Designer

Job Summary: Designer is a full time position specifically responsible for all aspects of the product design process from conception, to drawings, to prototypes, to final samples. Rooted in the brand history, the designer is responsible for evolving the products to surprise and delight existing customers, while keeping the aesthetic relevant to today’s marketplace. The designer will confidently mix colors, patterns and textures, sometimes bordering on the preposterous, to both maintain and refresh the brand identity in a commercial field otherwise awash with sameness.

Job Responsibilities

This position is tied directly to the Kitchen, Dining, and Entertaining product categories. Knowledge in these three areas will be beneficial to both the candidate and to the product management team.

Responsibilities Include The Following

• Conceptualize and design new products based upon inspirations provided through creative briefs, individual research and discussions with creative director and design team
• Create designs digitally, create designs by hand when necessary, incorporate signature patterns and textures when necessary, create or complete prototype samples, and construct in-house prototypes as needed
• Create manufacturing development packets in collaboration with Product Managers and product instructionals for each new product with an eye to specificity and detail
• Communicate with vendors through telephone and emails, if needed
• Collaborate with the other designers, members of production and quality control for product approval
• Manage work-load and ensure that personal work areas are organized, efficient and tidy
• Interface with design and production to maintain quality and open lines of communication
• Maintain an awareness of market trends and materials to support innovative and unique design initiatives appropriate to the brand
• Create artwork to support the design cycle each season and as needed
• Understand different materials and production processes, and continue to build on that knowledge
• Have an interest in the way people choose and use products, taking time to research classifications to understand customer’s preferences
• Follow the deadlines as planned in the Design & Development Cadence Calendar and manage work flow accordingly
• Order samples or working models when necessary
• Travel on occasion, if needed, to manufacturing resources to train or oversee designs in progress
• Concisely and courteously offer critiques for products and samples in a timely manner
  
  

Education And Experience

• B.F.A. or B.A. in Fine Arts or Design recommended, but not required, based on experience
• Apparel, fashion and home furnishings product designers especially invited to apply
• 3-5 years previous design experience required
  
  

Qualifications Needed

• Must be a creative individual
• Must be an independent self-starter
• Must be able to follow design direction
• Must maintain a positive attitude under pressure
• The ability to design into an established brand aesthetic, while finding new ways to interpret and evolve it
• The ability to communicate design ideas clearly – translating visual ideas verbally and in writing
• The ability to sketch
• Pathing / isolating artwork from background
• Processing and modifying artwork, such as recoloring, scaling, and rotating
• 3D renderings of both symmetrical and non-symetrical components
• Converting product dimensions, photos, and sketches into usable 2D files or 3D models
• Rendering layout of art patterns on simple 3D shapes
• Pantone palettes – create palettes from artwork as well as convert palettes between Pantone systems
• Adobe Creative Suite required and 3-d experience preferred (AutoCad 3D, SketchUp)
• Must be able to work successfully in a team environment, both collaborating as a design team at key moments throughout the process and with product management and Creative Director
• A strong understanding of key design concepts: color, pattern mixing, and historical design preferred
• Organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail required
• Proficiency in 3D software such as Sketchup. Blender, V-Ray or Keyshot
• Proficiency in 2D software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
• Excellent communication skills, including English language
• Deadline driven
  
  

Training Required

Onboarding will be needed to become familiar with the product lines, beyond the website and to build a

familiarity with product lines, design aesthetic and DNA.

Position Will Report To

Design Director

Key Performance Indicators

• Product Sales
• Teamwork / collaboration
• Time management / meeting deadlines
• Creative brand interpretation within meaningful design constraints
  
  

Location:

Aurora, NY – must live in local area