Surface Print Designer

SURFACE PRINT DESIGNER- Hydrojug Rush Products

ABOUT THE ROLE

HydroJug operates a standard 15-month rolling New Volume Development (NVD) calendar with a dedicated print design pool. But the brand also runs a fast-moving lane of rush programs — limited drops, trend-reactive prints, and product-as-marketing moments that operate outside the standard calendar. This seat is dedicated entirely to that rush lane. You will own artwork execution for HydroJug Rush Products — producing surface print designs at the speed of trend and product opportunity without pulling the core print pool off the NVD calendar. You will work under the craft mentorship of Tayler Henley (Sr. Surface Print Designer) and be project-managed by the PM for HydroJug Rush Products. Creative direction flows from the CEO.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Rush Print Execution: Own artwork creation for all HydroJug Rush program assignments — from creative brief through final production-ready file delivery. Rush programs move on compressed timelines (days to weeks, not months).
• Trend-Reactive Design: Monitor trend signals relevant to HydroJug's customer (color, pattern, surface texture, seasonal themes) and translate them into executable print concepts quickly. Speed of interpretation and execution is a core competency.
• Production-Ready File Delivery: Produce print-ready artwork files that meet manufacturer specifications — repeat setup, color separations, and file prep done correctly the first time to avoid production delays.
• NVD Calendar Protection: Keep rush work fully separate from the core print pool's NVD commitments. If you need input from the core team, you route through the PM, not around them.
• Craft Development: Work under Tayler Henley's guidance to develop and refine surface print craft — repeats, colorways, placement, and artwork techniques specific to HydroJug's drinkware product forms.
• Asset Organization: Maintain clean, organized files for all rush program artwork. Production partners and the product team should always be able to access the latest approved files.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

30 Days

• Fully onboarded on HydroJug brand standards, existing print library, and production specifications.
• First rush program assignment completed and delivered to production-ready status.
• Working rhythm established with Tayler Henley for craft feedback and with the Rush PM for project management.

90 Days

• Rush lane running on a consistent cadence — multiple programs through the design-to-production pipeline.
• Production-ready file delivery quality at a high first-pass acceptance rate (minimal revision rounds).
• Trend monitoring and concept ideation contributing to new rush program proposals.

180 Days

• Rush design output fully decoupled from the core NVD print pool — zero NVD calendar disruption attributable to rush volume.
• Print craft measurably advancing through Tayler's mentorship — visible improvement in repeat quality, colorway discipline, and artwork technical execution.
• Rush programs completing design-to-production handoff on or ahead of schedule consistently.
• You are fast without being sloppy. Rush design doesn't mean lower quality — it means you've built the habits and systems to produce well at speed.
• Your production files are clean the first time. Manufacturer revision cycles caused by bad file setup cost the company more than the time saved on design.
• You translate a trend reference or a brief into a printable, on-brand concept without needing multiple creative direction sessions.
• You stay in your lane. The NVD calendar is not your concern — the rush lane is. You protect both by keeping them separate.

REPORTING & ORGANIZATION

• Creative direction: CEO (Hayden Wadsworth)
• Craft mentorship: Tayler Henley, Sr. Surface Print Designer
• Project management: PM — HydroJug Rush Products
• Location: On-site, Ogden, UT

ABOUT HYDROJUG, INC.

HydroJug, Inc. is a consumer brand headquartered in Ogden, Utah, designing and selling premium hydration and lifestyle products through direct-to-consumer and major retail channels.