Assistant Designer, June 2025 Executive Development Program

TWCC Product Devel + Sales - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Entry Level

Atlanta, GA

About the position

Carter's Inc. is seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our design team as a Design Assistant. This role is pivotal in supporting the design process for our brands, which include Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, Skip*Hop, and Little Planet. The Design Assistant will report to a Designer and will be based in our Buckhead office, working in a hybrid environment that requires in-office attendance four days a week. The position is designed for recent graduates who are eager to learn and grow within the apparel industry, particularly in the realm of children's clothing. In this role, you will be involved in various aspects of the design process, dedicating approximately 50% of your time to design process and communication support. This includes facilitating communication between design and internal business partners, participating in daily follow-ups, and learning the creative process by observing design leaders. You will also be responsible for preparing and updating linesheets using Adobe Illustrator, maintaining fabric and trim details in Miro, and managing silhouette numbers. Additionally, you will assist with pre-production art, participate in the fit process, and train interns on silhouette sketching and line sheet responsibilities. Another 30% of your time will be spent on product line development, where you will sketch technical drawings, communicate design intent, and independently design at least one program or a portion of a program under the mentorship of your supervisor. The remaining 20% of your time will focus on creative concept research, where you will present innovative design concepts, prepare design samples, and assemble creative trend boards for presentations. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about design and eager to contribute to a team that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation. You will have the chance to work closely with experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience in the design process, all while contributing to a company that is committed to serving families with young children.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication for all aspects of design from initial concept to final product development.
• Participate in daily follow-ups with internal business partners through email and meetings.
• Learn the creative process by observing design leaders in their day-to-day work.
• Prepare and update linesheets in Illustrator and maintain fabric and trim details in Miro.
• Manage silhouette numbers and assist with pre-production art, including reviewing prints and validating color chips.
• Participate in the fit process and update design sketches based on feedback during fittings.
• Train interns on silhouette sketching in Illustrator and line sheet/BOM responsibilities.
• Build and update color swatch palettes as needed for the team.
• Regularly communicate progress with cross-functional partners.
• Edit all product details throughout the design review process that impact final product commercialization.
• Sketch technical drawings in Illustrator and communicate design intent.
• Independently design at least one program or a portion of a program with supervisor's mentorship.
• Research and present design and creative concepts that demonstrate innovative, brand-right creative.
• Prepare and request design and proto samples from Product Development & Sourcing team.
• Assemble creative and/or trend boards for internal or external presentations.

Requirements

• Must have a portfolio showcasing design work.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (3.2 GPA or higher strongly preferred).
• Required to have graduated within 6 months of class start date.
• Must be able to start in the role full time by June 2025.

Nice-to-haves

• Exhibits inquisitiveness and a strong desire to learn.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Basic knowledge of garment construction, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication, and trim.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• Strong time management and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, creative, and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to interpret supervisor's direction effectively.
• Strong sense of color and aesthetic, with the ability to interpret creative trends for the Carter's brand.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator.
• Working knowledge of Miro preferred.
• Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management tool preferred.

Benefits

• Career development programs including mentorship and training opportunities.
• Access to Carter's University and Toastmasters for professional growth.