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Design - Apparel

Creative Director & Apparel Design

Creative & Design

"Save the Fishies"

I created an upcycled clothing collection inspired by and for our oceans. My "fishies" art print was used with my upcycled clothing designs for this collection. I raised money for Wildcoast, a local organization that works to preserve and protect our coastlines and oceans. 

"Ocean Potion" Sweater Collection

The Ocean Potion collection, inspired by watery colors of the sea, includes sweatshirts and graphic tees, designed by me. My unisex crewneck sweatshirt design was made with deadstock fabrics that I sourced and was ethically handmade by my team in Los Angeles. 

Pride Collection

My annual Pride collection raises money for different organizations supporting the queer community. The past two years my colorful designs have raised funds for the Trevor Project. 

Beachy Collection

My best-selling "Beachy" sweatshirt design, created in two sandy color-ways. I designed this sweatshirt with a unisex fit and deadstock fabrics. Ethically handmade by my team in LA. 

Coastal Elements Collection

An 80s inspired collection including pocket shorts, the sunshine t-shirt, and waves t-shirt. My designs were made from recycled and deastock fabrics, printed with my original textile print and color designs. 

Since founding eMpulse in 2016, a sustainable clothing brand inspired by my surf/skate California coastal lifestyle, I’ve gained extensive experience across all facets of the fashion industry, from creative direction to sustainable apparel design. As Creative Director, I shape the brand’s vision and lead all creative output as both apparel and visual designer, while also collaborating cross-functionally to guide product development and sustainability efforts. I manage each stage of garment development—from concept to commercialization—ensuring alignment with the brand vision, market trends, and production timelines. Alongside my work at eMpulse, I’ve partnered with various local brands as a contracted visual designer and style director. My freelance work includes logo design, social media graphics, photo shoot styling, and coordination. Specializing in unique trend-forward apparel, I spearhead the full design process, integrating trend forecasting, tech sketches, sampling, and fittings. I design line plans, textile patterns, color palettes, and graphics using Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, and the Pantone system. My environmental core values are kept as a focus in each step of the design process, including low-impact fabrics selection and innovative production techniques. As Creative and Art Director, I craft compelling visual stories that capture eMpulse’s essence and drive brand growth. I oversee every stage of photo/video shoots, coordinating locations, models, and photographers, while ensuring seamless execution of my creative vision. Additionally, I implement digital marketing strategies across social media, ad campaigns, email marketing, and the eMpulse website. With my creative vision, industry experience, and passion, I offer a unique perspective and drive to fuel the growth and innovation of a dynamic fashion team.

From design conceptualizing to completion, my primary titles include apparel designer, color designer, product developer, production manager, and sustainability analyst. I developed all tech sketches, graphic designs and textile prints for the brand, using Procreate and Adobe Suite. I effectively communicate designs to my team using tech sketches, prototypes. I am in charge of sample development and approval, including colors, measurements, fit and design. 

I manage multiple projects at a time and with three production teams between San Diego and L.A. as production manager. I make sure all projects are completed by my deadline and with quality meeting my standards. 

As the creative behind my brand, my ability to predict and spot trends then uniquely translate them into innovative designs has been a critical component to developing consistently sold out styles. One of the biggest components of the creative process I pride myself on is having a keen eye for detecting trends in styles, colors, and patterns.

I have also held the role of social media and website manager. I manage photo shoots, created content, and schedule all social media. I also design and manage my website, ad campaigns, and email marketing.

Sustainable Apparel Design

Emily Karrer is a Creative Director & Apparel Design at eMpulse in San Diego, California.

Emily Karrer — Creative Director & Apparel Design at eMpulse

Emily Karrer

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University of Maryland