Associate Designer, Collaborations
Claire's · Rosemont, IL, USA
About the Role
The Associate Designer, Collaborations supports the development of compelling graphic and packaging designs from concept through production. You’ll work closely with the Design, Merchandising, Production, and Product Development teams to bring creative ideas to life across a high-volume assortment.
This role combines creative design, packaging development, print production, and strong vendor communication. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of design quality and accuracy.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Develop Across Graphic and Packaging
• Support the development of graphic design and packaging concepts across multiple product categories and seasonal collections.
• Create packaging, print graphics, layouts, CADs, die lines, and color specifications.
• Translate creative direction, brand guidelines, trends, and product concepts into engaging graphic and packaging solutions.
• Develop production-ready artwork and technical files for packaging and printed materials.
• Contribute creative ideas during brainstorming, concept development, seasonal refreshes, and new product initiatives.
• Help ensure designs are visually cohesive across products, packaging, and presentations.
Manage Production & Execute at Scale
• Prepare and maintain accurate production files, technical specifications, die lines, and vendor-ready artwork.
• Review proofs, color matches, samples, and material submissions to ensure designs meet specifications.
• Make revisions and troubleshoot artwork or production issues throughout the development process.
• Manage multiple projects and SKUs simultaneously while meeting established deadlines and ship dates.
• Maintain organized design files and ensure artwork is accurately updated throughout the development process.
Communicate with Vendors & Overseas Factories
• Communicate clearly and professionally with overseas factories, packaging suppliers, printers, and vendors regarding artwork, specifications, revisions, samples, and production requirements.
• Clearly communicate design intent and technical requirements to vendors and factory partners.
• Review and provide detailed feedback on factory and vendor submissions.
• Work through production challenges with vendors to identify practical solutions while protecting the integrity of the design.
• Follow up proactively on open artwork, sample, and production issues to keep projects moving forward.
• Partner with Production and Product Development teams to resolve issues and meet critical deadlines.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally
• Collaborate closely with Design, Merchandising, Production, Product Development, and other cross-functional partners.
• Support the Designer across projects from initial concept through final production.
• Participate in design reviews, presentations, and packaging development meetings.
• Prepare presentation boards, packaging decks, and other visual materials as needed.
• Communicate project updates, timelines, revisions, and potential issues clearly to internal teams.
Contribute to Trend & Market Research
• Conduct competitive packaging, graphic design, and product research.
• Monitor emerging graphic, packaging, color, material, and unboxing trends across retail and social platforms.
• Bring relevant trends and visual inspiration to the team to inform future design development.
• Help identify opportunities to keep the assortment visually fresh and relevant.
Who You Are
• Detail-oriented and highly organized — you notice the small things and take ownership of getting them right.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• A creative problem-solver who can find thoughtful design and production solutions when challenges arise.
• A strong team player who collaborates effectively and contributes positively to a cross-functional environment.
• An excellent communicator who can clearly communicate design concepts, revisions, specifications, and production requirements.
• Comfortable communicating directly with overseas factories and vendors and following projects through from artwork to production.
• Able to balance creative thinking with strong attention to production details.
• Comfortable receiving creative direction while also bringing your own ideas and perspective to the design process.
• Proactive, accountable, and able to identify issues before they become larger production problems.
• Comfortable working within tight timelines and a high-SKU-volume environment.
• Passionate about graphic design, packaging, product, and visual storytelling.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, Packaging Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2–4 years of experience in graphic design, packaging design, product design, or print production.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Working knowledge of packaging production, including die lines, print specifications, color separation, proofing, and production artwork.
• Experience developing production-ready artwork and communicating with printers, manufacturers, factories, or vendors.
• Experience working with overseas vendors/factories is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of typography, layout, color, composition, and graphic design fundamentals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.