Contract to Hire- Graphic Designer- Creative Services

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Creative Services (Contract to Hire)

Company: Earthbound Brands

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Creative Services / Graphic Design

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in building and expanding Earthbound Brands' Creative Services team, focusing on delivering high-impact visual assets for diverse industries.

• The graphic designer will conceptualize and execute commercial and consumer-friendly designs, ranging from pitch decks and brand books to logo and packaging design.

• Collaboration is key, involving working closely with the Creative Director, licensing teams, and other departments to bring creative visions to life.

• The position offers a contract-to-hire pathway, providing an opportunity for long-term engagement and growth within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the inclusion of responsibilities like brand books, pitch decks, and liaising with new business and licensing teams suggests a role that bridges creative execution with strategic brand representation, potentially involving some elements of GTM support through visual collateral. The focus on "commercial, consumer-friendly design" alongside "elevating" brand elements indicates a need for versatility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive brand books, style guides, and visual identity systems for various brands.

• Design compelling pitch decks and sales collateral, primarily utilizing PowerPoint, to effectively communicate brand stories and propositions.

• Create innovative and impactful logo designs for new brands and refresh existing ones to maintain relevance and appeal.

• Conceptualize and produce production-ready packaging designs and associated guidelines, working with existing die lines and design files.

• Design visually engaging digital assets for marketing campaigns and social media platforms.

• Create dynamic graphics and signage for trade shows, expos, and other promotional events.

• Brainstorm design concepts with the creative team, conducting research and developing mood boards to guide visual direction.

• Maintain, organize, and update digital brand assets on the company server, ensuring accessibility and consistency.

• Collaborate with the licensing team to support their needs with creative assets and presentations.

• Develop and build websites on platforms such as Wix or Squarespace, integrating brand aesthetics seamlessly.

• Effectively communicate with senior team members and stakeholders to receive feedback and incorporate revisions.

• Liaise with cross-functional departments, including new business development, licensing, and marketing, to ensure cohesive brand messaging.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management and time management skills, crucial for operations roles. The emphasis on "production-ready designs" and "working with existing die lines" suggests a need for understanding manufacturing or print processes, which is a valuable operational consideration in creative services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art Design, Graphics, Marketing, or a closely related discipline.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are essential for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Figma Proficiency: Strong command of Figma for collaborative design workflows, UI/UX elements, and prototyping.

• Presentation Software Expertise: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint, MS Office Suite, and Apple Keynote for creating impactful sales collateral and pitch decks.

• Brand Identity Development: Proven ability to develop and maintain cohesive brand identities, including logo design, typography, and color palettes.

• Packaging Design: Experience in creating visually appealing and functional packaging designs.

• Digital Asset Creation: Skill in producing high-quality digital graphics for various marketing channels.

• Mac Platform Fluency: Seamless operation within the Mac operating system environment.

• Strong Visual Acumen: An excellent eye for design aesthetics, composition, and detail.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively in a team environment, communicate ideas clearly, and receive constructive feedback.

• Adaptability & Agility: Proven capacity to learn quickly, adapt to changing project needs, and maintain efficiency in a fast-paced setting.

• Time Management & Organization: Strong skills in managing timelines, prioritizing tasks, and meeting project deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Rendering Experience: Familiarity or experience with 3D rendering software for enhanced visual presentations.

• Website Design Platforms: Experience building websites on platforms like Wix or Squarespace.

• Understanding of Production Processes: Knowledge of print production, die lines, and preparing files for manufacturing.

• Mood Board & Concept Development: Experience in visual research, trend analysis, and creating mood boards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level combined with the "Contract to Hire" nature suggests that candidates with proven mid-level skills and a track record of successful project completion will be highly valued. The emphasis on both creative execution and understanding client/project direction aligns with operations principles of delivering on specifications while adding value.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, including brand identity development, logo design, packaging, pitch decks, and digital assets.

• Demonstrations of visual storytelling capabilities, particularly within presentation mediums like PowerPoint.

• Examples of work that highlight an understanding of commercial and consumer-friendly design principles, as well as the ability to push creative boundaries.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the ability to work with existing design files, die lines, and style guides to produce production-ready outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you have documented or followed a clear design process, from initial concept and mood boarding through to final production and asset organization.

• Include examples that demonstrate how you manage feedback and revisions throughout the design lifecycle.

• Highlight projects where you have successfully maintained, organized, and updated digital brand assets on a server or digital asset management (DAM) system.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract-to-hire role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to explicitly demonstrate the ability to translate client needs into tangible, polished design assets, reflecting an understanding of workflow and deliverable quality standards that are critical in any operations-focused function, including creative services.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract-to-hire position with hourly rates and full-time salaries dependent on level and experience, a typical mid-level Graphic Designer in New York City can expect an hourly rate ranging from $30-$50 for contract work, translating to an annual salary of $60,000 - $100,000+ upon conversion to full-time.

Benefits:

• Contract-to-Hire Pathway: Opportunity for conversion to a full-time role with comprehensive benefits.

• Exposure to Diverse Industries: Work on projects across multiple sectors, broadening your professional experience.

• Collaborative Team Environment: Be part of a growing Creative Services team with opportunities for mentorship and peer learning.

• Professional Development: Potential for ongoing learning and skill enhancement through project work and feedback.

• Hybrid Work Model: Benefit from a flexible work arrangement with dedicated office days for in-person collaboration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, approximately 40 hours per week. The role requires 3 days per week in the New York City office, with flexibility for remote work on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level Graphic Designer in New York City, considering the contract-to-hire nature and the need for specific software proficiencies. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience level and performance during the contract period.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Earthbound Brands operates within the consumer goods sector, likely dealing with branding, licensing, and product development across various markets. This industry demands strong visual appeal, consistent brand messaging, and effective marketing collateral to reach target audiences.

Company Size: Earthbound Brands is likely a growing organization, indicated by the effort to build out its Creative Services team. This suggests a dynamic environment where new processes are being established and where individual contributions can have a significant impact.

Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but the current initiative to build a dedicated creative team suggests a phase of expansion or strategic reinvestment in branding and marketing capabilities.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Services team is actively being built, likely led by a Creative Director.

• This role will involve close collaboration with the Creative Director for direction and feedback.

Methodology:

• Visual Storytelling: Emphasis on crafting compelling narratives through design, particularly in presentations.

• Brand Consistency: Focus on developing and adhering to brand books, style guides, and visual identity systems.

• Agile Workflow: The need to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously points to an agile approach to creative production.

• Data-Informed Design: While not explicitly stated, successful consumer-facing design often relies on an understanding of market trends and audience preferences.

Company Website: https://www.earthboundbrands.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "building out" the team suggests an opportunity for individuals to shape processes and contribute to the team's foundational structure, aligning with operational improvement goals. Understanding the company's industry context is crucial for tailoring design work effectively.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of technical skills and creative execution, along with the ability to work independently on projects and collaborate effectively within a team. It’s a step beyond entry-level, demanding problem-solving and initiative.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to the Creative Director. There will also be significant collaboration with other departments such as licensing, new business, and marketing.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts brand perception, sales collateral effectiveness, and overall marketing initiatives. High-quality design assets are crucial for successful client pitches, brand launches, and consumer engagement, thereby contributing to revenue generation and market penetration.

Growth Opportunities:

• Conversion to Full-Time: The primary growth opportunity is the potential to transition into a full-time role within Earthbound Brands.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as packaging design, brand identity systems, or presentation design.

• Skill Expansion: Learning new design software, techniques, or web design platforms (e.g., Wix, Squarespace) as required by projects.

• Team Leadership Potential: As the Creative Services team grows, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers or lead specific project streams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "contract-to-hire" model is a key growth indicator, suggesting that successful contractors are groomed for permanent roles. The emphasis on learning and adapting in a fast-paced environment aligns with career development in dynamic operational settings.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a hybrid work arrangement, with 3 days per week spent in the New York City office. This indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and team integration, while still offering remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York, New York (Postal Code: 10010). This is a central location, likely offering good accessibility for commuting professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The office environment is expected to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and direct communication with the Creative Director and other team members.

• Creative Resources: Access to necessary design software and technology (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Mac platform) will be provided.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with various departments, fostering a broader understanding of the business operations and how design supports different functions.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is expected. The hybrid model allows for a structured week balancing in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility for focused individual tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3 days in the office is a critical operational detail for candidates to consider, impacting commute planning and work-life balance. It also signals a company culture that values face-to-face interaction for creative development and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess fundamental skills and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the Creative Director and potentially other stakeholders. A practical design exercise or a case study presentation related to brand identity, packaging, or presentation design may be required.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: An interview to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and alignment with the team's working ethos.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior management to finalize hiring decisions and discuss contract terms and potential for full-time conversion.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your versatility across brand books, logos, packaging, and presentations. Highlight your ability to meet commercial needs while demonstrating creative flair.

• Showcase Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, from initial brief and concept development to final execution and rationale behind design decisions.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs have led to measurable outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), highlight this.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and presentation software.

• Tailor to Earthbound Brands: If possible, include a concept piece or a brief analysis of Earthbound Brands' current visual identity to show initiative and understanding.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: For any design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the requirements, target audience, and objectives.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Demonstrate how you approach a design problem, not just the final aesthetic.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe, simulating interview conditions.

• Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to articulate your design choices and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and collaborative potential. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates design process and showcases a range of relevant skills is crucial for success in this evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all core graphic design tasks.

• Figma: Critical for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially UI elements.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: High proficiency required for creating sales collateral, pitch decks, and presentations.

• Apple Keynote: Familiarity is beneficial for presentation creation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: General proficiency for document creation and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Website Platforms: Experience with Wix and Squarespace for website development and maintenance.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience or understanding of organizing and managing digital assets on a server is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, PowerPoint, and Keynote highlights the core technical requirements. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable and should be prominently featured in a candidate's application and portfolio.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and willingness to contribute to group efforts.

• Solution-Oriented: A proactive approach to problem-solving and finding effective design solutions.

• Adaptability & Agility: The ability to learn quickly, adjust to new needs, and perform efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to listen to feedback and use it to enhance design standards and personal skills.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in executing projects from inception to production.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Driven: Comfortable working collaboratively in a group, contributing actively to team projects.

• Open Communication: Willingness to ask clarifying questions, communicate with senior team members, and liaise effectively with other departments.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from clients and senior team members to refine work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of individual creative contribution and strong teamwork. The emphasis on adaptability and learning aligns with operational efficiency and continuous improvement principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Needs: Effectively translating client objectives and brand guidelines into visually appealing and commercially viable designs.

• Managing Multiple Deadlines: Juggling numerous projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high-quality output.

• Adapting to Diverse Brand Voices: Quickly understanding and applying different brand identities and tones across various industries.

• Technical Proficiency Evolution: Staying current with design software updates and new technologies (e.g., 3D rendering, web platforms).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunity to hone skills in specific design disciplines (e.g., packaging, motion graphics, web design) through project exposure.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining insights into the operational aspects of licensing, marketing, and new business development.

• Mentorship: Learning from a Creative Director and experienced team members.

• Full-Time Conversion: The potential to secure a permanent role, offering greater stability and long-term career development within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growing creative team and offer significant opportunities for skill development and demonstrating operational resilience through effective project management and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's commercial needs with your creative vision. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and delivering on objectives.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a brand identity from scratch." (Highlight research, concept development, iteration, and stakeholder communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Earthbound Brands and our approach to creative services?" (Research the company's existing brands and market presence.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Showcase your openness to feedback and collaborative spirit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the creative process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Versatility: Ensure your presentation covers logo design, branding, packaging, and presentation decks to match the job requirements.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and PowerPoint, perhaps even showing examples of their advanced features.

• Focus on Impact: Where possible, explain how your designs contributed to business goals or client success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent, but also the operational discipline of meeting requirements, managing projects, and collaborating effectively within a team structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Earthbound Brands careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features examples of brand books, logo design, packaging, and presentation design. Tailor it to highlight commercial appeal and creative execution.

• Optimize Your Resume: Clearly articulate your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, PowerPoint, and your ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Design Challenge: Be ready to potentially complete a practical design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your problem-solving skills and creative process.

• Research Earthbound Brands: Familiarize yourself with the company's existing brands and market presence to better understand their visual needs and brand voice.

⚠️ 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.

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