A Merchandise Designer for a sports company creates innovative and appealing product designs that resonate with fans and athletes alike. They develop unique apparel, accessories, and promotional items that enhance brand identity and drive sales. Their work involves collaborating with marketing and production teams to ensure products meet performance standards and market trends.
Create apparel graphics and logos
Design impactful apparel graphics and logos by combining creativity with industry trends to produce visually appealing and marketable designs. Utilize graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, to develop artwork that aligns with brand identity and target audience preferences. Collaborate with marketing and production teams to ensure designs meet printing specifications and drive customer engagement.
Design team uniforms and fan gear
Create visually appealing and functional team uniforms and fan gear that reflect team identity and enhance brand recognition. Collaborate with marketing and branding teams to incorporate logos, colors, and design elements that resonate with fans and athletes alike. Utilize knowledge of fabric technology and current design trends to produce comfortable, durable, and stylish apparel suitable for on-field performance and fan engagement.
Develop product mockups and prototypes
Designers proficient in creating product mockups and prototypes transform concepts into tangible visuals, enabling iterative feedback and refinement. Expertise in tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD enhances accuracy and user experience simulation. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles to effectively communicate functionality and aesthetics to stakeholders.
Select fabrics, colors, and trims
Choose high-quality fabrics that align with the design's purpose and season, ensuring durability and comfort. Select colors that complement the collection's theme and appeal to target customers, while incorporating trims that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Focus on coordinating materials that elevate the overall garment production process and meet industry standards.
Collaborate with athletes for custom merchandise
Work closely with athletes to design and produce custom merchandise that reflects their personal brands and resonates with their fan base. Utilize knowledge of materials, printing techniques, and market trends to ensure high-quality, appealing products. Provide creative input and logistical support throughout the collaboration process to maximize both athlete satisfaction and sales potential.
Research sports fashion trends
Researching sports fashion trends involves analyzing current market data, consumer preferences, and emerging styles to identify popular patterns and future directions. This role requires staying updated with industry reports, social media insights, and competitor activities to provide actionable recommendations for product development and marketing strategies. Strong attention to detail and a passion for sportswear innovation are essential to successfully influence brand positioning and sales growth.
Adapt branding for various merchandise items
Adapt branding for various merchandise items by ensuring consistent application of the brand identity across products such as apparel, accessories, and promotional materials. Collaborate with design and marketing teams to customize logos, colors, and messaging for target audiences while maintaining brand guidelines. Review prototypes and final products to guarantee quality and adherence to brand standards, enhancing customer recognition and engagement.
Prepare production-ready artwork files
Create and finalize production-ready artwork files by ensuring all design elements meet print specifications, including color modes, bleed settings, and resolution standards. Verify that files are properly formatted for various printing processes such as digital, offset, or screen printing to guarantee high-quality output. Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot any technical issues and optimize artwork for efficiency in the manufacturing workflow.
Coordinate with manufacturers and suppliers
Coordinate with manufacturers and suppliers to ensure timely procurement and delivery of materials, maintaining a reliable supply chain that supports production schedules effectively. Monitor quality standards and negotiate terms to optimize cost-efficiency while adhering to industry regulations. Utilize strong communication and organizational skills to foster collaborative relationships, streamlining operations and enhancing overall project success.
Review and approve pre-production samples
Review and approve pre-production samples to ensure compliance with design specifications and quality standards before mass production. Evaluate material selection, construction accuracy, and finish details to prevent costly errors and maintain brand integrity. Recommend adjustments promptly to streamline the production process and achieve optimal product outcomes.