YM Inc. was founded on the strength of a single retail store in the heart of downtown Toronto in 1975, under the name Stitches. Today we are one of North America’s leading apparel retailers operating over 750 stores across Canada and the United States under the following banners: Stitches, Urban Planet, Urban Behavior, Sirens, Forever 21, Urban Kids, Suzy Shier, Le Chateau, Bluenotes, Aeropostale, Amnesia, Thriftys, West 49, Mandee, Charlotte Russe, and Rue21.
How you will make a difference:
The Junior Graphic Designer – Buying is responsible for helping drive and define graphics, from concept to final design, with a focus on tee graphics and all-over print (AOP) designs that are cutting-edge, fresh, and print-production ready. This role collaborates closely with the Design team and the Buying Department to ensure every design meets our production schedule and reflects current tee and streetwear market trends.
What You’ll Do:
- Create original tee graphics and all-over print (AOP) designs, plus supporting apparel marketing designs (e.g. hangtags, woven labels)
- Build repeat and engineered AOP layouts, ensuring seamless repeats and correct scale/placement for garment production
- Determine size, arrangement, and placement of illustrative material, building layouts based on aesthetic design concepts and body/garment templates
- Prepare print-ready files (separations, repeats, mockups) for screen printing, sublimation, and DTG production
- Present finished tee and AOP design samples to the Design Manager for approval
- Assist in building seasonal design concepts and mood/trend boards for tee and print-focused lines
- Work closely with Design and Buying teams to ensure a cohesive tee and graphics line across banners
- Develop seasonal themes and graphic direction using trend research, competitive shopping, and market inspiration
- Design and develop labels, tags, and branding accessories for tee and print product
- Actively participate in expanding the graphics presence across apparel lines, collaborating with apparel designers on placement and print technique
- Act as an internal resource on graphic aesthetic, print techniques, and production processes
- Conduct store visits and competitor shop reports focused on tee and graphic trends
- Stay current on graphic design trends, new printing techniques (screen print, sublimation, discharge, puff, foil), and industry resources
What You’ll Need
- • Post-secondary education in Graphic Design
- 1+ years of experience in graphic design, ideally with tee graphics or all-over print
- Experience preparing print files for production (repeats, separations, spec packages)
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator CS+, Adobe Photoshop CS+, Adobe InDesign, and Acrobat 6
- Comfortable and energized working in a fast-paced, in-office studio environment (this is not a remote or hybrid role)
- Genuine passion for fashion, streetwear, and youth apparel trends, with the drive to grow a career in the industry
- Excited to work hands-on with physical samples, print swatches, and in-person design reviews
- Experience designing for a junior/youth target market an asset
- Experience with screen printing, sublimation, or fashion apparel production an asset
- Proficient on both Mac and PC
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
What we offer:
- Competitive Compensation Package
- Health and Dental Benefits Plan
- Paid Sick Days
- Employee Discount
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Ongoing Training and Development
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Being part of an amazing, supportive and collaborative team
YM Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. If chosen to participate in the selection process, accommodations are available upon request. We will consult with the applicant to provide or arrange suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs.
This posting is for an open vacancy. We use AI in our screening process.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From $45,000.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- North York, ON M6A 2W1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Graphic design: 1 year (required)
- Adobe Illustrator: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
