Print Designer, Handbags & Accessories at American Exchange Group in New York, New York

Job description

• We are looking for a talented and highly creative Print Designer to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong eye for color, pattern, and trend, with experience developing prints and graphics for handbags and fashion accessories, including umbrellas, hats, scarves, small leather goods, and other accessories.
• This person will be responsible for developing original prints and patterns from concept through production, collaborating closely with the Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and Production teams to create commercially relevant designs that align with each brand's aesthetic and target customer.
• This is a full-time, on-site position based at our headquarters in New York City.

Responsibilities

• Develop original prints, patterns, graphics, and artwork for handbags and fashion accessories, including umbrellas, hats, scarves, small leather goods, and other lifestyle accessories.
• Research current fashion, color, print, pattern, and consumer trends to develop fresh and commercially relevant concepts.
• Create seasonal print and pattern concepts based on brand direction, market trends, and merchandising needs.
• Develop all-over prints, engineered prints, placement prints, repeats, geometrics, florals, conversational prints, logos, and graphic patterns.
• Create and present print concepts, colorways, and pattern stories to the Design and Merchandising teams.
• Adapt prints and artwork across multiple product categories, sizes, shapes, and materials.
• Work closely with handbag and accessory designers to ensure prints complement product silhouettes, construction, and overall design.
• Prepare artwork for production, including repeat patterns, color separations, scale, placement, and production specifications.
• Collaborate with overseas factories and vendors to ensure artwork is accurately executed in production.
• Review strike-offs, lab dips, samples, and production proofs for color, scale, placement, and overall print quality.
• Make revisions and provide clear, detailed artwork comments to vendors and factories.
• Maintain organized print libraries, artwork files, color palettes, and seasonal print archives.
• Create and maintain accurate, production-ready files and ensure all artwork follows brand and technical requirements.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines across multiple brands and product categories.
• Stay current on emerging print, color, fashion, and accessory trends and bring new ideas and inspiration to the team.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in print, textile, surface, or graphic design, preferably within handbags, accessories, fashion, or consumer products.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating original print and pattern development from concept through production.
• Excellent understanding of color, scale, proportion, repeat development, pattern placement, and composition.
• Experience designing for multiple product categories and adapting artwork to different shapes, materials, and applications.
• Strong knowledge of print production techniques and the ability to prepare accurate, production-ready artwork.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; InDesign experience is a plus.
• Experience with textile/surface design software or digital print programs is a plus.
• Experience working with overseas factories, printers, and vendors preferred.
• Strong understanding of fashion and accessory trends, color direction, and consumer preferences.
• Highly creative with excellent attention to detail and strong commercial instincts.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Designers, Merchandising, Product Development, and Production teams.
• Proactive, flexible, and solutions-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Embraces change and challenges and makes recommendations for improvements to products and processes.

Skills

Required

• Adobe Illustrator
• Photoshop
• Print design
• Pattern design
• Color theory
• Repeat development
• Pattern placement
• Composition
• Production techniques
• Trend research
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills

Preferred

• InDesign
• Textile/surface design software
• Digital print programs
• Experience with overseas factories

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Half Day Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Tax-free commuter benefits
• Exclusive employee merchandise discounts
• Salary: The anticipated base salary is $90k-$120k annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location. This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary. The compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.