Graphic Designer

About Columbus Fashion Alliance
Columbus Fashion Alliance (CFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive impact for people and the planet through fashion. CFA works to strengthen the fashion economy through workforce development, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, retail, and industry partnerships.

CFA is launching THE LOOM, a 43,000+ square-foot Fashion Innovation Center in downtown Columbus — serving as the epicenter for the next generation of fashion talent and circular production in the Midwest.

Our Core Values
These are the values that guide every decision at CFA—and what we look for in the people who join us.

Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate these values through the hiring process, and performance in this role will be evaluated against them as part of ongoing performance reviews.

Innovation — We challenge convention to build what fashion needs next.

Creativity — We turn bold ideas into original, expressive work.

Equity & Access — We open doors to opportunity for every community we serve.

Learning — We grow on purpose, and we help others grow too.

Community — We build belonging through connection and collaboration.

Impact — We measure success by the lasting change we create.

Position Overview
The Graphic Designer supports Columbus Fashion Alliance’s growing creative and brand production efforts across CFA, The Loom, Gallerie by CFA, Gallery One-Six-One, educational programming, community events, and partner initiatives.

This contract-based, part-time role (approximately 30 hours per week) works closely with the Director of Marketing and Social Media Manager to execute visual assets, branded merchandise, and ongoing design needs across the organization.

The ideal candidate is a skilled graphic designer with strong experience in high-volume design production, branded merchandise design, and visual asset creation who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

A design portfolio demonstrating relevant work is required for consideration. The role primarily supports the design and production side of CFA and The Loom’s marketing, merchandise, and brand initiatives.

Reporting Structure
This role works in conjunction with:

Director of Marketing — Primary collaborator for marketing, merchandise, and brand initiatives across CFA and The Loom.

Social Media Manager — Partner on social media graphics, campaign rollout preparation, and asset packaging.

Internal CFA & Loom Team — Program staff and departments across the organization, supported through ongoing design needs including Loom venue operations.

Key Responsibilities
Graphic Design & Visual Assets

Create digital and print-ready graphic assets for CFA and Loom initiatives, including The Loom, Gallerie by CFA, Gallery One-Six-One, and community programming

Design social media graphics, flyers, signage, presentations, decks, and branded collateral

Design assets to support Loom event operations, including venue signage, wayfinding, promotional materials, and rental collateral for the Silo Event Center, Launch Lab, and Gallery One-Six-One

Assist in maintaining visual consistency across CFA and Loom brands and programming

Prepare files for both digital and print use

Merchandise Design

Design in-house merchandise for the CFA and Gallerie brands, including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, hats), tote bags, stickers, and other branded goods

Develop print-ready mockups and production files for merch vendors and printers

Maintain brand consistency across all merchandise lines while exploring seasonal or limited-run concepts

Research and stay current on merch trends, materials, and production methods to keep offerings fresh and on-brand

Collaborate with leadership on new merch concepts tied to events, campaigns, and programming

Creative Production Support

Assist with project-based design tasks and production pass-offs

Help finalize and execute design projects initiated by leadership or the marketing team

Collaborate on campaign rollout preparation and asset packaging

Support ongoing design needs across departments and Loom venue operations

Organize and maintain design files and brand asset libraries

Qualifications
Required

Minimum 1 year of high-volume graphic design experience (agency, in-house, or freelance)

A strong portfolio showcasing range across branding, print, digital, and merchandise design — required for consideration

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and/or comparable design tools

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects on tight timelines

Comfortable working independently as a contractor within a collaborative team structure

Preferred

Experience designing merchandise/apparel and preparing production-ready files for vendors and printers

Experience designing merchandise and apparel, including preparing production-ready files, specifications, and artwork for vendors and printers.

Experience working within fashion, retail, arts, culture, lifestyle, or other design-forward brands and organizations.

Strong understanding of typography, layout, visual hierarchy, and contemporary design, with the ability to work within established brand systems while bringing fresh creative thinking.

Experience designing for physical environments and events, including signage, wayfinding, large-format graphics, window vinyl, environmental graphics, and experiential activations.

Familiarity with print production processes, materials, file preparation, and vendor handoffs, with an eye for translating digital concepts accurately into physical applications.

Ability to work across multiple brands and visual identities simultaneously, adapting design appropriately while maintaining consistency within each brand.

Comfortable working in a fast-moving creative environment, receiving feedback, making revisions quickly, and managing multiple projects with overlapping deadlines.

Compensation
Hourly Rate $25 – $35/hour commensurate with experience

Hours ~30 hours/week Contract basis

Columbus Fashion Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Columbus Fashion Alliance · The LOOM · Columbus, Ohio

columbusfashionalliance.org

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