Art Director, Nike Swim

Overview of Company

Perry Ellis International, Inc. represents a diverse portfolio of lifestyle apparel brands. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries owns and licenses nationally and with a brand portfolio of over 42 Brands domestically and internationally recognized brands including: Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist®, and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel.

SUMMARY

Driven by a profound passion for sport, fashion, and elevated craftsmanship, the Art Director will lead the Nike Swim creative team in pioneering groundbreaking art direction. This role demands a visionary leader who can push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, setting new standards for visual excellence. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional skills in illustration, typography, brand identity, and color theory, and will serve as the pivotal link between Nike's overarching creative direction and the unique vision for Nike Swim. As the primary conduit to the Nike Design Global Product Licensing team for prints and graphics, you will ensure seamless integration and alignment across all creative outputs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Visionary Art Direction:
• Establish and articulate a forward-thinking, original seasonal print and graphic direction that aligns with Nike Design's global creative strategy while resonating specifically with the Nike Swim consumer.
• Champion a culture of creative experimentation and risk-taking, driving the team to "push the art boundaries of creativity and innovation."
• Translate Nike's global creative direction into compelling and relevant seasonal print/graphic concepts for the Nike Swim category.
• Strategic Team Leadership:
• Lead the creative art process from initial concept through to final commercialization, providing clear direction and mentorship to the design team.
• Inspire and empower cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Nike Design Global Product Licensing team, ensuring seamless communication and alignment on concept, print, and graphic direction and approvals.
• Proactively engage with clients, fostering open communication and adapting to feedback with agility.

• Exceptional Artistic Expertise:
• Demonstrate mastery in illustration, creating original and impactful visuals that elevate the brand.
• Exhibit expert-level proficiency in typography, selecting and utilizing fonts to effectively communicate brand messaging and aesthetic.
• Maintain and evolve a cohesive brand identity, ensuring consistency and visual impact across all touchpoints.
• Apply advanced knowledge of color theory to create harmonious and impactful color palettes.
• Trend Forecasting and Innovation:
• Maintain a pulse on the latest print and art trends, translating insights into relevant and innovative designs for the Nike Swim category.
• Cultivate a keen understanding of visual culture, demonstrating a deep passion for design and aesthetics.
• Effective Communication and Influence:
• Articulate design concepts with clarity and conviction, utilizing compelling storytelling and presentation skills to influence key stakeholders.
• Foster strong internal and external partnerships through a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• Navigate complex situations with strong soft skills and flexibility.
• Champion diverse perspectives, building an inclusive creative environment.
• Sport, Fashion, and Craft Integration:
• Demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation for the intersection of sport, fashion, and elevated craft.
• Ensure all designs reflect Nike's commitment to high-quality, stylish, and relevant aesthetics.
• Design Execution and Production:
• Create original prints and graphics, including multiple colorways, recoloring, print repeats, resizing, and editing using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Prepare production-ready artwork and pitch sheets, including color separations, dimensions, and color specifications.
• Collaborate closely with apparel designers on print execution, direction, and colorways.
• Analyze artwork to determine optimal print execution and printing techniques.
• Work with technical designers to ensure correct print repeats and placements for final product execution.
• Review all print-related materials, including strike-offs and print placements.
• Approve final execution in partnership with the cross-functional team.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Exceptional visual and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts effectively.
• Expertise in illustration, typography, brand identity, and color theory.
• Comprehensive understanding of printing techniques, graphic applications, and production-ready artwork preparation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects efficiently and meet tight deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge of the apparel product creation process.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 8+ years of relevant design work experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and managing graphic designers.

Legal Disclaimer:

Perry Ellis International is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their individual background and characteristics. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, and termination. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities.

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