I'm a multidisciplinary designer and studio professional based in Auckland, with experience spanning fashion design, graphic design, photography, and brand development. I enjoy turning concepts into tangible products—from garment tech packs to campaigns and visual identities. Over the years I've collaborated with independent labels, retailers, and cultural projects to deliver creative solutions across design, production, and branding. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments, managing studios, coordinating production, and delivering high-quality work. My approach blends hands-on making with strategic thinking, ensuring projects are beautifully crafted and commercially viable.

Calum Buchanan

I'm a multidisciplinary designer and studio professional based in Auckland, with experience spanning fashion design, graphic design, photography, and brand development. I enjoy turning concepts into tangible products—from garment tech packs to campaigns and visual identities. Over the years I've collaborated with independent labels, retailers, and cultural projects to deliver creative solutions across design, production, and branding. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments, managing studios, coordinating production, and delivering high-quality work. My approach blends hands-on making with strategic thinking, ensuring projects are beautifully crafted and commercially viable.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary designer and studio professional based in Auckland, with experience spanning fashion design, graphic design, photography, and brand development. I enjoy turning concepts into tangible products—from garment tech packs to campaigns and visual identities. Over the years I’ve collaborated with independent labels, retailers, and cultural projects to deliver creative solutions across design, production, and branding.

I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments, managing studios, coordinating production, and delivering high-quality work. My approach blends hands-on making with strategic thinking, ensuring projects are beautifully crafted and commercially viable.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Designer / Creative at Clothsurgeon
January 1, 2012 - Present
Independent creative work across fashion design, graphic design, and photography; developed garments and small product runs from concept through sampling and tech pack preparation; created technical drawings and specifications; provided hands-on support for fit, construction, and production planning; consulted on product direction and collection development; commissioned and self-initiated projects for clients in fashion, branding, and cultural sectors.
Studio Manager & Design Assistant at Clothsurgeon
April 30, 2022 - September 23, 2025
Managed daily studio operations; supported bespoke fittings and garment development; prepared production documents including tech packs, POs, and spec sheets; maintained website content, online orders, and customer support; assisted with material sourcing and liaised with suppliers; managed special projects with key accounts including Selfridges, Harrods, and Mr Porter.
Social Media Manager at Knowear
December 1, 2021 - September 23, 2025
Developed the store’s visual direction for digital presence; planned and styled shoots using in-store product and local creatives; managed image editing and scheduling to maintain brand identity; built engagement without paid content or aggressive marketing.
Inventory Manager at Knowear
March 31, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Managed daily inventory flow; created new labelling, tracking, and product visibility systems; worked with retail and wholesale teams to meet tight production timelines; developed a methodical, systems-first approach that improved efficiency and accuracy.
Creative Director & Designer at Maatsuyker Man
March 31, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Contracted to reposition and develop inaugural collection for Melbourne-based luxury menswear label, comprising woven, fully-fashioned, and cut-and-sew knits.
Social Media Manager at Wynn Hamlyn
June 30, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Social media management for a boutique men’s store; developed the store’s digital presence, planned and styled shoots, edited images, and scheduled posts to maintain brand identity and engagement.
Visual Merchandiser & Assistant Buyer at Make Ready
March 31, 2014 - September 23, 2025
Supported buying by researching trends and sales data; planned seasonal stock; merchandised in-store product with brand hierarchy, created displays for marketing campaigns, and contributed to a curated offering.
Freelance Designer at Clothsurgeon London
January 1, 2012 - Present
Independent creative work across fashion design, graphic design, and photography. Developed garments and small product runs from concept through sampling and tech pack preparation. Created technical drawings and specifications for apparel and accessories. Provided hands-on support for fit, construction, and production planning. Consulted on product direction and collection development for independent labels and one-off projects. Commissioned and self-initiated projects for clients in fashion, branding, and cultural sectors. Worked across concept development, design execution, and production coordination. Delivered work ranging from technical drawings and branding to product styling and photography. Adapted to different workflows, brand voices, and creative challenges across projects.
Social Media Manager at Knowear
December 31, 2021 - September 23, 2025
Developed the visual direction of the store’s digital presence. Planned and styled shoots using in-store product and local creatives. Managed image editing and scheduling to maintain consistency with store identity. Built engagement without relying on paid content or aggressive marketing.
Inventory Manager at Knowear
March 31, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Managed daily inventory flow, including stockroom organisation, deliveries, and product quality. Created new systems for labelling, tracking, and product visibility across departments. Worked closely with retail and wholesale teams to meet tight production timelines. Developed a methodical, systems-first approach that improved efficiency and accuracy.
Creative Director & Designer at Maatsuyker Man
March 31, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Contracted to reposition and develop the inaugural collection for Melbourne based luxury menswear label comprising woven, fully-fashioned, and cut and sew knits.
Visual Merchandiser & Assistant Buyer at Make Ready
March 31, 2014 - September 23, 2025
Supported the buying process by researching trends, analysing sales data, and recommending product selections. Assisted in planning and purchasing seasonal stock across apparel, footwear, and accessories. Merchandised in-store product with a focus on brand hierarchy, sell-through performance, and visual flow. Designed and rotated displays to respond to marketing campaigns and product drops. Helped maintain a progressive and curated offering that reflected cultural trends and brand direction.
Freelance Designer / Creative Contractor at Clothsurgeon London
January 1, 2012 - Present
Independent creative work across fashion design, graphic design, and photography. Developed garments and small product runs from concept through sampling and tech pack preparation. Created technical drawings and specifications for apparel and accessories. Provided hands-on support for fit, construction, and production planning. Consulted on product direction and collection development for independent labels and one-off projects. Commissioned and self-initiated projects for clients in fashion, branding, and cultural sectors.
Social Media Manager at Knowear
December 31, 2021 - September 23, 2025
Developed the visual direction of the store’s digital presence. Planned and styled shoots using in-store product and local creatives. Managed image editing and scheduling to maintain consistency with store identity. Built engagement without relying on paid content or aggressive marketing.
Inventory Manager at Knowear
March 1, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Managed daily inventory flow, including stockroom organisation, deliveries, and product quality. Created new systems for labeling, tracking, and product visibility across departments. Worked closely with retail and wholesale teams to meet tight production timelines. Developed a methodical, systems-first approach that improved efficiency and accuracy.
Creative Director & Designer at Maatsuyker Man
March 31, 2018 - September 23, 2025
Contracted to reposition and develop the inaugural collection for Melbourne-based luxury menswear label comprising woven, fully-fashioned, and cut and sew knits.

Education

Bachelor of Design Fashion Design at Auckland University of Technology
July 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
Diploma Graphic Design at Media Design School
October 1, 2014 - September 23, 2025
Bachelor of Design - Fashion Design at Auckland University of Technology
July 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
Diploma - Graphic Design at Media Design School
October 1, 2014 - September 23, 2025
Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) at Auckland University of Technology
July 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
Diploma Graphic Design at Media Design School
October 1, 2014 - September 23, 2025

Qualifications

Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)
July 1, 2017 - September 23, 2025
Diploma Graphic Design
October 1, 2014 - September 23, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Other