Freelance Assistant Designer - Private Label Print Accessories

COMPANY: Echo Design, Inc.

Echo Design, a fourth-generation American company, is a New York City based industry leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of fashion and home accessories in North America and globally. The company was founded in 1923, on the wedding day of its founders. What began with just a scarf has grown to include multiple brands in multiple categories. Building upon core strengths in print, pattern and color, Echo continues to evolve, always focused on respect for the consumer, each other, and on our global trading and manufacturing partners. After a century, Echo remains a dynamic and innovative company.

TITLE: Freelance Assistant Designer - Private Label Print Accessories

SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - $60,000

REPORTS TO: Senior Design Director

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Freelance Assistant Designer – Private Label Print Accessories will assist style, design, color and merchandise the prints and outerwear lines from conceptual stage through to and including correction of strike-offs and final protos as well as production.

TRAVEL:

The Freelance Assistant Designer - Private Label Print Accessories will travel on an as needed basis and present findings to all those related to Design and Operations. In-office attendance is expected 3-4 times per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the Sr. Design Director and Sr. Associate Designers to establish concepts, color, and product direction for each season.
• Assist in set up and presentation of concepts/artwork/samples to committee for approval.
• Assist Sr. Design Director and Sr. Associate Designers in preparing tech packs, sketches and updating tech packs as necessary.
• Collaborate with Operations Manager on pricing & development and communicate with overseas mills.
• Inquire and develop with resources new fabrications, trims, and/or novelties as it relates to your lines. Secure all pertinent information i.e. price, minimum, delivery.
• Assist in setup and presentation to committee or sales team, as well as to correctly present ideas to team.
• Assist in design and merchandise lines with the approval of Management.
• Work with Sr. Design Director and Sr. Associate Designers to select designs to support merchandising plan within each concept for each product line.
• Prepare all DAFS (Design Authorization Forms).
• Work with Artists / Studios to develop Layouts and/or design original ideas.
• Work with Sr. Design Director and Sr. Associate Designers to pitch all colorways for designs and work with on colorways.
• Assist Sr. Design Director and Sr. Associate Designers in presenting completed samples (including original art, layout, and colorways) to Creative Director – Private Label for final approval.
• Prepare designs (color, detailed specs, and fabric instructions) to send to mill.
• Communicate continually with mills on direction and/or inquiries for your line.
• Review strike-offs/sales-samples and make any correctors prior to having them presented to the committee.
• Communicate all changes directly to mill.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Textile or Fashion Design with knowledge of print design, knitwear design, loom work, etc.
• Strong sense of color, print and pattern; excellent artistic/drawing skills with a strong level of creativity.
• Proficient in Adobe Suite and knowledge of PLM system.
• Strong communication and team skills with the ability to collaborate with all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional organization abilities with attention to detail and follow through.