Freelance Graphic Designer, Marketing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Graphic Designer, Marketing

Company: Madhappy

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Freelance / Independent Contractor

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Remote-friendly; Los Angeles hours preferred

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of compelling digital marketing assets across key channels including email, social media, and the company website.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Creative, and Ecommerce teams to translate campaign strategies and product launches into visually engaging content.

• Ensure all visual output maintains brand consistency, adheres to established guidelines, and drives engagement across digital touchpoints.

• Manage a high volume of design deliverables within fast-paced digital environments, adapting to evolving campaign and launch timelines.

• Optimize designs for mobile rendering, load times, and deliverability best practices, particularly within email marketing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer, Marketing," the responsibilities heavily lean into the operational execution of marketing campaigns through design. This role is crucial for marketing operations by ensuring brand consistency and efficient content deployment across digital channels. The emphasis on "digital-first design" and "fast-moving digital environments" indicates a need for operational efficiency and process adherence in the design workflow.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually appealing and on-brand email campaigns, including newsletters, promotional emails, product launch announcements, and brand storytelling content.

• Develop and maintain modular email templates to support a high-volume, fast-turnaround email send calendar, ensuring scalability and consistency.

• Create a diverse range of graphic assets for paid and organic social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, etc.), including static images, carousels, and templated content.

• Execute campaign toolkits by adapting core creative concepts into channel-specific digital formats optimized for social engagement.

• Design and implement digital assets for the Madhappy website, such as homepage banners, collection page graphics, landing page elements, and promotional placements.

• Collaborate with Ecommerce and Web teams to ensure digital assets are correctly sized, exported, and optimized for seamless site implementation and user experience.

• Support the visual execution and launch of new product drops across the website's user interface.

• Maintain organized file structures, templates, and brand asset libraries to facilitate efficient marketing operations and content management.

• Ensure all marketing assets strictly adhere to brand guidelines, tone of voice, and typography standards.

• Manage multiple concurrent design projects and adapt to shifting priorities within a dynamic marketing calendar.

• Coordinate with Creative Producers and Marketing Operations to track deliverables and ensure timely handoff of final design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong need for process management and execution within the marketing operations framework. Specific tasks like "build and maintain modular email templates," "manage multiple concurrent projects," and "track deliverables and ensure timely handoff" point to the operational aspects of this creative role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of expertise.

Experience: 2-3+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a preference for candidates with a background in fashion, lifestyle, or direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing environments.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• A strong portfolio showcasing digital-first design work, with a focus on email, social media, and web assets.

• Excellent eye for typography, layout composition, and maintaining brand consistency across various mediums.

• Ability to work efficiently and manage a high volume of design deliverables while maintaining quality standards.

• Skill in executing creative briefs and adhering to established brand guidelines.

• Clear and effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration with marketing, creative, and ecommerce teams.

• Experience in designing for digital marketing channels, including email marketing platforms and social media. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Familiarity with After Effects for motion graphics or animated content.

• Understanding of email marketing best practices, including mobile rendering and deliverability.

• Knowledge of web design principles and asset optimization for online platforms.

• Passion for fashion, culture, storytelling, and community-driven brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (2-3+ years) suggests a mid-level designer capable of independent execution but still operating within established frameworks. The emphasis on digital-first design and specific tools points to the need for candidates familiar with modern marketing technology stacks and workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant design work, with a strong emphasis on digital marketing assets.

• Specific examples of email campaign designs, demonstrating an understanding of layout, typography, and CTA placement for engagement.

• Samples of social media graphics (static, carousel, etc.) for platforms like Instagram and TikTok, reflecting brand alignment and platform best practices.

• Web design assets, such as homepage banners or promotional graphics, highlighting an understanding of visual hierarchy and user experience on websites.

• Case studies or examples that illustrate the ability to translate campaign briefs into effective visual communications. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly requested as formal documentation, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including:

  • Workflow for receiving briefs, creating initial concepts, incorporating feedback, and delivering final assets.

  • Methods for managing multiple projects and prioritizing tasks within a fast-paced environment.

  • Strategies for ensuring brand consistency and adherence to guidelines across all deliverables.

  • Understanding of file management and organization for marketing assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role focused on marketing execution, the portfolio serves as the primary "process and systems" demonstration. Candidates should highlight not just the final output but also their approach to creating it efficiently and effectively within brand constraints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $20 - $25 per hour. This rate is commensurate with experience and aligns with freelance graphic design roles in the Los Angeles area, considering the required skill set and the contract nature of the engagement.

Benefits:

• Flexible, remote-friendly working arrangement, offering autonomy and work-life balance.

• Close collaboration with an in-house Creative and Marketing team, providing opportunities for learning and integration.

• Employee discount on Madhappy products, offering personal value and brand advocacy.

• Early access to new product releases, providing insight into upcoming collections and brand momentum.

• Potential for extension into an ongoing or full-time engagement, offering career growth prospects.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on workload. Occasional evening and weekend support may be required during peak campaign periods or for critical launch timelines, reflecting the dynamic nature of marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is specified, which is typical for freelance roles. The benefits are standard for contract positions, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and brand perks. The mention of potential for full-time engagement is a key growth indicator for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fashion / Apparel / Lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on community, optimism, and mental health advocacy.

Company Size: Madhappy operates as a growing brand with a significant presence, evidenced by its permanent flagship in West Hollywood and seasonal stores in major cities. The need for a dedicated freelance designer suggests a structured marketing and creative department.

Founded: 2017, indicating a relatively young but established brand with a clear mission and identity.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will work closely with the Marketing, Creative, and Ecommerce teams.

• Collaboration is expected with Creative Producers and Marketing Operations for workflow management and deliverable tracking.

• Reporting likely to a Creative Director or Marketing Manager, with cross-functional interaction across departments. Methodology:

• Data-driven creative execution: Designs are expected to drive engagement and support campaign strategies, implying a need for designers who understand performance metrics.

• Brand-centric approach: Strong emphasis on maintaining brand identity, tone, and visual consistency across all marketing materials.

• Agile workflow: Adaptability to fast-moving campaign and launch timelines, requiring efficient design processes.

• Community and storytelling: The brand's ethos revolves around optimism, mental health, and community, which should be reflected in the visual narrative.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Madhappy's brand identity is deeply tied to optimism, community, and mental health. This cultural aspect is crucial for designers to understand and integrate into their work, ensuring visual assets resonate with the brand's core values. The operations aspect here is ensuring brand messaging is consistently and effectively communicated visually.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role functions as a specialized contributor within the marketing operations and creative execution sphere. It's a hands-on design role focused on producing high-quality, on-brand digital assets efficiently.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager within the Marketing or Creative department, with significant collaboration with the Ecommerce team. This cross-functional interaction is key to understanding operational needs and driving business objectives.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, website user experience, and overall brand perception. High-quality, consistent visual assets are critical for driving engagement, conversions, and reinforcing the brand's message, thereby contributing to revenue generation and brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Transition to a full-time role: The contract offers a clear path to potential full-time employment, providing stability and deeper integration into the company.

• Specialization in DTC/fashion marketing: Gaining extensive experience in a fast-paced, fashion-focused DTC environment can open doors to similar roles in the industry.

• Development of operational design skills: Experience in managing high-volume deliverables, templated design, and cross-functional collaboration enhances operational efficiency and project management skills.

• Portfolio enhancement: A successful freelance engagement with a recognized brand like Madhappy significantly strengthens a designer's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the operational aspects of a creative role. The potential for full-time employment and the development of skills in managing high-volume, brand-critical design tasks are key growth indicators relevant to operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-friendly, with a preference for candidates who can work within Los Angeles hours. This indicates a hybrid or fully remote setup, typical for modern creative and marketing roles.

Office Location(s): Based in Los Angeles, CA, with a flagship store in West Hollywood. While the role is remote, proximity to LA hours suggests potential for occasional in-person meetings or collaboration with the local team.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Digital Environment: Expect to use digital collaboration tools for communication, file sharing, and feedback.

• Fast-Paced Marketing Calendar: The work environment is dynamic, driven by campaign launches, product drops, and ongoing marketing initiatives.

• Brand-Centric Culture: The workspace will reflect Madhappy's optimistic and community-focused ethos.

• Tool Integration: Will likely involve working with various digital marketing platforms, project management tools, and design software.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility. Occasional evening and weekend work is anticipated to meet business needs, particularly around critical deadlines and launch periods. This flexibility is common in operations-focused creative roles where real-time market response is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly nature, coupled with the LA hours preference, points to a modern, flexible work environment that still values connection and timely output, characteristic of lean marketing operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on digital marketing assets, brand consistency, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about specific projects, design choices, and collaboration experiences.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a short design exercise to evaluate speed, creativity, and adherence to brand guidelines under time constraints. This simulates real-world project demands.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about cultural fit, working style, availability, and understanding of the Madhappy brand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest digital marketing design work, prioritizing examples relevant to email, social, and web.

• Highlight Process: Include brief descriptions of your design process for key projects, emphasizing how you addressed campaign objectives and brand requirements.

• Demonstrate Brand Adaptability: Show examples of how you've worked within established brand guidelines and adapted creative concepts for different channels.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates), highlight these achievements.

• Mobile-First Emphasis: Ensure your email and social media examples are presented in a way that reflects their intended mobile viewing experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Madhappy's current brand aesthetic, recent campaigns, and website content.

• Be prepared to quickly sketch or mock up design concepts based on a given brief.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your choices support marketing goals.

• Ensure you have access to necessary design software and can work efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and potential design challenge highlights the hands-on, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just creative flair but also operational efficiency and brand alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, web graphics, and email asset creation.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for logo work, vector graphics, and detailed illustrations.
  • InDesign: Useful for layout and potentially more complex digital documents or templates.

• Figma (Plus): Increasingly common for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff. Experience here is a strong advantage.

• After Effects (Plus): For potential animation, motion graphics, or short video assets for social media.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While the designer isn't directly responsible for analysis, understanding how designs perform on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and email marketing software (e.g., Klaviyo, Mailchimp) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics reporting dashboards is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core tasks, but awareness of how assets are deployed through marketing automation or CRM systems can be helpful for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is a hard requirement. Figma and After Effects are listed as "plus," indicating that while not mandatory, they significantly enhance a candidate's profile and operational capability within a modern creative workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Speed: Ability to produce high-quality work quickly and manage a high volume of deliverables is paramount.

• Brand Integrity: Strict adherence to brand guidelines, tone, and visual identity across all marketing touchpoints.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Creative, Ecommerce) to achieve common goals.

• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing campaign timelines and business needs.

• Optimism & Storytelling: Embracing the brand's core values of optimism, community, and mental wellness in visual communication.

Collaboration Style:

• Digital-First Communication: Primarily conducted through digital channels, requiring clear written and visual communication.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to refine designs.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying potential design challenges and proposing solutions that align with marketing objectives.

• Team-Oriented: Contributing to a positive and productive team environment, supporting collective project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on efficiency, brand integrity, and collaboration highlights the operational demands of this creative role. Designers are expected to function as efficient nodes within the marketing engine, ensuring consistent and effective brand representation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume, Fast Turnaround: Consistently producing a large number of quality assets under tight deadlines.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs align perfectly with Madhappy's distinct brand identity across diverse digital platforms.

• Balancing Creativity with Performance: Creating visually appealing designs that also meet specific marketing objectives and drive engagement.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with team members remotely, ensuring alignment and timely feedback.

• Flexibility in Hours: Adapting to occasional evening or weekend work demands during peak periods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• DTC Marketing Expertise: Deepen understanding of digital marketing strategies and design's role in driving e-commerce sales and brand loyalty.

• Fashion/Lifestyle Industry Insight: Gain valuable experience within a prominent fashion and lifestyle brand.

• Process Optimization: Develop skills in efficient design workflows, template creation, and asset management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Enhance communication and project management skills by working with diverse teams.

• Portfolio Expansion: Add significant, high-impact projects to your professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around operational efficiency and brand execution, which are core to marketing operations. The growth opportunities focus on skill development relevant to both creative and operational aspects of marketing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating email campaign assets from brief to final delivery, focusing on efficiency and brand consistency." (Prepare to walk through a past project, highlighting your workflow, tools, and how you ensured brand alignment).

• "How do you approach adapting a core campaign concept into channel-specific social media assets for platforms like Instagram and TikTok?" (Be ready to discuss creative adaptation and platform best practices).

• "Walk us through a challenging design project where you had to manage multiple deliverables with shifting priorities. How did you ensure everything was completed on time and to standard?" (Focus on project management, prioritization, and communication). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Madhappy's brand ethos and mission?" (Research their values, community focus, and mental health advocacy. Connect this to your own interests or design approach).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across all your design work, especially when working remotely?" (Discuss your methods for adhering to brand guidelines and maintaining quality control).

• "How do you handle receiving constructive feedback on your designs?" (Emphasize being open to feedback and using it to improve the final output). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Portfolio: Organize your work logically, perhaps by channel (email, social, web) or by campaign.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, and the outcome.

• Highlight Digital Focus: Ensure your strongest digital marketing examples are prominent.

• Showcase Brand Adaptability: Include examples of how you've successfully worked within established brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Live Mockups: Be ready to discuss how your designs would be implemented on a website or within an email template.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating not just creative skill but also an understanding of marketing operations, brand management, and efficient project execution within a remote, collaborative setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature digital marketing assets (email, social, web) that align with fashion/lifestyle brands. Highlight projects demonstrating speed, brand consistency, and adaptability.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, digital design for marketing, and any relevant freelance or DTC experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, brand understanding, and collaboration style. Be prepared to discuss specific portfolio pieces and potential design challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Madhappy's brand, mission, recent campaigns, and target audience to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.