Senior Creative Designer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Creative Designer

🔹 Company: Varsity Brands

🔹 Location: Farmers Branch, Texas

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Apparel Design

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-26

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (4 days on-site, 1 flex day)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Designing and developing apparel for the Private Label Sublimation category
• Collaborating with the Innovation Team to ensure design specifications are met
• Presenting design ideas to team members and stakeholders
• Maintaining knowledge of current and emerging design trends
• Building strong relationships with Cross-Functional Teams

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with others.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Create and develop designs for the Private Label Sublimation category based on current trends and market research

✅ Create and present design ideas to team members and stakeholders, adjusting designs based on feedback

✅ Maintain knowledge of current and emerging design trends across all sports, including collegiate and professional teams

✅ Collaborate with the Innovation Team to ensure designs are accurately achieved, with in-depth knowledge of the entire design process from concept to production

✅ Create graphics for internal use when needed

✅ Build strong relationships with all Cross-Functional Team members and attend scheduled design and development meetings

✅ Assist with file reproduction when necessary and work on other Private Label creative projects as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role may require irregular hours when needed.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED required

Experience: 5+ years in Design and Development, Degree Design, or Apparel Merchandising preferred

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing innovative design skills
• Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and fashion trends
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) programs

Preferred Skills:

• Degree in Design, Apparel Merchandising, or a related field
• Experience working with sublimated designs

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is assumed.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Senior Creative Designer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) Plan with Company Matching
• Company Paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks Including Discounts on Personal Apparel and Equipment

Working Hours: Full-time, Exempt (40 hours per week, with some flexibility)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Varsity Brands operates in the executive offices industry, focusing on elevating the student experience in sport and spirit.

Company Size: Varsity Brands has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing a large, established work environment.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but it has a long history in the industry.

Company Description:

• Varsity Brands elevates the student experience by promoting participation, celebrating achievement, and building school pride through its two unique but interrelated businesses: BSN SPORTS and Varsity Spirit.
• The company partners with educators, coaches, and students to build school pride, student engagement, and community spirit.
• Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year through competitions, camps, and sales.

Company Specialties:

• Sport
• Spirit
• Achievement
• Yearbook
• Cheer
• Athletics
• Dance
• Fundraising
• Cheerleading
• New school construction
• Graduation
• School spirit
• Performance arts
• And school needs

Company Website: http://www.varsitybrands.com

ASSUMPTION: Varsity Brands is a well-established company with a strong presence in the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience and expertise in apparel design.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Creative Designer reports directly to the Design Manager.

Work Arrangement: This role requires 4 days of work on-site in the Farmers Branch headquarters, with Friday being a flex day.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a Design Manager or similar leadership role
• Expansion of design responsibilities to include additional product categories
• Opportunities to work on high-profile or special projects

ASSUMPTION: Growth opportunities will depend on the candidate's performance, the company's needs, and the availability of suitable roles.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The company's headquarters is a professional office environment.

Office Location(s): 4849 Alpha Rd., Dallas, Texas 75244, US and 1901 Diplomat Dr, Farmers Branch, Texas, US

Geographic Context:

• The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a vibrant job market and a lower cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas in the United States.
• The area offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, recreational activities, and a strong sports scene.
• The climate is generally mild, with hot summers and mild winters.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is primarily Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a flex day.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is professional and collaborative, with a focus on teamwork and open communication.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or virtual interview with the Design Manager and a member of the Design Team
• Final interview with the Design Director or another senior leader
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Design skills and portfolio presentation
• Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and fashion trends
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best design work, including any sublimated designs
• Research the company and its products to demonstrate your understanding of the brand and its mission
• Practice presenting your design ideas and be prepared to discuss your design process and inspiration

ATS Keywords: Apparel Design, Sublimated Design, Trend Forecasting, Market Research, Collaboration, Communication, Presentation Skills, Textiles Knowledge, Fashion Trends, Design Software Proficiency, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD Programs, Innovative Design, Relationship Building, Flexibility

ASSUMPTION: The interview process may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's needs.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Computer-aided design (CAD) programs
• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Service: We lead with heart. We champion community.
• Passion: We love what we do. It fuels our purpose.
• Integrity: We do what we promise. We own our actions and decisions.
• Respect: We earn it by giving it. Because everyone deserves it.
• Innovation: We never stop striving to be better. For ourselves and our community.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness and honesty in everything we do.

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focused on innovation and continuous improvement
• Results-driven and goal-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to work irregular hours when needed

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong portfolio showcasing innovative design skills?
• Are you knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, and fashion trends?
• Do you have excellent communication and presentation skills?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to work irregular hours when needed?

ASSUMPTION: Cultural fit is crucial for success in this role, as it requires close collaboration with various teams and stakeholders.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role may require irregular hours when needed, which could impact work-life balance
• The work environment can be fast-paced and demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations
• The role may involve working with a wide range of stakeholders, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The company is a large organization with a complex structure, which could present challenges in navigating internal processes and politics

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong communication, adaptability, and a willingness to seek support and guidance when needed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Senior Apparel Designer or Senior Graphic Designer position in other companies, but with a focus on sublimated designs
• The role requires a higher level of experience and expertise than an entry-level or junior designer position
• The role may offer more growth opportunities and career advancement potential than a mid-level designer position

ASSUMPTION: The specific responsibilities and requirements of this role may vary depending on the company and its industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Designing a new line of sublimated apparel for a collegiate sports team
• Creating a collection of spirit wear for a high school marching band
• Developing a series of graphics for a school's yearbook
• Designing a custom uniform for a professional sports team

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of design work that may be required in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the design process from concept to production for one of the company's recent projects?
• How does the Design Team collaborate with other departments, such as Merchandising and Sales?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its designers?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working on a team to create a successful design?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to help the candidate better understand the role, the company, and its culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best design work, including any sublimated designs
• Research the company and its products to demonstrate your understanding of the brand and its mission
• Practice presenting your design ideas and be prepared to discuss your design process and inspiration
• Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.