Freelance Soccer Apparel Designer

Company Description VIVE creates artistically designed soccer gear and apparel using premium materials for technical, high-performance soccer athletes. The brand’s design approach celebrates individual uniqueness while emphasizing meaning and purpose through art. VIVE is driven by a mission to help build a future where every child has quality shoes, a soccer ball, and a safe place to play. Through its Create Future Projects, the company donates high-quality soccer gear to children who lack access, blending performance-focused products with social impact.

Role Description The Apparel Designer is a contract role responsible for designing soccer apparel and gear that align with VIVE’s artistic and mission-driven aesthetic. Day-to-day tasks include developing original concepts, sketching and refining designs, selecting textiles and trims, and creating detailed technical specifications for production. The role involves collaborating with product, marketing, and manufacturing partners to ensure fit, performance, and visual coherence across collections. The Apparel Designer will also review samples, provide fitting feedback, and iterate designs based on athlete testing and brand guidelines. This is a hybrid role based in the San Diego Metropolitan Area, with a mix of on-site collaboration and some work-from-home flexibility.

Qualifications

• Strong fashion design skills, with experience in performance or sports apparel and a clear understanding of fashion trends.
• Proficiency in textiles, including fabric selection for durability, comfort, and performance in athletic use.
• Knowledge of trims and garment construction details to support both function and aesthetic appeal.
• Experience with fitting processes, including sample review, fit corrections, and collaboration with pattern makers.
• Relevant education or training in fashion design, apparel design, or a related field.
• Ability to translate artistic concepts into production-ready designs using design and illustration software (e.G., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and ability to work to deadlines in a contract environment.
• Interest in socially responsible design and alignment with VIVE’s mission to support children through sport.