Freelance Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Graphic Designer

Company: SPLASH

Location: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Freelance / Contract

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

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

Remote Status: Remote-friendly (occasional virtual check-ins)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of diverse visual assets, encompassing print advertisements, digital graphics, social media content, and promotional collateral to enhance SPLASH's marketing and advertising initiatives.

• Develop and meticulously manage a comprehensive print advertising schedule across approximately nine magazine publications, ensuring all deadlines, material due dates, and publication dates are precisely tracked and met.

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing Director to establish and uphold "official" brand guidelines and standards, ensuring consistent visual identity across all communication channels.

• Prepare and deliver print-ready files that adhere strictly to publisher specifications, including bleed, trim, color profiles, and resolution requirements, to guarantee seamless production.

• Adapt existing creative assets for multiple formats and sizes, ensuring brand consistency and message efficacy across all campaign materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position, requiring a candidate who can operate independently and manage their time effectively to meet critical deadlines. The emphasis on print advertising scheduling and preparation of press-ready files indicates a need for strong organizational skills and a deep understanding of print production workflows, beyond just creative design. The "1099 Independent Contractor" status means the candidate will be responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design a wide array of marketing collateral, including impactful print ads, engaging digital graphics, dynamic social media assets, professional email headers, informative product line cards, and compelling promotional materials.

• Partner with the Marketing Director to meticulously plan and execute a print ad schedule, which involves tracking insertion deadlines, material submission dates, and publication timelines for roughly nine distinct magazine titles.

• Coordinate the specific requirements for each magazine publication, including ad sizes, format specifications, and technical details, ensuring accurate and timely delivery.

• Manage the revision process for print advertisements and oversee the final file delivery to publishers, maintaining clear communication throughout.

• Maintain an organized calendar and a detailed status tracker for all scheduled print advertising placements to ensure no deadlines are missed.

• Prepare print-ready files with precision, adhering to all publisher specifications such as bleed, trim, color profiles (e.g., CMYK), and resolution (e.g., 300 DPI).

• Foster collaborative relationships with the marketing team to uphold creative consistency and brand messaging across all integrated marketing campaigns.

• Adapt existing creative concepts and designs to suit various formats and dimensions as required by different advertising channels.

• Accurately integrate established brand guidelines, key messaging points, and product imagery into all design outputs.

• Effectively manage multiple design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks to meet all fixed deadlines and project milestones.

• Provide timely and professional design revisions based on constructive feedback from the marketing team and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed responsibilities for managing the print ad schedule highlight a significant operational component to this design role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate experience in project management, calendar management, and vendor coordination, in addition to creative design skills. The emphasis on "preparing print-ready files" and "publisher specifications" points towards a need for technical accuracy and understanding of pre-press processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While formal education is not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of creative output and brand management. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Proven experience as a freelance or in-house graphic designer is required, with a strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of print and digital design work. Experience specifically managing print advertising schedules and working with magazine publishers is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable experience as a graphic designer, supported by a robust portfolio showcasing both print and digital design projects.

• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with essential skills in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Proven experience in designing print advertisements and preparing files that are press-ready according to industry standards.

• Exceptional organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex production schedules and timelines.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design elements and adherence to specifications.

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet stringent production deadlines without constant supervision.

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and external publishers.

• Capacity to receive and incorporate feedback efficiently, making timely and constructive revisions to designs. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience working with magazine publishers and managing multi-title print advertising campaigns from concept to completion.

• Familiarity with the luxury market, particularly within the home décor, kitchen & bath, or lifestyle brand sectors, to understand aesthetic nuances.

• Knowledge of current and emerging design trends relevant to both print and digital advertising, ensuring contemporary and effective visual communication.

• Experience in developing and documenting brand guidelines and design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "proven experience" and a "strong portfolio" suggests that practical application and a track record of successful projects are paramount. The preferred skills in managing multi-title print campaigns and industry-specific familiarity indicate that candidates with direct experience in publishing or related luxury sectors will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects that prominently feature print advertisements and digital graphics, demonstrating versatility across different media.

• Case studies or detailed project descriptions for at least two print advertising campaigns, showcasing the process from brief to final delivery, including any schedule management involved.

• Examples of work that strictly adhere to brand guidelines, illustrating an understanding of brand consistency and visual identity.

• Demonstrations of press-ready file preparation, potentially including examples of specifications met for different publications.

• Projects that highlight problem-solving skills, such as adapting designs for various formats or addressing specific client feedback. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of workflow processes used for managing design projects, from initial brief and concept development to final file delivery and revisions.

• Examples of how project timelines and production schedules were managed, highlighting organizational strategies and tools used.

• Documentation of collaboration methods with marketing teams or clients, emphasizing communication and feedback integration.

• Evidence of understanding and applying print production requirements, such as color management, pre-press checks, and file formatting.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance graphic designer role with a significant scheduling component, the portfolio should not only display creative talent but also highlight organizational capabilities and process management. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process and how they managed project timelines and external vendor (publisher) requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance, 1099 independent contractor, compensation is typically project-based or offered as an hourly rate. Based on industry standards for a mid-level freelance graphic designer with specialized print advertising and scheduling experience in the US, an estimated range would be $35 - $60 per hour, or a project-based fee negotiated per scope. For a one-year contract with potential renewal, and considering the responsibilities outlined, the total annual compensation could range from $70,000 to $120,000+, depending on the volume and complexity of projects, and the candidate's negotiated rate and availability.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedule: Ability to set personal working hours, with the flexibility to balance project demands.

• Remote Work Opportunity: Work from home or a location of your choice, reducing commute time and costs.

• Contract Duration: A one-year contract offers stability with the potential for renewal, allowing for consistent project flow.

• Diverse Project Experience: Opportunity to work on a variety of marketing materials and manage a significant print advertising schedule, enhancing professional skills.

• Independent Contractor Status: 1099 status provides autonomy and control over your work and business operations.

Working Hours: While the role offers flexible hours, candidates must be available for virtual check-ins and must be able to communicate during regular business hours on Mondays and Thursdays. The workload will vary, but the expectation is to manage projects to meet fixed deadlines, which may require dedicating approximately 40 hours per week during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical freelance rates for graphic designers with mid-level experience and specialized skills in a US market. Actual compensation will be negotiated based on the candidate's portfolio, experience, and the specific project scope. The emphasis on "flexible hours" but with "fixed deadlines" and specific availability requirements highlights the need for strong time management and proactive communication from the contractor.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SPLASH operates within the Home Furnishings industry, likely focusing on showrooms or retail spaces that present high-end products for kitchens, baths, and general home décor. This suggests a company that values aesthetics, quality, and customer experience.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated, but the need for a freelance graphic designer to support marketing and advertising efforts implies a moderate-sized marketing department or a lean team relying on external expertise for specialized tasks. This often means more direct interaction with key decision-makers.

Founded: The founding date of SPLASH is not provided, but the presence of a dedicated career portal (splashshowrooms.isolvedhire.com) suggests a structured organization with established HR and recruitment processes.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Marketing Director, indicating a direct line of communication with a senior marketing leader.

• Collaboration will be primarily with the marketing team, requiring interaction with marketing strategists, content creators, and potentially sales teams to ensure design aligns with overall business objectives.

• As a freelance role, the designer will operate with a degree of autonomy, but will be integrated into project-specific teams as needed. Methodology:

• Creative output will be guided by established brand guidelines and marketing strategies, emphasizing brand consistency and campaign effectiveness.

• Project management and scheduling will require organized, deadline-driven methodologies to ensure timely delivery of assets to publishers and for digital campaigns.

• Collaboration will involve clear communication channels, feedback loops, and potentially agile approaches for iterative design processes.

Company Website: https://splashshowrooms.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Given SPLASH's industry (home furnishings, likely luxury), the company culture likely values professionalism, aesthetic excellence, and a client-centric approach. The freelance nature of this role suggests the company may leverage external talent for specialized skills or to manage fluctuating workloads, indicating a flexible and potentially results-oriented operational model.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level freelance graphic designer role, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It is project-based and focused on executing specific design and scheduling tasks rather than managing a team or defining broad operational strategies. The "contract" nature means career progression is tied to successful project completion and potential renewal or securing future contracts.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Marketing Director, providing a clear line of communication and accountability. This structure allows for direct feedback and alignment with marketing objectives.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact is directly tied to the effectiveness of SPLASH's marketing and advertising efforts. High-quality visuals and timely ad placements contribute to brand visibility, lead generation, and ultimately, sales. Effective management of the print ad schedule ensures consistent brand presence in key publications, supporting the company's revenue goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Portfolio Expansion: The role offers the chance to add significant print advertising management and execution to the portfolio, demonstrating advanced organizational and production skills.

• Industry Specialization: Continued work with SPLASH or similar clients could lead to specialization in the luxury home furnishings or lifestyle brand sector, enhancing expertise.

• Client Relationship Building: Successful project delivery can foster strong relationships, leading to ongoing freelance work, retainers, or referrals to other clients.

• Skill Enhancement: The need to adapt designs for various formats and collaborate on brand guidelines provides opportunities to refine design skills and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" is less about internal promotions and more about building a robust portfolio, expanding client base, and increasing earning potential through specialized skills and a strong reputation. The emphasis on print ad scheduling offers a unique growth path in production management within a creative context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is described as "Remote-friendly with occasional virtual check-ins," indicating that the primary work environment will be remote. The company may have a physical office, but the designer is not expected to be on-site regularly.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. However, the freelance nature and remote-friendly policy suggest that candidates from other locations may be considered, provided they can meet the communication and deadline requirements.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Workspace: The designer is expected to have a suitable remote workspace with reliable internet access and the necessary hardware and software to perform design tasks.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Communication and collaboration will likely occur through virtual meetings, email, and project management platforms, fostering a digitally connected work environment.

• Independent Work Focus: While collaboration with the marketing team is required, the role emphasizes independent work and self-management to meet project demands and deadlines.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, allowing the contractor to manage their time. However, specific requirements include being available for virtual check-ins and maintaining communication during regular business hours on Mondays and Thursdays. Fixed deadlines for design assets and ad placements are paramount, meaning the contractor must allocate sufficient time to meet these critical dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly aspect with specific communication windows suggests a balance between contractor flexibility and company operational needs. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and proactive self-management in a remote setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Submission: The first step involves submitting a resume and a strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates relevant graphic design skills, particularly in print advertising and brand collateral.

• Portfolio Review & Screening: The hiring team will review portfolios to assess creative quality, technical proficiency (Adobe Suite), and adherence to brand aesthetics. Candidates with demonstrated experience in print ad scheduling and production will be prioritized.

• Virtual Interview (Marketing Director): An interview with the Marketing Director will likely focus on assessing creative vision, understanding of brand guidelines, organizational skills, experience with print production, and ability to manage schedules and deadlines. Behavioral questions related to independent work and client collaboration will also be common.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): A short design challenge or a hypothetical scenario related to managing a print ad schedule might be provided to evaluate problem-solving skills, efficiency, and strategic thinking under pressure.

• Final Discussion & Offer: Following successful interviews and assessments, a final discussion regarding project scope, rates, and contract terms will take place before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Print Advertising: Dedicate a section of your portfolio to print ad designs and campaigns, emphasizing the final output and any creative process involved.

• Showcase Schedule Management: Include examples or descriptions of how you've managed production schedules, deadlines, and coordinated with publishers for print projects. This can be a written case study or a visual representation of a timeline.

• Demonstrate Brand Adherence: Include projects where you successfully applied strict brand guidelines. Explain your process for ensuring consistency.

• Detail Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your proficiency in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator, perhaps through complex layouts or detailed photo manipulations.

• Prepare for "How": Be ready to explain your design process, your workflow for managing multiple projects, and how you prepare files for print production.

Challenge Preparation:

• Print Production Knowledge: Brush up on print specifications, color modes (CMYK, RGB), resolution requirements (DPI), bleed, trim, and common file formats (PDF/X).

• Scheduling Scenarios: Think about how you would approach building and managing a print ad schedule for multiple publications with varying deadlines and requirements. Consider potential challenges and how you would mitigate them.

• Brand Consistency: Be prepared to discuss strategies for maintaining brand consistency across diverse marketing channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" and the specific mention of "print advertising schedule" management means candidates must tailor their application and portfolio to showcase these particular strengths. Demonstrating an understanding of print production workflows and organizational capabilities will be key differentiators.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency required, specifically:

  • Adobe InDesign: For layout design, typography, and preparing print-ready documents.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly listed, experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms would be beneficial for managing schedules and tasks.

• Communication Platforms: Proficiency with email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for virtual communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Digital Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics): While not a primary focus for this role, understanding how digital assets perform can inform design choices.

• Reporting Dashboards: Familiarity with creating or interpreting basic reports on campaign performance might be helpful for understanding the impact of design work.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): Not directly required for design tasks, but understanding how marketing materials integrate with CRM data can be an advantage.

• Email Marketing Platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Experience designing email headers or graphics for email campaigns is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign for print. The role's operational aspect also implies a need for strong organizational tools and digital communication proficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce visually appealing and effective designs that align with brand aesthetics and marketing goals.

• Professionalism & Reliability: As a freelance contractor, demonstrating a high level of professionalism, meeting deadlines consistently, and being a dependable partner is crucial.

• Detail-Orientation: A commitment to accuracy in design, file preparation, and schedule management to avoid errors and ensure smooth execution.

• Collaboration & Communication: The ability to work effectively with the marketing team, take direction, provide updates, and communicate clearly and proactively.

• Efficiency & Organization: A methodical approach to managing projects, prioritizing tasks, and streamlining workflows to meet demanding production schedules.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly providing updates on project status, potential challenges, and seeking clarification when needed.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating constructive criticism from the Marketing Director and team members.

• Team Player (Remote): While working independently, contributing to the team's overall success by delivering high-quality work on time and being responsive to requests.

• Process Alignment: Understanding and adhering to the company's established design and production processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, inferred from the industry and role requirements, likely values a blend of creative excellence and operational rigor. For a freelance role, demonstrating alignment with these values through consistent performance and proactive communication is key to a successful engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Freedom with Brand Constraints: Effectively translating creative ideas into designs that strictly adhere to established brand guidelines and publisher requirements.

• Managing Tight Production Deadlines: Juggling multiple projects, including the complex print advertising schedule, and consistently meeting fixed deadlines without compromising quality.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration with the marketing team and external publishers while working remotely.

• Adapting to Publisher Specifications: Navigating the diverse technical requirements of multiple magazine publications for ad submission.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Print Production Expertise: Deepening knowledge of print production workflows, pre-press processes, and publisher-specific requirements.

• Brand Guideline Development: Contributing to or refining official brand guidelines, offering a chance to shape the visual identity.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience within the luxury home furnishings or lifestyle sector, understanding its unique design language and marketing strategies.

• Project Management Skills: Enhancing skills in managing complex schedules, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring timely delivery of critical assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the operational aspects of managing a print schedule alongside creative execution. Growth opportunities lie in developing specialized skills within a niche industry and honing project management capabilities in a creative context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing a print advertising schedule for multiple publications. How do you track deadlines, coordinate assets, and ensure timely delivery?" (Focus on organizational systems, tools, and communication strategies.)

• "How do you approach incorporating strict brand guidelines into your creative designs while still allowing for creative expression?" (Highlight your understanding of brand consistency and your problem-solving approach.)

• "Walk me through a complex design project from brief to final delivery, emphasizing any challenges you faced and how you overcame them." (Prepare a case study that showcases your process, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with SPLASH, and what do you know about our brand and industry?" (Research SPLASH's website, social media, and competitors in the luxury home furnishings market.)

• "How do you ensure clear and effective communication with clients or marketing teams when working remotely?" (Provide examples of your communication strategies and how you stay organized.)

• "Describe your experience working as a freelance contractor. What are your strengths and how do you manage your workload and client relationships?" (Emphasize reliability, proactivity, and business acumen.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to prominently feature print advertising examples and any work related to brand guidelines.

• Narrative for Each Project: For key projects, be prepared to explain the brief, your creative approach, the tools used, the challenges, and the outcome. For print ads, detail the process of working with publishers.

• Highlight Organization: Explicitly discuss your process for managing timelines, coordinating with external parties (like publishers), and ensuring accuracy in file preparation. Use visual aids if possible (e.g., a sample schedule).

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss your mastery of Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign for print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative talent and strong operational capabilities, especially in project management and print production. The ability to articulate a clear process for managing the print ad schedule will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance graphic designer position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with print advertising design, production scheduling, brand guideline implementation, and proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed ad schedule for 9 publications").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio prominently features your strongest print ad designs and any projects involving brand guideline development or adherence. Include specific examples or descriptions of your experience managing print production schedules and preparing press-ready files.

• Prepare Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your creative process, your organizational methods for managing deadlines and production schedules, and your experience working as a remote freelance contractor. Practice explaining how you would manage the print ad schedule for SPLASH.

• Research SPLASH: Familiarize yourself with SPLASH's brand, product offerings, and target market within the home furnishings industry. Understand their aesthetic and marketing approach to better align your application and potential contributions.

⚠️ 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.