Designer- Apparel & Merchandise

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Alpharetta, GA (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Creative / Design
Reports To: Creative Director

Position Summary

Swain Apparel Group is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Apparel & Merchandise Designer to develop original apparel, promotional product, and merchandise designs for a diverse portfolio of clients. This role is responsible for transforming client concepts into production-ready artwork while maintaining high standards of creativity, quality, and brand consistency.

The ideal candidate has experience designing custom apparel and merchandise from concept to completion, understands garment decoration and production processes, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. This is a hands-on creative role requiring original design work-not simply modifying existing templates or artwork.

This position is currently hybrid and based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Team members are expected to reliably commute to the office as business needs require.

Essential Responsibilities

Apparel & Merchandise Design

• Create original apparel, merchandise, and promotional product designs for clients across a variety of industries.
• Develop creative concepts that align with client branding, marketing objectives, and project requirements.
• Produce original artwork, graphics, illustrations, typography, and layouts for apparel and merchandise applications.
• Present design concepts and revisions based on client and internal feedback.

Production Artwork

• Prepare production-ready artwork for screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG), direct-to-film (DTF), sublimation, heat transfer, and other decoration methods.
• Ensure artwork meets production specifications, color standards, sizing requirements, and vendor guidelines.
• Review artwork carefully for quality, accuracy, and print readiness prior to production.

Client & Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Account Managers, Production, and Leadership throughout the design process.
• Translate client requests into creative solutions while balancing branding, functionality, and production requirements.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative design ideas.

Project Management

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and production schedules.
• Maintain organized digital files, artwork libraries, templates, and design assets.
• Communicate project status and timelines effectively with internal stakeholders.

Professional Development

• Stay current on apparel trends, decoration techniques, graphic design trends, and industry best practices.
• Recommend creative approaches, production techniques, and design improvements that enhance client deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Visual Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Three (3) or more years of professional experience designing apparel, merchandise, promotional products, or related creative work.
• Demonstrated experience creating original designs from concept to completion.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience preparing production-ready artwork for apparel decoration methods.
• Strong understanding of typography, color theory, composition, and print production.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the custom apparel, promotional products, branded merchandise, or retail apparel industry.
• Knowledge of garment construction, apparel decoration methods, and print production processes.
• Experience creating technical artwork, mockups, and presentation materials.
• Experience working in a high-volume creative or production environment.

Portfolio Requirement

A portfolio showcasing original apparel, merchandise, and graphic design work is required for consideration.

Portfolios should demonstrate experience creating:

• Custom apparel designs
• Promotional merchandise
• Brand identity or campaign work
• Production-ready artwork
• Client-facing design projects

About Swain Apparel Group

Founded in 2011, Swain Apparel Group is a full-service apparel and fulfillment company specializing in custom merchandise, branded apparel, and end-to-end fulfillment solutions. We partner with organizations nationwide to create high-quality branded merchandise and marketing solutions that strengthen their brands and engage their audiences.

One of our largest client segments includes nationally recognized Greek-letter organizations. The Apparel & Merchandise Designer will regularly create custom merchandise and apparel supporting these clients and other organizations served by the company. Applicants should be comfortable designing creative work for a diverse client base.

An offer of employment for this position may be contingent on successfully passing a drug screening and background check. 

Job Posted by ApplicantPro