[Hiring] Freelance Packaging Designer @American Exchange Group

Role Description

We are looking for a Freelance Packaging Designer for our footwear brands. This will be on a project basis. This is a remote position.

• Develop innovative and visually engaging packaging for footwear and related products, ensuring designs align with each brand's identity and target customer.
• Design a variety of packaging and product components, including boxes, bags, tissue, inserts, hangtags, labels, stickers, cards, wraps, and other branded packaging elements.
• Translate creative concepts and brand guidelines into cohesive packaging designs across collections.
• Create package dielines, digital and print mockups, and 3D renderings as needed.
• Effectively communicate product information, features, benefits, brand messaging, and care instructions through packaging.
• Develop and maintain accurate packaging technical specifications, including dimensions, materials, finishes, substrates, printing methods, and other production details.
• Prepare factory-ready and printer-ready final files and ensure artwork meets production specifications.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and overseas factories/vendors throughout the packaging development process.
• Review samples, proofs, and production materials to ensure accuracy, color, print quality, finishes, and overall execution.
• Manage multiple packaging projects and product launches simultaneously while meeting deadlines and production calendars.
• Create supporting graphic assets for product launches, marketing materials, e-commerce, presentations, and other brand initiatives as needed.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across all packaging and branded product touchpoints.
• Stay current on packaging trends, materials, printing techniques, finishes, and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging design, functionality, cost, and production processes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably within footwear, handbags, fashion accessories, beauty, fashion, or consumer products.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating the ability to conceptualize, design, and execute packaging from initial concept through production.
• Expert understanding of packaging components, including dielines, substrates, printing processes, finishes, construction, and production requirements.
• Strong understanding of branding and graphic design principles.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Experience creating production-ready artwork and working with printers, factories, and packaging vendors.
• Experience communicating packaging specifications and revisions with overseas factories/vendors.
• Experience with 3D rendering or visualization programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and current industry trends is a plus.
• Strong design, organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail with a strong understanding of print production and quality control.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Embraces change and challenges and makes recommendations for improvements to products, packaging, and processes.

Requirements

• The anticipated base salary is $40-$50/hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location.
• This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position.
• While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.
• The compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.