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Freelance Packaging Designer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Asmodee

Game Design Manager, TCG

Roseville, MN · On-site +1

They are responsible for managing the game designers of the TCG Design + Development team. They ... Maintain good working relationships with various licensors, partners, and freelancers. * All other ...

Onward Education

Para Educator

Lakeville, MN

Support academic instruction designed by special and general education teachers, including small ... Competitive pay and benefits package. * Access to a wide network of schools and districts for ...

Onward Education

School Counselor

Lakeville, MN · On-site

... designed to support the academic, career, and personal/social development of all students. Position ... Competitive pay and benefits package. * Access to a wide network of schools and districts for ...

All JobsPackaging Designer JobsFreelance Packaging Designer JobsFreelance Packaging Designer Jobs in Minnesota

Freelance Packaging Designer information

See Minnesota salary details

$14

$46

$129

How much do freelance packaging designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance packaging designer in Minnesota is $46.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $60.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance packaging designer do?

A freelance packaging designer creates visual and structural designs for product packaging on a contract basis. Their work involves understanding a brand's identity, selecting appropriate materials, and designing graphics that attract customers and comply with industry regulations. They often collaborate with clients to develop packaging solutions that are both functional and visually appealing. Freelance designers manage their own schedules, client communications, and project timelines.

What does a freelance packaging designer do?

As a freelance packaging designer, you do package design on an independent or contract basis. Your responsibilities focus on developing the design specifications that meet industry standards while staying cost-effective. You manufacture a brand that appeals to customers and has brand recognition. Your duties may also include developing package assembly instructions. A freelance packaging designer often communicates directly with the client or with various departments such as marketing, production engineering, or food packing.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Packaging Designer, you need a strong background in graphic design, branding, and structural packaging concepts, often supported by a degree in design or related fields. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and knowledge of print production processes are essential. Creativity, effective communication, time management, and the ability to interpret client briefs make a designer stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for producing visually appealing, functional packaging that meets client needs and market standards.

What are some common challenges freelance packaging designers face when working with clients remotely?

Freelance packaging designers often encounter challenges such as interpreting client visions without in-person meetings, navigating feedback cycles across different time zones, and ensuring print-ready files meet various manufacturers' specifications. Clear communication, detailed briefs, and using collaborative tools can help address these issues. Additionally, freelancers may need to educate clients about packaging constraints and best practices to ensure the final product aligns with both creative and practical requirements.

What is the difference between Freelance Packaging Designer vs Packaging Designer?

AspectFreelance Packaging DesignerPackaging Designer
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client-site projectsIn-house or agency setting
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills, possibly certificationsPortfolio, design skills, possibly certifications
EmployerSelf-employed or contractedCompany or agency
Industry UsageFreelance market, multiple clientsSingle employer or firm

The main difference is that a Freelance Packaging Designer works independently with multiple clients, often remotely, while a Packaging Designer is typically employed full-time by a company or agency. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but their work settings and employment structures differ.

More about Freelance Packaging Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Packaging Designer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Packaging Designer jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Packaging Designer jobs in Minnesota?

For Freelance Packaging Designer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Packaging Designer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Packaging Designer jobs in Minnesota are:

Freelance Packaging Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Packaging Designer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,187 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Technical Designer

Creative Apparel Concepts, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Garment Development & Technical Designer

Creative Apparel Concepts, Inc. | Golden Valley, MN | Full-Time | On-Site


Department: Team Sports, Gift & Souvenir, and Sleepwear

Reports To: VP of Product Development


THE ROLE


The Creative Apparel Concepts Garment Development & Technical Designer will work closely with the Product Development and Production Teams to translate design concepts into quality finished garments and accessories.


The ideal candidate has strong technical design expertise, apparel product development knowledge, and experience managing garments from concept through production. Product categories include sleepwear and apparel as well as accessories such as bags and cosmetic cases. The role requires regular communication with international suppliers supporting our Team Sports, Gift & Souvenir, and Sleepwear divisions to ensure products meet fit, quality, construction, cost, and timeline requirements.


The right person is organized, adaptable, and comfortable supporting a variety of major retailers, licensed brands, factories, and approval processes.


ABOUT CREATIVE APPAREL CONCEPTS


Creative Apparel Concepts (CAC) is an apparel wholesaler based in Golden Valley, MN. We develop and source sleepwear and apparel across a portfolio that includes our own proprietary brands and licensed properties, selling to major retailers. Our work is hands-on, fast-moving, and connected to real products that move from concept to retail racks in a matter of months.


WHAT YOU WILL DO


Garment Development

  • Attend product development meetings for CAC brands and customer programs
  • Manage garment development from concept through commercialization.
  • Develop garment designs and silhouettes for CAC brands and customer programs, working from trend direction, customer requirements, and category needs.
  • Work with the product development team and vendors to identify suitable garments, fabrics, trims, and construction methods.
  • Assist on projects and initiatives as needed within the development team.
  • Support costing initiatives by identifying efficiencies without compromising product quality.
  • Develop non-garment products, including accessories such as bags and cosmetic cases, applying the same development and technical standards used for garments.


Technical Design

  • Create and maintain detailed technical packages for apparel styles, including design sketches, specifications, construction details, and technical recommendations for manufacturability.
  • Develop garment specifications including measurements, construction details, grading, and bill of materials.
  • Ensure consistency in fit, quality, and construction standards across product categories.
  • Analyze samples and communicate fit and construction corrections to factories.
  • Resolve technical and production issues during development and production stages.
  • Review factory submissions for accuracy and compliance.
  • Record fit comments and revisions accurately.
  • Maintain strong relationships with manufacturing partners.
  • Collaborate with design teams to achieve desired aesthetics while maintaining functionality and production feasibility.


Approvals

  • Manage approval workflows across CAC brands and customer programs, including garment approvals, customer sign-offs, and factory submissions.
  • Maintain accurate approval status tracking within the company PLM system and proactively identify risks to development timelines.
  • Follow up with factories and customer contacts to keep approvals moving on schedule.
  • Prepare regular status reports and communicate approval risks or delays to the product development team.
  • Drive continuous improvement of processes related to technical design.
  • Maintain fit block libraries and grading standards for international production product lines within the PLM system.
  • Direct and oversee freelance technical designers, including assigning work, reviewing output for accuracy and completeness, and holding deadlines.


Quality and Compliance

  • Coordinate and oversee product testing and inspection throughout the development process to ensure garments meet performance, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure all products comply with company and customer quality standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Review and analyze test reports and product inspection, including fabric tests, wash tests, and garment performance evaluations, as well as production inspection reports for production.
  • Maintain testing documentation and communicate results to cross-functional stakeholders.


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR


Required

  • Degree in Apparel/Garment Design & Technical Design or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in technical design, apparel development, or product development.
  • Experience in a variety of fabrics, primarily knits.
  • Experience in women's, men's, children's, activewear, or sleepwear categories.
  • Understanding of apparel construction and manufacturing techniques.
  • 5+ years working with garment patterns, including the ability to identify pattern-related fit and construction issues and communicate corrections to factories.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Proficiency with Adobe products (primarily Illustrator).
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to learn quickly.
  • Strong understanding of garment measurement and specification development.
  • Ability to be flexible, prioritize, and shift focus in order to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to operate both independently as well as collaboratively.
  • Experience working with apparel manufacturers and global sourcing partners.
  • Experience with fabric & garment testing, production inspections, and auditing (QA).
  • Experience directing or reviewing the work of freelance or contract designers.
  • Strong organizational skills: you track your own open items, follow up without being asked, and things do not fall through on your watch.
  • Clear professional written communication, whether corresponding with a factory overseas or a buyer coordinator at a major retailer.
  • Adaptability and comfort working in a hands-on environment where the role may touch approvals, customer communication, product development, systems, and follow-through.


A Plus If You Have

  • Experience with Adobe Photoshop.
  • Experience with different print techniques and garment embellishments.
  • Background with licensed brands or licensor approval workflows.
  • Experience developing accessories, bags, or other non-garment product.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT CAC


  • A hands-on product development role where your work is visible and your contribution matters from day one.
  • Direct exposure to the full product lifecycle, from apparel concepts and customer programs through factory production and retail delivery.
  • Experience supporting a variety of major retailers, licensed brands, factories, and approval processes.
  • A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where communication is direct, priorities move quickly, and follow-through matters.
  • Competitive salary and benefits,

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