Designer - Apparel, Graphics & Print (fixed-term contract)

Designer - Apparel, Graphics & Print (fixed-term contract)

Posted 1 day ago by The Walt Disney Company

Negotiable
Undetermined
Onsite
London, England, United Kingdom

Summary: The Designer for DTR apparel accounts at Disney will play a crucial role in creating innovative designs that reflect the brand's storytelling and character magic. This position involves collaborating with various teams to develop commercial designs and ensuring adherence to brand guidelines. The role is based in London and is a fixed-term contract until September 2026, requiring on-site attendance four days a week. The designer will contribute to the EMEA business by translating trends into captivating designs across Disney franchises.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the Senior Product Design Manager to support creative growth across Disney franchises.
  • Research trends and develop inspirational product creative from concept to product design.
  • Pitch new product ideas and develop core category toolkits for DTR apparel accounts.
  • Ensure creative synergy and coordinated support for larger projects with product design teams.
  • Check all assets for creative flair and technical precision before approval.
  • Shape trend boards and generate innovative ideas for future projects.
  • Maintain compliance with corporate guidelines for character consistency and brand authenticity.
  • Forge effective relationships within the product design and development community.
  • Attend trade shows to understand the EMEA marketplace and seek creative solutions.
  • Energize creative product design brainstorm sessions and support digital presentation tasks.
  • Collaborate with teams to ensure character and franchise authenticity in designs.
  • Plan projects effectively with the Product Design and Development Manager or Lead Designer.
  • Ensure projects are executed seamlessly, within budget, and on schedule.

Key Skills:

  • BA Hons (or equivalent) in product, fashion, or print design.
  • Experience in commercial design or product design at a licensee, retail head office, or supplier.
  • Background in retail or manufacturing design practice.
  • Experience designing programmes for licensed products is advantageous.
  • Ability to develop foundational design solutions and innovative styles.
  • Awareness of marketplace trends in design and retail.
  • Understanding of colour theory and advanced skills in Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Comprehensive understanding of design aspects including illustration and trends.
  • Ability to collaborate or work independently to achieve objectives.
  • Appreciation of Disney characters and storytelling.
  • Keen attention to detail and ability to manage workload under pressure.
  • Capability to convey design ideas using various techniques.
  • Strong written and spoken English; proficiency in additional European languages is a plus.
  • Cultural awareness and understanding of diverse local markets across EMEA.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: London

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: on-site

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other

Detailed Description From Employer:

About The Role & Team
Step into the creative heart of Disney as a Designer for our most dynamic DTR apparel accounts, where imagination and innovation meet iconic storytelling. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the EMEA business, translating trends and consumer insights into captivating, commercial designs across every Disney franchise. You’ll craft distinctive graphic assets and inventive design tools, setting new standards for creativity while championing the enduring magic of our beloved characters. Your vision and artistry will help elevate the Disney brand, delighting fans and building the presence of DCP throughout the region. This is a fixed-term contract position until the end of September 2026, located at our London office in Hammersmith, requiring four days of on-site attendance per week.

What You Will Do
Collaborate closely with the Senior Product Design Manager and support creative growth across Disney franchises, leading projects from concept to final artwork and distribution. Research trends and develop inspirational product creative, from concept through to product design and product visuals Pitch new product ideas to partners and develop core category toolkits for dynamic DTR apparel accounts within Disney Consumer Products. Work in partnership with consumer segment and product design teams to ensure creative synergy and co-ordinated support for larger projects. Ensure all assets are meticulously checked for creative flair and technical precision before approval by Senior Product Design Manager, Development Director, and key stakeholders. Shape trend boards and generate innovative ideas that bring freshness to future projects, while building on established strategies. Maintain full compliance with corporate guidelines to guarantee character consistency, design integrity, and brand authenticity. Forge effective relationships within the wider product design and development community Attend trade shows as needed to expand understanding of the EMEA marketplace and seek new creative solutions for business growth. Energise creative product design brainstorm sessions with internal and external teams, providing support in tasks such as downloading, backing up, archiving, and creating digital presentations. Collaborate with product teams, designers, and artists to ensure character and franchise authenticity, synchronising design and art styles. Work hand-in-hand with the Product Design and Development Manager or Lead Designer to plan projects effectively, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgets. Ensure every agreed project is executed seamlessly, within budget, and on schedule.

Required Qualifications & Skills
BA Hons (or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as product, fashion, or print design Demonstrated experience in commercial design within relevant categories, or in a product design position at a licensee, retail head office, or supplier Background in retail or manufacturing design practice, with an understanding of how buyers plan ranges and the practical applications of product development and graphic design Experience in designing programmes for licensed products is advantageous Ability to develop both foundational design solutions and innovative, trend-responsive styles Awareness of marketplace trends in design and retail, with the capability to translate concepts into marketable, commercially viable products Understanding and effective application of colour theory and usage Advanced skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, and other creative suite software Comprehensive understanding of all aspects of design, including illustration, pattern, page layout, colour, product design, and trends, with the ability to create original graphic assets Ability to collaborate as part of a team or work independently to achieve shared objectives Appreciation of Disney characters and storytelling, with insight into how these elements inform product design Keen attention to detail, with the ability to manage workload under pressure and prioritise tasks effectively Capability to convey design ideas using freehand drawing, digital techniques, and/or third-party design resources, to both internal and external partners Strong written and spoken English for professional use; proficiency in additional European languages is a plus Cultural awareness and an understanding of diverse local markets across EMEA

The Perks
25 days annual leave Private medical insurance & dental care Free Park Entry: the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free Disney Discounts: entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing Excellent parental and guardian leave Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST. The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.