Freelance Assistant Graphic Designer at Madhappy

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Assistant Graphic Designer

Company: Madhappy

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Contract - Part-time

Category: Graphic Design (Apparel & Print)

Date Posted: 2025-06-13T00:00:00

Experience Level: 3+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Contribute to the creation of high-quality graphic design assets specifically for apparel and accessories, ensuring consistency with the Madhappy brand identity and seasonal themes.
Collaborate closely with the Apparel Design and Graphic Design teams throughout the design process, from concept development to final production files.
Develop detailed graphic tech packs and prepare print-ready artwork for various vendors, demonstrating strong technical knowledge of apparel graphic execution.
Maintain organized project libraries and graphic assets, ensuring efficient workflow and easy access to seasonal design concepts and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Assistant Graphic Designer" and the type is Freelance/Part-time, the listed responsibilities indicate a need for significant technical skill in apparel graphics and the ability to work independently on key deliverables. The "Assistant" likely refers to supporting the core graphic design team rather than purely entry-level tasks. The role requires a blend of creative execution and technical production skills, typical of a graphic designer specializing in fashion or merchandise.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Apparel Design and Graphic Design teams to develop and execute seasonal graphic deliverables for clothing and accessories.
Create detailed apparel and accessory graphic tech packs, including specifications and techniques for each artwork, ensuring clear communication with manufacturers.
Partner with Designers to ensure a cohesive graphic collection that aligns with the overall seasonal design themes and brand vision.
Prepare and finalize print-ready artwork for various vendors, demonstrating a strong understanding of different printing techniques and file requirements for apparel production.
Create repeat patterns and prints as needed for fabric and apparel graphic applications.
Assess, troubleshoot, and refine graphic prototypes and samples to ensure quality and technical feasibility.
Maintain organized project libraries and graphic archives, categorizing graphics by season and concept for efficient retrieval and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities strongly emphasize the technical aspects of graphic design for apparel, including tech packs, print-ready artwork, and troubleshooting prototypes. This suggests the role requires more than just creative concepting; a solid understanding of production methods for garment decoration (screen printing, embroidery, etc.) is crucial. The collaboration aspect highlights the need for strong communication within a design team structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, or a related field is typically preferred for roles with this level of experience and technical requirement. Alternatively, equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong portfolio and technical proficiency in apparel graphics is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of relevant graphic design experience, specifically with a focus on apparel or merchandise graphics. Proven experience creating production-ready artwork and technical specifications for vendors is highly valued. Experience working on a fast-paced, small team is a plus, indicating a need for adaptability and independence.

Required Skills:

Exceptional proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating and manipulating graphics and preparing production files.
Strong technical knowledge and experience in executing graphics on apparel, including understanding different printing, embroidery, and application techniques.
Proven concepting, research, and creative skills, demonstrated through a professional design portfolio showcasing relevant work in apparel or graphic design.
Solid understanding of the target consumer and commercial awareness within the apparel industry.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working within a fast-paced, small team environment, demonstrating adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
Familiarity with design management systems or digital asset management (DAM) tools for organizing graphic libraries.
Experience creating detailed technical drawings or mockups for apparel graphics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Exceptional Illustrator & Photoshop Skills" and "Technical Knowledge in executing graphics on apparel" points to a role heavily focused on the production and technical aspects of graphic design for physical products. While creativity is required, the ability to translate designs into vendor-ready files is paramount. The 3+ years of experience reinforces the need for a candidate who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision on technical tasks.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a range of graphic design projects with a strong emphasis on apparel or merchandise design.
Include examples of graphics that have been produced on physical products, demonstrating an understanding of material and production limitations.
Present case studies or project breakdowns that illustrate your design process, from initial concepting and research to final execution.
Highlight your technical skills by including examples of graphic tech packs or production-ready artwork files if possible (while respecting confidentiality).

Process Documentation:

Document your research and discovery phase, showing how you gather inspiration and understand project briefs within the context of apparel trends and brand identity.
Illustrate your ideation and iteration methods, showcasing sketches, digital mockups, and different graphic variations explored during the design process.
Explain your approach to preparing files for production, including details about color separation, sizing, and technical callouts for vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an apparel graphic design role, the portfolio is the most critical component. It must clearly demonstrate not only creative ability but also a deep understanding of how graphics translate to physical garments. Including technical documentation like tech packs (even sample or anonymized ones) is a significant advantage, proving production readiness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance, part-time position in Los Angeles, CA (a high cost-of-living area), the hourly rate for an Assistant Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience specializing in apparel could range from $30 to $55+ per hour, depending on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and the exact scope of work and hours. This estimate is based on typical freelance graphic design rates in the Los Angeles area for this experience level, adjusted for specialization in apparel. Research sources include Glassdoor, Payscale, and industry-specific freelance rate surveys for creative professionals in major US cities.

Benefits: As a freelance position, traditional employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not provided. Compensation is solely based on the agreed-upon hourly rate for hours worked.

Working Hours: This is a part-time contract role. The specific number of hours per week will likely be determined by project needs and agreed upon with the Art Director. Flexibility may be required to meet seasonal deadlines common in the apparel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Providing a salary range for freelance roles is challenging as rates vary widely based on project complexity, client budget, and designer experience. The estimate provided is based on general market data for similar roles in Los Angeles, focusing on the apparel specialization. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their expected hourly rate based on their experience and the project scope during the interview process.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Apparel & Fashion - Madhappy operates within the direct-to-consumer (DTC) segment of the fashion industry, with a strong emphasis on community building and mental wellness advocacy. This context means the design team likely values graphics that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with the brand's core message and community values.

Company Size: Madhappy appears to be a growing brand, likely with a small to medium-sized team. Working in a smaller company often means designers need to be versatile, collaborative, and comfortable taking on a variety of tasks beyond their core responsibilities.

Founded: Born in 2017, Madhappy is a relatively young company. This suggests a dynamic environment that may still be evolving its processes and structures. The design team likely operates with agility and a willingness to experiment.

Team Structure:

The role reports directly to the Art Director, indicating a clear reporting line and mentorship opportunity within the design team.
Collaboration with both Apparel Design and Graphic Design teams is required, suggesting a cross-functional workflow where graphic designers work closely with those focused on garment construction and overall collection themes.
Working on a "fast paced, small team" (as mentioned in preferred qualifications) implies close collaboration and direct communication among team members.

Methodology:

The emphasis on seasonal collections suggests a design process tied to fashion industry timelines, requiring efficient workflow and timely delivery of assets.
The need to create tech packs and prepare print-ready artwork indicates a structured process for translating creative concepts into production specifications.
Collaboration with Apparel Design implies an integrated approach where graphic design elements are developed in tandem with garment styles and silhouettes.

Company Website: Madhappy.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Madhappy's focus on mental wellness and community is a key aspect of its brand identity. Graphic designers applying for this role should understand how to translate these values into visual communication that resonates with the brand's audience. The fast-paced, small team environment requires a designer who is proactive and comfortable taking initiative.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Assistant Graphic Designer" on a freelance basis. Within the design hierarchy, this typically falls into a junior to mid-level support role. The responsibilities, however, suggest a need for technical proficiency often found in a more experienced production designer or graphic designer with apparel specialization.

Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the Art Director provides a direct line for feedback, guidance, and potential mentorship. This structure is beneficial for professional development and understanding the creative direction of the brand.

Design Impact: As an Assistant Graphic Designer focused on apparel, your work will directly influence the final product that the customer sees and purchases. Your ability to translate concepts into high-quality, production-ready graphics is crucial to the brand's aesthetic and success.

Growth Opportunities:

For a freelancer, successful performance could lead to extended contract periods or potentially a transition to a full-time role if available and desired.
Gaining experience in a fast-paced apparel environment and working closely with an Art Director offers significant learning opportunities in brand-specific design, production techniques, and industry workflows.
Developing a strong portfolio of work produced for a recognized brand like Madhappy enhances future career prospects in the apparel graphic design field.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a freelance role doesn't always guarantee a direct path to full-time employment, it serves as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate skills, build relationships, and gain valuable experience within a specific industry niche. The direct reporting line to the Art Director is a positive indicator for potential growth and learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The requirement to be based in or willing to move to Los Angeles indicates this is an on-site role, likely working from Madhappy's office or studio space. This suggests a collaborative, in-person work environment.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA. Madhappy has a permanent flagship in West Hollywood, which may be the primary work location or near it. Los Angeles is a hub for fashion and design, offering potential networking opportunities.

Design Workspace Context:

Working on-site facilitates direct collaboration with the Apparel Design and Graphic Design teams, allowing for real-time feedback and brainstorming sessions.
Access to physical samples and prototypes is likely, which is crucial for assessing and troubleshooting graphics on apparel.
The creative environment of a fashion brand's studio can be inspiring and conducive to design work.

Work Schedule: As a part-time freelance role, the schedule will likely be flexible but require consistent presence during agreed-upon hours to facilitate team collaboration and meet project deadlines. The fast-paced nature of the apparel industry may require flexibility during peak seasons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a significant factor for potential candidates. It emphasizes the need for close, in-person collaboration within the design team, which is common in the apparel industry for sample review and production discussions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening based on resume and portfolio review to assess relevant experience and creative capability in apparel graphic design.
Interview(s) with the Art Director and potentially other members of the design team to discuss your experience, technical skills, and understanding of the brand. Be prepared to walk through specific projects in your portfolio.
A potential design exercise or technical test might be part of the process to evaluate your proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop and your ability to create production-ready files or solve design problems relevant to apparel.
A final interview to discuss cultural fit, collaboration style, and confirm availability and terms for the freelance engagement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your best work in apparel graphic design. Clearly label which projects were produced and show examples of the final product.
For each project, provide a concise case study that outlines the brief, your role, your design process, and the outcome. Emphasize your technical approach to preparing files for production.
Ensure the visual presentation of your portfolio is clean, professional, and easy to navigate. High-quality images or mockups of your designs on apparel are essential.
Be prepared to discuss your technical knowledge of different printing and application methods used in apparel manufacturing.

Challenge Preparation:

If a design challenge is assigned, pay close attention to the brief and any technical specifications provided. Demonstrate your ability to work within constraints and deliver production-ready files.
Manage your time effectively during the challenge and be prepared to explain your design decisions and process.
If the challenge involves creating a graphic for a specific product or collection, research Madhappy's recent work and brand aesthetic to ensure your design is aligned.

ATS Keywords: Graphic Design, Apparel Graphics, Print Design, Textile Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Technical Design, Tech Packs, Production Files, Print-Ready Artwork, Repeat Patterns, CAD, Fashion Design, Product Development, Visual Design, Brand Identity, Collaboration, Communication, Attention to Detail, Organization, Freelance, Contract, Los Angeles, Fashion Industry, Madhappy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the technical aspect of the portfolio and interview process is likely as important as the creative aspect. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to create production-ready files and discuss their understanding of apparel manufacturing processes. The ATS keywords provided cover both creative and technical skills relevant to apparel graphic design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Adobe Illustrator: Essential for creating vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations required for apparel. Mastery of layers, paths, and file export settings for production is critical.
Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, creating textures, and preparing raster graphics for print. Proficiency in color modes (CMYK), resolution, and file optimization for apparel is necessary.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Email & Messaging Platforms (e.g., Slack): Standard tools for daily communication and collaboration with team members and potentially vendors.
Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox): Likely used for sharing design files, tech packs, and project assets with the team and external partners.
Tech Pack Software/Templates: While not explicitly mentioned, the creation of tech packs implies the use of software or standardized templates for documenting graphic specifications for vendors.

Research & Testing:

Web Browsers & Research Tools: For researching trends, competitor analysis, and gathering inspiration relevant to apparel graphics and the Madhappy brand.
Physical Samples & Prototypes: Essential for reviewing how graphics translate to physical garments and identifying any production issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on apparel graphics and production, a strong command of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for creating production-ready files is non-negotiable. Experience with tech pack creation tools or methodologies is also implied by the responsibilities. While not explicitly listed, familiarity with 3D rendering software for apparel (like Clo3D) could be a plus but is likely not required for an Assistant-level role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Optimism & Mental Wellness: As core tenets of the Madhappy brand, the design team likely values visuals that convey positivity, inclusivity, and support for mental health awareness.
Community Focus: Graphics may need to resonate with and speak to the Madhappy community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values.
Creativity & Innovation: While maintaining brand consistency, there is likely an expectation for fresh, creative graphic approaches for each season and collaboration.
Attention to Detail: Given the focus on apparel production, precision in graphic execution and technical specifications is highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional: Close collaboration with Apparel Design and potentially other teams (marketing, production) is essential for aligning graphic design with overall brand and product strategies.
Feedback-Oriented: A collaborative environment likely involves regular design critiques and feedback sessions to refine graphics and ensure they meet creative and technical standards.
Organized & Efficient: Working on a fast-paced, small team requires clear communication, organized file management, and efficient workflow to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with Madhappy's core values related to optimism and mental wellness is crucial. Designers should be able to translate these abstract concepts into tangible graphic elements. The collaborative nature of the team, especially the close ties to apparel design, means strong interpersonal and communication skills are as important as design talent.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Balancing creative expression with the technical constraints and requirements of apparel production methods.
Maintaining brand consistency across a variety of graphic applications and product types while also introducing fresh, seasonal designs.
Working efficiently within tight deadlines typical of the apparel industry's seasonal cycles.
Ensuring graphics translate effectively across different garment materials, colors, and sizes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Deepening technical expertise in various apparel graphic application techniques (screen printing, embroidery, heat transfers, etc.).
Gaining experience in a specific niche of graphic design within the fashion industry.
Working closely with an experienced Art Director and design team provides mentorship and learning opportunities.
Exposure to the full product development lifecycle from concept to production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are primarily centered around the technical and production aspects of apparel graphics and the fast-paced nature of the fashion industry. For a designer looking to specialize in this area, these challenges represent significant opportunities for skill development and gaining practical experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

"Walk me through your process for developing a graphic concept for a new apparel collection, from research to final file preparation." Be ready to use a portfolio project as an example.
"Describe a time you faced a technical challenge in translating a graphic design onto apparel. How did you troubleshoot and solve the problem?" Highlight your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
"How do you ensure consistency in color and graphic placement across different garment styles and sizes?" Discuss your approach to creating detailed tech packs and working with vendors.

Company Culture Questions:

"What about Madhappy's brand and mission resonates with you, and how would you incorporate these values into your graphic design work?" Demonstrate your understanding of the brand's core identity.
"Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment. How do you manage multiple projects and deadlines?" Provide examples of your organizational and teamwork skills.
"How do you approach receiving feedback on your designs, and how do you incorporate it into your work?" Show your openness to critique and iterative design process.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Start with your strongest and most relevant apparel graphic design projects. Clearly explain the context and your role in each.
For key projects, delve into the details of your technical execution and how you prepared files for production. Show examples of tech packs if possible.
Be prepared to discuss the "why" behind your design decisions, connecting them back to the project brief, target audience, and brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should heavily focus on demonstrating both creative thinking and technical proficiency in apparel graphics. Candidates should be ready to discuss specific examples from their portfolio that highlight their experience with production, collaboration, and problem-solving within a design context. Understanding Madhappy's brand values is essential for demonstrating cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Tailor your design portfolio to highlight your experience in apparel graphic design, including examples of produced work and technical documentation (if possible).
Optimize your resume by incorporating relevant design-specific keywords such as "Apparel Graphics," "Tech Packs," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," and "Production Files."
Prepare for the interview by practicing walking through your key portfolio projects, focusing on your design process and technical execution for apparel.
Research Madhappy's brand, mission, and recent collections to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for their work.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Freelance Assistant Graphic Designer