Job Description

CMF & Customization Designer 

San Mateo, CA (Remote considered- Los Angeles area preferred)

Role Overview:
The Color, Material, Finish & Customization Designer plays a crucial role in leading the design and customization of Limited Edition products, collaborating with Game Studios, marketing, and production teams. This position requires advanced technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to manage complex projects within a highly collaborative environment. The designer will ensure all designs align with brand and technical standards, meet production timelines, and maintain the highest standard of creativity and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Leadership: Lead design projects from ideation to final production, creating and managing comprehensive work-back schedules. Maintain adherence to key milestones and provide project updates to cross-functional partners.
• Creative Concept Development: Develop and/or translate creative vision into detailed, production-ready designs with high-quality 2D and 3D renderings that communicate design intent effectively. Develop story-driven design concepts that align with brand and product identity.
• Sample & Production Oversight: Conduct detailed color and quality assessments on product samples, providing actionable feedback on hardware parts, color chips, and renders. Work closely with internal teams and manufacturing partners to troubleshoot and resolve production issues.
• Technical Mastery: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite, with a focus on Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, along with proficiency in 3D visualization software (e.g., Keyshot and Adobe Substance). Expert in color correction, vector manipulation, and CAD handling.
• CMF Process Improvement: Develop and refine CMF workflows, documenting and sharing best practices for efficiency and consistency within the team. Organize and maintain a catalog of color and sample documentation for knowledge retention.
• Stakeholder Communication: Lead presentations for partner and executive reviews, clearly articulating the design narrative and responding effectively to feedback in a collaborative setting.
• Industry & Trend Insight: Maintain awareness of trends in color, material, and finish (CMF) applications, integrating relevant insights into product development to keep designs innovative and forward-thinking.

Qualifications:

• Education: BA or BS in Fine Arts or Design preferred, or completion of a 2-year Technical College program in a design discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: minimum of 3 years in CMF, product design, or a related field, ideally within a high-growth, consumer-focused industry
• Advanced knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite

Core Competencies:

• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, with a high tolerance for ambiguity.
• Strong project management skills with proven success in creating and managing work-back schedules.
• Advanced knowledge of color libraries, color profiles, and production processes, with an eye for detail and precision.
• Communication and Collaboration: Skilled at working in a highly collaborative environment, fostering strong partnerships and communicating across creative, engineering, marketing, and production teams at all levels to drive project success.
• Travel: Willingness for occasional domestic and international travel to collaborate with internal and external partners and review samples on-site.

Bonus

• Bi-lingual Japanese
• UI design 
• PlayStation fan
• Gamer

Please include a link to your online portfolio/website, (no documents or shared folders) showcasing your relevant projects and achievements. Your portfolio should highlight your skills and experience as they relate to this role. Submissions without a portfolio will not be considered.