Associate Designer - Women's & Kids Concept & Color

JCrew • New York, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Designer - Concept & Color supports J.Crew’s Women’s and Kids design teams in shaping seasonal color stories and creative direction. Reporting to the Concept & Color Designer, the role supports seasonal creative development through research, storyboarding, palette development, and deck building. It translates research and inspiration into polished visual presentations that guide the design process and maintains color inspiration and accuracy from initial concept through final product. The position is suited to curious, detail-driven candidates from design, fashion, or other creative backgrounds who want to grow in a collaborative team.

The role supports the Concept & Color Designer with seasonal research and trend, market, and competitive analysis; developing and presenting concepts and color stories to design, merchandising, and production partners; creating and refining concept decks and visual materials; and developing concept boards and palettes throughout the season. It also conducts comparative shopping and color and material sourcing, maintains seasonal color palettes, libraries, and systems across divisions, ensures consistent color names, numbers, and standards in PLM, and evaluates color against standards and vendor submissions using systems such as Pantone and CSI. The Associate Designer partners with internal teams and suppliers to handle color requests and approvals, and guides and delegates work to the Color Librarian Assistant, helping prioritize maintenance, administrative work, deadlines, and requests.

The position offers a salary range of $72,500 to $89,750. The role is described as following a hybrid work model. Benefits and perks may depend on work location, employment type, and eligibility.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in color, concept, graphic, or design support within fashion, apparel, or a related creative field; internships and freelance work count.
• Proficiency in Miro and Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Understanding of a PLM system.
• Working knowledge of color theory, color systems such as Pantone, and color matching.
• Strong visual eye and ability to translate research and trends into clear, polished presentations.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and seasonal deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, a collaborative approach, and openness to feedback.
• Ability to accurately distinguish and match color.

Nice To Haves

• Experience creating digital renderings or CAD for apparel or accessories.
• Experience in women’s or kids’ apparel design.
• Experience guiding or mentoring interns or junior teammates.

Responsibilities

• Support seasonal inspiration and research, including trend, market, and competitive analysis, for Women’s and Kids concepts.
• Assist in building and pitching seasonal concepts and color stories to design, merchandising, and production partners.
• Build and refine concept decks and creative visuals using Miro and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Build and evolve concept boards, decks, and color palettes as collections develop.
• Conduct comparative shopping and color and material sourcing; report on trends.
• Manage and maintain seasonal color palettes, the color library, and color systems across seasons and divisions, keeping color names, numbers, and standards consistent in PLM.
• Match and evaluate colors against standards and vendor submissions using color systems such as Pantone and CSI.
• Partner with internal teams and suppliers to support color requests and meet approval timelines.
• Guide and delegate work to the Color Librarian Assistant, helping prioritize day-to-day color library maintenance, administrative needs, seasonal deadlines, and color requests.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance for eligible associates and family members.
• Family planning support, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
• Fitness discounts and medical travel benefits.
• Associate discount across J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell brands.
• Hybrid work model and early office closure at 1:00 PM on Fridays during summer months.
• Philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program supporting local communities.
• PTO package and a winter break at the end of December for eligible full-time Home Office associates.
• Opportunity for a bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed