Designer (Plush)

TalentRemedy•Minneapolis, MN

21d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Designer of Plush, you will work within a team of designers to bring big ideas to life and tell stories that resonate with the consumer. You will use both freehand and digital artistic skills to create designs that are supported by trends and consumer research. You will be responsible for articulating your creative process and vision to the larger team. This is an opportunity to have a big impact on a growing brand. As a designer, you will obsess over understanding trends, consumer lifestyles, and retail markets. Someone who is adaptable through change. A curious mind that is willing to push outside the status quo. A talented artist that can render products and elevate brands to their full potential. A kind human with a soft spot for soft toys.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Design, Fine Arts, Product Development or similar field
Strong sketching, free hand illustration, artistic skills, and character styling a must
5-10 years of experience in plush product design with non-licensed companies such as Just Play, Aurora, Squishmallow, Freeland, etc.
Knowledge of overseas mass production a plus
A strong eye for aesthetics; demonstrates ability to recognize trends, understand the consumer and act as a design visionary
Proven creative problem solver with the ability to efficiently manage multiple product design & development projects at a time
Intense curiosity and passion to explore new formats, techniques and approaches to product development and brand aesthetics
Experience presenting creative direction and design concepts to clients and team members in a compelling and energetic way
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite, especially Photoshop and Illustrator, and Microsoft Office

Nice To Haves

A portfolio available for review.

Responsibilities

Create soft-good products for our client's collections of children's plush toys
Act as the internal creative lead for key account custom projects/programs
Contribute to productive discovery meetings, collaborating with sales teams to develop product solutions
Design within project and brand-specific creative direction, aesthetic values, and stated marketing strategies
Design for age appropriateness and retail pricing goals
Ensure designs meet quality and safety standards
Create and communicate technical product to international and domestic suppliers
Maintain work-in-progress files
Manage traffic of multiple projects of varying complexity
Ensure all projects are completed on time
Identify and design to white space opportunities
Collaborate with colleagues to build and present the business case for product innovation ideas
Gather & synthesize market, trend, and consumer insights
Leverage insights
Contribute to cross-functional team brainstorms
Communicate and coordinate with multiple teams and departments to achieve innovation, trend focused, and salable product
Collaborate with cross-functional team members throughout the design process
Promote a team atmosphere within the design area and among other cross-functional areas of the company
Oversee the work of other entry-level designers as requested
Performs other duties as required