Jr. Product Designer - Winston Brands

POSITION PURPOSE

The Jr. Product Designer conceptualizes and creates new “original” products and product page themes exclusive to our Company’s catalog(s).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Other Duties May Be Assigned

• Researches market trends, trade shows, competitors, and conducts store research for product ideas that will strongly appeal to our target customers.
• Adapts conceptualized ideas into artwork/blueprints (two-dimensional drawings, three-dimensional models and digital imagery) that vendors will use to create the actual product(s).
• Incorporates existing aesthetic standards into ideas and product designs.
• Communicates ideas and concepts to vendors.
• Researches new materials and new technologies that can be incorporated into our product line.
• Presents product and theme ideas to merchandise managers and buyers.
• Works to brainstorm new page spread themes and exclusive new product concepts to fit within those themes.
• Work with freelancers, and communicate with overseas offices.
• Organize all projects and paperwork related to art projects.

SCOPE

• Works under general supervision.  Position requires the exercise of some independent judgment.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• This position has a direct impact on the success of the Company by developing products that delight our customers.
• Creative latitude to develop and present drawings (traditional/digital).
• Frequent interaction with merchandising, quality, and creative teams.  Regular interaction with the management team.
• Works to develop new products and product theme pages that will increase annual sales.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Strong understanding of the job functions and possesses the knowledge and skills required to perform the required job functions.
• Dependable, responsible and willing to accept accountability.
• Strong learning orientation for self; keeps abreast of changes in current field and new technology.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with a diverse audience.  Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong customer service orientation (internal and external).
• Results oriented with good planning, organizational and time-management skills.  Handles multiple tasks in a fast-paced deadline driven environment.  Delivers on commitments.
• Strong follow-through and attention to detail and accuracy of own work.
• Strong decision making and problem solving skills.
• Strong computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, database programs, and report writing.
• Ability to adapt to a continuously changing working environment.
• Ability to develop and implement more efficient ways of working.
• Strong conceptual and drawing skills including computer generated objects in 3D and 2D.
• Creative; ability to assess current and upcoming trends and color palettes.  Talent for creating outstanding unique new products within our price range.
• Familiar with a wide variety of materials and their manufacturers.
• Ability to understand and design for the Company’s target customers’ based on their wants and needs.
• Familiar with standard product design concepts, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of product material, product assembly, and shipping restrictions to help reduce cube size and shipping costs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associates Degree or pursuing a degree in fine Arts or related field; Bachelors Degree is preferred.
• 1+ years of related art/product development experience or have successfully completed an internship in art/product development.
• Strong cross platform MAC and PC skills.
• Quark, Illustrator, and Photoshop experience.
• Adobe CS4 and In Design experience.
• Sculpting and model construction experience a plus.
• Good illustration and rendering skills.
• Textile design or CAD experiences a plus.
• MS Office suite of products to include Excel, Word.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standard office environment.  Stress may occur with tight deadlines and long hours.  Minimal travel may be required.

·         Standard physical activity such as standing, walking, and basic motor skills to access computer files for information, data entry or document creation.  Sitting for extended periods.

Please send resume and link to your website to Lindsay Sandbothe, Career Services Coordinator at lsandbothe@aaart.edu to apply.