Contract Graphic Designer - 1099 Employee

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Contract Graphic Designer - 1099 Employee

Company: FatCats (supporting Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment)

Location: Pleasant Grove, Utah, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Contract (1099 Employee)

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Support multiple brands (Costa Vida, FatCats Entertainment) with a diverse range of graphic design needs, including digital, print, social media, and environmental graphics, acting as a key contributor to marketing and brand initiatives.

• Develop and adapt creative assets within established brand systems, ensuring brand consistency while also contributing to the evolution of brand creative direction.

• Collaborate closely with internal creative, marketing, and operations teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready design assets for various platforms.

• Manage a dynamic project workload in a fast-paced, hybrid work environment, requiring strong organizational skills and self-direction to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on collaborating with "operations teams," managing "multiple projects," and working within "brand systems" positions this role as a vital part of the broader marketing operations and creative operations function, bridging creative execution with strategic brand deployment. The 1099 contract nature implies a need for self-management and business acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of marketing collateral, including social media graphics, digital advertisements, environmental signage, menus, email campaigns, and print materials.

• Create production-ready files optimized for both print and digital applications, ensuring accuracy and adherence to technical specifications.

• Collaborate effectively with the Creative Director, fellow designers, marketing specialists, and relevant operations teams to align creative output with business objectives.

• Uphold and apply established brand guidelines consistently across all design projects, while also being encouraged to explore and propose innovative creative solutions.

• Manage and prioritize multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality execution in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both creative execution and operational efficiency. The emphasis on "production-ready files" and collaboration with "operations teams" indicates a requirement for understanding the downstream impact of design decisions on campaign execution and brand deployment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level roles, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record demonstrated through a strong portfolio. Experience working with established brand systems and adapting creative assets is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in professional graphic design with a strong, diverse portfolio.

• Exceptional typography, layout, and visual design skills.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proficiency in Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Ability to be reliable, collaborative, organized, and self-directed.

• Solid understanding of current design trends and commercial creative work applicable to consumer brands. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics (e.g., After Effects).

• Skills in illustration, photography, or video editing.

• Familiarity with brand strategy development.

• Exposure to UX/UI design principles.

• Experience utilizing AI-assisted creative tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "mid-level" designation and the broad range of required design applications (digital, print, social, environmental) suggest that candidates should have a solid foundation in design principles and practical experience in applying them across various mediums. The preference for skills like motion graphics, illustration, and AI tools indicates an interest in candidates who can bring a broader creative toolkit and adapt to emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio link is mandatory with your application, showcasing a range of design projects.

• Demonstrate experience in creating marketing assets for both digital and print platforms, highlighting adaptability across mediums.

• Include examples of work that adheres to established brand guidelines, showcasing your ability to maintain brand consistency.

• Present projects that illustrate problem-solving through design, such as adapting assets for different channels or resolving visual communication challenges.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that detail your role, the design process, and the intended outcome or impact of your work. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of the design process from concept to final production-ready files, including any iterative feedback loops.

• Where applicable, illustrate how you managed project timelines, collaborated with stakeholders, and incorporated feedback into your design workflow.

• Demonstrate an ability to document design choices, especially when working within established brand systems or when proposing new creative directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role emphasizing a "mid-level" designer, the portfolio is the primary tool for evaluating skills. The emphasis should be on practical application, brand adherence, and the ability to produce work that is ready for deployment by marketing and operations teams. Including examples of collaboration and project management within the portfolio context will be highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Approximately $35/hour, commensurate with experience (DOE).

Benefits: As a 1099 independent contractor, standard employee benefits are typically not provided. This role offers:

• Flexible scheduling, allowing for approximately 20-30 hours per week.

• Hybrid work arrangement, offering a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• Opportunity to work with established brands and contribute to their creative direction.

• Inclusion in a collaborative and growth-oriented creative team environment.

Working Hours: Flexible part-time schedule, estimated at 20–30 hours per week. The specific hours can be negotiated, but a consistent commitment is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The $35/hour rate for a mid-level designer in Pleasant Grove, Utah, is competitive for a contract role. Given the 1099 status, candidates should factor in self-employment taxes and the absence of traditional benefits when evaluating the total compensation. The flexibility is a key benefit for contractors seeking work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The parent company, Win Brands, operates across multiple consumer-facing industries, with this role directly supporting FatCats Entertainment (likely entertainment/hospitality) and Costa Vida (likely fast-casual dining). This suggests a dynamic environment with diverse brand needs.

Company Size: The description implies a relatively lean and collaborative creative team within a larger organization. The "small, collaborative creative team" suggests an agile structure where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the reference to "Win Brands" and supporting multiple brands suggests an established entity with a history of growth and brand acquisition or development.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a "small, collaborative creative team" and will work directly with a Creative Director.

• Collaboration extends to internal designers, the marketing team, and "operations teams," indicating a cross-functional approach.

• Reporting is likely to the Creative Director, with project-specific direction from marketing stakeholders. Methodology:

• Emphasis on working within "established brand systems" points to a structured approach to brand management.

• Opportunities to "contribute ideas and help shape our brands’ creative directions" suggest a culture that values proactive input and strategic thinking.

• The "fast-paced environment" and need for "self-directed" work highlight an agile and results-oriented methodology.

Company Website: FatCats: fatcatsfun.com (implied)

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of established brands like Costa Vida and FatCats, coupled with a "small, collaborative creative team," suggests an environment where designers can have a tangible impact and work closely with decision-makers, including operations. Understanding the specific industries (entertainment and dining) will be key for tailoring creative output.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Contract Graphic Designer. While not a direct operations role, it interfaces heavily with marketing operations and requires operational efficiency in design execution. It offers a path to gain experience across multiple brands and potentially take on more complex creative projects.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Creative Director and collaborate with marketing and operations teams. This structure allows for mentorship and clear direction.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly influence customer perception, brand recognition, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns for both Costa Vida and FatCats. High-quality design assets are critical for driving engagement and supporting operational goals (e.g., clear signage, effective menus, compelling digital ads).

Growth Opportunities:

• Brand Expansion: Potential to deepen involvement with existing brands or contribute to new brand initiatives within Win Brands.

• Skill Diversification: Opportunity to expand skill set into preferred areas like motion graphics, illustration, or UX/UI through project exposure and team collaboration.

• Creative Leadership: With demonstrated success, there may be opportunities to lead smaller creative projects or take on more strategic branding responsibilities within the contract term.

• Networking: Building relationships with marketing and operations professionals across different brands can open doors to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, growth is often measured by the breadth of experience gained and the development of a strong portfolio. This role offers significant opportunities to refine design skills within established frameworks and explore new creative avenues, directly contributing to the operational success of consumer-facing brands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement. This means the role involves a mix of remote work and in-office presence at the Pleasant Grove, Utah location.

Office Location(s): Pleasant Grove, Utah (1333 Valley Grove Way, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062). This location will serve as the hub for in-office collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The "small, collaborative creative team" environment suggests an open and interactive workspace for in-office days, fostering idea exchange and teamwork.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided or expected to be utilized, including Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the Creative Director, marketing teams, and operations personnel will be frequent on in-office days.

Work Schedule: Flexible part-time schedule (20-30 hours/week). While flexible, a consistent commitment and availability for scheduled team meetings or project deadlines is expected. This flexibility is ideal for operations professionals who may balance other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Pleasant Grove offers a blend of autonomy and collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable working independently remotely and actively participating in team dynamics when on-site, especially for brainstorming and project reviews crucial for operations alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a mandatory portfolio link.

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative style.

• Interview(s): Likely to involve discussions with the Creative Director and potentially marketing/operations stakeholders. Expect questions about your design process, brand experience, and how you handle collaboration and feedback.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discuss specific projects, and demonstrate your problem-solving approach.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design challenge or a request to adapt a sample asset may be given to evaluate practical skills and speed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight relevant work: focus on digital, print, social, and brand system examples.

• For each project, clearly articulate your role, the brief, your design process, challenges faced, and the outcome. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "increased engagement by X%" if applicable).

• Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and how you use them efficiently.

• Showcase your understanding of brand consistency and how you adapt creative within established guidelines.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible online and well-organized. Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize clarity and brand consistency within the given constraints.

• Be ready to explain your design decisions and thought process concisely.

• For a contract role, demonstrating efficiency and the ability to produce production-ready files quickly is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" and collaboration with "operations teams" means interviewers will look for both creative talent and the ability to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows. Be prepared to discuss how your design process supports operational efficiency and brand consistency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for professional graphic design, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Figma: Required for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially handoff to development or marketing teams.

• Project Management Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, expect to use tools for task tracking and communication common in a hybrid/remote environment (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., social media engagement metrics, digital ad performance) is beneficial, though direct analytics may not be part of the core role. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design assets integrate into email marketing platforms or marketing automation workflows is a plus, but not explicitly required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable. Candidates should be able to articulate their experience with these tools and how they leverage them for efficient and effective design creation, especially for production-ready assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: While working within brand systems, there's an encouragement to "explore creative solutions" and "shape brands’ creative directions."

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with the Creative Director, other designers, marketing, and operations teams.

• Reliability & Professionalism: As a 1099 contractor, being "reliable, collaborative, organized, and self-directed" is paramount.

• Efficiency: The need for "production-ready files" and managing "multiple projects" in a "fast-paced environment" highlights a value for efficient output.

• Growth Mindset: The team is described as valuing "creative growth" and seeking someone who "takes the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously," indicating a balanced and developing culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a hands-on, collaborative approach, particularly on in-office days.

• Communication will likely be direct and frequent, utilizing tools like Slack alongside in-person meetings.

• A culture of constructive feedback and iterative design is implied, given the need to work within brand guidelines while also proposing new ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values both creative excellence and practical execution. For a contractor, demonstrating an ability to integrate smoothly into this collaborative, results-driven environment, while maintaining professionalism and reliability, will be key to success and potential future engagements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creativity: Navigating the need to adhere strictly to established brand guidelines while also being encouraged to innovate and propose new creative directions.

• Managing Multiple Brands: Simultaneously working on distinct visual identities and marketing needs for Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment requires strong organizational skills and brand awareness.

• Contractor Status: Operating as a 1099 employee means managing one's own taxes, benefits, and professional development, requiring a high degree of self-management.

• Pace of Work: The "fast-paced environment" and "multiple projects" demand efficient workflow and time management to meet deadlines consistently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Enhancement: Direct experience with established brands and diverse design applications will significantly bolster your professional portfolio.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Gaining insights into the marketing and operational strategies of different consumer-facing industries.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to develop preferred skills like motion graphics, illustration, or UX/UI through project involvement.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of current design trends and commercial creative work within the fast-casual dining and entertainment sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role presents a valuable opportunity to gain experience across multiple brands and industries, enhance creative problem-solving skills, and hone project management abilities, all while contributing to the operational success of well-known consumer brands.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating marketing assets that adhere to strict brand guidelines while still feeling fresh and innovative." (Focus on balancing constraints and creativity).

• "How do you manage multiple design projects for different brands simultaneously? Walk us through your organizational strategy." (Highlight time management, prioritization, and tool usage).

• "Tell us about a time you collaborated with marketing or operations teams on a design project. What was your role, and how did you ensure the final deliverables met their needs?" (Emphasize communication, understanding stakeholder requirements, and delivering production-ready assets). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment, and how would you approach designing for these brands?" (Research their current marketing and branding.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a small, collaborative creative team as a 1099 contractor?" (Emphasize your self-direction, reliability, and collaborative spirit.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you incorporate them into commercial creative work?" (Showcase your proactive learning and practical application.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects.

• For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Be prepared to discuss challenges and how you overcame them.

• If possible, include examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt within brand systems.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, focusing on the impact of your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not only your creative talent but also your professionalism, reliability, and ability to integrate into their existing workflows. Be ready to discuss your process, collaboration style, and how your design work supports business and operational objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Contract Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a mandatory link to your online portfolio, via the provided application portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of digital graphics, social media assets, print materials, and any work demonstrating adherence to brand guidelines. Tailor your portfolio selection to highlight skills directly relevant to consumer brands in the dining and entertainment sectors.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and any experience managing multiple projects or working with established brand systems. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, your approach to brand consistency, and your collaborative experience with marketing and operations teams. Be ready to present your portfolio and explain your design choices with clarity and conciseness.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with FatCats and Costa Vida's current branding, marketing campaigns, and target audiences to better understand their creative needs and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.