Job Description
Imagine working for a company with a mission you can truly believe in, a playful and energetic culture, a talented team of coworkers, and a bright future! Melissa & Doug, the toy company committed to igniting imagination and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover their passions and purpose, is looking for a Graphic Designer/Illustrator Contractor. In this role, you'll be an essential part of creating thoughtfully designed toys that encourage children to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, the possible in the impossible.
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are seeking a Graphic Designer/Illustrator Contractor to be based ideally in our Wilton, CT Headquarters on a hybrid schedule, and will report to the Licensing Design Director.In this role, you will be responsible for creating a range of timeless children's products geared to the specialty and mass markets, including toys, arts and crafts, activity books, puzzles, and games. The ideal candidate will have a strong graphic eye, the ability to designate appropriate products, and an understanding of what makes products market-viable. We are seeking a self-motivator with lots of enthusiasm and a drive to deliver results!
Responsibilities:
- Design engaging and educational content for pretend play, activity books, and other early learning toys
- Layout designs quickly to present to and get approval from the management team
- Create original illustrations in a variety of styles to fit mostly paper-based and wood products
- Develop logos, packaging, and any necessary branding materials
- Set up files for print and production
- Maintain style and Iine look of products as a collection
- Deliver accurate specifications and drawings accounting for cost, ergonomic, and manufacturing limitations
- Create packaging, branding, and logos designs as needed
- Miscellaneous duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- BFA or equivalent degree in Graphic Design or Illustration required
- 5+ years in children's product design
- Superb layout and design skills, with attention to detail
- Advanced command of Adobe Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
- The ability to execute under tight deadlines is a key
- Excellent sketching skills to quickly communicate ideas
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in sculpting in clay and/or digitally a plus
- Ability to adapt art style to match existing illustration styles based on licensed programs
- Experience in creating plush and/or fabric products a plus
- We expect all associates to model teamwork and collaboration, organizational awareness, be results focused and to have a growth mindset.
OUR STORY
It all started in 1988 with a boy, a girl, and a dream to make meaningful toys that would inspire hands-on, imaginative play. From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug makes well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. Whether it's creating high-quality toys that are made to last, planting trees to restore the resources we use, or ensuring our products encourage open-ended play for all kinds of kids, we're on a journey to make the world a better, more sustainable place.. While the company approaches $1 billion at retail annually, the quality of every toy, the experience of every child, and the trust of every parent remains at the center of everything we do. To learn more about our mission and commitment to sustainability, go to MelissaAndDoug.com
Melissa & Doug proudly goes beyond being an equal opportunity employer, we work hard to sustain and enhance the natural and organic inclusivity that is fostered every day, by every associate. We don't do this because anyone tells us this is important, we do it because we genuinely want every person who comes to work here to be treated with respect and dignity and to be comfortable being their most authentic, genuine selves.
We hire for character, kindness, humanity, and experience . . . therefore, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; religion; age; sex; national origin; color; ancestry; physical, mental, or learning disability; sexual orientation; transgender status; gender identity and expression; veteran or military status; along with any and all other legally protected characteristics. In that light, we will provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law as it relates to disability and religious beliefs/practices.
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