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Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Michigan

Portland Public Schools

Data Specialist

Portland, MI · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

You'll design surveys, forms, and workflows that reduce burden, improve accuracy, and make it ... Run and analyze error reports to identify missing or incorrect data, surface patterns, and partner ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Senior UX Designer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... surfaces that make AI feel both powerful and reliable. You will partner closely with product ... Map and design collaboration patterns between users and AI-defining when AI acts autonomously, when ...

Stellantis

Data Analyst / Front End

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

... standard design practices. Working under the direction of a Data & AI Product Owner, the role ... Support root-cause analysis by surfacing data patterns and anomalies * Product Delivery Support

FastTek

Insights Analyst

Troy, MI · On-site

Synthesize findings across multiple analyses to surface patterns, tell a coherent story, and make recommendations. Not just report numbers. * Build What People Actually Use: Design and maintain ...

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Freelance Surface Pattern Design information

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$12

$41

$115

How much do freelance surface pattern design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance surface pattern design in Michigan is $41.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $53.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freelance Surface Pattern Design position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Surface Pattern Designer, you need a strong foundation in illustration, color theory, and design principles, often supported by a portfolio showcasing your work. Proficiency with digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is essential, and familiarity with surface pattern industry standards is an advantage. Effective communication, time management, and self-motivation help freelancers succeed in managing multiple projects and clients. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, marketable designs while building a reliable client base and staying competitive in a creative industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges freelance surface pattern designers face, and how can they overcome them?

Freelance surface pattern designers often face challenges such as finding consistent clients, managing fluctuating workloads, and keeping up with changing design trends. To overcome these obstacles, it's helpful to build a strong online portfolio, actively network within the design community, and regularly update your skills through industry resources and workshops. Many successful freelancers also dedicate time to researching current market needs and establishing a reliable workflow to balance creativity with business responsibilities. By staying organized and proactive, designers can build a sustainable career and maintain a steady stream of engaging projects.

What is a Freelance Surface Pattern Design job?

A Freelance Surface Pattern Design job involves creating repeating patterns or illustrations for use on products like textiles, wallpapers, stationery, and packaging. Designers work independently, licensing or selling their designs to brands, manufacturers, or print-on-demand platforms. They may also take on custom design projects for clients. This role requires creativity, knowledge of design software, and an understanding of industry trends. Freelancers manage their own business, handling marketing, contracts, and client relationships.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surface Pattern Design jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Surface Pattern Design jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Freelance Surface Pattern Design job openings:
Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Surface Pattern Design job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,489 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Senior Design Sculptor - Computational

Senior Design Sculptor - Computational

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

General Motors rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 309 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
The Role
As a Computational Design and Parametric Modeling expert, you will drive the development and adoption of advanced digital workflows across the GM design community. You will leverage tools such as NX Algorithmic Modeling, Rhino, Grasshopper, Alias, and Dynamo to create complex sculpted surfaces, branded textures, and high-quality patterns that bring vehicle interior and exterior themes to life. Partnering closely with design and engineering stakeholders, you will contribute to solving challenging aesthetic and technical problems while integrating computational design strategies into the overall vehicle design and development process. You will also provide technical expertise, training, and guidance to cross-functional studio teams, mentoring sculptors and enabling collaboration across multiple studios.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as the subject matter expert in computational design and parametric modeling, using advanced algorithms to build complex sculpted surfaces and high-quality aesthetic models across the GVDP.
  • Develop and implement cross-platform hybrid workflows, tools, and processes that integrate computational design strategies into the overall vehicle design process, including the creation of branded textures, patterns, and advanced surfacing solutions.
  • Mentor and coach sculptors and studio personnel on the theory, practice, and implementation of computational design and digital sculpting tools to create vehicle exterior and interior themes.
  • Champion a strong safety mindset while testing and developing common GM Global Design processes and best practices, and ensuring adherence to corporate data management and communication systems (Teamcenter, SharePoint, PDM, timekeeping, email, etc.).
  • Balance workloads across multiple studios and programs, enabling collaboration and alignment to accomplish organizational goals and meet program timing requirements.
  • Actively participate in studio and patio reviews, contributing expert aesthetic judgment and 3D solutions to address design and engineering challenges with cross-functional teams.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Expert-level creative and technical proficiency in computational design and parametric modeling, with a strong portfolio of complex sculpted surfaces and high-quality aesthetic models.
  • Deep expertise in computational software, including Alias, NX Algorithmic Modeling, Rhino, Grasshopper, Dynamo, and related tools used for digital sculpting and hybrid workflows.
  • Proven ability to estimate timing requirements for GVDP model execution and effectively manage workloads and priorities across multiple studios and programs.
  • High level of interpersonal and collaboration skills; approachable, able to build strong internal networks, and comfortable escalating personnel or collaboration conflicts to leadership when needed.
  • Demonstrated courage and change leadership, with the ability to drive process improvements, implement new workflows, and help others overcome resistance to change.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with a strong ability to create clear presentations and communication documentation.
  • Demonstrated habit of seeking innovation and continuous improvement, executing on new ideas and incorporating emerging computational design capabilities into day-to-day work.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry-related experience will be considered.
  • Experience mentoring sculptors and studio teams in computational design, digital sculpting, and parametric modeling methodologies.
  • Experience developing branded textures, patterns, and advanced surfacing within an automotive, transportation, or closely related design environment.
  • Familiarity with GM Global Design processes, including testing and developing common design workflows and best practices.
  • Hands-on experience with corporate data management and communication systems such as Teamcenter, SharePoint, PDM, and related studio tools.
  • Demonstrated track record as an active contributor in studio and patio reviews, providing strong aesthetic judgment and 3D solutions in partnership with design and engineering stakeholders.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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