Associate Concept Artist - Merch

Location: Austin, Texas, United States; onsite role

Salary: $60,000–$70,000 per year

Company

hirify.global is a YouTube entertainment company operating a family of channels with more than 25 million combined subscribers and approximately 300 million monthly views, alongside Aphmau merchandise and ecommerce businesses.

What you will do

• Own assigned portions of Aphmau merchandise collections from research and mood boards through concept development and final artwork.
• Develop multiple product directions covering silhouettes, character applications, poses, expressions, patterns, graphics, materials, functions, and interactive features.
• Refine thumbnails into concepts that communicate product form, visual hierarchy, story connection, and consumer appeal.
• Identify hero products, supporting items, coordinated products, and collectible variations while considering category, price point, production feasibility, and sales channel.
• Create production-ready illustrations, placement graphics, patterns, icons, decorative elements, colorways, and surface designs.
• Prepare organized vendor files, incorporate feedback, review proofs, correct routine deviations, and present creative rationale.

Requirements

• 2–4 years of merchandise, consumer product, or character-based design experience, with a portfolio showing research, ideation, refinement, and finished production-usable artwork.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills, including pattern, icon, and surface design development.
• Working knowledge of brand and character style guides and licensed product requirements.
• Ability to manage several concurrent assignments against a development calendar and consistently meet deadlines.
• Strong character drawing fundamentals, including proportion, expression, and consistency with an established model.
• Comfort giving and receiving direct creative critique and separating feedback on the work from feedback on the individual.
• Clear communication and ability to explain the commercial rationale behind concepts.
• Discipline with file organization, naming conventions, and version control.

Nice to have

• Experience designing plush, collectibles, apparel, accessories, stationery, or home décor.
• Experience working with overseas vendors and reviewing proofs, samples, or digital renderings.
• Familiarity with creator-led brands, fandom-driven products, or licensed entertainment merchandise.
• Curiosity about the Aphmau universe or willingness to learn it quickly, with attention to story accuracy.

Culture & Benefits

• Office-based work in Austin, with lunch, snacks, and drinks provided in the office.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, plus a 401(k) contribution.
• Flexible time off and a learning stipend.
• Onsite fitness center and monthly office pet days.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates coming from outside Austin.