Overview

The Apparel Graphic Designer serves as a vital creative and technical leader within the production, responsible for the preparation, dyeing, printing, and maintenance of fabrics used for costumes, puppets, and other materials in feature films. This role requires expert knowledge of fabric treatment techniques, including dyeing, printing, and color-matching.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply techniques (dye-sublimation printing, screen printing, embroidery, vinyl cutting, etc.) to enhance fabric textures and patterns
• Conduct tests on fabrics to ensure colorfastness, durability, and performance under production conditions
• Collaborate with the costume and puppet teams by providing prepared fabrics, contributing to both creative and technical solutions
• Maintain detailed records of processes and printing techniques to ensure accurate replication throughout production
• Inspect fabrics and prints to ensure they meet performance and aesthetic standards
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to printing and fabric preparation
• Code and maintain organized folders and files of artwork created
• Work closely with Costume Lead, Fabricators, and other departments to ensure all fabrics meet creative and practical requirements
• Interpret creative concepts and translate them into functional designs.
• Guide and mentor junior team members to develop their skills in fabric treatment and printing techniques
• Be available for extended hours as required by the production timeline

Qualifications

• At least 4+ years of experience in fabric printing, or textile art 
• Bachelor’s degree in fine art, textile design, graphic design, or related experience
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with textile design software is a plus
• Experience with screen printing, digital printing, and other print applications
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges under tight deadlines
• In-depth understanding of fabric properties, and color theory
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to maintain detailed documentation for processes and formulas
• Strong time management skills and the ability to meet production deadlines
• Preferred experience in a variety of dyeing techniques, including natural and synthetic dyes
• Preferred experience with fabric dyeing & treatment: being able to manage the dyeing, and color-matching of fabrics to align with the creative vision and production needs

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Physical Demands:

• The role requires standing, sitting, walking, and operating standard office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move items up to 15 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close focus, distance vision, and adaptability.

Work Environment:

• The position involves working indoors, under typical office conditions, with exposure to fluctuating indoor temperatures.

Position Summary

Swaybox Studios is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Set Layout Designer with strong proficiency in Rhino 3D to join our dynamic production team. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in cinematic set design, spatial composition, and visual storytelling, with the ability to conceptualize and build immersive environments using Rhino as a primary modeling and drafting tool.

You will be instrumental in translating storyboards and scripts into tangible set blueprints, 3D layouts, and visual guides that directly inform the fabrication and animation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with directors, production designers, and storyboard artists to create set layouts that align with the visual and narrative goals of each project.
• Translate concept art, storyboards, and production notes into Rhino-based technical layouts, blocking, and spatial arrangements.
• Develop detailed 3D models, set drawings, floor plans, and elevation designs in Rhino 3D, maintaining accuracy for fabrication and animation workflows.
• Generate scale-accurate models, set pieces, and scene geometry in Rhino for use by Fabrication, Stage/Camera, and Performance teams.
• Ensure sets are designed with camera angles, character movement, lighting, and puppet/animation scale in mind.
• Integrate story and visual language to craft environments that enhance character performance and narrative intent.
• Adjust and revise layouts based on creative feedback, technical constraints, and fabrication requirements.
• Work closely with model makers, set fabricators, and CG teams to ensure layout feasibility, build accuracy, and production efficiency.
• Maintain consistency of design style and quality across sequences and shots.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Film, Illustration, Architecture, Industrial Design, or related field—or equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years of experience in layout or set design for animation, film, or television.
• Strong proficiency in Rhino 3D, including modeling, drafting, and preparing files for fabrication.
• Strong understanding of scale, spatial reasoning, and set geometry, with the ability to accurately translate designs into Rhino-based technical models.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize Rhino files for fabrication, 3D printing, or stage use.
• Familiarity with additional design or visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp, Blender, or Maya).
• Ability to interpret scripts and storyboards into visually dynamic and practical set designs.
• Excellent communication, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Passion for storytelling and world-building.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing Rhino models for CNC, laser cutting, or other digital fabrication methods.
• Experience using Rhino alongside other pipelines (e.g., Blender, Maya, Unreal, CAD) and exporting files in compatible formats.
• Experience with practical set builds or puppetry-based productions.
• Familiarity with stop-motion or hybrid puppet-animation pipelines.
• Knowledge of lighting and camera placement for physical or digital sets.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative creative environment.