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Associate Designer

Brooklyn, New York

ABOUT US  

Uncommon Goods partners with independent makers and small businesses to offer a wide, constantly evolving assortment of original, creative products.  

We are built on better business practices and committed to having a positive impact. Learn more here.   

The best part of Uncommon Goods is us—our team. We've been around for over 25 years because of all the wonderful people who make UG the one-of-a-kind company it is.  

Learn more about our products, B Corp certification, guiding principles, Better to Give program, and team members you might be working with. Listen to the story of Uncommon Goods from our Founder and CEO here and here. 

The Uncommon Goods PD team is a dynamic group of creatives and sourcing experts who contribute directly to creating our highly original and uncommon assortment. We work closely with partners in merchandising, as well as our rapidly expanding on-site manufacturing operation, to develop and bring products to market that delight our customers. In this role, you'll be able to see your original product ideas brought to life to the Uncommon Goods assortment and work closely with other members of the team to develop compelling designs for existing product concepts. 

 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE  

At Uncommon Goods, we believe we're all out of the ordinary. That's why we're committed to making diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging part of everything we do. We strive to make significant changes to our business, from how we find our products to how we build and cultivate our team—so we can be everyone's favorite place to work.  

We are an equal-opportunity employer. If you would like to request any accommodation during the application process, please email people@uncommongoods.com.  

About the Role 

As an Associate Designer, you’ll bring joyful, highly personal product ideas to life through original artwork, surface design, and collaboration. You’ll ideate and design eye-catching, on-brand products that customers haven’t seen before—but instantly feel a connection to. Think unique gifts that make someone say, “That’s so me.” 

This role blends strong 2D illustration and design skills with an ability to think in 3D—how will your design look on a physical product? You’ll work closely with Product Development, Merchandising, and external artists to craft products that feel thoughtful, emotional, and completely Uncommon. 

What You'll Do 

  • Design with impact: Generate original product concepts and surface designs across multiple categories. 
  • Create artwork: Develop graphics, packaging, and design elements within established brand guidelines. 
  • Think like a maker: Understand how artwork interacts with real materials—laser cutting, ceramics, wood, textiles, and more. 
  • Collaborate creatively: Partner with internal teams and external designers to refine and execute concepts. 
  • Manage the details: Create clear design briefs, provide feedback, and work closely with vendors to ensure designs are both beautiful and feasible. 
  • Present your work: Share your ideas with the Product Development team and Merchants, gathering input and refining accordingly. 
  • Support licensed designs: Help bring licensed product ideas to life with thoughtful, on-brand artwork. 

About You 

You're a visual storyteller with an eye for detail, a strong sense of style, and a deep love of the creative process. You're energized by collaboration and love turning ideas into tangible things that people cherish. You know how to pivot when production hits a snag and are just as comfortable brainstorming big ideas as you are nudging a design into pixel-perfect shape. You value collaboration and adaptability, seamlessly balancing artistic vision with practical execution.

You bring: 

  • A bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related field—or equivalent experience. 
  • 3+ years of experience in a design or product development role. 
  • A strong illustration portfolio (send it our way!). 
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). 
  • Working knowledge of layout, typography, and visual storytelling. 
  • Bonus points for experience with 3D product design or licensed product development. 
  • Even more bonus points if you’ve worked with materials like wood, ceramics, or textiles—or are curious to learn. 

 

Portfolio Required 

Please include a portfolio showcasing your illustration and design skills, especially examples where artwork was applied to physical products or packaging. 

 

COMPANY PERKS   

  • Benefits: We invest in your well-being through subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance, and in your future via 401K matching. You can even invest in our future through team member stock options.   
  • Education Subsidy: We reimburse up to $5,250 (the yearly IRS limit) of tuition for college coursework or professional training.   
  • Service: We offer eight hours of paid time-off each year for volunteering.   
  • Commuter benefits: We offer a pretax discount for those who take public transportation (train, bus, and ferry). For those who prefer to pedal to work, we offer significantly discounted yearly Citi Bike memberships and/or will provide money to help with the purchase or repair of your own bike.   
  • Team member discounts: Our team members can buy our goods at a 40% discount (and take our Uncommon Experience classes free).   
  • Work/life balance: We offer generous paid time off, and we supplement New York State Short-Term Disability for 3 weeks and New York State Paid Family Leave for 8 weeks.   
  • Casual environment: No need to dress up—wear comfortable clothes every day. And we hold occasional, fun, company-wide events.   
  • Open book policy: We share our financial results with the entire team every week in our management update email and our monthly company-wide meeting, UncommonCo.   
  • Collaborative environment: Whether it's a data analyst recommending products to the buyers or a warehouse manager providing the theme for an email blast, we welcome your talents and insight, wherever they apply.   
  • Learn more about your FMLA rights here.   

   

This is a full-time salaried position with an annual base salary range of $65,000-$70,000. This role is eligible for our annual performance bonus program and options.  

 

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