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Surface Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$60 - $80/hr

About the Role We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Surface Designer to join our design team in San Clemente, California . In this role, you will contribute to the development of ...

Surface Designer

San Clemente, CA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

About the Role We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Surface Designer to join our design team in San Clemente, California . In this role, you will contribute to the development of ...

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 ...

Surface Designer

California, MO · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... designer with strong visual taste, fast instincts, and a genuine passion for design. This role isn ... Background in fashion, beauty, textiles, or surface design * Experience refining AI‑generated ...

Senior Class A Surface Designer

Livonia, MI · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Our client is currently seeking 4 Senior Class A Surface Designers for a 6-month project in Livonia, MI. This will be for automotive interiors and exteriors. Required Skills: * 15-20 plus years of ...

Class A - Surface Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $162K/yr

Confirms all program surface interfaces are "Designed-in-Context" to a coordinated data set including supplier data * Develops and maintains a coordinated Class A surface database (i.e. Reference ...

Class A - Surface Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $162K/yr

Confirms all program surface interfaces are "Designed-in-Context" to a coordinated data set including supplier data * Develops and maintains a coordinated Class A surface database (i.e. Reference ...

The Studio Property Lead plays a critical role in the development of both digital and physical properties that support studio deliverables. This position is responsible for creating digital armature ...

Class A - Surface Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Confirms all program surface interfaces are "Designed-in-Context" to a coordinated data set including supplier data * Develops and maintains a coordinated Class A surface database (i.e. Reference ...

... surfacing. Key job responsibilities - Rapid 3D Form & Volume Exploration: Quickly rough out, test ... Designer. - Cross-Functional Synthesis: Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, Motion ...

... surfacing. Key job responsibilities - Rapid 3D Form & Volume Exploration: Quickly rough out, test ... Designer. - Cross-Functional Synthesis: Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, Motion ...

You want work within a small tight-knit team of Surfacing Designers so you can learn as much as possible about tangent/curvature/acceleration continuity, what makes NURBS be NURBS, challenge yourself ...

You want work within a small tight-knit team of Surfacing Designers so you can learn as much as possible about tangent/curvature/acceleration continuity, what makes NURBS be NURBS, challenge yourself ...

You want work within a small tight-knit team of Surfacing Designers so you can learn as much as possible about tangent/curvature/acceleration continuity.

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Surface Designer information

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How much do surface designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface designer in the United States is $26.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surface designer?

A surface designer is a creative professional who develops and creates patterns, illustrations, or graphics specifically intended to be applied to surfaces such as textiles, wallpaper, packaging, home goods, and other products. Their work involves designing visually appealing motifs that enhance the appearance of everyday objects. Surface designers often use both traditional drawing skills and digital design tools to create their artwork, collaborating with manufacturers and brands to bring their designs to life on a variety of products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface designer?

To thrive as a Surface Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, pattern creation, and color theory, often supported by a degree in textile design or a related field. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD systems is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for producing unique and marketable surface patterns that align with client needs and industry trends.

How does a surface designer typically collaborate with product development and manufacturing teams during a project?

Surface Designers often work closely with product development and manufacturing teams to ensure that their patterns, textures, and graphics translate effectively from digital concepts to physical products. This collaboration involves regular meetings to review design feasibility, choosing materials, and making necessary adjustments based on production constraints or material properties. Effective communication is essential, as Surface Designers may need to provide technical files, color specifications, and support during prototyping rounds. By working as part of a cross-functional team, Surface Designers help ensure that the final product aligns with both the creative vision and manufacturing capabilities.

What is the difference between Surface Designer vs Textile Designer?

AspectSurface DesignerTextile Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, possibly a degree in design or related fieldPortfolio, degree in textile design, fashion, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing, or client officesFabric mills, fashion brands, or textile companies
Industry UsageCreating patterns for various surfaces like wallpaper, packaging, or home decorDesigning fabrics and patterns specifically for textiles and apparel

While both roles involve creating patterns and designs, Surface Designers focus on patterns for a variety of surfaces, whereas Textile Designers specialize in fabric and textile pattern creation. The skills and tools overlap, but their industry applications and end products differ.

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 or with freelance work.

What does a surface designer do?

A surface designer creates patterns and artwork for surfaces such as textiles, wallpapers, ceramics, and packaging. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and collaborate with manufacturers or brands to develop visually appealing surface designs that align with product specifications.
More about Surface Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Surface Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Surface Designer job openings:

What states have the most Surface Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surface Designer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Surface Designer jobs?

For Surface Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Surface Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,655 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Geometry
Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

$60 - $80/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Surface Designer to join our design team in San Clemente, California. In this role, you will contribute to the development of thoughtful, beautifully crafted designs across multiple product categories. You’ll bring strong traditional art skills—particularly in drawing and painting—and translate them into compelling digital assets that align with the brand’s creative vision.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to grow within a collaborative environment while helping shape the visual direction of a dynamic brand

What You’ll Do
  • Create unique designs across various product categories by utilizing hand-drawing and painting techniques, transforming them into fully digital artworks.
  • Ensure designs are on-brand and aligned with the creative direction set by the leadership team.
  • Conduct trend research to identify emerging styles, patterns, and color.
  • Work closely with the design team to refine and execute design concepts.
  • Participate in team meetings, providing updates on design progress and challenges.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility and market readiness.
  • Oversee the creation of prototypes and samples, ensuring designs are translated accurately from concept to product.
  • Provide feedback to vendors and manufacturers to address quality and design adjustments as needed.
  • Assist in developing seasonal collections, ensuring alignment with overall brand strategy.
  • Contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions and seasonal planning meetings.
What You Bring
  • Top creative talent
  • Strong sketching and rendering skills, with an eye for detail and color.
  • Must have a great understanding of scale and color theory
  • Must have a great understand of print and pattern design
  • Must have a great understanding of repeating and engineered printsAdaptability and openness to feedback.
  • Team player with a proactive attitude.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with other team members
  • Excellent time management
  • Excellent understanding of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • 1-3 years of print and pattern design experience
What You’ll Gain
  • The opportunity to see your original artwork come to life across physical products, from concept through final production
  • Hands-on experience translating hand-painted and drawn artwork into production-ready designs across multiple product categories
  • A deep understanding of how art, pattern, and color function within a commercial brand environment
  • The chance to contribute to seasonal collections and play a real role in shaping the visual direction of the brand
  • A strong, diverse portfolio of market-ready work that reflects both your artistic voice and commercial versatility
  • Exposure to the full product development lifecycle, including sampling, vendor communication, and production refinement
  • Ongoing mentorship and feedback from experienced creative leadership to help you grow your technical and conceptual skills
  • A collaborative team environment where your ideas are valued and your creative perspective contributes to the bigger picture'
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Unlimited sick time
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
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