JOB SUMMARY

The NPD Illustrator is responsible for transforming information and data obtained through creative briefs/new product requests into manufacturable, saleable, compelling new product concepts in the form of sketches, drawings, and/or enhanced engineering images. NPD Illustrator is also responsible for collaborating with various Channel Managers, Independent Sales Representatives (ISR), and Business Development Managers (BDM) to create compelling creative art for current product line.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. New Product Concept Development: Responsible for creating new product concepts based on new product requests (NPRs) as well as input from Director of Creative Services and Program Managers.
2. Creative Art Development: Responsible for creating compelling product art for various sales channels through the use of computers and artistic software.

.DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in design briefs with Customers, Program Managers, Channel Managers, Independent Sales Representatives (ISR), and Business Development Managers (BDM) to identify their needs.
• Develop visual ideas that suit the brief.
• Seek customer approval for ideas with rough visuals – this stage may involve going back to the drawing board several times to rework sketches
• Collaborating with engineers to ensure that profitable manufacturing and assembly factors are integrated into the concept designs.
• Use drawing, sketching and digital painting skills to produce illustrations.
• Decide on appropriate style, technique and medium to produce desired results
• Use various colors, graphics and effects to better visualize each concept.
• Continue to work with the Customer, Program Manager and RSM, seeking approval at all stages of the concept development and making any changes as required, right up to completion of the job.
• Create turnaround images for customer approval and pricing.
• Ensuring the artwork is correctly set-up for whichever decoration method is being used (Paint Masks, Pad Print, Silkscreen, Heat Transfer, Label)
• Ensuring that artistic and design engineering standards are met by performing quality standards review with the Director of Creative Services.
• Produce highly detailed, full color final art for printing on various materials and products.
• Use drawing, sketching, digital painting and photographic skills to produce illustrations, story boards, brochures and any other internal or external company literature.
• Brainstorm with the design team to come up with new coreline product ideas.

GENERAL CONDUCT:

• Maintains respectful working relationship with TeamMates to promote teamwork and a positive work environment.
• Committed to Continual Improvement to raise personal performance above the standard and to develop new methods to eliminate waste, improve productivity and reduce customer complaints.

• Maintains excellent attendance as defined in the Company’s Attendance Policy.
• Supports, enforces and complies with all company policies and procedures, including safety and quality.
• Submits new ideas to improve Safety, Quality and procedural operations that will benefit the Company.
• Actively participates in meetings and discussions by providing suggestions for improvement, problem solving and offering feedback.
• Performs duties in a manner that encourages teamwork and sets a positive example.

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Company Policies and Procedures
• Safety Orientation
• Microsoft Outlook
• ADP
• Art Production Work Instructions
• Key Shot
• Aras
• Free Form Digital Sculpting

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Illustration skills necessary for the job
  • Gesture Drawing (Quick Sketches)
  • Perspective Drawing
  • Strong knowledge of the elements and principles of design
• Strong aesthetic and conceptual skills
• High level of knowledge in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop with emphasis on digital painting

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Fine Arts and Illustration training with Associates or Bachelors degree or related experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged sitting
• CRT Exposure