Apparel Graphic Designer
WHO WE ARE
Breakaway is a fast-growing music and entertainment company creating high-energy live experiences and culture-forward brands. As the largest independent touring music festival in North America, Breakaway brings fans, artists, and communities together across multiple markets through festivals, partnerships, content, and merchandise. Our merchandise extends the Breakaway experience beyond the festival grounds, turning memorable moments, local energy, and music culture into products fans are excited to wear and collect.
THE ROLE
Breakaway is seeking an Apparel Graphics Designer for a contract opportunity. This role will shape the graphic identity of our apparel line, from festival merchandise to limited-edition drops, artist collaborations, and brand partnerships. This individual will partner closely with Merchandising, Marketing, and external production partners to translate brand storytelling into bold, wearable graphics across tees, fleece, outerwear, headwear, and accessories.
The ideal candidate lives at the intersection of music, streetwear, art, and culture and can move fluidly between research, hand-sketched concepts, digital design, garment visualization, and production-ready execution. This person combines a distinct creative point of view with strong technical skills, clear communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements
RESPONSIBILITIES
Apparel Graphics & Product Storytelling
- Partner with Merchandising to translate creative briefs, moodboards, assortment plans, and product direction into compelling apparel graphics.
- Design original graphics, prints, patterns, typography, illustrations, iconography, lockups, and branding applications across seasonal collections, festival merchandise, collaborations, and limited-edition releases.
- Create culturally relevant, collectible, and distinctly Breakaway designs that are both original and commercially viable.
- Refine artwork based on creative direction and feedback throughout the design process.
Design & Product Development
- Develop realistic product mockups that accurately communicate garment construction, artwork placement, scale, materials, colors, and trim details.
- Develop production-ready artwork and technical packages for both graphic and cut-and-sew products, including garment specifications, measurements, construction details, artwork placement, color callouts, materials, and trims.
- Partner with printers, embroidery partners, and manufacturers to ensure designs translate successfully across garments, materials, and production methods.
- Review samples, strike-offs, lab dips, and production proofs; provide clear design feedback and refinements to maintain creative intent and production quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, Marketing, Partnerships, and external partners to align creative work with product strategy, brand direction, budgets, and go-to-market timelines.
- Present concepts and design rationale clearly, incorporating feedback from creative leadership, internal stakeholders, artists, brand partners, and licensors into final designs.
Creative Operations & Trend Awareness
- Manage multiple projects concurrently against overlapping seasonal, production, and launch deadlines.
- Stay immersed in music, streetwear, fashion, art, youth culture, and emerging design technology to keep Breakaway 's apparel culturally relevant and forward-looking.
- Contribute ideas that strengthen Breakaway 's apparel collections and visual identity.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
- 5+ years of relevant graphic or apparel design experience, ideally within fashion, streetwear, sportswear, music, entertainment, or other culture-led brands.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and