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Surface Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

S/he will work within the Surface Design team to initiate and develop concepts each season that are fashion driven and reflective of the creative vision. This position requires advanced technical ...

$37.75 - $43/hr

CATIA V5 Part Design, Sketcher, Surface Design, Structural Analysis, and Aerospace Sheet Metal Design * Fully constrained sketching, sketch-based solids, dress-up features, wireframe/surface geometry ...

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Surface Design information

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How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in the United States is $57.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.07 and $73.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is AI taking over surface pattern design?

AI is increasingly used in surface design to generate patterns and assist in the creative process, but it does not replace the role of a surface designer. Designers often use AI tools to enhance productivity and explore new ideas, while human creativity and expertise remain essential for unique and marketable designs.

What are the typical challenges surface designers face when collaborating with product development teams?

Surface designers often work closely with product development teams to ensure their patterns and textures are both visually appealing and technically feasible for manufacturing. A common challenge is balancing creative vision with production constraints, such as material limitations, color fastness, and print methods. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as designers may need to adjust their designs to meet technical requirements or feedback from other departments. Regular collaboration helps ensure the final product maintains design integrity while being practical to produce.

What does a surface designer do?

A surface designer creates patterns and artwork that are applied to products such as textiles, ceramics, packaging, and home decor. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and often collaborate with manufacturers to ensure their designs are suitable for production and printing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Designer, you need expertise in pattern creation, color theory, and an understanding of textile or product materials, often supported by a degree in surface design, textile design, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as familiarity with digital printing techniques, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish outstanding surface designers. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating visually appealing, market-ready designs that meet client or industry specifications.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of surface design, high-paying roles such as senior creative directors or art directors in large companies can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced skills in design software. Typically, these roles involve overseeing design teams, managing brand visuals, and working in industries like fashion, product development, or entertainment. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and company size, with top-tier professionals often earning this level of income.

How much do surface designers make?

Surface designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized designers with strong portfolios and skills in design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Surface Design vs Textile Design?

AspectSurface DesignTextile Design
CredentialsPortfolio, possibly a degree in design or related fieldDegree in textile design, fashion, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, print shops, digital platformsFabric mills, fashion houses, print studios
Industry UsageApplied to various surfaces like packaging, ceramics, wallpapersFocused on fabric and textile patterns for clothing, home decor

Surface Design involves creating patterns and visuals for a variety of surfaces, including packaging, ceramics, and wallpapers. Textile Design specifically focuses on designing patterns for fabrics used in fashion and home textiles. While both roles require strong artistic skills and knowledge of pattern creation, Surface Designers often work across multiple materials, whereas Textile Designers specialize in textiles and fabrics.

What is surface design?

Surface design refers to the creation and application of artwork, patterns, or textures onto surfaces such as textiles, ceramics, paper, and other materials. Surface designers develop original motifs and repeat patterns, often using techniques like painting, drawing, digital illustration, or printmaking. Their work is widely used in industries like fashion, home decor, stationery, and product packaging. A career in surface design blends creativity with technical skills and often requires knowledge of digital design tools.
More about Surface Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Design jobs? Cities with the most Surface Design job openings:
What states have the most Surface Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,062 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Associate Surface Designer

Vera Bradley Sales, LLC

Roanoke, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

FUNCTION
The Associate Surface Designer will support the creation of own brand print artworks appropriate for the Vera Bradley customer. S/he will work within the Surface Design team to initiate and develop concepts each season that are fashion driven and reflective of the creative vision. This position requires advanced technical skills, speed, agility and the ability to react in an extremely fast-paced environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Note: Other duties may be assigned)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Create new, on-brand prints for multiple product categories that drive forward and support the evolution of the Vera Bradley design aesthetic.
  • Create complementary and coordinating prints, rework layouts and repeats and recolor artwork.
  • Create style specific artwork for home, wearable and other categories.
  • Manipulate new, vintage and bought prints for application across categories.
  • React quickly to development requests, creating multiple options for each review.
  • Prepare production ready artwork files.
  • Build surface design boards that illustrate the seasonal print direction. Participate in evaluation of seasonal surface design presentation for seasonal concept.
  • Support the maintenance of surface design library, both physical and digital.
  • Communicate with Product Development team and vendors to ensure materials prepared are issued in proper format and create vector files for print execution as needed.
  • Maintain strong knowledge of current surface design trends and historical surface design history through constant research and self-education.
  • Assist with the organization and distribution of vector files and paper pitch sheets to cross functional and license partners.
  • Support design team during creation of artwork tech packs.
  • Meet all deadlines on the go to market calendar as directed by senior team members and Surface Design Director.
  • Propose innovative ways to streamline and improve departmental processes.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
  • High school graduate required. Bachelor's degree in textile design, apparel / merchandising, or related field preferred.
  • 2+ years experience in designing, managing and manipulating surface designs on textiles.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels across the organization
  • Strong team player with the ability to build and maintain good rapport with both internal and external customers to handle situations with confidence and tact
  • Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, and concurrently manage multiple projects
  • Flexible, adaptable with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
  • High level of attention to detail with strong follow-through skills
  • Understands key business drivers and uses this knowledge in own work
  • Able to work independently with minimal guidance. Demonstrated ability to solve a range of problems with the ability to analyze solutions
  • Resourceful with ability to make decisions and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
  • Excellent CAD skills in Adobe Illustrator required. Skills in Adobe Photoshop, CLO 3D or other design software a plus.
  • Strong hand-sketching and artistic ability.
  • Strong color sense and visual acuity.
  • Knowledge of fabrics and textile print industry.
  • Knowledge of FlexPLM or other PLM software a plus.

ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Office environment. Utilizing an office desk - sitting, reading, listening, or speaking with the ability to move intermittently throughout the day.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment.
  • Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity .
  • Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
  • Overseas and domestic travel required as necessary.

We are proud of the competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefit package provided to our associates and their families. Our compensation package is designed to meet our associates today and help them plan for the future.
Health Benefits
Vera Bradley offers a variety of medical, dental and vision programs to meet your family's health care needs.
  • Medical plan options including both a HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible spending accounts

Survivor Benefits
Life insurance provides peace of mind for your family should the unexpected happen.
  • Employer provided 2X your salary in life insurance
  • Accidental Death and Disability insurance
  • Voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse and your children

Income Protection
If you are unable to work due to illness or injury Vera Bradley provides several programs to protect your income at no cost to you.
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability

Retirement Plan
The Vera Bradley 401k plan helps you accumulate savings for retirement
  • 401k with generous company match, immediate vesting (age and service requirement)
  • Strong line up of professionally managed funds
  • Safe-harbor plan design

Paid Time Off
Enjoy generous time off programs.
  • Earn up to 3 weeks of paid time off in your first year of employment with opportunity to earn more
  • 9 paid holidays a year
  • Paid bereavement leave

Give Back Opportunities
Vera Bradley offers the opportunity to serve your community.
  • Voluntary Time Off

Holistic Wellness
  • Access to a variety of financial, physical, and mental wellness experts
  • Employee Assistance Program with access to work/life wellness support including no cost unlimited telephonic counseling services
  • Opportunities for leadership development, skill development and career advancement

Product Discount
  • Generous employee discount on Vera Bradley products

Ancillary Benefits and Programs
  • Bonus opportunity, identity protection, legal services, pet insurance, cell phone discount, employee referral bonus, annual birthday gift, DailyPay, corporate fitness facility and individual policies through Aflac

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled
Vera Bradley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer.
Vera Bradley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
For more information, please click the following links:
Vera Bradley's Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Policy
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in English)
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (in Spanish)
Pay Transparency (in English)
Pay Transparency (in Spanish)
E-Verify Participation Poster
Right to Work Poster (English)
Right to Work Poster (Spanish)
California Privacy Notice
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment application process, please send an e-mail to applicationassistance@VeraBradley.com. Please include the accommodation you are requesting and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation and other EEO/Affirmative Action issues will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Our intention is to fill this opening within 30 days of the original posting date and applications will be accepted on an on-going basis until the position is filled.
Base Pay Range:
$58,100.00
to
$79,850.00
Vera Bradley's compensation ranges are based on market data and comply with all local, state and federal regulations. Individual pay within the listed range depends on work location, skills, experience, and relevant education. The posted salary reflects base pay only and excludes bonuses, equity, or other incentives, if applicable.