A technical designer ensures a garment fits well across all sizes and is constructed properly using the right fabrics, seams, and details – while balancing cost, function, and style.

What Does a Fashion Technical Designer Do?

Technical designers step in once the creative concept is approved. This usually starts with converting the original sketch into a detailed technical flat sketch.

Unlike fashion illustrations, technical sketches are drawn with accuracy and show the garment in multiple views (front, back, sometimes inside) with all construction details visible.

The entire design is then turned into production-ready specs by creating a tech pack. The TP includes construction details, colorways, graded measurement specs, points of measure (POMs), and a bill of materials (BOM).

Once the tech pack is done, it gets handed off to the manufacturer or sample maker to create the first prototype. The technical designer is expected to answer questions from the factory and double-check that everything in the tech pack is being interpreted correctly.

When the initial proto arrives, the technical designer does a sample evaluation to assess the quality and materials. They’ll also conduct fitting sessions to see how it fits and functions on a real body and apply necessary adjustments.

This process repeats – sample, fit, revise – until the sample gets approved for production. Throughout this stage, technical designers collaborate closely with the creative designers, pattern makers, sample makers, and manufacturers to make sure the final product turns out just as intended.

The role of TDs may not be limited to what I’ve mentioned above, as I’ve also had clients looking for technical designers who can help with the entire product development process – from finding manufacturers, concept development, managing production timelines, and sourcing.

Key Responsibilities of a Technical Designer 

• Technical Drawings: Detailed flat sketches and specifications.
• Tech Packs: Create tech packs including all the instructions to construct the garment.
• Sample Review: Conduct sample review and fittings – making necessary pattern adjustments and providing feedback.
• Sizing & Grading: Grade patterns to achieve consistent fit.
• Material Selection: Assist in selecting appropriate and cost-effective materials.
• Collaboration: Work closely with fashion designers, pattern makers, and production teams to make sure the designs turn out as envisioned.

Over the last 10+ years working as a freelance fashion designer, I’ve done a lot of work that overlaps with technical design. To make this article as accurate (and helpful!) as possible, I also surveyed 100+ fashion professionals – including TDs – and pulled insights from podcast interviews with experts.

I’ll also cover how to work remotely as a freelance technical designer – because despite what people think, it’s 100% possible (I’ve done it, and so have many of my FAST students!).

How to Become a Technical Designer (even without a fashion degree)

You don’t need a fashion degree to become a technical designer – many successful TDs built their skills through learning Adobe Illustrator, pattern making, and garment construction on their own. Start by practicing with your own tech packs, build a portfolio of personal projects, and connect with small brands or freelance gigs to get experience.

🎧 Like Arya, a self-taught 20 y/o freelance fashion designer from India who started out doing just technical sketches. Within just two months, she was making $20+/hour and now works on $1,000–$3,000 client projects.

If you’re starting from scratch like Arya, check out my FREE guides below:

• Adobe Illustrator for Fashion Design: Ultimate Guide with Free Tutorials
• What Is A Tech Pack & Why Do You Need One? (+ Examples and Templates)
• Measuring Garments and Creating Points of Measure (POM): Ultimate Guide

Working as a Remote Freelance Technical Designer

I know hundreds of freelancers who work remotely as technical designers (I did it myself, too!).

Here’s a sneak peek into the day to day of Freelance Technical Designer Kat Smith of KPS Apparel (Website):

“I start the day by checking and responding to emails from my various clients and suppliers. I will normally plan my week in advance and know what project/client I will be working on that day. One of my clients is a retainer contract with a womenswear cricket brand, so a lot of my time is spent on that. 

I could be researching new fabrics, creating tech packs, reviewing samples, updating the critical path etc. I’m currently working on several exciting new developments for them. I’m also reviewing the current sizing and making improvements, so that we can standardize the fit across all products and reduce returns. 

I normally take a couple of hours break for lunch, and to walk the dog (and clear my head!) before starting again, maybe for another client. I also do creative design, and find it good to switch between the two as it helps break up the day and keep it interesting. There can be a lot to juggle with my ‘main’ client, so working on a creative project with some music on is actually quite relaxing!”

You may find yourself taking on various roles depending on the client, just like Kat. I know a lot of TDs that also double as production coordinators, fashion designers, and more. In some cases, it can be no different than working directly under a fashion brand just focusing on tech design work. 

Ultimately, the best part about working freelance is that YOU get to choose what type of work you want to do – whether it’s focusing solely on technical design or engaging in a variety of other interesting tasks.

How Much Money Does a Freelance Technical Designer Make?

I did a survey with 100+ fashion freelancers and found that technical designers are charging between $40 and $100 per hour, with annual earnings ranging from $80,000 to $150,000. 

So yes – freelancing isn’t just doable; it can be even more profitable than working full-time for fashion brands.

If you feel like this role is for you but not sure where to start, I got you covered! You can hop onto my Guide on Freelancing in Fashion and How to Work Remotely as a Freelance Technical Designer.