Après Nail has innovated the nail market as the creator of Gel X. Our mission is to improve nail industry standards and the lives of nail artists by providing innovative products that help both them and their services thrive. Our nails are seen everywhere, from the Met Gala to the Oscars to your local nail salon. The Gel X revolution is real, and we're looking for our next great team member!
The Packaging & Merchandising Designer will report to the Creative Director and provide solutions for the Product Development team to design and execute packaging, labeling, and physical brand assets that are both visually impactful and production-ready. This role focuses on the technical and creative development of product-related designs, prioritizing function, durability, and brand integrity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Packaging & Product DesignDesign and develop product packaging, labeling, displays, and supporting print materials, ensuring all outputs align with brand identity and Creative Director guidance.Prioritize durability, functionality, and cost-efficiency, preventing leaks, optimizing weight, and ensuring packaging is optimized for shipping and handling.Prototype packaging designs at 1:1 scale to test usability, fit, and dieline accuracy.Support the Creative Director in creating and refining technical drawings and detailed design specifications for new products.Mock up packaging and display proposals to clearly communicate materials, finishes, and proportions.Design and develop product displays alongside packaging, ensuring structures are visually impactful, durable, and optimized for production, shipping, and in-store presentation.
Production & PrintingPrepare print-ready files with an expert understanding of prepress and production concepts such as trapping, overprint, bleed, dielines, and color calibration.Collaborate with Product department to ensure accuracy, quality, and adherence to production requirements.Maintain strong knowledge of materials, printing methods, and finishing techniques, balancing creativity with cost and feasibility.
Creative Execution & InnovationInterpret and execute Creative Director direction — including concepts, materials, and graphics — with creative insight and technical precision.Identify potential technical or production issues early and propose solutions that maintain design intent while ensuring manufacturability.Identify opportunities to incorporate graphics, illustration, and mixed media into packaging designs to enhance brand storytelling and visual appeal.Bring forward innovative and cost-efficient design solutions that improve functionality, sustainability, and customer experience.Stay up to date on packaging trends, materials, and print innovations to continually elevate the brand’s visual and structural design approach.Approach packaging design with a marketing mindset, understanding that packaging must not only function but also sell, communicating product value, brand story, and appeal at first glance.
Organization & Asset ManagementMaintain and organize packaging assets, dielines, and production templates, ensuring all files are current, clearly labeled, and accessible.Manage a consistent visual and structural system across all product lines to ensure brand cohesion and recognition.Document updates, communicate changes to cross-functional teams, and contribute to refining packaging design workflows for efficiency and clarity.
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES 3–5 years of experience in packaging design, product graphics, or related fields, ideally within beauty, lifestyle, or consumer goods industries.Strong understanding of packaging design principles, including structure, functionality, and visual hierarchy.Expertise in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, with experience preparing detailed, production-ready files.Solid knowledge of materials, printing methods, and finishing techniques, with the ability to balance creativity, cost, and feasibility.Skilled in packaging prototyping, with the ability to create accurate 1:1 mockups to test dielines, usability, and proportions.Keen eye for detail, proportion, and craftsmanship, ensuring packaging meets both visual and technical standards.Ability to interpret creative direction and transform it into clear, technically accurate, and production-ready designs.Proactive in identifying technical or production issues and proposing thoughtful, creative solutions.Understands packaging from a marketing perspective, designing with consumer appeal, storytelling, and shelf impact in mind.Passionate about nails and beauty, with a natural understanding of user needs, preferences, and the product experience.Organized and methodical approach to asset management, version control, and documentation.
