Design Assistant (Temporary/Freelance) - Cleobella

Overview

Cleobella is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Temp Design Assistant to support the development of seasonal women’s wear collections from initial concept through production. This position will work closely with the Design team and cross-functional teams to assist with apparel design, seasonal print development, technical documentation, fittings, sample organization, and collection presentation materials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Design team in creating exclusive seasonal collections that reflect the Cleobella brand identity and target customer.
• Conduct seasonal research across runway, retail, vintage, art, color, print, fabric, and emerging market trends.
• Support the development of seasonal design process.
• Create and hand off approved seasonal print artwork, placement guides, and color information to print vendors and factories.
• Create detailed garment CADs, technical sketches, construction callouts, tech packs, construction detail pages, and BOMs.
• Clearly communicate silhouettes, proportions, design details, and interior garment construction through accurate CADs and technical documentation.
• Create and maintain accurate line sheets, design boards, tech packs, and seasonal development files.
• Proactively update design sheets, CADs, tech packs, and bills of materials based on fitting comments, design reviews, and development updates.
• Attend all fittings, take detailed notes, photograph relevant details when appropriate, and maintain accurate records for design reference.
• Work closely with Technical Design, Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and external vendors throughout the development process.
• Aid in the review of samples, fabrics, trims, embroideries, techniques, lab dips, and print strike-offs.
• Maintain an organized design room, including samples, fabrics, trims, techniques, strike-offs, artwork, and seasonal reference materials.
• Prepare materials for design reviews, fittings, line reviews, milestone meetings, and other seasonal presentations.
• Track assigned projects and deliverables while adhering to the seasonal time and action calendar.
• Follow through on assigned tasks, communicate potential issues early, and ensure updates are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain a strong sense of urgency while continuing to contribute thoughtful and creative design solutions.
• Contribute positively to team dynamics and provide support across the department as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong ability to sketch and create detailed garment CADs using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Working knowledge of garment construction, interior finishing, fit, fabrication, trims, and apparel development.
• Ability to clearly communicate silhouettes, proportions, construction details, and design intent through tech packs and CADs.
• Familiarity with tech pack development, construction detail pages, line sheets, and bill of materials maintenance.
• Strong understanding of fabric applications and appropriate trim selection across women’s apparel categories.
• Knowledge of seasonal print development, colorways, repeats, placement artwork, and print strike-off review.
• Strong awareness of runway, retail, vintage, and market trends, with a clear understanding of the Cleobella customer.
• Strong visual, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and accuracy.
• Effective time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and overlapping deadlines.
• Self-motivated, dependable, proactive, and able to follow through with limited supervision.
• Positive, collaborative, and receptive to feedback.
• Flexible and adaptable within a creative, fast-paced work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of one year of professional experience or relevant internship experience in women’s fashion design.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Experience creating garment CADs, technical sketches, tech packs, construction pages, and bills of materials.
• Experience with print design, print artwork preparation, or strike-off review is preferred.

Benefits

Cleobella is dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the environment. We integrate social and environmental responsibility into our core operations to contribute to a sustainable future for all. We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected, promoting a thriving and innovative team environment.