Contract / Freelance (with growth opportunity), preferably near Boulder / Nederland Colorado
Role Overview
We’re seeking a contract Apparel Design & Technical Development Assistant to support design development, color-ups, and technical communication. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both creative and technical work, understands how small businesses operate, and is comfortable wearing multiple hats.
For the right person, there is an opportunity to grow into a project management–focused role over time.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Color Development
- Design new products as needed for small brands in the sustainable apparel market.
- Create apparel color-ups and CADs using Adobe Illustrator
- Work with Pantone Connect to manage color palettes and accurate color communication
- Support seasonal color strategy and material callouts
Technical Development Support
- Compile and organize technical development comments from fittings, samples, and vendor feedback
- Update visuals, callouts, and design details based on development notes
- Assist with clear, production-ready communication for factories and vendors
- Help track sample rounds, revisions, and approvals
- Meetings with vendors happen at odd hours mornings, and evenings and will be required to grow into a project manager.
Workflow & Organization
- Support timelines and help flag risks or delays
- Collaborate closely with the lead designer/founder
Required Skills & Experience- Strong Adobe Illustrator skills (apparel flats, CADs, color-ups)
- Experience working with Pantone Connect
- Understanding of apparel construction and terminology
- Ability to interpret and organize technical feedback
- Comfortable working in a small business/startup environment
- Flexible, solutions-oriented, and detail-focused
- Clear written communication skills use of AI to help create professional communication with vendors.
Nice to Have- Experience with tech packs or production workflows
- Familiarity with vendor communication and development timelines
- Interest in or experience with project coordination or project management
- Background in sustainable materials or responsible production
Growth OpportunityThis role has the potential to evolve into a Design Project Management or Development Management position for the right person — someone who shows ownership, strong organization, and proactive communication.
Contract Details (Flexible)- Type: Freelance / Contract
- Hours: Flexible (10–30 hrs/week or project-based)
- Duration: Ongoing, with potential long-term collaboration
- Rate: 35-40 an hour DOE with ability to grow as billing rate increases.
Ideal Candidate Profile- Detail-oriented but practical
- Comfortable with ambiguity and evolving priorities
- Understands the realities of small brands (speed, budget, flexibility)
- Interested in growing responsibility over time
