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. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the Cleobella aesthetic and customer, excellent CAD and organizational skills, and the ability to balance creativity with accuracy, follow-through, and a sense of urgency in a fast-paced environment.

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
• Prepare 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.
• Assist with the review of samples, fabrics, trims, embroideries, techniques, lab dips, and print strike-offs.
• Help 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.
• Working knowledge of fabrics across multiple women’s apparel categories.
• Experience with print design, print artwork preparation, or strike-off review is preferred.

At Cleobella, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the environment. We believe that by integrating social and environmental responsibility into our core operations, we can contribute to a sustainable future for all. Our commitment extends beyond this role and is woven into the fabric of our organization.

We are also committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic, are valued and respected. We believe that diversity of thought and experience leads to innovative solutions and enhances our company culture.

We want an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique skills and perspectives to our team.