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Freelance Leather Goods Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Designer Leather goods

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key designer in the Leather goods design team: working on Small Leather goods, Leather goods and small accessories. Contributing to creative process through all stages of the design process, from ...

Associate Designer Leather goods

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key designer in the Leather goods design team: working on Small Leather goods, Leather goods and small accessories. Contributing to creative process through all stages of the design process, from ...

Senior Designer, Leather Goods

Manhattan, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Marc Jacobs International, powered by the creative genius of Marc Jacobs, seeks a Senior designer, Leather Goods to join the Design team based in its New York City (SoHo) headquarters.

New

Senior Designer, Leather Goods

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Marc Jacobs International, powered by the creative genius of Marc Jacobs, seeks a Senior designer, Leather Goods to join the Design team based in its New York City (SoHo) headquarters.

Designer-Belts & Small Leather Goods

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join a creative team of designers with a passion for the details, designing belts and small leather goods. Our Accessory Designer collaborates with sales and merchandising, as well as licensed brand ...

Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Designer / Product Development - Handbags, Backpacks & Small Leather Goods Position Summary The Designer / Product Development role is responsible for supporting the development of seasonal handbag ...

Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Designer / Product Development - Handbags, Backpacks & Small Leather Goods Position Summary The Designer / Product Development role is responsible for supporting the development of seasonal handbag ...

Cutter - Leather Shop

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Goods company renowned for its sophisticated life-inspired designs, was conceived in 1988 by ... The Leather Cutter is responsible for inspecting the leather, selecting areas to be cut ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Leather Goods Designer information

See salary details

$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance leather goods designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance leather goods designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance leather goods designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Leather Goods Designer, you need strong abilities in sketching, pattern-making, and leather crafting techniques, typically backed by formal design education or hands-on apprenticeship. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Illustrator, CAD software, and specialized leatherworking equipment is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong client communication skills help you stand out in the competitive freelance market. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, marketable products and successful client relationships.

What does a freelance leather goods designer do?

A Freelance Leather Goods Designer creates original designs for items made from leather, such as handbags, wallets, belts, shoes, and accessories. They are responsible for the entire design process, from concept development and sketching to selecting materials and overseeing production. As freelancers, they often work with multiple clients or brands, manage their own schedules, and may handle aspects of marketing and client communication. Their work requires creativity, technical knowledge of leatherworking, and an understanding of current fashion trends.

What are some common challenges freelance leather goods designers face when managing multiple client projects simultaneously?

Freelance Leather Goods Designers often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and effective communication critical challenges. Balancing client expectations, adhering to different brand aesthetics, and meeting tight deadlines require strong organizational skills. Additionally, designers must stay updated on trends and source quality materials, all while handling administrative tasks like invoicing and client relations. Establishing clear contracts and project timelines can help mitigate these challenges and ensure smoother collaboration.

What is the difference between Freelance Leather Goods Designer vs Leather Goods Designer?

AspectFreelance Leather Goods DesignerLeather Goods Designer
Work EnvironmentIndependent, self-employed, project-basedEmployed by companies or brands, often in studios or offices
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills, industry knowledge; certifications optionalSimilar credentials; certifications may enhance credibility
Industry UsageFreelance market, contract work, self-managed projectsFull-time employment, in-house or agency roles

Freelance Leather Goods Designers operate independently, managing their own clients and projects, while Leather Goods Designers typically work as employees within companies. Both roles require strong design skills and industry knowledge, but freelancing offers more flexibility and self-direction, whereas in-house roles provide stability and team collaboration.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Leather Goods Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Leather Goods Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Leather Goods Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Leather Goods Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Leather Goods Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Leather Goods Designer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Leather Goods Designer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Leather Goods Designer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Leather Goods Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Designer - Handbags & Leather Goods

Aime Leon Dore

New York, NY

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Aime Leon Dore is looking for a Handbag & Leather Goods Designer to join our team in New York, New York, reporting directly to the Design Director of Footwear, Bags & Leather Goods. This position will work on the overall handbag design process, supporting the team from concept research through production handoff.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for Handbag and SLG design and development; from concept presentation at the beginning of the season through bulk production handoff.
  • Will work closely with Design Leadership to develop styles that enhance brand identity, offering new products to our current customers, and expanding to new markets.
  • Create and maintain all tech packs including sketches, boms, and technical specs.
  • Responsible for calendar management through this process, highlighting close follow up with vendors.
  • Maintain strong relationships with vendors to secure open communication and adherence to deadlines both locally and overseas.
  • Focus heavily on designing each style with authenticity and superior quality.
  • Partner with Production on vendor allocation, pre-costing, and additional costing options for bulk when needed.
  • Develop a continuous flow of new concepts and materials in the leather goods space, sharing with the wider design team to utilize the newest innovations.
  • Expand our non-leather bag options to offer a robust hierarchy of price points.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Fashion or Industrial Design and/or equivalent work experience.
  • 5+ years of handbag and small leather goods design experience.
  • Technical knowledge of leather and handbag construction from concept through bulk production.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Microsoft Suite; 3D and / or AI programs are a plus.
  • Experience with various skins and fabric appropriate for handbags and SLGs.
  • Ability to thrive in a high-volume, rapidly changing environment, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
  • Must be organized and illustrate a keen attention to detail.
  • Commitment to brand identity and a focus on business growth.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000