Freelance Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Designer

Company: Athlete to Athlete

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2026-05-05

Experience Level: 2-4 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Implied, based on location and nature of work, though not explicitly stated as remote-eligible)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on high-volume <strong>static asset production</strong> for digital and social media channels, crucial for <strong>marketing operations</strong> and brand consistency.

• The position requires a strong understanding of <strong>graphic design principles</strong>, including layout, typography, and visual design, to support the company's rapid growth in the <strong>sports-tech</strong> sector.

• Success in this role hinges on efficiently executing established <strong>brand guidelines</strong> while contributing fresh visual concepts to enhance the company's storytelling.

• The freelance designer will be instrumental in maintaining a consistent and compelling brand presence across various marketing touchpoints, supporting user acquisition and engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Freelance Designer," the description heavily implies a need for operations-minded efficiency in asset creation. The "high-volume," "work within templates and repeatable workflows," and "balance speed and quality" aspects point towards a need for process-driven design execution, aligning with marketing operations principles. The "Part-Time" nature suggests this role supports a larger marketing or creative team, requiring seamless integration into existing workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Generate a high volume of high-quality static graphics tailored for diverse digital platforms, including social media, web banners, and marketing collateral.

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director to ensure all visual assets strictly adhere to and effectively communicate the Athlete to Athlete brand identity and established <strong>brand guidelines</strong>.

• Leverage existing design templates and optimize repeatable workflows to ensure efficient and scalable production of visual content, a key aspect of <strong>marketing operations</strong>.

• Proactively contribute innovative visual ideas and design concepts that align with campaign objectives and enhance the company's narrative, demonstrating creative problem-solving.

• Maintain meticulous organization of all design files, ensuring clean and logical folder structures for seamless handoffs and future asset retrieval, crucial for efficient <strong>creative operations</strong>.

• Manage time effectively to meet demanding production schedules in a fast-paced startup environment, prioritizing tasks based on marketing campaign timelines and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high-volume," "work within templates and repeatable workflows," and "balance speed and quality" indicates a need for a designer who can operate with the efficiency and process-orientation characteristic of a marketing operations function, rather than purely conceptual or campaign-specific design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design principles is expected, often achieved through formal education (e.g., Bachelor's in Graphic Design, Fine Arts) or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 2–4 years of professional graphic design experience, with a demonstrable track record in producing static assets for digital and marketing channels.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional skills in <strong>layout</strong>, <strong>typography</strong>, and overall <strong>visual design</strong>, with a keen eye for aesthetic appeal and brand consistency.

• Advanced proficiency in the <strong>Adobe Creative Suite</strong>, specifically <strong>Adobe Photoshop</strong> and <strong>Adobe Illustrator</strong>, for creating and manipulating digital graphics.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and execute <strong>high-volume production work</strong> efficiently without compromising quality.

• Strong organizational skills, with the capacity to maintain structured file management and adhere to established workflows.

• Comfort and adaptability in a fast-paced <strong>startup environment</strong>, capable of quick turnarounds and iterative design processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with <strong>Figma</strong> for collaborative design and prototyping, indicating adaptability to modern design tools.

• Experience within the <strong>sports-tech industry</strong> or a strong understanding of athletic branding and visual language.

• Basic understanding of <strong>digital marketing</strong> principles and how design assets contribute to campaign performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-4 years" experience level, coupled with the need for high-volume production and adherence to brand guidelines, suggests a role focused on execution within an established creative framework, rather than a senior strategic design position. The mention of Figma as a plus indicates a forward-thinking approach to design tools within the company's operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of <strong>static design work</strong> demonstrating proficiency in creating graphics for social media, web banners, and marketing materials.

• Examples that clearly illustrate strong <strong>layout</strong>, <strong>typography</strong>, and <strong>visual design</strong> skills, showcasing aesthetic judgment.

• Case studies or examples that highlight the ability to work within predefined <strong>brand guidelines</strong> and templates effectively.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly, or explicitly, showcase an understanding of a structured design process, from concept to final asset delivery.

• Evidence of organized file management and adherence to naming conventions will be highly valued, reflecting good <strong>creative operations</strong> practices.

• Examples that illustrate how the designer has adapted to feedback and iterated on designs to meet project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role emphasizing high-volume production, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to execute efficiently and consistently within a brand framework. This aligns with the operational demand for predictable, high-quality output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $25 - $40 per hour (USD)

Benefits:

• Flexible Part-Time schedule, offering work-life balance and the ability to manage other commitments.

• Opportunity to contribute to a fast-growing <strong>sports-tech startup</strong> with a significant impact on user engagement.

• Exposure to diverse design challenges across various digital and marketing channels.

• Potential for ongoing freelance work and professional development within a dynamic environment.

Working Hours: This is a Part-Time role, with the total weekly hours to be determined based on project needs and candidate availability, but likely aligned with typical freelance project scopes. The implied expectation is that the designer can dedicate sufficient time to meet the high-volume production demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $25-$40 for a freelance designer with 2-4 years of experience in Santa Monica, CA, is within a competitive range for the region, considering the cost of living and the demand for skilled design professionals. This rate reflects the necessary proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and a proven ability to produce high-volume static assets.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: <strong>Sports-Tech</strong>. Athlete to Athlete operates at the intersection of sports, technology, and athlete development, aiming to democratize access to elite-level guidance for aspiring young athletes.

Company Size: The company is described as "fast-growing" and having 20,000+ college athletes on its platform in under three years. This indicates a dynamic, scaling startup environment, likely with a lean but ambitious team. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for broad impact and the need for adaptability.

Founded: Founded less than three years ago (implied by platform growth). This suggests a company culture that is likely agile, innovative, and focused on rapid iteration and growth.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to an Art Director, indicating a structured creative team within the marketing or product department.

• Collaboration is expected with the Art Director and potentially other members of the marketing and product teams.

Methodology:

• Focus on leveraging technology to connect athletes and provide valuable services.

• Emphasis on rapid iteration and growth, suggesting data-informed decision-making and agile development processes.

• A strong visual brand identity is crucial for storytelling and user acquisition.

Company Website: athletictoathlete.com

📝 Enhancement Note: A fast-growing sports-tech startup typically fosters a culture of innovation, speed, and direct impact. For a designer, this means being comfortable with change, contributing to a developing brand narrative, and working in a collaborative, results-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an execution-focused freelance role, likely falling into the "Junior to Mid-Level" designer category based on the 2-4 years of experience requirement. The focus is on proficiently executing tasks within established parameters, rather than strategic design leadership.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Art Director, who oversees the visual direction and brand integrity. This provides a clear line of communication and creative guidance.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the company's ability to attract and engage users through compelling visual content. High-quality, consistent graphics are essential for building brand recognition, driving social media engagement, and supporting marketing campaigns that fuel user acquisition and retention – key metrics for <strong>marketing operations</strong>.

Growth Opportunities:

• <strong>Skill Specialization:</strong> Opportunity to deepen expertise in <strong>static asset production</strong> for digital and social media, becoming highly efficient in specific tools and workflows.

• <strong>Brand Building:</strong> Contribute to the visual identity of a rapidly growing <strong>sports-tech startup</strong>, gaining experience in developing and maintaining a strong brand presence.

• <strong>Portfolio Enhancement:</strong> The high volume of work and diverse applications will significantly bolster the designer's portfolio, showcasing their ability to deliver under pressure and meet diverse creative needs.

• <strong>Potential for Extended Engagement:</strong> Successful performance may lead to ongoing freelance opportunities or potentially a more integrated role as the company continues to scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a freelance role, consistent high performance in a fast-paced startup can lead to expanded responsibilities or a more integral role, especially if the company's operations grow to require more dedicated design support. The impact on user acquisition and brand consistency is significant for a growing tech company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The location is Santa Monica, CA, implying a physical office presence for hybrid work. However, the "Freelance" and "Part-Time" nature suggests flexibility, with the expectation that work can often be done remotely, with occasional in-office collaboration for key meetings or reviews.

Office Location(s): Santa Monica, California, United States. This is a vibrant tech and creative hub, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• The role will likely involve collaboration with an Art Director, requiring clear communication channels, whether in-person or remote.

• Access to established brand assets and potentially design system components will be provided to ensure consistency.

• The environment is described as a "fast-paced startup," indicating a need for adaptability, quick problem-solving, and a proactive approach to tasks.

Work Schedule: Part-Time. The specific hours will be negotiated, but the emphasis on "high-volume production" suggests a need for consistent availability and efficient work habits to meet deadlines. The hybrid nature implies a blend of remote work and potential in-office days for collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature, common in modern creative roles, allows for flexibility while maintaining team cohesion. For a freelance designer, understanding the company's preferred balance of remote vs. in-office work is key to managing expectations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• <strong>Initial Screening:</strong> Likely a review of the submitted resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design style.

• <strong>Portfolio Review:</strong> A dedicated session with the Art Director (and potentially other team members) to discuss specific projects, design decisions, and the candidate's approach to <strong>static asset production</strong>.

• <strong>Skills Assessment:</strong> Potentially a small, timed design exercise or a discussion about how the candidate would approach specific design challenges related to the company's brand and marketing goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• <strong>Curate Strategically:</strong> Select 5-8 of your strongest pieces, focusing on static graphics for digital and social media. Prioritize relevance to the Athlete to Athlete brand and the requirements of high-volume production.

• <strong>Highlight Process:</strong> For each selected piece, be prepared to discuss your design process, including how you interpreted the brief, applied <strong>brand guidelines</strong>, and ensured efficiency.

• <strong>Quantify Impact (if possible):</strong> If any of your past work contributed to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, click-through rates), be ready to share those insights.

• <strong>Demonstrate Brand Adherence:</strong> Show examples where you successfully worked within established brand guidelines, proving your ability to maintain consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you manage production timelines and prioritize tasks in a high-volume environment.

• Think about how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs quickly.

• Familiarize yourself with the Athlete to Athlete brand and consider how you would approach designing assets for their target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on presenting work that demonstrates not only creative skill but also operational efficiency and brand consistency, crucial for supporting the company's growth objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• <strong>Adobe Creative Suite:</strong> Essential proficiency in <strong>Adobe Photoshop</strong> and <strong>Adobe Illustrator</strong> for creating and editing static graphics.

• <strong>Figma:</strong> Preferred, indicating a potential for collaboration within a design system or collaborative workflow.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design assets perform on digital platforms (e.g., engagement rates, CTRs) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but an awareness of how marketing campaigns are managed may be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is non-negotiable. Experience with Figma is a strong advantage, suggesting the company is leveraging modern collaborative design tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• <strong>Speed & Efficiency:</strong> A core expectation is the ability to produce high-quality work quickly and consistently, reflecting operational excellence.

• <strong>Brand Consistency:</strong> Adherence to established brand guidelines is critical for maintaining a cohesive and professional brand image.

• <strong>Collaboration:</strong> Working effectively with the Art Director and other team members is essential for aligning on creative direction and project goals.

• <strong>Adaptability:</strong> Thriving in a fast-paced startup environment requires flexibility and the ability to adapt to evolving priorities and project needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative dynamic with the Art Director, involving clear communication, feedback exchange, and iterative design processes.

• The team likely values a proactive approach, where designers can identify opportunities for visual improvement and contribute solutions.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to iterate are key to success in a startup setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a results-driven approach, where creativity is applied within operational constraints to achieve marketing objectives efficiently.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• <strong>High-Volume Production:</strong> Consistently producing a large quantity of high-quality graphics under tight deadlines.

• <strong>Brand Adherence:</strong> Balancing creative contribution with strict adherence to established brand guidelines.

• <strong>Startup Pace:</strong> Adapting to the rapid pace and potential for shifting priorities inherent in a fast-growing startup.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• <strong>Deepen Production Skills:</strong> Hone efficiency in <strong>Adobe Photoshop</strong> and <strong>Illustrator</strong> through high-volume practice.

• <strong>Brand Strategy Exposure:</strong> Gain insight into how visual design supports broader marketing and growth strategies in the <strong>sports-tech</strong> sector.

• <strong>Portfolio Expansion:</strong> Build a robust portfolio with diverse assets created for a scaling tech company.

• <strong>Tool Proficiency:</strong> Potentially gain experience with <strong>Figma</strong> if not already proficient.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is operational: maintaining high output and quality within a demanding workflow. Growth opportunities lie in mastering these operational aspects and contributing to a rapidly evolving brand.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating high-volume static assets efficiently while maintaining brand consistency." (Focus on workflow, tools, and quality control.)

• "How do you balance creative input with adherence to established brand guidelines?" (Highlight understanding of brand frameworks and collaborative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Athlete to Athlete and in the sports-tech industry?" (Research the company's mission and its impact.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize a collaborative and iterative mindset.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• <strong>Select for Relevance:</strong> Choose 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to create high-volume static assets for digital and social media, adhering to brand guidelines.

• <strong>Tell the Story:</strong> For each project, clearly articulate the objective, your role, your design process, and the outcome. Focus on efficiency and brand alignment.

• <strong>Highlight Tools:</strong> Mention your proficiency with Adobe Suite and any experience with Figma.

• <strong>Be Ready for Technical Questions:</strong> Prepare to discuss file formats, resolution, and optimization for various platforms.

• <strong>Showcase Organization:</strong> Be prepared to briefly explain your file management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also the operational discipline required for high-volume production within a startup context. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Lever.

• <strong>Portfolio Customization:</strong> Ensure your portfolio prominently features static design work for digital and social channels. Tailor your presentation to highlight efficiency, brand adherence, and speed.

• <strong>Resume Optimization:</strong> Clearly state your years of experience (2-4 years) and list your proficiency in <strong>Adobe Photoshop</strong>, <strong>Illustrator</strong>, and any relevant experience with <strong>Figma</strong>. Quantify achievements where possible.

• <strong>Interview Preparation:</strong> Practice discussing your design process, particularly how you manage high-volume projects and maintain brand consistency. Be ready to present specific portfolio pieces.

• <strong>Company Research:</strong> Familiarize yourself with Athlete to Athlete's mission, target audience, and current visual branding to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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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