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Surface Textile Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Designtex, a leading textile design firm, is launching an exciting opportunity for a ... Noc surface films. * Engaging in frequent client meetings (typically 4-5 per day) to present ...

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Surface Textile Design information

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$43K

$70.3K

$95K

How much do surface textile design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for surface textile design in the United States is $70,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Surface Textile Designer, you need strong artistic ability, a good understanding of fabric types, and typically a degree in textile design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and CAD systems is essential for creating and editing patterns. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with clients and teams. These skills ensure innovative, marketable designs that meet client needs and industry standards.

How do surface textile designers typically collaborate with manufacturers during the product development process?

Surface textile designers frequently work closely with manufacturers to ensure that their patterns and designs are produced accurately and at scale. This collaboration often involves communicating design specifications, selecting appropriate materials, and reviewing prototypes or samples to address any production challenges. Designers may need to adjust their original concepts based on technical limitations or cost considerations, making flexibility and strong communication skills essential. Regular meetings and feedback loops are common to maintain quality and consistency from concept to final product.

What is the difference between Surface Textile Design vs Textile Designer?

AspectSurface Textile DesignTextile Designer
CredentialsDegree in Textile Design, Surface Pattern Design, or related fieldDegree in Textile Design, Fashion Design, or similar
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, freelanceDesign studios, fashion houses, manufacturing
Industry UsageFocuses on creating patterns and textures for surfacesDesigns entire textiles, fabrics, and patterns for products

Surface Textile Designers specialize in creating patterns and textures that are applied to surfaces of textiles, such as prints and motifs. Textile Designers develop complete fabric designs used in fashion, home decor, and industrial textiles. While both roles involve textile pattern creation, Surface Textile Design emphasizes surface decoration, whereas Textile Design covers broader fabric development.

Is AI taking over surface pattern design?

Surface textile design professionals are increasingly using AI tools to generate patterns and assist in the creative process, but human expertise remains essential for originality and quality control. AI can enhance efficiency and inspire new ideas, but designers still need skills in color theory, composition, and textile knowledge. Mastery of design software and understanding of market trends are important for success in this evolving field.

What is surface textile design?

Surface textile design is the process of creating patterns, textures, and decorative elements that are applied to fabrics and materials. Designers use various techniques such as printing, embroidery, dyeing, and digital manipulation to enhance the appearance of textiles used in fashion, interiors, and other products. The goal is to make textiles visually appealing and suitable for different purposes, from clothing to home décor. Surface textile designers often work with manufacturers and brands to bring their creative visions to life.
More about Surface Textile Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Textile Design jobs? Cities with the most Surface Textile Design job openings:
What states have the most Surface Textile Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Textile Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Surface Textile Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,250 per year, or $33.8 per hour.
Free People Associate Embellishment Designer

Free People Associate Embellishment Designer

Free People

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Free People rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Role Summary

Free People is seeking an Associate Embellishment Designer to support the Femme Craft, Embellishment, and Embroidery for the Free People brand. Central to this role is supporting the Free People Embellishment Team in the creation and development of original artworks and tech packs that represent the unique style of the Free People customer with a focus on Free People Collection Femme categories (i.e Dresses, soft woven tops, cut & sew knits).

Role Responsibilities
  • The Associate Embellishment Designer will contribute to the creation, development, and execution of own brand craft artworks appropriate for Free People Collection. They will assist in creating new artworks that represents the unique style of the Free People customer within our Collection range focused on Femme and Only @ FP categories.
  • Work closely and collaboratively with the design director, design, and buying teams to develop artworks for both retail and wholesale divisions. Attend and actively participate in design flow meetings.
  • Utilize traditional drawing, painting, and other arts and crafts techniques, along with Adobe Creative Suite, to create artwork, layouts, and colorways.
  • Collaborate with our product development and technical designers to set up engineered artworks.
  • Create artwork layouts and provide colorways, collaborating with the color team to align with specific color palettes.
  • Conduct research and develop specific artwork designs to realize the Director's vision.
  • Source vintage textiles and artworks, as well as digital image libraries, for inspiration to be used in original artwork designs.
  • Stay updated with fashion trends, particularly those related to textiles, and incorporate them into artwork while ensuring freshness and brand appropriateness.
  • Generate CADs to communicate the placement of artwork designs on garments and create technical packages for artwork to be sent to vendors and factories.
  • Create meticulous tech packs to communicate materials (beads, types of stitch, sequins, etc) to vendors to ensure samples come back correctly.
  • Maintain organized file folders using established saving and naming conventions to facilitate easy access for teammates.
  • Keep the office and workspace tidy and organized.
  • The ability to effectively manage deadlines and contribute to the growth of a dynamic team is crucial for excelling in this position

#LI-PS1

#FREEPEOPLE

#LI-JA1

Role Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Textile Design, Surface Design, Fine Art, Illustration, or related experience.
  • 3+ Years related professional experience including Embellishment or Embroidery design strongly preferred.
  • 4-5 days on-site at our Home Office at the Navy Yard -  Philadelphia PA
  • Creative & Trend Vision:
    • Strong sense and understanding of Fashion Trends and how it could translate to the Free People customer. Ability to identify new trends and how those can relate to embellishment designs
    • Strong sense of technical embroidery/embellishment understanding and passion for surface design and making of artworks.
    • Experience in embroidery/embellishment and textile design with a strong foundation of hand drawing/painting and digital rendering. 
  • Technical Knowledge:
    • Excellent hand and strong creative and technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and NedGraphics (preferred).
    • Ai (MidJourney, PromeAi) knowledge/experience would be a plus!
    • Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office 365 or Google suite.
  • Soft Skills:
    • Strong sense of organizational skills as well as passionate of fast speed environment
    • Self-starter with the ability to function independently as well as in a team-based environment
    • Great attention to detail and understanding of sense of urgency and deadlines
    • Excellent communication skills with an upbeat, positive attitude, great team player and ability to be flexible is key!
    • Proactive and self-motivated is a must for this role
    • Strong sense of organizational skills and proactiveness, great communication skills and ability to multitask
    • Enthusiasm and willingness to explore creatively using AI platforms.

 

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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