Product Design Freelancer

Most companies claim to have the best people. We say to them, "Keep dreaming." Our people are second to none. They set us apart with their entrepreneurial spirit and ambition. They come to us from the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Nordstrom, Starbucks and the sports world, bringing energy, bold ideas and a willingness to dive into the unfamiliar. It's our people that make BDA the top global Merchandise Agency to work for.

Freelance Creative Designer -- Merchandise & Product Concepts

Location: Remote / Freelance
Employment Type: Freelance / Project-Based
Company: BDA

BDA is looking to connect with talented freelance creative designers who can jump in and support our team when rush projects, overflow work, or specialized creative needs come up.

This is not a full-time or consistently scheduled role. Instead, we are building a network of trusted freelance partners who are open to taking on project-based work here and there, depending on client needs, timing, and availability. Some projects may come with a defined timeline, while others may move quickly or evolve as the work develops.

This could be a great fit for someone who enjoys variety, moves quickly, and is comfortable jumping into creative projects that help bring brands to life through meaningful, thoughtful, and unexpected merchandise experiences.

What You'll Help Create

In this freelance role, you may support a wide range of creative deliverables, including custom merchandise concepts, limited-time fan collectibles, product packaging, promotional activations, product presentations, and client-facing visual storytelling.

The right freelance partner understands that great merchandise is more than putting a logo on a product. It is about understanding the brand, the audience, the moment, and how a product can create excitement, connection, and memorable customer experiences.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for creative partners who are able to:

• Stay aware of current trends, collectibles, retail merchandise, fan culture, and consumer product moments
• Understand how to design for different audiences, brand voices, and customer experiences
• Concept creative merchandise that feels fresh, intentional, and brand-right
• Think big while still designing with the final product, production process, and business need in mind
• Move quickly, juggle multiple creative priorities, and adapt as needs shift
• Design across a variety of product categories, including apparel, hard goods, collectibles, packaging, displays, and promotional merchandise
• Create visuals and presentations that help clients clearly understand and get excited about an idea
• Prepare organized, production-ready files when needed

Possible Project Work

Depending on the project, freelance support may include:

• Trend Research & Inspiration Boards: Researching and compiling trend boards that highlight emerging design, merchandise, collectible, and consumer trends.
• Creative Concept Development: Developing fresh, compelling creative concepts that align with a client's brand.
• Product & Merchandise Design: Concepting and designing custom products, promotional merchandise, apparel, hard goods, collectibles, packaging, and seasonal or audience-specific product ideas. Experience with 3D files is a plus.
• Product Decks & Visual Storytelling: Creating visually engaging, organized, client-ready concept decks.
• Production File Preparation: Preparing vendor-ready design files that meet production and decoration specifications.
• File Organization & Collaboration: Maintaining organized design files, naming conventions, folder structures, and version control.
• Client Presentation Support: Presenting or helping communicate design concepts in a clear, thoughtful, and persuasive way.

Experience That Would Be Helpful

Strong freelance partners may bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Merchandise design, product design, graphic design, or retail creative
• Apparel design, print production, packaging, promotional products, or hard goods
• QSR, restaurant, entertainment, sports, lifestyle, retail, or consumer brand work
• Collectibles, fan merchandise, limited-edition product drops, or promotional activations
• Adobe Creative Suite and presentation design
• Preparing production-ready files for vendors
• 3D product visualization or 3D file experience, a plus

Freelance Partnership Expectations

Because this is freelance/project-based work, we are looking for individuals who:

• Are comfortable with work that is not guaranteed or consistent
• Are open to being contacted when project needs arise
• Can be clear about availability and turnaround times
• Can jump into fast-moving work when timing aligns
• Are comfortable with projects that may vary in scope, timeline, and direction
• Can work independently while staying collaborative, responsive, and organized

Why BDA?

At BDA, we create merchandise experiences that help brands connect with people in memorable ways. Our work can show up in retail, restaurants, stadiums, events, promotional campaigns, employee programs, and customer moments of all kinds.

We are always looking for creative partners who understand the power of product and can help turn a brand moment into something people want to keep, wear, share, collect, or talk about.

If you are a freelance creative who loves merchandise, trends, storytelling, and bringing product ideas to life, we would love to hear from you.

Our Core Values

• BDA is a Team and a Family
• Always Strive to Be The Best
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Tigger Attitude
• Work Hard, Play Hard
• Make It Happen the Best Way
• Total Client Affinity & Advocacy

Want to learn more?

• BDA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bda_inc/
• Harper Scott (a BDA company): https://www.harperandscott.com/
• swagup (a BDA company): https://www.swagup.com/
• Idea Planet (a BDA company): https://www.ideaplanetlp.com/about
• BDA Careers Page: https://www.bdainc.com/careers/
• LinkedIn -- BDA page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdainc/

BDA is more than a workplace - it's a family. For more than four decades we've promoted a vibrant and welcoming culture that not only accepts but demands you to be different. The quirky, the bold, the creative and the unique make up the foundation of a company that the most iconic brands in the world look to help tell their story through the power of merchandise. BDA Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Connect With Us! Not ready to apply? Connect with us for general consideration. For more information: www.bdainc.com. Must be 18 years or older to apply.