Freelance Production Designer (Graphic Designer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Production Designer (Graphic Designer)

Company: WPP Production

Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Job Type: Contract (Freelance)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating and adapting graphic designs for both print and digital platforms, requiring a strong command of layout and composition principles.

• The Production Designer will be responsible for meticulous file management and ensuring all design assets adhere to strict brand guidelines and project specifications.

• A key aspect involves seamless communication and collaboration with internal departments, offshore teams, and clients to manage project workflows and meet tight deadlines.

• The position offers the opportunity to contribute to large-scale marketing and advertising campaigns for major global clients, leveraging advanced Adobe Creative Suite skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Freelance Production Designer (Graphic Designer)", the responsibilities and context strongly align with a role within Marketing Operations or Creative Operations, focusing on the execution and delivery of creative assets at scale. The emphasis on process, deadlines, and cross-functional collaboration points to an operations-centric function within the creative production lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt graphic layouts for various media, including print, email, social media, and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements, ensuring visual consistency and brand alignment.

• Execute intermediate to advanced image retouching, clipping paths, and art manipulation in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to prepare assets for final production.

• Meticulously check all design concepts against source materials and client briefs to ensure accuracy of content, branding, and compliance with publication/portal requirements.

• Prepare necessary documentation, maintain organized project records, and coordinate logistics for asset delivery to the Creative Operations team and offshore partners.

• Proactively manage project timelines and ensure all deadlines for asset submission are met, communicating any potential delays or issues to the Studio Manager and relevant stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with the Studio Manager and fellow Production Designers, fostering a team-oriented environment and contributing to shared project goals.

• Communicate effectively with offshore teams, including Client Leads, Art Directors, and Project Managers, to clarify requirements, provide updates, and ensure seamless project execution.

• Work within Adobe InDesign and Photoshop to create, modify, and finalize layouts, ensuring proper layer organization and file structure.

• Maintain rigorous quality control throughout the design and production process, identifying and rectifying any errors before final asset delivery.

• Ensure regional project brand guideline alignment across all created assets, demonstrating a keen understanding of diverse brand requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical function within a large-scale production environment. The emphasis on "adapting layouts," "image retouching," "clipping paths," and "art manipulation" suggests a strong focus on production efficiency and asset creation based on existing creative direction, rather than initial concept generation. The need to work with "offshore teams" and adhere to "US hours (Eastern Standard Time)" indicates a distributed team structure and the importance of asynchronous communication and robust project management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or a related field is preferred.

• Equivalent practical work experience in graphic production and design may be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

• 3+ years of progressive experience in a similar Production Designer or Graphic Production role, preferably within an agency, studio, or large corporate marketing department.

• Demonstrated experience working with large global clients on significant marketing and advertising campaigns.

• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. Required Skills:

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Acrobat.

• Strong understanding of composition, layout design, and typography principles for both print and digital applications.

• Expertise in image retouching, color correction, clipping paths, and art manipulation techniques.

• Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to manage files, assets, and documentation meticulously.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and project status clearly.

• Advanced English communication skills are essential for collaborating with international teams.

• Experience with regional project brand guideline alignment and ensuring consistent brand representation across diverse assets.

• Ability to work effectively within US Eastern Standard Time (EST) business hours, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to team synchronization.

• Experience across various asset types, including Print Design, Email, Social Media, and Out of Home (OOH) advertising. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity or working knowledge of Figma for design collaboration and prototyping.

• Experience with project management software such as Workfront.

• Understanding of different publication and portal requirements for asset delivery.

• Experience communicating and collaborating with offshore teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific Adobe Creative Suite tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat) is critical. The mention of Figma and Workfront as preferred skills suggests the company is leveraging modern design collaboration tools and project management systems, common in efficient GTM operations. The requirement to work in EST hours, despite being based in Buenos Aires, points to a significant need for integration with a US-based team and highlights the importance of proactive communication and time management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong range of print and digital design work, with a clear emphasis on layout, composition, and attention to detail.

• Specific examples of adaptation of existing designs for different media (e.g., print to digital, social media variations).

• Case studies or examples demonstrating meticulous file management, including organized layers, clear naming conventions, and efficient asset delivery.

• Visual evidence of successful image retouching, clipping paths, and art manipulation skills.

• Examples illustrating adherence to strict brand guidelines and the ability to maintain consistency across multiple assets for global brands. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly demonstrate an understanding of production workflows, from receiving briefs to final asset delivery.

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal process for managing multiple projects, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring quality control under pressure.

• Examples of how they have documented or organized their work to facilitate collaboration, especially with distributed or offshore teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Production Designer role, especially in a large agency context like WPP, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about aesthetics but about demonstrating production efficiency, technical proficiency, and the ability to execute within established frameworks. The emphasis on "adapting layouts," "image retouching," and "file management" means the portfolio should highlight these practical, execution-focused skills, not just conceptual design. The ability to discuss process and how they manage their workflow is crucial for operations alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Freelance Production Designer with 3+ years of experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the requirement to work US Eastern Standard Time hours, a competitive hourly rate would typically range from $20 - $40 USD per hour.

• This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for freelance graphic design roles with specialized production skills in Latin America, adjusted for the premium associated with working US business hours and for a global organization like WPP. The final rate will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. Benefits:

• As a freelance contractor, standard employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not provided.

• Potential benefits may include:

  • Flexible working hours (outside of the core EST collaboration window).

  • Opportunity to work with world-renowned global brands and contribute to major campaigns.

  • Access to cutting-edge technology and production tools.

  • Exposure to a global, collaborative production environment.

  • Potential for ongoing freelance engagements based on performance and project needs. Working Hours:

• The role requires the ability to work in US hours (Eastern Standard Time - EST). This implies a need to align with the core working hours of the primary client and team stakeholders, likely around 9 AM to 5 PM EST.

• Given the freelance nature and potential for hybrid work, there may be flexibility for some tasks outside of these core hours, but consistent availability during EST business hours is critical for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on freelance rates for graphic production roles in Argentina, with a significant upward adjustment due to the requirement to align with US Eastern Standard Time. This time zone alignment is a critical factor that often commands a higher rate for remote contractors in different regions. Benefits for freelance roles are generally limited, so the focus is on project-based opportunities and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Marketing & Media Production, Technology Services. WPP Production operates at the intersection of creative content production and technological innovation, serving global brands with scalable, multi-channel content solutions. The company leverages AI and advanced technology to enhance human craft.

Company Size: WPP is a massive global entity, with WPP Production being its unified global production arm. The specific size of the WPP Production team in Buenos Aires or the immediate team this role would join is not specified, but it's part of a very large, multinational organization. This implies access to extensive resources and a structured, professional environment.

Founded: WPP was founded in 1982. WPP Production is a more recent strategic consolidation of WPP's various production capabilities, emphasizing its commitment to evolving production models.

Team Structure:

• This role will likely be part of a Production Design team within WPP Production, potentially situated within a larger hub in Buenos Aires or a distributed global team.

• The structure involves close collaboration with a Studio Manager, other Production Designers, and potentially Creative Operations specialists.

• Significant interaction will occur with offshore teams, including Client Leads, Art Directors, and Project Managers, underscoring a matrixed or project-based reporting approach. Methodology:

• WPP Production emphasizes a data-driven, AI-enhanced approach to content production, focusing on efficiency, scale, and global collaboration.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, with a focus on streamlining processes for multi-channel content delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are integrated through technology to amplify human creativity.

Company Website: https://www.wppproduction.com/ and https://www.wpp.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: WPP Production's positioning as a "unified global production company" means that even a freelance role in Buenos Aires will be integrated into a vast, interconnected network. The culture likely values efficiency, scale, technological adoption (AI, next-gen tools), and cross-border collaboration, all while maintaining a commitment to "human craft." The emphasis on "borderless collaboration" is a core cultural tenet.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, a "Freelance Production Designer," with 3+ years of experience. It's a specialist role focused on the execution and production aspects of graphic design within a larger operational framework. The "freelance" designation suggests project-based work rather than a permanent, full-time employee track, though successful contractors can often secure ongoing engagements.

Reporting Structure:

• The Production Designer will report to a Studio Manager and collaborate closely with other Production Designers.

• They will also work hand-in-hand with offshore teams, including Client Leads, Art Directors, and Project Managers, indicating a functional reporting line to the Studio Manager and a project-based reporting line to Project Managers for specific deliverables. Operations Impact:

• The Production Designer's impact is crucial for the efficient delivery of marketing and advertising campaigns. By ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality asset production according to brand guidelines, they directly contribute to the client's campaign success and WPP's reputation for reliable, scalable content production.

• Their ability to manage files, adapt layouts, and communicate effectively with distributed teams directly impacts project timelines, budget efficiency, and client satisfaction. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced retouching, print production, or digital asset adaptation for various platforms.

• Tool Proficiency: Gain experience with more advanced project management tools like Workfront or design collaboration platforms like Figma, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Project Exposure: Work on campaigns for a diverse range of major global clients, building a robust portfolio and industry reputation.

• Client Collaboration: Develop stronger communication and client-facing skills through interaction with offshore Client Leads and Art Directors.

• Potential for Ongoing Engagements: Successful performance can lead to continued freelance opportunities within WPP Production, potentially on larger or more complex projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a freelance role is typically project-based and skill-driven. While not a traditional corporate ladder, success here can lead to more high-profile projects, longer-term contracts, and increased specialization. The key is demonstrating reliability, efficiency, and high-quality output consistently.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," and candidates are required to work US Eastern Standard Time hours. This suggests a blend of remote work from a home office in Buenos Aires, with potential requirements for occasional in-person collaboration at a WPP Production office in Buenos Aires if available and deemed necessary by management. The "Hybrid" designation often implies flexibility but also the need for connectivity and availability during core business hours.

Office Location(s):

• Primary location for the candidate is Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• The work will involve collaboration with teams operating in US Eastern Standard Time (EST), indicating a strong remote component integrated with US-based operations.

• WPP has a significant global presence, including offices in Argentina, which may serve as a local hub for some activities or resources. Workspace Context:

• The workspace should be conducive to focused design work, equipped with reliable internet and the necessary hardware to run Adobe Creative Suite efficiently.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels, including video conferencing, project management platforms, and shared drives.

• The environment demands self-discipline, proactive communication, and the ability to work autonomously while remaining connected to a global team. Work Schedule:

• Core working hours will align with US Eastern Standard Time (EST), approximately 9 AM to 5 PM EST.

• Flexibility may exist for tasks that do not require real-time interaction, but consistent availability during the specified EST window is critical for team synchronization and project responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" nature combined with the EST requirement is a key point. It means the candidate needs to be comfortable working remotely from Buenos Aires but also needs to structure their day to be available during US business hours. This is a common model for global operations but requires strong time management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess experience, technical skills, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: This stage will likely involve a detailed walkthrough of the candidate's portfolio. Expect questions focusing on specific projects, design choices, problem-solving approaches, and technical execution (e.g., how they handled complex retouching, managed large files, or adapted layouts).

• Skills-Based Interview: A conversation with the Studio Manager or a senior Production Designer to evaluate workflow management, communication skills, ability to work with offshore teams, and understanding of brand guidelines.

• Cultural Fit/Availability Check: Discussion to confirm availability during EST hours, understanding of the hybrid model, and suitability for WPP's collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your production skills, layout expertise, retouching capabilities, and experience with diverse asset types (print, digital, social, OOH).

• Highlight Process: For each project, be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges faced, your problem-solving approach, the tools used, and the outcome. Emphasize efficiency and adherence to briefs.

• Demonstrate Technical Prowess: Be ready to explain your techniques for retouching, clipping paths, and file organization. Showcase clean, well-organized layered files if possible.

• Showcase Brand Guideline Adherence: Include examples where you successfully applied or adapted designs within strict brand parameters.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for pure production design, if you can mention how your efficiency or accuracy contributed to meeting deadlines or client satisfaction, do so.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or exercises that test your speed and accuracy in adapting a layout or retouching an image within a tight timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design process and decisions clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a Project Manager or Art Director who needs a quick update.

• Familiarize yourself with WPP Production's mission and values to articulate how your skills align with their operational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a production role heavily leans on portfolio review and practical skill demonstration. Candidates should be ready to deconstruct their work and explain their production methodology. The EST requirement also means interview scheduling will likely be geared towards those hours.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image retouching, manipulation, and raster-based design elements. Expect questions on advanced techniques.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations. Proficiency in creating scalable assets is key.

• Adobe InDesign: The core tool for layout design, particularly for print materials, multi-page documents, and advertisements. Mastery of master pages, text flow, and pre-press settings is expected.

• Adobe Acrobat: For creating, editing, and managing PDFs, including setting up print-ready files and interactive elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how assets are used or tracked (e.g., digital ad performance) might be beneficial for context. Familiarity with how design impacts metrics is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Figma (Preferred): Increasingly used for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff. Understanding its role in the design workflow is advantageous.

• Workfront (Preferred): A robust project management platform commonly used in large organizations for workflow automation, task management, and resource allocation. Familiarity here indicates an understanding of operational processes.

Other Potential Tools:

• Familiarity with DAM (Digital Asset Management) systems.

• Basic understanding of file transfer protocols and cloud storage solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite for production tasks. Figma and Workfront are highlighted as preferred, indicating the company's investment in modern, collaborative design and project management tools that are central to efficient GTM operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Scale: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality work quickly and at scale, meeting the demands of global clients.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: Maintaining meticulous standards in design execution, retouching, and file preparation.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing seamless teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively with distributed and offshore teams.

• Adaptability & Innovation: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and workflows to improve production processes and deliver cutting-edge content.

• Data-Driven Approach: While a designer role, understanding the impact of design on campaign performance and leveraging insights where applicable.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires constant interaction with various departments and teams, necessitating a collaborative spirit and effective stakeholder management.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to workflow, task management, and asset delivery is essential, aligning with operational best practices.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from Art Directors, Client Leads, and Project Managers is key to iterative design and production.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a shared understanding of best practices, tools, and client requirements within the design and production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: WPP Production's culture is likely a blend of creative agency dynamism and operational efficiency. The values reflect a need for both artistic precision and the ability to execute reliably within a large-scale, technology-driven production environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Time Zone Synchronization: Effectively collaborating with teams in EST while based in Buenos Aires requires meticulous planning and proactive communication to bridge the time difference.

• Volume and Pace: Handling a high volume of design adaptation and production tasks for major global campaigns demands excellent time management and the ability to perform under pressure.

• Global Brand Consistency: Ensuring strict adherence to diverse and sometimes complex regional brand guidelines across all assets can be challenging.

• Remote Collaboration: Navigating communication and workflow nuances with offshore teams requires strong interpersonal skills and robust digital collaboration tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Production Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in complex retouching, specialized print production, or digital asset optimization.

• New Tool Adoption: Gaining hands-on experience with emerging design technologies and project management software employed by WPP.

• Global Client Exposure: Working on campaigns for leading international brands provides invaluable experience and portfolio-building opportunities.

• Process Optimization: Contributing to and learning from WPP Production's efforts to streamline global content creation workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the logistics of global, remote collaboration and the demands of high-volume production. Growth opportunities are tied to skill enhancement, technology adoption, and exposure to high-profile projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt a design for multiple platforms under a tight deadline. How did you manage the process and ensure brand consistency?" (Focus on process, tools, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail when working with complex brand guidelines and multiple content requirements?" (Highlight your quality control mechanisms.)

• "Walk me through your typical workflow when you receive a brief for a new set of digital assets. What are your first steps?" (Demonstrate your organizational and planning skills.)

• "How do you handle feedback or revisions on your work, especially when it comes from different stakeholders or offshore teams?" (Showcase your communication and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about WPP Production's approach to content creation and their use of technology like AI?" (Research their mission and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a hybrid, globally distributed team environment, particularly with the requirement to work US EST hours?" (Address your flexibility and communication strategy.)

• "Based on your understanding of WPP Production, what do you believe are the key operational challenges for a Production Designer in this environment?" (Show you've thought about the operational aspects.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or client. For each piece, clearly state your role, the objective, the tools used, and the outcome.

• Highlight Production Skills: Focus on examples that showcase your ability to adapt, retouch, manage files, and adhere to specifications. Don't just show pretty pictures; explain the how and why of your production choices.

• Be Ready to Demo: If possible, have a few key files ready to share your screen and demonstrate your file organization, layer structure, or specific techniques in Photoshop/InDesign.

• Quantify (if possible): Mention any instances where your efficiency or accuracy contributed positively to project timelines or client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent, but also operational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a distributed, high-volume production environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official application link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong layout, composition, image retouching, clipping paths, and brand guideline adherence. Prioritize examples of adapting designs for different media and meticulous file management.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of experience, specific Adobe Creative Suite proficiencies, and any experience with Figma or Workfront. Quantify achievements where possible and emphasize your ability to meet deadlines and collaborate with distributed teams.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience working under pressure. Be ready to discuss your availability and comfort working within US Eastern Standard Time hours. Prepare specific examples that showcase your production efficiency and attention to detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with WPP Production's mission, values, and their approach to global content creation and technology. Understand their emphasis on "human craft" amplified by technology.

⚠️ 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.