Freelance Print Designer - Project-Based

Job Description

CALPAK is a travel lifestyle brand dedicated to making the journey as stylish as the destination. Known for our thoughtfully designed luggage, bags, and travel accessories, we blend bold aesthetics with durable, functional construction. Our prints and patterns are a signature part of our identity — bringing personality and energy to products built to go the distance.

We are seeking a senior-level Print Designer to lead the creation of original print collections on a recurring project basis. You will be responsible for translating seasonal concepts into production-ready, full-repeat patterns. This is a highly creative role for someone who can work independently and deliver "print-perfect" files under tight deadlines. 

Requirements

Ideal Candidate:

You understand the intersection of fashion and function - designing prints that are not only visually compelling but engineered to perform on durable, performance-based materials. You think in terms of repeat, placement, and end use, and can anticipate how a design will wrap and wear across a finished product. Your work reflects both aesthetic clarity and technical precision.

Responsibilities:

• Collaboration: Brainstorm with the Design team to refine briefs and implement feedback through iterative design rounds. 
• Creative Execution: Design original artwork and motifs that align with our brand aesthetic and seasonal direction. 
• Repeat Development: Create seamless full-repeat layouts that are production-ready for various materials and print techniques.
• Color Management: Develop sophisticated color stories and palettes, ensuring accuracy through Pantone matching. Collaborate on color development, including multiple colorways per print.
• Production Prep: Review and proofread all print files for dimensions, layout, and resolution to ensure they are 100% print-ready. Prepare final artwork for manufacturing, ensuring accuracy in repeats, layers, and file setup.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional print design experience.
• Software Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (vector repeats) and Photoshop (texture/painterly repeats).
• Technical Depth: Deep understanding of various printing processes (digital, screen, rotary) and fabric/material limitations.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating a range of styles and mastery of complex technical repeats. 
• Deep understanding of color, composition, and print production processes
• Ability to work independently, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality work on schedule. Need the ability to meet milestone deadlines for 2-3 critical projects annually.