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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Eyewear Designer

💰 $75,000 - $140,000

DesignProduct DevelopmentFashionRetailManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

The Eyewear Designer is the creative engine behind our optical and sun collections. This role is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing innovative eyewear that aligns with our brand's aesthetic, meets market demands, and adheres to technical manufacturing specifications. You will be a key player in the product lifecycle, collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams to deliver commercially successful and beautifully crafted eyewear. This position demands a perfect blend of artistic talent, technical expertise, and a sharp understanding of the fashion and accessories market.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Designer / Associate Designer
  • Industrial Design Graduate
  • Accessory Designer (e.g., jewelry, handbags)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Eyewear Designer
  • Design Manager / Head of Design
  • Creative Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Developer / Product Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • CMF (Color, Material, Finish) Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Spearhead the entire design lifecycle for new eyewear collections, from initial mood board and concept ideation through to final production hand-off.
  • Conduct in-depth market and trend research, analyzing fashion, cultural shifts, competitor activity, and runway looks to inform design direction and identify new opportunities.
  • Generate a high volume of innovative and commercially viable design concepts through freehand sketching, digital illustration, and other rapid visualization techniques.
  • Create highly detailed and precise 2D and 3D CAD models of frames and components using industry-standard software like Rhino, SolidWorks, or similar programs.
  • Develop comprehensive technical specification packages (tech packs) for manufacturing partners, including detailed drawings, material call-outs, color codes, and construction notes.
  • Collaborate closely with Product Management and Merchandising teams to ensure design concepts align with brand strategy, seasonal stories, and commercial goals.
  • Select and specify materials, including various types of acetate, metals (titanium, stainless steel), and alternative sustainable materials, based on design intent, performance, and cost.
  • Develop and manage the seasonal color palette, creating unique color combinations, patterns, and finishes that enhance the collection's narrative and commercial appeal.
  • Communicate directly with overseas factories and suppliers to oversee the product development process, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure design integrity is maintained.
  • Meticulously review and provide detailed feedback on physical prototypes, 3D prints, and production samples, ensuring adherence to fit, form, function, and quality standards.
  • Present design concepts, seasonal collections, and strategic design initiatives to internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, marketing, and sales teams.
  • Ensure all designs are ergonomically sound and meet industry standards for fit, comfort, and optical performance across a diverse range of facial structures.
  • Design and develop custom hardware, temple details, hinges, and other components that are unique to the brand and elevate the product's perceived value.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of eyewear manufacturing processes, techniques, and limitations to create designs that are both innovative and efficiently manufacturable.
  • Manage project timelines and deliverables within the product development calendar to ensure on-time collection launches.
  • Travel internationally (when required) for factory visits, quality control checks, and inspiration trips to key markets and trade shows like SILMO and MIDO.
  • Create compelling visual presentations and product stories that articulate the inspiration and key features of each design for use by marketing and sales teams.
  • Champion sustainability initiatives within the design process by researching and proposing eco-friendly materials and production methods.
  • Analyze sales data and customer feedback in partnership with the analytics team to refine future designs and collections for better market performance.
  • Maintain brand consistency across all products, ensuring that every frame aligns with the established brand DNA and aesthetic.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and organize the digital and physical design library, including sketches, CAD files, material samples, and prototype archives.
  • Assist in the creation of visual assets and renderings for marketing, e-commerce, and internal training purposes.
  • Collaborate with the packaging design team to ensure a cohesive and premium unboxing experience.
  • Participate in competitive analysis and store visits to stay informed about the retail landscape and product assortments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
  • Advanced 2D/3D modeling skills in CAD software such as Rhino, SolidWorks, or similar programs.
  • Strong technical drawing and sketching abilities, both by hand and digitally, to clearly communicate design intent.
  • Deep knowledge of eyewear materials (e.g., cellulose acetate, titanium, stainless steel, nylon) and their properties.
  • Expertise in creating detailed technical packages (tech packs) with precise measurements and specifications for production.
  • Thorough understanding of eyewear manufacturing processes, including injection molding, CNC machining, and hand-finishing.
  • A sophisticated sense of color theory, material finishes, and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design.
  • Knowledge of facial anatomy, ergonomics, and optical fit standards.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional creativity and a strong sense of fashion, form, and aesthetic detail.
  • Excellent verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate and present design concepts clearly and persuasively.
  • Strong collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (Product, Marketing, Sales, Engineering).
  • A meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to high-quality execution.
  • Proactive problem-solving abilities, especially in a fast-paced product development environment.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects and tight deadlines simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a relevant design field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Design
  • Product Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Accessory Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of professional experience in eyewear design or a closely related accessory design field (e.g., jewelry, watches).

Preferred:

  • A strong portfolio showcasing a range of successfully launched eyewear products for both optical and sun categories.
  • Direct experience working with overseas manufacturing partners and a solid understanding of the development process from a factory perspective.
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