Graphic Designer — Performance Knit Sock Designs for Youth Lacrosse Brand (6 Designs + Ongoing Work)

**Overview** I am launching a youth lacrosse apparel brand in Canada and am looking for a talented, experienced graphic designer to create 6 original sock designs for our debut product line. This is the start of an ongoing relationship — the right designer will be our go-to creative partner for 2–3 new design rounds per year as the brand grows, with potential for broader apparel and branding work over time. I have already tried other platforms and have been disappointed by designers who lack the technical understanding of knitted sock construction and the aesthetic sensibility needed for performance athletic wear. I am looking for someone who genuinely understands this space and can deliver work that is ready for factory production. **What We're Building** A premium youth lacrosse sock brand targeting players aged 6–16 across Canada. The product is a high-quality performance knit sock — think bold, vibrant, and athletic, closer to Stance performance socks than generic team socks. The market for well-designed lacrosse-specific socks in Canada is essentially empty, and we intend to own it. **The Project — 6 Original Sock Designs** We need 6 distinct, original designs for our launch collection. Each design should: - Be bold, bright, and vibrant — these socks need to stand out on a field full of kids - Use bold geometric and athletic patterns as the design foundation, with lacrosse elements (such as the lacrosse stick) integrated naturally - Be designed specifically for jacquard knit sock construction — this is critical. Designs must work within the technical constraints of knitted production: maximum 5–6 colours per design, no gradients, clean lines, and repeat-friendly patterns - Appeal to kids aged 5–16 and their parents — energetic, fun, and premium-feeling without being juvenile - Be unique enough from each other that they read as a cohesive collection while each having their own character We have a few loose directional ideas but are genuinely open to creative input from the right designer. We want someone who brings ideas to the table, not just someone who executes briefs. **Technical Requirements** The final files need to be production-ready for submission to a Chinese knit sock manufacturer. We are still confirming exact factory file specifications, so we will need you to work with us to confirm the required formats before final delivery. That said, you should be comfortable producing vector files (EPS / AI) and understanding how your designs translate from screen to knitted fabric. Experience delivering files to textile or sock manufacturers is a significant advantage. **What We're Looking For in a Designer** - Demonstrated experience designing for knitted or woven textiles — socks, sportswear, or similar - A strong portfolio showing bold, athletic, and youth-oriented graphic work - Understanding of jacquard knit constraints (colour limits, no gradients, clean repeat patterns) - Ability to create flat design files that translate accurately to physical production - Strong communication skills and responsiveness — this is an ongoing relationship, not a one-off job - Experience working with apparel or sportswear brands is preferred - Ability to produce on-sock mockups so we can visualise designs before committing to production **Scope of This Project** - 6 original sock designs - Up to 2 rounds of revisions per design - Production-ready files in factory-specified format - On-sock visual mockups for each design **Ongoing Opportunity** This is explicitly the beginning of a longer relationship. We will be releasing 2–3 new design collections per year and intend to expand into additional product categories (grip socks, training apparel, shorts) as the brand grows. The right designer will grow with us. We are not looking for the cheapest option — we are looking for the best fit for a long-term creative partnership. **How to Apply** Please include the following in your proposal: 1. Relevant portfolio samples — specifically any work involving textile, sock, or sportswear design 2. A brief note on your experience with jacquard knit or similar production constraints 3. Your proposed approach to this project 4. Your rate and estimated timeline for the 6 designs