Graphic Artist / CAD Designer

Pro Select Consulting; Durban North; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Pro Select Consulting is seeking a Graphic Artist / CAD Designer to develop creative artwork and detailed CAD designs for apparel and fashion products. You will translate briefs into commercially viable artwork aligned with the brand and seasonal direction.

You will collaborate with Design, Buying, Merchandising and Product Development to create artwork, prints and CADs from concept to production, maintaining brand aesthetics and ensuring production readiness.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Fashion Design.
• 2–3 years' relevant experience in fashion retail, apparel or similar environment.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating apparel graphics and CAD experience.

Responsibilities

• Create original graphics, prints, motifs and artwork for apparel and fashion accessories.
• Develop garment CADs and technical flats from concepts and briefs.
• Prepare artwork for production and ensure technical specs are met.

Skills

Graphic design

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

CAD software

Production-ready files

Job description

The Graphic Artist / CAD Designer will be responsible for developing creative graphic artwork and detailed CAD designs for apparel and fashion products. The role will translate creative concepts, trends and briefs into commercially viable artwork and technical designs that align with the retailer's brand identity, customer profile and seasonal product direction.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Design, Buying, Merchandising and Product Development teams to create artwork, prints, garment graphics, colourways and technical CADs from concept through to final production.

Key Responsibilities

Graphic Design & Artwork

• Develop original graphics, prints, motifs, illustrations and artwork for apparel and fashion accessories.
• Create artwork for T-shirts, knitwear, woven garments, activewear and other product categories.
• Adapt existing artwork into different colourways, sizes and product applications.
• Develop seasonal graphics in line with current fashion and consumer trends.
• Ensure all artwork is commercially relevant and aligned with the brand's aesthetic.
• Prepare high-quality artwork for supplier and production purposes.
• Ensure artwork meets required technical specifications for printing, embroidery, embellishment and other production methods.

CAD & Technical Design

• Create accurate garment CADs and technical flats from design concepts and briefs.
• Develop front, back and detailed views of garments and products.
• Produce colourways and artwork placements for product development.
• Amend CADs and artwork based on feedback from Design, Buying and Product Development teams.
• Ensure CADs accurately represent garment construction, detailing, trims, graphics and colour.
• Prepare technical artwork and files for factories and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate and organised design and artwork files.

Trend & Creative Development

• Research fashion, graphic and consumer trends relevant to the target market.
• Monitor competitor and international fashion retail trends.
• Contribute creative ideas to seasonal design and product development.
• Translate trend direction into commercially viable graphic concepts.
• Assist with mood boards, concept boards and seasonal presentations where required.

Product Development

• Work closely with Buyers, Designers, Merchandisers and Product Developers throughout the product development process.
• Interpret briefs and translate them into commercially appropriate designs.
• Attend product development meetings and provide creative input.
• Make revisions and adjustments to artwork and CADs within agreed deadlines.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding artwork specifications and amendments where required.
• Ensure final approved artwork is correctly prepared for production.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant qualification in Fashion Design
• 2–3 years' relevant experience, preferably within fashion retail, apparel, clothing manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Strong experience in creating apparel graphics and garment CADs.
• Proven understanding of fashion, colour, print, garment construction and commercial product development.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating graphic design and/or fashion CAD experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Technical Skills

Strong proficiency in relevant design software, such as:

• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign advantageous
• CAD software relevant to apparel/fashion design
• Proficiency in creating vector artwork and production-ready files.
• Knowledge of print processes, embroidery, embellishment and garment decoration.
• Understanding of colour separation, repeats, placements and artwork specifications.
• Knowledge of garment construction and technical specifications would be advantageous.