Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: The Farmer's Dog

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Brand Design / Marketing Creative

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site (4-5 days/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual brand identity and marketing creative execution across diverse channels including digital, email, social media, and print.

• Develop and deploy a robust design system to tell The Farmer's Dog story visually, enhancing brand recognition and customer engagement.

• Collaborate closely with art directors, copywriters, and production teams to create compelling visual assets and refine brand standards.

• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to creatively respond to briefs, brainstorm innovative concepts, and identify areas for visual improvement.

• Contribute to the evolution of brand standards, including visual style, templates, typography, and illustration, ensuring a cohesive and bold identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is pivotal for maintaining and advancing The Farmer's Dog's visual brand presence. The emphasis on a "design system" and "telling the story visually" suggests a need for a designer who can not only execute creative but also contribute to scalable design frameworks. The "in-office culture" requirement underscores the importance of in-person collaboration and spontaneous creative ideation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce engaging branded marketing and advertising creative for digital platforms (social media, display ads, landing pages), email campaigns, and traditional print materials.

• Implement and evolve The Farmer's Dog design system across online retail channels, ensuring consistent brand messaging and visual appeal to attract new audiences.

• Contribute to the refinement and documentation of The Farmer's Dog brand guidelines, including visual style, typography, illustration, and overall aesthetic.

• Collaborate with art directors and copywriters to develop and source new photography, illustration, and ad copy that differentiates the brand and reinforces its bold identity.

• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., marketing, product, engineering) to creatively translate briefs into impactful visual assets, participate in brainstorming sessions, and workshop opportunities for brand enhancement.

• Ensure all creative output aligns with customer journey considerations, from initial prospect interactions to long-term customer retention.

• Maintain a high standard of design quality and attention to detail across all projects, while also being encouraged to propose bold and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical execution (creating ads, emails) and strategic contribution (developing brand standards, deploying design systems). The mention of "customer journey" implies the need for a designer who thinks beyond aesthetics to consider user experience and conversion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio often implies formal design education or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 3+ years in a designer role, encompassing both agency and/or client-side experience, with a proven track record of designing for a wide array of brand and marketing channels.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in typography, color theory, imagery, and graphic elements.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

• Comfortable with digital design tools like Sketch and/or Figma.

• Understanding of web design standard methodologies and best practices.

• Experience designing for online retail environments and e-commerce platforms.

• Strong self-starter mentality with an ability to take ownership and continuously seek improvement.

• Excellent collaborative skills, openness to feedback, and ability to engage in balanced discussions.

• Meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the confidence to propose new solutions and bold ideas.

• Ability to work effectively in an in-office environment 4-5 days per week. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics.

• Video production, animation, or art direction experience.

• Familiarity with developing and implementing design systems.

• Passion for dogs and understanding of the pet wellness industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch/Figma, and e-commerce design points to a need for a technically proficient designer. The "self-starter and self-checker" requirement, along with "bold thinking," suggests a candidate who is proactive, takes initiative, and isn't afraid to push creative boundaries. The preference for motion graphics and animation indicates a forward-looking approach to creative content.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of brand and marketing creative projects across various channels (digital, social, email, print).

• Demonstrations of deep understanding of typography, color usage, imagery selection, and overall graphic element composition.

• Examples of how design has been applied to solve specific marketing challenges or achieve business objectives.

• Evidence of experience designing for online retail environments and e-commerce platforms, including user interface considerations.

• Projects that highlight the ability to develop and utilize a design system or brand guidelines effectively.

• If applicable, examples of motion graphics, animation, or video content. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:

  • How they approach creative briefs and translate them into visual concepts.

  • Their methods for collaborating with cross-functional teams and incorporating feedback.

  • How they ensure brand consistency and adherence to guidelines.

  • Their workflow for asset creation, from initial concept to final delivery.

  • How they iterate on designs based on performance data or strategic input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "robust portfolio" is critical. Candidates should curate their work to highlight the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the requirements, particularly e-commerce, digital marketing creative, and brand system application. Being prepared to articulate their design process is key, as the company values a methodical and collaborative approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 USD annually (for NYC market data).

Equity: The role includes equity ownership in the company, with more details provided at the time of offer.

Benefits:

• Dog-friendly office in SoHo.

• Market-competitive compensation and equity packages.

• Comprehensive Healthcare, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Company-supported mental health benefits.

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Competitive 401k plan with company match.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Discounted fresh food for your pup.

• A pet-friendly office environment where pets are welcome in meetings.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with an expectation of 4-5 days in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the NYC market. Candidates applying from other regions should anticipate potential adjustments. The inclusion of equity, comprehensive health benefits, parental leave, and unique perks like a dog-friendly office and pet-friendly meetings highlight The Farmer's Dog's commitment to a holistic employee experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pet Food & Health Technology (Direct-to-Consumer)

Company Size: Likely in the range of 200-500 employees, based on funding and operational scale (e.g., delivering over 1 billion meals).

Founded: The Farmer's Dog was founded to disrupt the pet food industry, focusing on fresh, personalized nutrition. The company has raised significant funding ($150M+), indicating a growth-stage company with a strong focus on innovation and market expansion.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of an in-house creative team, working closely with art directors, copywriters, and a production team.

• Collaboration extends across various departments, aligning with the company's "One Team" philosophy, which emphasizes cross-functional synergy over departmental silos.

• The company culture values a "skeptical about everything and precious about nothing" approach, encouraging input from all levels and a willingness to change course based on customer insights and data. Methodology:

• A core tenet is orienting around customer problems and goals, rather than rigid role definitions or traditional KPIs.

• The company emphasizes a data-driven, hypothesis-validation approach: "what’s the most important hypothesis I should be working on right now? How do I confirm or reject that hypothesis as fast as possible?".

• Decisions are made with a strong consideration for the entire customer journey, aiming to set up customers for success from acquisition through long-term retention.

• The culture fosters "Executing For Impact" with a focus on being the best possible, rather than adhering to industry benchmarks.

Company Website: thefarmersdog.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a significant aspect of this role. The "One Team" philosophy, focus on customer journey, and hypothesis-driven approach are key differentiators. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values, particularly their willingness to collaborate across functions and their comfort with iterative processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Brand Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on brand perception and marketing effectiveness.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report into an Art Director or potentially a Creative Lead, working within a broader marketing or creative team. Collaboration will be extensive with copywriters, production teams, and other cross-functional stakeholders.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, this position significantly impacts "revenue operations" by driving customer acquisition and retention through compelling visual marketing. Strong brand design directly influences customer perception, conversion rates, and brand loyalty, all of which are critical to business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunities to expand creative capabilities, potentially into motion graphics, art direction, or leading specific brand initiatives.

• Strategic Contribution: As the company grows, there will be opportunities to influence brand strategy, contribute to the evolution of the design system, and potentially mentor junior designers.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into Senior Brand Designer, Art Director, or Creative Lead roles within The Farmer's Dog.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a fast-growing D2C company provides valuable experience in a dynamic and innovative market.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a designer, "operations" here translates to the efficient and effective execution of creative strategies that drive business outcomes. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding creative influence, strategic input, and potentially leadership within the creative function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Farmer's Dog operates with an in-office culture, emphasizing the benefits of physical presence for collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The role is based in their dog-friendly office in SoHo, New York.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is designed for in-person collaboration, fostering "deeper connections and engagement."

• Employees are expected to be present in the office 4-5 days a week to build this collaborative and invested environment.

• The office is dog-friendly, integrating pets into the daily work experience.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is implied, with specific software requirements detailed in the "Tools & Technology Stack" section.

• Opportunities for spontaneous interaction, brainstorming, and team building are inherent to the in-office setup.

Work Schedule: While standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, the company culture emphasizes flexibility and iterative work, suggesting that focus and impact are prioritized over rigid adherence to time. The in-office expectation is a key component of the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on an "in-office culture" is a critical factor for candidates. This is not a remote-friendly role, and success will depend on embracing and contributing to this collaborative, in-person environment. The dog-friendly aspect adds a unique element to the workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical creative hiring process at a company like The Farmer's Dog might include:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios.

• Portfolio Review & Initial Interview: A more in-depth discussion of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on relevant experience, design thinking, and cultural fit. This may be with a hiring manager or senior creative.

• Creative Challenge/Assignment: A practical design exercise to assess skills in problem-solving, execution, and alignment with the brand's aesthetic.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (e.g., copywriters, other designers, marketing stakeholders) to assess teamwork and communication.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Creative, CMO) to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase experience in brand design, marketing creative, digital/e-commerce, and ideally, motion graphics or animation.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, the challenges faced, and the impact of your work. Use case study formats to demonstrate strategic thinking.

• Highlight Brand Alignment: Demonstrate an understanding of The Farmer's Dog's brand aesthetic and values. Show how your work can contribute to or evolve this.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch/Figma, and an understanding of web design principles.

• Quality Over Quantity: Present a focused selection of your best work rather than an exhaustive list. Ensure all pieces are high-resolution and well-presented.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand The Farmer's Dog brand: Study their website, social media, and marketing materials to grasp their voice, visual style, and customer.

• Prepare to discuss your design process: Be ready to walk through how you approach a creative brief, brainstorm, iterate, and finalize designs.

• Think about customer journey: Consider how design impacts user experience and conversion at different touchpoints.

• Anticipate questions about collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you work with copywriters, marketers, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary gatekeeper. Candidates must meticulously tailor their portfolio to showcase the specific requirements of this Brand Designer role at The Farmer's Dog. Being prepared to articulate process and demonstrate brand understanding will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. These are foundational for graphic design, photo manipulation, and layout.

• Sketch and/or Figma: Comfortable proficiency required. These are standard tools for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows, essential for web and digital assets.

Collaboration & Prototyping:

• Figma/Sketch: Also used for prototyping and design system development.

• Potential for other collaboration tools: Such as Slack for communication, Asana/Jira for project management, or Miro for virtual whiteboarding, though not explicitly mentioned.

Content Creation & Enhancement:

• Motion Graphics/Animation Tools: Proficiency preferred (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for dynamic creative assets.

• Video Editing Software: Potentially useful if video production/direction is involved.

E-commerce & Web:

• Familiarity with E-commerce Platforms: Understanding of how designs are implemented on platforms like Shopify or custom-built sites.

• Web Design Standards: Knowledge of responsive design principles, accessibility, and best practices for digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Proficiency in Sketch or Figma is equally important for digital design and collaboration. Candidates with motion graphics experience will have a distinct advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• One Team: Emphasizes collaboration and shared goals over departmental silos. Operations professionals here are expected to work holistically across functions.

• Skepticism & Openness: A culture of questioning assumptions and being open to new ideas from anywhere. Operations professionals should be comfortable challenging the status quo and proposing innovative solutions.

• Customer Journey Centricity: All decisions are made with a deep consideration for the customer experience and long-term retention. Operations must support this by ensuring seamless processes and customer-focused outcomes.

• Execution for Impact: Focus on achieving measurable results and being the best possible, rather than adhering to traditional benchmarks. Operations roles are expected to drive tangible improvements.

• Focused & Assumption-Free: A commitment to working in sequence, validating hypotheses quickly, and adapting priorities based on new information. Operations should be agile and data-driven.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely with diverse teams (creative, marketing, product, engineering) to achieve shared objectives.

• Open Dialogue: Encourages input from all team members, fostering a culture where ideas can be debated and refined collaboratively.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: While this role is creative, The Farmer's Dog's overall ethos is data-driven, suggesting that creative decisions are often informed by performance metrics and customer insights.

• Iterative Improvement: A willingness to experiment, learn from failures, and continuously refine processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "One Team" and "Execution for Impact" values are central. For a designer, this means understanding how their creative work contributes to broader business goals and being willing to collaborate intensely with non-creative teams to achieve those goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a strong, cohesive brand identity while also pushing creative boundaries and responding to evolving market trends.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively translating creative briefs from various stakeholders and ensuring design solutions meet diverse needs and strategic objectives.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Working in a growth-stage D2C company means adapting quickly to new information, iterating on designs, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• On-site Requirement: For candidates who prefer remote work, the mandatory 4-5 days in the office may present a personal challenge, but it's integral to the company's collaborative culture.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Creative Skill Expansion: Potential to develop skills in motion graphics, art direction, or advanced brand system development.

• Strategic Brand Influence: Opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the brand's visual identity and marketing efforts.

• Industry Insight: Gaining experience in the rapidly growing pet wellness and D2C e-commerce sectors.

• Mentorship & Leadership: As the team grows, opportunities may arise for mentorship or leadership roles within the creative department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a growth-stage D2C company, emphasizing adaptability and a proactive approach. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding creative expertise and strategic influence within the brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure both were met?" (Assesses ability to work within constraints while being innovative.)

• "Describe your process for developing creative for a new marketing campaign. How do you incorporate feedback from copywriters and other stakeholders?" (Probes collaboration and process.)

• "How do you approach designing for different customer journey stages – from acquisition to retention?" (Tests understanding of customer-centric design.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where your design had a measurable impact on business goals. What was the challenge, your solution, and the outcome?" (Focuses on impact and results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about The Farmer's Dog's mission and brand?" (Assesses alignment with company values.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our 'One Team' culture?" (Evaluates collaboration and team fit.)

• "Describe your experience working in an in-office environment. What do you value most about in-person collaboration?" (Checks comfort with the on-site requirement.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and integrate them into your work without compromising brand integrity?" (Gauges professional development and strategic thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your solution (design process), and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation explicitly showcases your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch/Figma, typography, color theory, and e-commerce design.

• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: Show how your work aligns with or could enhance The Farmer's Dog's brand.

• Be Prepared for Specifics: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tools used, and challenges overcome.

• Showcase Motion/Animation (if applicable): If you have relevant experience, be ready to present this work dynamically.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design philosophy, process, and how their work directly contributes to business objectives. Demonstrating an understanding of The Farmer's Dog's brand and culture, especially the "One Team" and "in-office" aspects, will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating expertise in brand identity, digital marketing creative, e-commerce design, and strong typography. Ensure it highlights your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Sketch/Figma.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 3+ years of relevant design experience, specific software proficiencies, and any experience in D2C or pet-related industries. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design process, your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams, and how your work has driven impact. Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio pieces.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Farmer's Dog's brand, mission, values, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their customer base and unique selling propositions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored for a creative role within a D2C company. All details, especially regarding responsibilities, qualifications, and the interview process, should be verified directly with The Farmer's Dog hiring team.