Creative Merch Lead

Are you a pop culture enthusiast with good knowledge of gaming, animation and internet trends?

Do you have a passion for Merchandise, have team leadership and looking to evolve your skills?

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of this animation and creative studio. This independent studio, based in Parramatta CBD, Sydney boasts a highly successful content hub and millions of subscribers and billions of views across social media, as well as operating as a video and animation studio working with the likes of Screen Australia and Epic Games.

They bring a unique focus on animation, gaming, and pop culture. Their channel boasts over 10 million subscribers and tens of millions of views per episode, and it's still growing strong. The studio is filled with incredibly talented and passionate artists determined to change how animation is produced and treated in the industry.

Our client is looking for a highly skilled and artistically adaptive Creative Merch Lead to join their growing merchandise department. You will work with show creators and brand managers to spearhead the creative side of their merch operations. This includes the design and ideation of product lines for episode releases and special events. Product lines generally consist of 5-9 products that range from categories such as plush, toys, figures, and apparel.

You will supervise a team of designers, providing direction and feedback and ensuring the brand integrity of each show is maintained. Given that their content spans a wide variety of genres and styles, you will need to adapt to different art styles and product types, as well as have a deep understanding of different demographic interests and cultures.

Your Duties Will Include:

• Ideating and designing innovative and appropriate products and packaging for all their IP
• Working with the Head of Product and Executive team to create a holistic merchandise strategy including release dates, product categories, and IP representation
• Creating 2D illustrations and designs for retail products and packaging spanning a variety of different art styles
• Creative supervision and direction of designs, packaging, and illustrations
• Creative supervision and direction of the creation of physical products and merchandise
• Supervising the translation of designs and artworks into technical drawings usable by manufacturers
• Supervising and art directing licensed merchandise designs provided by third-party companies
• Quality assuring merch samples
• Ensuring all merch products are on brand for the shows and demographics they belong to and are of the best possible quality
• Leading and upskilling a team of designers

A Successful Candidate Will Have:

• A high degree of skill in 2D illustration, design, and art direction
• Ability to adapt to multiple art styles, product types, and intended demographics
• Experience in technical drawings for product manufacturers
• Expert knowledge in drawing and art editing software
• Wide knowledge of product types, designs, specifications, materials, and production
• Deep understanding of the early teens to young adult demographic, particularly those in the animation, gaming, anime, and “nerd” cultures
• Deep understanding of their shows and audience
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Strong work ethic and time management skills
• A love of YouTube content and related programming
• A willingness to do a test

Bonus Skills:

• Comic and graphic novel illustrating
• Graphic design
• 3D modeling/art
• Web development and UX/UI experience
• Concept art and character design
• Experience with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere

What They Offer:

• A competitive starting salary with reviews every 6 months
• A flexible work arrangement and schedule, with options for work from home and flexi-hours
• A relaxed and fun office environment where individual input is valued
• Regular work functions and free entry to conventions and events
• Relocation assistance for workers wishing to move to Sydney
• Close to public transport in the heart of Parramatta CBD
• Paid gym memberships
• Regular company breakfasts/lunches
• A diverse team that values independent input and career development

This is an exciting role that will link a passion for gaming and online culture with clear career growth opportunities.

If you are ready to make a move and have the skills, experience and passion for this role - we would love to hear from you.

Due to the volume of applications, we can only reply to candidates who are suitable for our current roles.