Freelance Packaging Designer, Footwear

About Us

American Exchange Group is a dynamic, multi-brand consumer goods company with a diverse portfolio spanning fashion, accessories, beauty, footwear, home, and lifestyle. Our brands include Jonathan Adler, Aerosoles, iTouch, Armitron, NatureWell, Indie Lee, Urban Skin Rx, and others.

Visit our website at www.axnygroup.com

We are looking for a Freelance Packaging Designer for our footwear brands. This will be on a project basis.

This is a remote position.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative and visually engaging packaging for footwear and related products, ensuring designs align with each brand's identity and target customer.
• Design a variety of packaging and product components, including boxes, bags, tissue, inserts, hangtags, labels, stickers, cards, wraps, and other branded packaging elements.
• Translate creative concepts and brand guidelines into cohesive packaging designs across collections.
• Create package dielines, digital and print mockups, and 3D renderings as needed.
• Effectively communicate product information, features, benefits, brand messaging, and care instructions through packaging.
• Develop and maintain accurate packaging technical specifications, including dimensions, materials, finishes, substrates, printing methods, and other production details.
• Prepare factory-ready and printer-ready final files and ensure artwork meets production specifications.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and overseas factories/vendors throughout the packaging development process.
• Review samples, proofs, and production materials to ensure accuracy, color, print quality, finishes, and overall execution.
• Manage multiple packaging projects and product launches simultaneously while meeting deadlines and production calendars.
• Create supporting graphic assets for product launches, marketing materials, e-commerce, presentations, and other brand initiatives as needed.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy across all packaging and branded product touchpoints.
• Stay current on packaging trends, materials, printing techniques, finishes, and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging design, functionality, cost, and production processes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably within footwear, handbags, fashion accessories, beauty, fashion, or consumer products.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating the ability to conceptualize, design, and execute packaging from initial concept through production.
• Expert understanding of packaging components, including dielines, substrates, printing processes, finishes, construction, and production requirements.
• Strong understanding of branding and graphic design principles.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Experience creating production-ready artwork and working with printers, factories, and packaging vendors.
• Experience communicating packaging specifications and revisions with overseas factories/vendors
• Experience with 3D rendering or visualization programs is a plus.
• Knowledge of packaging materials and current industry trends is a plus.
• Strong design, organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent attention to detail with a strong understanding of print production and quality control.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach.
• Embraces change and challenges and makes recommendations for improvements to products, packaging, and processes.

Salary: The anticipated base salary is $40-$50/hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location. This position description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with this position. While this description is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary. The compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, market data, and business needs.

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. The actual compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, degrees held, market data, and business needs.