Free People Senior Print Designer

Role Summary

Free People is seeking a Senior Print Designer to lead and support the surface design and trend process for jackets and bottoms for the Free People's WE THE FREE label.  This role is central to overseeing the creation and development of original print and pattern artwork that reflects the unique style of the Free People customer. Effective management of deadlines and contribution to the growth of a dynamic team are crucial for success in this position. The focus will be on managing both print and embellishment for jackets/outerwear and bottoms.

Role Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Design Director to execute the seasonal textile vision. Be actively involved in the seasonal trend process, providing structured insights and supporting the Design Director to ensure the vision is realized.
• Work with design and buying teams to develop prints and embroideries for retail and wholesale divisions, particularly for jackets, bottoms, and denim categories. Participate actively in design flow meetings.
• Use traditional drawing, painting, and other artistic techniques, as well as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and AI, to create artwork, layouts, and colorways that are on-brand and trend-appropriate.
• Develop seasonal print and surface design mood boards that reflect trends for jackets/outerwear and bottoms, balancing customer-forward innovation with volume needs.
• Inspire and mentor your team by offering guidance, constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative and innovative design environment.
• Conduct research, create specific print designs, and manage a small team of assistant/associate designers to bring the Design Director’s vision to life.
• Source vintage textiles, prints, and digital image libraries for inspiration to enhance original artwork designs. Utilize AI platforms to diversify and enhance print offerings.
• Stay current with fashion trends related to print and color, incorporating them into designs while ensuring they remain fresh and brand-appropriate.
• Analyze & identify opportunities for growth in processes and within the team.
• Maintain organized file folders with established saving and naming conventions to facilitate easy access for teammates.
• Develop print layouts and provide colorways, collaborating with the color team to align with specific palettes.
• Work with product development and technical designers to set up engineered prints.
• Generate CADs to communicate print placement on garments and create technical packages for artwork to be sent to vendors and factories.

Role Qualifications

• Degree in Fine Art, Apparel Design or related areas of study and 7 Years of related industry experience strongly preferred.
• Previous experience managing 1-2 direct reports preferred.
• Proven experience in print and textile design with strong skills in hand drawing/painting and digital rendering.
• Passion for the brand and understanding of how to translate current trends through the lens of the brand DNA.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, Fresco, and NedGraphics.
• Competence in Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience and enthusiasm for creatively exploring AI platforms a plus!
• Excellent communication skills with a flexible and positive attitude.
• Proactive and passionate about fashion, prints and how to move new ideas forward.
• A creative mindset with a passion for surface design and trend.

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.