Associate Graphic Designer (Hybrid)

• This is a hybrid role on-site 3 days per week located in Hoffman Estates, IL*

About the Role:

The Graphic Design Associate is responsible for supporting in the delivery of trend right and age-appropriate graphic designs/sketches, artwork, and production art for all department/categories in the company. The Graphic Design Associate will work closely with the graphics team to fully support the aesthetic needs for the company at large.

• Support Designer/Design Manager for assigned category on all day-to-day functions and work with design leaders to achieve deadlines and understand expectations and calendar deliverables.

• Partner with Designer and/or Design Managers as well as Product Development team to create original designs and sketches for assigned category.

• Support the design team in executing a strategic vision, with a customer centric approach, achieving overall brand and product strategy and merchandise objectives/roadmap.

• Preparing artwork for each respective departments, working laterally with design partners to achieve total look, and following thru with production artwork and/or support tech packing.

• Create print and pattern/surface design for various products, including but not limited to textiles, plastic/clear surfaces, metalwork, carding, and packaging.

• Manage and maintain print library (physical and digital), as well as the organization of the pantone (color) room.

• Maintain style boards and print boards and distribute to inter-departmental partners as needed to maintain clear communication across the organization.

• Develop and maintain cross-functional relationships with Product Development, Marketing and Sourcing throughout the development cycle.

• Expert in customer and global competition for assigned department, understanding other retailers' assortments in comparison to Claire's/Icing; Reports back findings to incorporate these opportunities and new trends into upcoming seasonal assortments

• Manage all e-mail correspondence effectively and efficiently, escalating concerns where necessary to the design team.

• Create and facilitate an effective work environment by coaching, developing and mentoring team, developing a common vision, setting clear objectives, modeling teamwork, recognizing and maintaining open communication.

About You

• Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design or of similar field is required.

• •5-8 years design experience

• Expert knowledge in Adobe Creative Suites: Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign

• Artistic ability a MUST: hand sketching, painting, artistic hand and eye

• Ability to recognize and accurately forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate to the Claire's/Icing target customer.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, cross functional environment

• Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills; ability to follow upon tasks

• Design portfolio demonstrating aesthetic and skill aligning to the brand and role requirements

Competencies

• DRIVE FOR RESULTS: Takes ownership and responsibility to achieve business results. Effectively prioritizes daily assignments and plans to work accordingly. Consistently meets deadlines and expectations.

• LEARNING ORIENTED: Actively develops self and/or others using internal/external methods for growth. Pushes self by setting challenging goals to continuously improve.

• ENERGIZE OTHERS: Proactively motivates and inspires others and positively challenges others to be their best. Works collaboratively with other team members.Seeks opportunity to bring positive energy into the workplace.

• CHAMPION OF CHANGE: Embraces new ways of working, has continuous improvement mindset and inspires others.

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.