Fashion Design Intern

About the role

Tone Deaf Studios is looking for a Fashion Design Intern to work closely with the founder and support the day-to-day design and product development process. This is an early-career position for someone with a strong design foundation who wants to understand how an independent fashion brand actually operates. You will contribute directly to design and product development while also helping maintain the samples, showroom, and organization that allow the creative work to happen. Some days will be design-heavy. Other days may involve cataloging samples, preparing for a fitting, reorganizing the showroom, or helping the team prepare for the opening of our first flagship store. We are looking for someone who sees all of that as part of learning how a fashion brand works. You do not need extensive professional experience. You do need to be talented, curious, dependable, organized, and open to feedback. Most importantly, you must know how to draw.

Position details

• Compensation: $20–$22 per hour
• Schedule: Full-time
• Location: In person at our Orchard Street studio in New York, NY
• Expected start date: As soon as the selected candidate is available

What you'll do

• Create original fashion illustrations and garment sketches by hand.
• Translate design ideas into clear digital flats using Adobe Illustrator.
• Assist with the creation and updating of tech packs.
• Make accurate design revisions following fittings and feedback.
• Help prepare for fittings, organize garments, take notes, and document changes.
• Maintain and index the sample archive so garments can be located and tracked easily.
• Label, photograph, catalog, and organize development and production samples.
• Help maintain the showroom and keep garments presentation-ready.
• Organize fabric, trim, print, wash, and material references.
• Assist with design research related to silhouette, construction, material, color, and craft.
• Prepare visual references, development boards, and presentation materials.
• Support styling, photoshoots, product presentations, and store preparation when needed.
• Keep design files, drawings, notes, and product information organized.
• Help with the studio's move to Orchard Street and the preparation of our new flagship store.

What we're looking for

• Currently pursuing or have completed a degree in Fashion Design or a closely related apparel design program, or have equivalent portfolio-based training.
• A portfolio demonstrating strong original drawing and fashion illustration ability.
• The ability to draw garments clearly, including silhouette, proportion, construction, and detail.
• Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Basic knowledge of garment construction, fabrics, and the product development process.
• Exposure to technical flats and tech packs through school, an internship, or personal work.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Comfort working in person and handling garments, samples, and showroom organization.
• An interest in independent fashion, craft, material development, and design exploration.

This role is well suited to candidates at the beginning of their fashion-design careers. Previous fashion internships are helpful, but they are not required.

How we work

Tone Deaf is a small, independent company, so priorities can move quickly. We are looking for someone who is adaptable and willing to help where needed. You should be:

• Warm, personable, and respectful.
• Collaborative and comfortable working closely with a small team.
• Receptive to direct feedback without becoming defensive.
• Reliable about deadlines, attendance, and follow-through.
• Willing to ask questions when something is unclear.
• Able to take responsibility and communicate early.
• Comfortable moving between creative assignments and the organizational work that supports them.
• Curious about parts of the business that may fall outside a traditional design internship.

This is a learning role. We expect you to ask questions and develop on the job. We also expect care, effort, reliability, and a positive attitude toward the people and work around you.

How to apply

Email the following to careers@tonedeaf-studios.com:

• Your resume
• A portfolio link or PDF
• A short cover letter explaining why you are interested in Tone Deaf Studios
• Your current availability and preferred start date

Use the subject line: Fashion Design Intern Application: [Your Name]

Your portfolio must include original hand drawing or fashion illustration. Applications without a portfolio will not be reviewed.

Tone Deaf Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.