Surfwear Graphic and Garment Designer

About Shaggy

Shaggy is an expanding independent surfwear brand from New Zealand inspired by 90s surf culture, focusing on limited releases and fostering a tight-knit community. The environment is lean with no hierarchy or design approvals that cause delays, allowing creative contributors to shape the brand directly and see their work brought to life swiftly.

Role Overview

We're seeking a Garment and Graphic Designer to craft the brand's visual direction. This role encompasses creating garment graphics, preparing technical designs, and producing marketing visuals. Your work will define the brand's unmistakable style and translate concepts into production-ready materials alongside the founder. The position offers significant creative responsibility and influence.

Primary Duties

• Create graphic designs for apparel such as t-shirts, hats, and hoodies, guiding concepts through to print-ready artwork.
• Develop colorways and assist in seasonal collection planning.
• Ensure all graphics embody the Shaggy identity, reflecting 90s surf culture with a worn, authentic feel.
• Review samples and make necessary design adjustments.
• Develop technical specifications and tech packs for new products including boardshorts, jeans, women's tees, and forthcoming lines.
• Detail garment construction, fabric specifics, trims, and advise on fit.
• Communicate directly with manufacturers regarding technical matters.
• Support the sampling, approval, and production process of new products.
• Design marketing materials like drop launch visuals, email headers, advertisements, and website banners.
• Produce social media graphics in collaboration with the content team.
• Maintain consistent visual branding across all outputs from the studio.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong affinity and instinctive understanding of surf and streetwear styles, able to discern appropriate brand vibes instantly.
• Proactive creative ownership—offering ideas beyond assigned tasks.
• Technically proficient in communicating garment details to manufacturers autonomously.
• Ability to operate efficiently under fast-paced conditions while maintaining high quality standards.
• In tune with current fashion trends relevant to the target market.
• Preference for smaller, agile teams where your contributions are highly visible and trusted.

Fashion, textile, or graphic design background is advantageous but not mandatory; enthusiasm, instinct, and solid technical skills are prioritized. Fresh graduates and self-taught individuals are encouraged to apply.

Key Competencies and Tools

• Proficient use of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Fresco) for all design tasks.
• Experience or academic exposure to garment tech pack creation.
• Knowledge of various print and embellishment methods such as screen printing, embroidery, woven labels, and applique.
• Understanding of garment construction elements like seams, trims, and fabric properties.
• Familiarity with offshore manufacturing and sample development processes.
• Keen eye for 90s era surf and streetwear aesthetics.