Graphic Designer & Production Lead

Graphic Designer & Production Lead

San Francisco Mercantile
San Francisco, CA (Bayview)
Full-time | On-site

Please include a cover letter about your interest in this position.

About Us

San Francisco Mercantile is a locally owned retail and wholesale company creating products inspired by the culture, history, and visual identity of San Francisco and California.

Since 2008, we’ve grown into a family of businesses—including San Francisco Mercantile Haight, San Francisco Mercantile Castro, Welcome Haight & Ashbury, SF Mercantile (wholesale) working with over 150 local artists and makers. We design and produce apparel, accessories, home goods, and gifts with much of our production handled in-house at our Bayview facility.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a Graphic Designer & Production Lead to join our team. This role blends creative design, product development, and hands-on production oversight.

You’ll be responsible for creating original designs and ensuring they move efficiently through our in-house direct-to-garment (DTG) printing process.

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys both creative work and production management in a fast-paced small business environment.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Creative

• Create original artwork for apparel, accessories, and home goods
• Design packaging, labels, and product presentation materials
• Develop new product concepts inspired by San Francisco and California themes
• Support branding, in-store signage, and visual merchandising
• Create graphics for website, email, and marketing

Product Development

• Prepare production-ready artwork (print files, mockups, separations)
• Collaborate on new product ideas and seasonal collections
• Work with vendors and internal teams on sampling and production

Production Oversight (DTG Printing)

• Manage day-to-day DTG printing workflow
• Prioritize jobs and maintain efficient production schedules
• Ensure quality control of printed products
• Troubleshoot basic printing and file issues

Catalog & Marketing Support

• Create wholesale catalogs and line sheets
• Organize product imagery and digital assets
• Maintain consistency across all brand materials

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of graphic design experience (apparel or product design preferred)
• Strong skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
• Experience preparing files for print production
• Organized and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small team environment
• Interest in San Francisco and California culture, tourism, and design

Nice to Have:

• DTG or apparel printing experience
• Packaging or catalog design experience
• Basic web design (Squarespace or similar)

Compensation & Benefits

• $65,000 – $70,000 per year (based on experience)
• Full-time, on-site position
• Opportunities for growth within the company

Why Join Us

• Work for a creative, locally rooted San Francisco + California lifestyle brand
• Be involved in the full process from concept to finished product
• Collaborate with local artists and makers
• Play a key role in shaping our products and brand

How to Apply

Please apply through Indeed and include:

• Resume
• Portfolio (required)

Brief note/cover letter about your interest in the role

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Experience:

• apparel/Production design: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person