Creative Designer (Softlines) - Sanrio : Job Details

🎀 Welcome to Sanrio! 🎀

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty. We're also home to an endearing cast of characters, including the newly crowned #1 favorite Pompompurin, alongside Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, Kuromi, and many more. Since 1960, our “small gift, big smile” philosophy has inspired a world of delight—where even the tiniest token can spark happiness and connection.

👗 Softlines Design – Where Fashion Meets Storytelling

Do you dream in color palettes, live for trend forecasts, and see every hoodie, tote, or tee as a canvas for creativity? We're looking for a Softlines Designer who's ready to bring bold ideas and character-driven designs to life across apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products. In this role, you'll blend fashion instinct with pop culture savvy, designing collections that are playful, on-trend, and emotionally resonant. Whether you're sketching a kawaii top or refining print placements for a retail rollout, you'll be hands-on from concept to final sample—collaborating with cross-functional teams, licensees, and creative partners to ensure our products are not only on-trend and high quality—but irresistibly cute. If you have an eye for detail, a pulse on what's next, and a passion for expressive design, this is your chance to turn everyday pieces into statement-makers.

🌸 Principal Responsibilities:

The Softlines Designer will work closely within the Softlines division under the guidance of the Softlines Manager to develop creative design solutions from concept to completion. This role requires both independent initiative and strong collaboration skills, with hands-on involvement at every stage of the design process. A solid understanding of product development and the ability to translate ideas into fully realized apparel and accessory designs are essential.

The Details (AKA: Job Duties)

• Review Softline product submissions (including but not limited to apparel and accessories) and provide Licensees with thoughtful feedback on submissions through production; give detailed recommendations and sketches/art as necessary.
• Professionally collaborate with Licensees to ensure brand integrity, design excellence, legal compliance & quality of licensed products.
• Design Softline product concepts for style guides, Licensees, inspiration decks, retail pitches, etc.
• Research and present art/design trends in the industry (especially fashion) & incorporate into future product designs.
• Summarize findings and come up with insights from regular retail check and trend shopping.
• Collaborate with various cross-functional teams and maintain strong business relationships with Licensees.
• Define creative solutions to cost and manufacturing constraints to drive better product.
• Attend meetings as needed.
• Must maintain company/licensee proprietary and confidential design concepts & information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What do YOU bring to the table (AKA: Experience, Skillset & Personal Attributes):

• Four-year college degree in fashion design/ graphic design / Illustration / product design or equivalent experience in similar environment.
• Knowledge and experience in Graphic and Illustration is required.
• Knowledge of trend research (including but not limited to art trend, graphic trend, fashion trend, product design trend) is required.
• Knowledge of Sanrio characters preferred.
• Able to multi-task various duties and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Must have strong flat sketching skills, primarily in Adobe Illustrator.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.
• Must have the ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Some overnight travel is required, including international (up to 10%).
• Experience with Basecamp and My Mediabox is a plus.
• Good organization/prioritization skills necessary to work under tight deadlines, understanding of time management.
• Excellent written/verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• A team player with the ability to take direction and work professionally with others.

Salary: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

*Even though this is a hybrid position, candidates must live in Southern California and be able to travel to our offices one or two days per week.

***Must have and be able to show portfolio of designs.