Overview
Associate Apparel Designer Jobs in Seal Beach, CA at Contravisual Brands Group
Contravisual Associate Apparel Designer
Department: Design
Reports To: Senior Apparel Designer / Design Director
Location: [Seal Beach, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
Contravisual is seeking a creative, highly organized Associate Apparel Designer & Product Developer to work closely with the Design Director and design team across the full product lifecycle. This hybrid role combines hands-on design — sketching, technical flats, and seasonal concept development — with rigorous product development, including building accurate tech packs and managing the sample and approval process with overseas factories.
The ideal candidate is reliable, detail- and team-oriented, and thrives in an extremely fast-paced environment. They are self-motivated and proactive, with a strong eye for trends, excellent technical skills, and a passion for apparel construction. Success in this role means moving designs from concept through production with consistency, clarity, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Design & Concept Development
- Assist in the design and development of seasonal apparel collections from concept through production.
- Create sketches, technical flats, CAD sketches, and digital renderings using design software.
- Research fashion trends, fabrics, trims, and color palettes to support seasonal concepts.
- Maintain organized design files, libraries, and seasonal inspiration boards.
- Prepare line sheets, presentation materials, and art matrixes for internal meetings and line reviews.
Tech Packs & Product Development
- Create, update, and maintain detailed, easily understandable tech packs based on CAD sketches — from development through production — with product specifications and construction details that are consistently clear and accurate for overseas factories.
- Build detailed wash pages and prepare tech packs for production handoff and garment construction.
- Ensure art matrixes and tech packs are accurate to design’s vision and that all art is approved through the correct channels.
- Create and update line sheets to share with cross-functional teams.
Sampling & Factory Coordination
- Communicate clearly with overseas vendors to produce samples and maintain on-time sample deliveries.
- Request and track all proto and development samples, and manage sample requests while keeping factories accountable.
- Provide wash, styling, and trim comments to factories and send reference samples.
- Work with design on strike-offs, handlooms, lab dips, and fabric and trim approvals.
- Check in, hang, and organize all incoming samples; manage sample libraries and wash standards on a consistent basis.
- Process samples with the Tech Department to ensure specifications and quality requirements are met, communicating all comments to suppliers.
Fittings, Tracking & Records
- Attend all fittings, take notes, and communicate fit notes to cross-functional teams; help revise garments based on feedback.
- Maintain and manage the development WIP, including accurate information, costing, and sample due dates.
- Update development and sample status weekly and keep the team informed.
- Maintain, record, and file all incoming approvals and samples, reviewing with Design for accuracy.
- Organize fabric and trim libraries and maintain organized design records for team reference.
- Work with the team to ensure design and development calendar deadlines are met.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in apparel design and/or product development.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is required.
- Expert at creating detailed tech packs in Illustrator that overseas factories can clearly understand and produce from.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and the product lifecycle from concept to production.
- Excellent sketching and technical drawing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across teams and with overseas vendors.
- Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience working with overseas manufacturers and managing factory correspondence.
- Familiarity with line sheet creation and development WIP / calendar management.
Key Skills
- Creative thinking and concept development
- Trend research and forecasting
- Technical apparel design
- Communication and collaboration
- Time management and organization
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Collaborative and creative work environment
- Employee product discounts
Pay: $65,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Associate Apparel Designer
Company: Contravisual Brands Group
Location: Seal Beach, CA
