At a Glance
- Tasks: Design trendy swimwear collections that capture viral aesthetics and fit diverse body types.
- Company: Urban Outfitters, a creative hub for unique fashion and lifestyle products.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with opportunities to express your creativity.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values creativity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and shape the future of swimwear fashion.
- Qualifications: Experience in swimwear design and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Us
Urban Outfitters started out as a single boutique in 1970s Philadelphia with creativity and uniqueness at its core. 50 years on, and over 60 stores across Europe later, we've become a destination for emerging design, unexpected styling, One-Of-A-Kind vintage and homeware that makes you want to hit the share button. We speak to a social community of over 10 million forward-thinking individuals, bringing together a nostalgia for the past with an enthusiasm to shape the future. The UO community are culturally aware, they shape the music scene, they live a digitally native life and they wear style trends before anyone else. At our core, we empower our customers and staff to express themselves, unapologetically, living life in a way that's truly authentic to them.
We are always excited to bring new talent into the room, especially if you share our values:
- Progressive - we move with the mood
- Creative - we champion limitless minds
- Inclusive - we open our platforms to all communities
- Responsible - we work to reduce our impact on the environment
- Compassionate - we care for each other beyond the 9 to 5
Sound like you, why not join us?
Role Summary
We are looking for a highly creative and technical Freelance Swimwear Designer to join our team on a contract basis. You have an innate ability to spot viral swimwear aesthetics - from trending silhouettes and viral print directions to social-driven micro-trends - and translate them into cohesive collections. Crucially, you combine this trend sense with deep technical swimwear construction knowledge and a sharp understanding of our price architecture.
What You'll Be Doing
- Viral Trend & Concept Direction: Identify and translate fast-moving viral swim trends, resort/street style, and social media micro-trends into brand-right concept boards, print/colour palettes, and key seasonal silhouettes tailored to the UO customer.
- Technical Design & Tech Packs: Create detailed, factory-ready technical packages, including flat sketches, print placement specs, hardware callouts, lining/padding details, and construction notes tailored to stretch fabrics.
- Fit & Construction Expertise: Leverage a deep knowledge of stretch fabrics, elastic tension, coverage levels, and support structures (wire, boning, moulded cups) to ensure exceptional fit across diverse body types.
- Costing & Architecture: Work closely with product development to design directly into target margins and retail price points. Smartly engineer styles using cost-effective fabric yields, hardware options, and construction methods without losing design impact.
- Sample Execution & Fittings: Participate in fit sessions (in-person or virtual), providing clear callouts and spec adjustments to factories to streamline the sample approval process.
What You'll Need
- Swimwear Expertise: Dedicated experience in swimwear design (experience in contemporary youth markets highly preferred). Advanced knowledge of swimwear fabrics (recycled nylon/spandex, textured ribs, crinkles, lurex), elastic applications, trim/hardware sourcing, and specialized stretch construction.
- Trend & Social Savvy: Proven ability to capture viral swim moments, internet-led aesthetics, and youth trends early, adapting them rapidly for commercial success.
- Commercial Savvy: Skilled at designing into strict pricing architectures and target margins while maintaining high-perceived value.
- Software & Graphic Skills: High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) for tech packs, vector flats, and print/pattern recolouring.
- Brand Alignment: Deep understanding of the Urban Outfitters customer, aesthetic spectrum, and lifestyle brand positioning.
The Perks
N/A
Equal Opportunity Statement
URBN is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, marital status, religion, race, or disability. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.
Urban Outfitters - Freelance Swimwear Designer employer: Urban-Outfitters-7e13a49d
Urban Outfitters is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Brighton that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities, alongside attractive benefits such as employee discounts and wellness programs, making it a rewarding place to build your career in fashion retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Urban Outfitters - Freelance Swimwear Designer
✨Put Your Work on Display
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✨Join Fashion Communities
Get involved in fashion communities, both online and offline. Websites like Behance or DeviantArt are great for showcasing your work, while attending local fashion events or trade shows can help you network with brands and potential clients, opening doors for freelance gigs.
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✨Pitch Directly to Brands
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; be proactive! Research brands you love, like Urban-Outfitters-7e13a49d, and reach out with tailored pitches and links to your portfolio. Show them how your unique style can add value to their brand, and you could land some exciting freelance opportunities.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style with a Portfolio:As a freelance fashion-apparel professional, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure to include a diverse range of your work that reflects your unique style and versatility. Whether it's sketches, completed outfits, or even photoshoots you've styled, these visuals speak volumes about your capabilities.
Tailor Your CV to Fashion Trends:When crafting your CV, highlight any relevant experience in the fashion industry. List your design skills, any fashion shows you’ve participated in, and collaborations with other creatives. Don’t forget to mention current trends you’re familiar with – this shows you’re in tune with what’s happening in the industry!
Specify Your Rates and Availability:Since this is a freelance gig, be upfront about your rates and availability in your application. It helps Urban-Outfitters-7e13a49d to understand if you’re a good fit for their budget and timeline. A clear mention not only shows professionalism but also sets the right expectations from the get-go.
Express Your Passion for Fashion:In your cover letter, let your passion for fashion shine through! Share why you’re excited about the opportunity with Urban-Outfitters-7e13a49d and how your freelance work can bring something fresh and innovative. This personal touch can make a big difference and help you stand out among other applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Urban-Outfitters-7e13a49d
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
As a freelancer in fashion-apparel, your portfolio is your best friend. Bring along a well-curated selection of your best designs, sketches, and final products. Be prepared to explain your creative process and the inspiration behind your work—this is where you can really shine!
✨Know Your Fabrics and Trends
Brush up on the latest trends and fabric technologies relevant to your niche in fashion-apparel. Be ready to discuss how you select materials and create pieces that not only look good but also fit current market trends. It shows you’re passionate and informed, which clients love!
✨Pitch Your Unique Style
Freelancing means you’re essentially pitching yourself and your unique style. Prepare a concise elevator pitch about what makes you different as a designer. Highlight your skills, style influences, and how you can address the specific needs of Urban-Outfitters-7e13a49d. The more genuine and enthusiastic you are, the better!
✨Be Ready for Collaboration Questions
Freelancers often need to work closely with clients and other creatives. Expect questions about how you handle feedback, work with teams, or adapt your designs based on client requests. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated or adapted to feedback!
