Freelance Brand Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Freelance Brand Designer
Company: Mindrift
Location: Finland
Job Type: PART_TIME
Category: Brand Design / Creative Operations
Date Posted: 2026-09-04
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Remote Status: Fully Remote
π Role Summary
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Spearhead the development of foundational brand assets, including logos, comprehensive visual identities, and detailed color schemes.
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Systematically organize and deliver necessary variations of core brand elements to ensure seamless integration across all platforms.
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Serve as the primary gatekeeper for brand consistency across all internal and external communications, from pitch decks to social media kits.
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Architect and build scalable, long-lasting visual systems that align with modern design standards and enhance brand equity.
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Conduct cross-platform validation to ensure brand aesthetics translate flawlessly across both digital and print mediums.
π Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a freelance Brand Designer contributing to the Tendem project (tendem.ai), focusing on creating strong visual identities for real-world brands and products. The emphasis is on hands-on brand asset creation, visual identity development, and maintaining brand consistency within a remote, part-time capacity. The role requires a strategic, detail-obsessed approach and the ability to work independently.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Develop foundational brand assets, including logos, complete visual identities, and comprehensive color schemes, ensuring they are scalable and modern.
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Create, systematically organize, and deliver necessary variations of core brand elements, including different formats and use cases.
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Act as the strict gatekeeper for brand consistency across all internal and external materials, including pitch decks, social media kits, and marketing collateral.
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Build scalable, long-lasting visual systems that align with modern design standards and facilitate ease of use for the wider team.
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Enforce design quality through cross-platform validation, ensuring brand aesthetics translate flawlessly and effectively across both digital and print mediums.
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Collaborate with project stakeholders to understand brand objectives and translate them into compelling visual narratives.
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Manage and maintain organized asset libraries and brand guidelines for easy access and consistent application.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on the end-to-end brand identity lifecycle, from initial creation to ongoing governance. The emphasis on "gatekeeper" and "cross-platform validation" indicates a need for meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach to maintaining brand integrity.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelorβs or Masterβs Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communication Design, or a related creative field is a plus. Experience:
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At least 2 years of relevant experience in brand design, graphic design, art direction, or visual communications is desirable. Required Skills:
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Brand Identity Creation: Expertise in building foundational assets from scratch, including scalable logos, distinct color palettes, and typography systems.
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Design Tools: Deep proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Figma for crafting and managing core design assets.
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Cross-Medium Adaptation: Proven ability to translate brand DNA perfectly across varied formats, from digital social media kits to corporate pitch decks and print materials.
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Brand System Architecture: Strong organizational skills to develop clear brand guidelines, style guides, and structured asset libraries for wider team use.
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Visual Communications: A strong understanding of visual storytelling and effective communication through design.
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English Proficiency: Upper-intermediate (B2) or above is required for effective communication.
Preferred Skills:
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Brand Strategy: Experience in developing overarching brand strategies that inform visual identity.
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Design Systems: Familiarity with creating and managing comprehensive design systems for scalable brand application.
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Art Direction: Experience in guiding visual aesthetics and creative direction for projects.
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Typography & Color Theory: Advanced understanding of how typography and color impact brand perception and user experience.
π Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on skills in core brand design competencies, supported by proficiency in industry-standard tools. The inclusion of "strategic, detail-obsessed mindset" and "self-directed work ethic" points to the need for an independent, proactive contributor.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A strong portfolio heavily focused on brand identity creation, logo design, and comprehensive brand guidelines is mandatory.
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Showcase examples of how you've translated brand DNA across different digital and print mediums.
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Include case studies demonstrating your process from concept to final asset delivery.
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Highlight your ability to build scalable, long-lasting visual systems. Process Documentation:
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Demonstrate clear organizational skills in developing brand guidelines and structured asset libraries.
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Provide examples of how you ensure and enforce brand consistency across various applications.
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Showcase your workflow for creating and delivering variations of core brand elements.
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Illustrate your approach to cross-platform validation and ensuring design quality.
π Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to meet the core responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating a systematic approach to brand development and a keen eye for detail and consistency.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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Up to $50 per hour equivalent, depending on the candidate's level and pace of contribution. Benefits:
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Freelance Flexibility: Opportunity to work on a part-time, remote basis, allowing for flexible scheduling around project needs.
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Project Diversity: Access to various projects on the Mindrift platform, potentially offering different earning levels and areas of expertise.
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Skill Development: Contribution to real-world brand and product development projects, enhancing practical experience.
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Global Collaboration: Opportunity to connect with specialists and AI development efforts worldwide.
Working Hours:
- Estimated to require around 10β20 hours per week during active project phases. This is an estimate and not a guaranteed workload.
π Enhancement Note: The compensation is presented as an hourly equivalent with an upper limit, indicating a performance-based or level-dependent rate. The "Benefits" section is tailored to a freelance, remote role, emphasizing flexibility and project-based opportunities rather than traditional employment benefits.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology (AI Development & Specialist Connection Platform)
Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but Mindrift connects specialists to projects, implying a network rather than a traditional large corporate structure.
Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the focus on AI technologies suggests a relatively modern or evolving company.
Team Structure:
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The role is part of a "Tendem project," suggesting a project-based team structure where specialists are brought together for specific initiatives.
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You will be working within a freelance network, collaborating with other specialists as needed.
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The reporting structure is likely direct to project managers or leads within the Tendem project framework. Methodology:
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Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated for design, Mindrift's core business is connecting specialists to AI projects, implying a data-informed approach to project matching and development.
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Agile Collaboration: Project-based work often implies agile methodologies for efficient collaboration and delivery.
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Specialist-Centric: The platform focuses on connecting "specialists," indicating a culture that values expertise and independent contribution.
Company Website: https://mindrift.ai/
π Enhancement Note: Mindrift operates as a platform connecting skilled professionals with technology projects, particularly in AI. The Tendem project is a specific initiative where this brand designer will contribute. The culture is likely to be dynamic, project-oriented, and focused on leveraging specialist expertise remotely.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Specialist Contributor (Brand Design)
Reporting Structure: You will report to project leads or managers within the Tendem project. Collaboration will be with other project specialists.
Operations Impact: As a Brand Designer, your impact is directly tied to shaping the visual identity and brand perception of real-world brands and products within the Tendem project. This includes influencing market appeal, brand recognition, and the overall professionalism of client offerings.
Growth Opportunities:
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Project Specialization: Gain experience with a variety of brands and products within the Tendem project, deepening expertise in specific industries or brand challenges.
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Network Expansion: Build connections within the Mindrift freelance network and potentially with other specialists on various projects.
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Skill Enhancement: Continuously refine brand design skills by tackling diverse project requirements and staying current with modern design trends.
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Portfolio Diversification: Accumulate a rich portfolio with diverse case studies showcasing successful brand identity development and implementation.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers growth primarily through project experience and portfolio building within a freelance capacity. Advancement is less about traditional corporate hierarchy and more about acquiring diverse project experience and demonstrating high-quality output to secure future project engagements.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Fully Remote. This is a freelance, telecommuting position.
Office Location(s): Finland (with the expectation of remote work from within Finland).
Workspace Context:
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Independent Workstation: Candidates are expected to have their own functional workspace equipped with necessary technology for remote work.
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Digital Collaboration Tools: Reliance on digital communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, email, project management software) for team interaction.
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Flexibility: The environment supports a flexible work schedule within the 10-20 hours per week estimate for active project phases.
Work Schedule:
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Flexible, part-time commitment estimated at 10-20 hours per week during active project phases.
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The exact schedule will depend on project needs and your availability.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment is entirely remote and freelance, offering significant flexibility. Successful candidates will need to be self-disciplined and adept at managing their time and workspace independently to meet project deadlines.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Application Submission: Submit CV with a mandatory portfolio showcasing relevant brand design work.
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Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily focus on the quality and relevance of your brand identity portfolio.
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Qualification Assessment: Potential for a brief call or assessment to gauge technical skills and understanding of brand consistency.
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Project Assignment: If selected, you will be assigned to relevant Tendem projects based on your expertise and availability.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest and most relevant brand identity projects. Aim for quality over quantity.
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Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the design process, and the final outcome/impact.
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Highlight Brand Systems: Emphasize your ability to create cohesive visual identities, including logos, color palettes, typography, and usage guidelines.
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Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples that span different mediums (digital, print) to show adaptability.
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Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-resolution images.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be prepared to discuss your design process, how you approach brand consistency, and your experience with specific tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
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Think about how you would tackle a brand identity project from scratch for a new product or company.
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Understand the importance of brand equity and how design contributes to it.
π Enhancement Note: The application process heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should focus on presenting a clear, compelling narrative of their brand design capabilities, specifically highlighting their experience with identity creation and system development.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating and manipulating vector graphics, raster images, and page layouts.
- Illustrator: For logo design, vector illustration, and scalable graphics.
- Photoshop: For image editing, mockups, and raster-based design elements.
- InDesign: For layout design, brand guideline documents, and print materials.
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Figma: A collaborative interface design tool, crucial for building and managing design systems, creating variations, and ensuring cross-platform consistency.
Analytics & Reporting:
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While not directly a design tool, understanding how design performance is measured (e.g., engagement rates on social media kits, clarity of pitch decks) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:
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Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but familiarity with project management or collaboration tools used within Mindrift's platform (e.g., for task assignment and communication) may be helpful.
π Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is explicitly stated as essential. These tools are standard for brand designers and are critical for creating, managing, and iterating on brand assets and systems.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality design execution and attention to detail.
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Brand Integrity: A strong dedication to maintaining visual consistency and upholding brand standards.
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Strategic Thinking: Applying a thoughtful, strategic approach to design decisions that align with brand objectives.
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Efficiency & Scalability: Building systems and assets that are not only visually appealing but also practical and scalable for long-term use.
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Independence & Reliability: A self-directed work ethic, capable of troubleshooting independently and delivering high-quality assets on schedule.
Collaboration Style:
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Remote & Asynchronous: Expect collaboration primarily through digital channels, potentially with asynchronous communication.
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Expert-to-Expert: Working alongside other specialists, requiring clear communication and respect for diverse expertise.
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Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to ensure project success.
π Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative skill, strategic thinking, and professional reliability, crucial for a successful freelance contributor. The collaboration style is typical of remote, project-based teams.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Projects: Each Tendem project may involve different brands with unique requirements, demanding adaptability while upholding core design principles.
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Balancing Creative Vision with Project Constraints: Working within client briefs and technical limitations to deliver impactful designs.
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Time Management in a Freelance Capacity: Effectively managing workload and deadlines across potentially multiple active project phases to meet the 10-20 hours/week estimate.
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Remote Collaboration Nuances: Ensuring clear communication and alignment with project teams without face-to-face interaction.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Exposure to Real-World Brands: Gaining practical experience by working on actual brands and products through the Tendem project.
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Platform Navigation: Learning to effectively utilize the Mindrift platform for project engagement and contribution.
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Cross-Disciplinary Insights: Potential to gain indirect exposure to AI development and other specialist areas through project contexts.
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Portfolio Building: Each project successfully completed contributes valuable case studies to your professional portfolio.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to freelance and project-based work, emphasizing the need for strong self-management and adaptability. Growth is framed around practical experience and portfolio enhancement.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your process for developing a visual identity from scratch. What are the key stages and considerations?" (Focus on your systematic approach, research, and creative ideation.)
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"How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of digital and print applications?" (Highlight your gatekeeper role, use of guidelines, and cross-platform validation methods.)
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"Walk me through a project where you had to create a scalable logo or design system. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about working with Mindrift and the Tendem project specifically?" (Research Tendem.ai and Mindrift's mission.)
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"How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working remotely on a part-time basis?" (Demonstrate your self-discipline and organizational skills.)
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"How do you stay updated on current design trends and modern design standards?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Select 2-3 Strongest Case Studies: Focus on projects that best showcase your brand identity creation and system development skills.
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Structure Your Presentation: For each case study:
- Client/Project Overview: Briefly introduce the brand and its goals.
- Your Role & Objective: Clearly define what you were tasked with.
- Design Process: Explain your research, ideation, and development stages.
- Key Deliverables: Showcase logos, color palettes, typography, and sample applications.
- Outcomes/Impact: If possible, mention any positive results or how your design addressed the brief.
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Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite and Figma within your workflow.
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Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, challenges, and your thought process.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily lean on showcasing your portfolio and articulating your design process and strategic thinking. Be ready to discuss practical application of your skills and your ability to work independently and maintain brand integrity.
π Application Steps
To apply for this freelance Brand Designer position:
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Submit your CV, ensuring it includes a prominent link to your online portfolio showcasing your brand identity work.
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Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest examples of logo design, visual identity systems, and brand guidelines, demonstrating your expertise in creating cohesive and scalable brand assets.
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Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your relevant years of experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, and your English language level. Quantify achievements where possible.
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Interview Preparation: Prepare to discuss your design process, how you maintain brand consistency, and your experience with different mediums. Practice presenting 1-2 key portfolio case studies.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mindrift's platform and the Tendem project (tendem.ai) to understand their mission and the context in which you'll be contributing.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in brand or graphic design and a strong portfolio showcasing identity systems. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is essential, along with upper-intermediate English skills.