ongoing design work Confirmation that you can provide fully editable source files and assign commercial rights to completed work. Designers will not retain any intellectual property rights to designs produced. Selected candidates will begin with one paid test project at a time. Additional details and brand materials will be shared privately with shortlisted designers.