Freelance Digital Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Digital Graphic Designer

Company: Hey Harper

Location: Oeiras, Portugal (Hybrid - 1 day/week in office)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day/week in Lisbon office required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design high-quality, on-brand creative assets for a variety of digital marketing channels, including paid social, website, email, and YouTube.

• Produce social-first creative content tailored for both paid advertising campaigns and organic social media engagement.

• Collaborate closely with the Senior Brand Designer and Brand team to translate marketing objectives into compelling visual designs.

• Ensure all creative deliverables adhere to Hey Harper's established visual identity and brand guidelines, with a strong emphasis on performance-driven outcomes.

• Support the creation of presentation materials, mockups, and internal creative collateral as needed, demonstrating versatility in design applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Freelance Digital Graphic Designer," the responsibilities and requirements point towards a role heavily integrated with marketing and brand strategy, emphasizing performance-driven design. This suggests the need for a designer who understands conversion metrics and campaign objectives, not just aesthetic appeal. The hybrid requirement with a specific office day indicates a need for local or near-local talent within Portugal.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative visual assets for paid social media campaigns across platforms like Meta, ensuring alignment with campaign objectives and target audience engagement.

• Design and iterate on website banner ads, landing page graphics, and other digital assets to enhance user experience and drive conversions.

• Create engaging email marketing graphics, including newsletters, promotional emails, and automated campaign visuals that maintain brand consistency.

• Produce visually appealing graphics and motion graphics for YouTube ad creatives and channel branding.

• Design special physical touchpoints such as inserts for customer orders and unique gifting elements, bridging the gap between digital and physical brand experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "special physical touchpoints like mailers in our orders or gifting" indicates a need for a designer who can think holistically about the customer journey and brand touchpoints, extending beyond purely digital assets. This requires an understanding of print considerations and physical product presentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of graphic design principles and commercial application is essential.

• Candidates with degrees in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or related fields will be considered favorably. Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in graphic design or brand design, with a focus on digital marketing and e-commerce. This role is not suitable for recent graduates or those whose experience is primarily UX/UI or product design. Required Skills:

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Advanced skills in conceptualizing, designing, and producing high-quality visual assets.

• Figma Expertise: Strong command of Figma for collaborative design, prototyping, and asset delivery.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and manipulating complex graphics.

• Digital Marketing Design: Proven experience designing for digital channels, including Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads, website banners, and email marketing campaigns.

• E-commerce Design: Understanding of design principles that drive online sales and customer engagement in an e-commerce context.

• Visual Identity Management: Ability to consistently apply and maintain brand guidelines across all creative outputs.

• Generative AI Tools: Experience with generative AI tools is considered a strong plus, indicating an interest in leveraging new technologies for creative production.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Graphics: Basic to intermediate skills in creating animated graphics or short video assets for social media or ads.

• Presentation Design: Experience in designing clear, impactful presentation templates and mockups for internal and external use.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines efficiently.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for explaining design rationale and collaborating with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit exclusion of UX/UI and product design backgrounds, along with the 4-year minimum experience for non-internship work, clarifies the focus on commercial graphic design for marketing and brand initiatives rather than user interface or product development. The emphasis on minimal oversight suggests a need for a self-starter.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of commercial design work, with a strong emphasis on digital marketing and brand campaigns.

• Demonstrations of graphic design skills across various channels including paid social, website, email, and potentially physical mailers or gifting items.

• Case studies or examples that highlight the ability to design for performance and business impact, not just aesthetics.

• Visual examples of how brand guidelines were applied and maintained across multiple creative assets or campaigns.

• Inclusion of work created using Figma, demonstrating proficiency in the platform. Process Documentation:

• Examples within the portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate an understanding of design workflows, from concept to final asset delivery.

• Showcase the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback, indicating a collaborative and responsive design process.

• Include examples where design choices were informed by marketing objectives or performance data, illustrating a strategic approach to design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "a range of commercial design work" and the emphasis on "performance-driven" creative strongly suggests that applicants should curate their portfolios to highlight projects that directly contributed to marketing goals, such as increased engagement, click-through rates, or sales conversions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a freelance contractor, compensation will be based on an hourly fee structure. Based on industry standards for freelance graphic designers with 4+ years of experience in Lisbon, Portugal, the estimated hourly rate is between €25 - €40.

• This estimate considers the hybrid work arrangement, the required office presence, and the specific skill set in demand (Figma, Adobe Suite, digital marketing design).

• Estimated Weekly Compensation (16-24 hours): €400 - €960

• Estimated Monthly Compensation (16-24 hours/week): €1,600 - €3,840

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Hours: While a minimum of 16-24 hours per week is expected, the working hours of 09:00 to 19:00 offer flexibility within the workday.

• Remote Work Option: The role is primarily remote, with one mandatory day per week in the Lisbon office, offering a blend of flexibility and in-person collaboration.

• Project Variety: Opportunity to work on diverse creative projects for a growing e-commerce brand, expanding your portfolio and skill set.

• Collaborative Environment: Direct collaboration with a Senior Brand Designer and Brand team, providing opportunities for mentorship and feedback.

• Contract Duration: The position is temporary freelance, offering project-based work with potential for ongoing engagement based on performance and business needs.

Working Hours:

• Available for 16-24 hours per week.

• Core working hours are between 09:00 and 19:00 (Lisbon time), allowing for flexible scheduling within this window.

• Ideally, one day per week (Monday or Wednesday) should be spent in the Lisbon office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of freelance graphic designer rates in Portugal, factoring in experience level, specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Adobe Suite), and the hybrid work model. The benefits are derived from the nature of freelance contracting and the specific details provided in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Fashion Accessories (specifically phone accessories and related lifestyle products). Hey Harper is positioned as a lifestyle brand, suggesting a focus on aesthetics, community, and aspirational marketing.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the need for a freelance designer to support an existing Brand team implies a growing, potentially mid-sized company (likely 50-250 employees) that is scaling its marketing and creative operations.

Founded: The company was founded in 2019, indicating it is a relatively young and dynamic brand that has achieved significant growth to warrant external creative support.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Senior Brand Designer, indicating a clear reporting line within the Brand team.

• Collaboration will occur with the broader Brand team, suggesting a cross-functional environment where designers work alongside marketing, content, and potentially product teams.

• The company likely operates with a lean and agile structure, common in e-commerce startups, requiring individuals to be adaptable and resourceful. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: The emphasis on "performance-driven" creative suggests that design decisions are informed by analytics and campaign results.

• Agile Project Management: The need to "jump into ongoing projects" and work "quickly" points towards agile methodologies for creative production and campaign execution.

• Brand Consistency: A core methodology will be maintaining a strong and consistent visual identity across all touchpoints, ensuring brand recognition and trust.

Company Website: https://heyharper.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the company's focus and the nature of the role, Hey Harper likely fosters a culture that values creativity, speed, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset. The e-commerce context suggests a fast-paced environment with a strong digital presence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Freelance Graphic Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 4+ years of experience and the ability to work with minimal oversight, indicating a level of autonomy and expertise beyond entry-level.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Senior Brand Designer, providing a clear line of communication and creative direction. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while still encouraging independent contribution.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly influence the brand's visual communication across key marketing channels. Success in this role will contribute to improved campaign performance, enhanced brand perception, and ultimately, revenue generation through effective digital and physical creative assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like social media creative, email design, or even physical product design integration.

• Portfolio Expansion: Exposure to a wide range of e-commerce marketing initiatives will significantly enhance a designer's professional portfolio.

• Industry Experience: Gaining experience within a rapidly growing e-commerce brand provides valuable insights into digital marketing trends and consumer behavior.

• Potential for Extended Contract: Strong performance may lead to longer-term freelance engagements or more substantial project assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" often translates to acquiring new skills, expanding one's portfolio with impactful projects, and potentially securing more consistent or higher-value freelance work. The direct impact on marketing performance offers a tangible way to demonstrate value.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires approximately one day per week in the company's Lisbon office, with the remaining work being remote.

Office Location(s): Lisbon, Portugal. Specific office address will be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Lisbon office likely serves as a central point for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and in-person collaboration, particularly for the designated office day.

• Tools & Technology: Access to company resources or collaborative platforms will be provided as needed for seamless integration with the Brand team's workflow. Expect standard design software and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for direct interaction with the Senior Brand Designer and other team members on the designated office day, fostering team cohesion and efficient problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The role requires availability for 16-24 hours per week, with flexibility within the 09:00 to 19:00 timeframe. This structure allows freelancers to balance multiple projects or commitments.

• The mandatory office day (Monday or Wednesday) provides a predictable anchor for in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a company that embraces modern work arrangements while recognizing the value of face-to-face interaction for specific collaborative tasks. Freelancers should be comfortable with both independent remote work and scheduled office presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of applications based on portfolio quality, relevant experience, and skill set match.

• Portfolio Showcase & Discussion: A virtual or in-person session to walk through selected portfolio pieces, discussing design process, rationale, and impact.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): A small design challenge or a discussion focused on specific design scenarios to evaluate problem-solving and technical proficiency (e.g., Figma usage, response to a brief).

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: A conversation with the Senior Brand Designer or a member of the Brand team to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Hey Harper's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that directly align with the job description's requirements (digital marketing, social media, e-commerce, brand consistency).

• Highlight Performance: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the design solution, and, most importantly, the measurable impact or business results achieved. Use metrics where possible (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates).

• Showcase Process: Briefly explain your thought process, how you approached the brief, and how you incorporated feedback. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and collaborative approach.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio includes work created in Figma and clearly showcases your skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Visual Appeal: Present your portfolio cleanly and professionally, ensuring high-quality imagery and clear typography.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing assets for specific channels (e.g., a new paid social campaign, an email newsletter).

• Familiarize yourself with Hey Harper's current branding and marketing efforts to inform your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Think about how to balance aesthetic appeal with performance metrics in your design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "performance-driven" and "minimal oversight" suggests interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only execute design but also understand its strategic purpose and can work independently to deliver high-quality results efficiently.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and asset handoff. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating detailed raster graphics.
  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • InDesign: For layout design, print materials (like mailers), and presentation decks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for the designer, an understanding of analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager insights) is beneficial for appreciating performance metrics and designing for impact. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify) and email marketing tools (e.g., Klaviyo) can be advantageous for understanding asset integration and campaign contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) highlights the core technical requirements. Experience with generative AI tools is a significant plus, indicating a forward-thinking approach to creative production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity with Purpose: A strong emphasis on innovative design solutions that directly contribute to business objectives and marketing performance.

• Efficiency and Speed: The ability to work quickly and deliver polished assets with minimal oversight, reflecting a fast-paced e-commerce environment.

• Collaboration and Feedback: A culture that values open communication, constructive feedback, and teamwork to achieve the best results.

• Brand Stewardship: A deep commitment to maintaining and evolving the Hey Harper brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changing project needs, campaign adjustments, and new creative challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work closely with marketing managers, brand strategists, and potentially product teams to ensure creative alignment with broader business goals.

• Feedback Loops: An expectation of receiving and providing constructive feedback to refine designs and improve campaign outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where designers can share insights on creative trends, best practices, and effective design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "performance-driven" and "working quickly" suggests a culture that is highly results-oriented and agile. The hybrid model indicates a balance between independent work and collaborative team engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Performance: The core challenge will be creating visually appealing designs that also meet specific marketing KPIs and conversion goals.

• Rapid Iteration: Working in a fast-paced e-commerce environment often requires quick turnarounds and multiple design iterations based on feedback or performance data.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all creative assets, across diverse channels, adhere strictly to Hey Harper's visual identity while remaining fresh and engaging.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and communicating design intentions and feedback when working remotely for most of the week.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Digital Marketing Trends: Gain hands-on experience with current digital marketing creative strategies and platform-specific design best practices.

• E-commerce Growth Strategies: Understand how design contributes to customer acquisition, retention, and sales in a competitive e-commerce landscape.

• Tool Mastery: Deepen expertise in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite through practical application on diverse projects.

• Generative AI Exploration: If applicable, leverage and experiment with generative AI tools to enhance creative workflows and explore new design possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for designers in growth-stage e-commerce companies, emphasizing the need for adaptability, strategic thinking, and strong execution skills. The growth opportunities focus on practical skill development and industry exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you balance creative aesthetics with the need for performance-driven results in digital marketing campaigns?" (Prepare examples of how you've used design to achieve specific marketing goals.)

• "Describe your process for designing social media ads that capture attention and drive clicks." (Outline your workflow from brief to final asset, including testing or iteration.)

• "How would you ensure consistency in visual identity across different channels like paid social, email, and website banners for a brand like Hey Harper?" (Discuss brand guideline adherence and systematic approaches.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you admire about Hey Harper's current visual branding or marketing efforts?" (Research their website and social media thoroughly.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating constructive feedback on your designs?" (Provide examples of how you've handled critique constructively.)

• "Describe a time you had to work with minimal oversight to deliver a critical design project. How did you manage your time and ensure quality?" (Highlight your self-management and proactive communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the business impact of your design work.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow within Figma and the Adobe Suite, and how you leverage each tool effectively.

• Highlight Adaptability: Select projects that demonstrate versatility across different channels and styles, showing you can meet diverse creative needs.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and how your work aligns with Hey Harper's brand and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing a candidate's strategic thinking, ability to execute design with a business-oriented mindset, and their fit within a fast-paced, collaborative freelance environment. Demonstrating an understanding of performance marketing and brand consistency will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to digital marketing, social media, e-commerce, and brand design. Tailor your presentation to highlight projects where your design directly contributed to performance metrics.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 4+ years of professional graphic design experience, emphasizing proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you approach performance-driven design and collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review Hey Harper's website, social media presence, and any available brand guidelines to understand their current aesthetic, target audience, and marketing strategies. This will inform your responses and demonstrate your 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.