Head of Print Design w/ a Sense of Humor (Remote Optional)

About the Role

Day-to-day, the Head of Print Design will be responsible for concepting and managing a wide range of design projects, from iconic underwear prints to unexpected collaborations and limited edition releases. This role is as much about creativity and humor as it is about leadership, requiring the ability to set the creative direction, manage timelines, give feedback, and ensure that the work stays sharp from concept through production.

Shinesty prides itself on building a culture that values bold thinking and craft, making it an exciting opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact on a brand that genuinely loves to entertain and push boundaries.

What You Will Do

• Lead seasonal brainstorms across print, graphics, fabric, and design trends to ensure Shinesty's creative output remains sharp and relevant.
• Research competitive and aspirational brands to stay ahead of the curve and identify new print techniques and trends.
• Design across all categories, including ski, formal, hats, socks, tees, knitwear, with a focus on underwear, building custom repeats, reducing color artwork, and delivering production-ready files in Illustrator.
• Collaborate with the Design team on solid color assortments, novelty treatments, and silhouette development.
• Concept and manage artwork for limited editions, retail, and wholesale initiatives.
• Manage, mentor, and motivate a small print design team, setting clear priorities and a high creative bar.
• Run print design reviews with the broader team, gather feedback, and drive revisions efficiently.
• Manage the bi-weekly Sprint Board and hold regular team syncs to keep priorities clear and momentum high.
• Partner with Merch and Ops to improve process and reduce errors across product development.
• Identify smart opportunities to utilize AI and bring in freelance/VA support where it adds capacity.

What We Are Looking For

• 5-10+ years of print or textile design experience in apparel or consumer products, with deep expertise in Adobe Illustrator.
• Extremely strong curation and taste, with a genuine understanding of trend forecasting and the ability to identify what's resonating before it peaks.
• A sense of humor and a real appreciation for what makes Shinesty's brand tick, with the ability to both get the joke and make it better.
• Proven experience leading or mentoring a design team while still being an active contributor, with strong project management skills.
• Ability to hold a calendar, run a meeting, and give direct, constructive feedback.
• Comfortable working across multiple product categories and channels, including DTC, wholesale, collabs, and retail.
• Experience with licensed collaborations, novelty product, or private label is a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI design tools and the ability to integrate them into the design workflow.
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and the ability to incorporate them into product development.
• Familiarity with the current apparel design trends and the ability to forecast future trends.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, operations, and marketing.

Benefits and Perks

• Opportunity to work with a fast-growing brand known for its bold and humorous approach to apparel design.
• Flexible, remote work environment with the option to work from anywhere.
• Competitive compensation package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Access to the latest design software and tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.
• A fun, supportive team environment that values creativity, humor, and collaboration.

• Tip: When applying, make sure your portfolio showcases not only your design skills but also your ability to lead and manage a team, highlighting any previous experience in mentoring or directing designers.
• To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of Shinesty's brand voice and humor, and show how you can contribute to and enhance it through your designs.
• Interviewers look for candidates who can balance creativity with the ability to manage timelines and deadlines, so be prepared to discuss your project management experience and strategies.
• If you have experience with licensed collaborations or novelty products, be sure to highlight this in your application, as it's a valuable asset for this role.
• When negotiating salary, consider the value of the brand's unique culture and the opportunities for growth and professional development it offers, in addition to the monetary compensation.
• Red flag: If the company seems unclear about its design direction or values, or if there's a lack of clarity on the team's structure and how you'll be working with others, it may be a sign of underlying issues.