Senior Art Specialist

Bad Birdie•Scottsdale, AZ

About The Position

The Senior Art Specialist is responsible for developing artwork and graphics for seasonal collections, collaborations, and special projects. This role oversees a Graphic Designer and partners closely with Design, Product Development, and external collaborators to ensure art aligns with brand strategy. With a balance of sourcing external artwork and creating in-house, the ideal candidate brings a strong design eye, excellent organizational skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Success in This Role Within the first 3 to 6 months, success looks like: Seasonal art is delivered on time to the milestone calendar from concepts to approvals to production-ready files. Art direction is clear and supports the seasonal design vision and brand strategy. Artwork is production-ready with minimal supplier back and forth due to file, placement, and spec accuracy. Centric PLM artwork sections stay accurate, current, and organized. External partners are managed well through strong briefs, predictable revisions, and on-budget delivery. Artwork budget is tracked and controlled throughout the season with appropriate approvals.

Requirements

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign).
Strong understanding of textile printing processes (screen printing, digital printing, sublimation, etc.).
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, with strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent communication skills with ability to bridge creative vision and production realities
Strong attention to detail
Effective communication and collaboration skills within cross-functional teams.
Strong understanding of fashion/apparel industry
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Textile Design or related field preferred.
4+ years of experience in art management or production
Portfolio demonstrating a strong range of print work and design

Nice To Haves

PLM experience is a plus.
Print background preferred

Responsibilities

Art Management
Owner of the art & graphic process throughout seasonal concepting including:
Color Palette: Consult with Design on seasonal color palette.
Art Direction: Curate artwork informed by data, insights, and design direction from Merchandising and Design.
External Partners: Manage relationships with design studios, artists, and contractors; lead art meetings, organize concept decks, and ensure smooth collaboration between external partners and Bad Birdie.
Milestone Meetings: Own all art preparation, including mockups, printed materials, and art boards; present the art direction to support the overall design vision in partnership with design.
Budget: Manage artwork purchasing and tracking with approval from the Head of Product; align on budget at kickoff and ensure spend is maintained throughout the season.
Owner of Art Contractor relationship
Own the creation of art briefs (with support from the Graphic Designer and in alignment with Design); lead kickoff meetings and manage communication throughout development.
Art Production
Ensure design files and specifications are production-ready, partnering closely with the Graphic Designer, Design, Product Development, and suppliers.
Owning and accurately maintaining the artwork portion within Centric PLM .
Review & Approvals
Oversee artwork submits, supported by graphic designer
Oversees SMS meetings when needed to review samples and provide feedback.
Cross Functional Support
Own print marketing naming, working closely with leadership for approval.
Taking on ad hoc projects pertaining to Sales and Brand (Special Projects)
Including owning artwork and supporting techpack ownership (BOM Creation)