Freelance UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance UX/UI Designer

Company: Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite

Location: Los Angeles, CA, US / New York, NY, US

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Design Operations / User Experience

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop user-centered digital experiences, focusing on intuitive and visually appealing websites and applications.

• Leverage expertise in UX/UI principles, wireframing, prototyping, and Figma to translate business requirements into actionable design solutions.

• Collaborate closely with project managers, account teams, and stakeholders to ensure design alignment with project objectives and user needs.

• Develop and maintain design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects.

• Optimize existing digital assets for improved usability, accessibility (WCAG), functionality, and visual appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly stated as "Freelance UX/UI Designer" and "Temporary," indicating a project-based engagement. The salary range ($80-$85/hour) and the required experience level (5+ years) suggest a senior-level individual contributor role. The emphasis on Figma and collaboration with cross-functional teams points towards a hands-on design role within a dynamic agency environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and create detailed wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma to visualize design solutions.

• Design responsive website layouts and user interfaces for both desktop and mobile devices, adhering to best practices in mobile-first design.

• Conduct thorough analysis of stakeholder requirements and business objectives to inform and guide design strategy and execution.

• Establish and manage comprehensive design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure brand consistency and streamline future design efforts.

• Apply established UX/UI best practices to enhance usability, user engagement, and overall user satisfaction with digital products.

• Act as a liaison between design and development teams, ensuring accurate implementation of designs and providing necessary assets and specifications.

• Conduct audits and implement optimizations for existing websites, focusing on accessibility standards (WCAG), functionality, and visual coherence.

• Produce a wide range of visual assets, including icons, graphics, banners, and other web page elements, ensuring aesthetic quality and brand alignment.

• Proactively incorporate feedback from stakeholders and end-users through iterative design processes to refine and improve design outcomes.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving web design trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices to continuously elevate design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design process, from initial concept and wireframing to final asset creation and implementation oversight. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration with development teams suggests a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between conceptual design and technical execution, a crucial aspect in agency settings.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field; or equivalent practical work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in web design, UX/UI design, or a closely related role, demonstrating a strong track record of successful project delivery.

• Proven experience in designing for both desktop and mobile platforms, with a solid understanding of responsive design principles and mobile-first methodologies. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for all stages of the design process, including wireframing, prototyping, and interface design.

• Comprehensive understanding of user-centered design principles, usability best practices, and user research methodologies.

• Strong knowledge of accessibility standards, including WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and their practical application in design.

• Demonstrated ability to create visually appealing and effective user interfaces, with a keen eye for typography, color theory, and layout design.

• Experience in developing and utilizing design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure design consistency and efficiency.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including project managers, account managers, developers, and stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly and persuasively.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of web design projects, UX/UI expertise, and problem-solving capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe XD, for asset creation and supplementary design tasks.

• Basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and core web development processes to facilitate better collaboration with development teams.

• Experience conducting usability testing sessions and analyzing user feedback to drive design iterations and improvements.

• Experience working within Agile development environments and adapting to iterative design cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "expert in Figma" is a critical technical skill. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" means candidates should be prepared to showcase specific projects that demonstrate the required skills, particularly those involving user-centered design, responsiveness, and Figma proficiency. The preference for Adobe Creative Suite and HTML/CSS knowledge indicates a desire for a well-rounded designer who can integrate seamlessly with existing workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse web design or UX/UI projects, with a clear emphasis on projects completed using Figma.

• For each project, detail the problem statement, your role, the design process followed, key challenges, and the final solution.

• Include specific examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups created in Figma.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of responsive design principles through examples of desktop and mobile layouts.

• Highlight projects that showcase your application of user-centered design principles and usability best practices. Process Documentation:

• Provide clear documentation of your design process for key projects, illustrating your approach to user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Showcase examples of how you have developed or contributed to design systems, style guides, or component libraries.

• Present case studies that demonstrate your ability to translate business requirements into effective user interface solutions.

• Include examples of how you have incorporated user feedback or usability testing results into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically highlight their Figma expertise, user-centered design approach, and ability to deliver responsive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing digital experiences. Emphasizing the process behind the designs, not just the final output, will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80 - $85 per hour.

Benefits:

• As a freelance/temporary position, traditional benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not provided.

• Potential for ongoing contract work or future project opportunities based on performance and company needs.

• Opportunity to work on diverse and high-profile client projects within a reputable agency.

• Flexible work arrangement with remote work options. Working Hours:

• This is a temporary role, with expected hours likely aligning with standard agency workloads, potentially 40 hours per week, depending on project demands.

• Flexibility may be offered regarding specific working hours, provided project deadlines and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $80-$85/hour for a freelance UX/UI Designer with 5+ years of experience in Los Angeles or New York is competitive and aligns with senior-level talent in high-cost-of-living metropolitan areas. Candidates should understand that as a freelance role, benefits are generally not included, and compensation is primarily hourly.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Services. Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite is a full-service advertising agency known for its integrated approach to client solutions.

Company Size: The company is of a medium to large size within the advertising industry, suggesting a structured environment with established processes and a significant client roster. This typically means opportunities for exposure to diverse projects and a collaborative team structure.

Founded: Founded in 1970, Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite has a long-standing history in the industry, indicating stability, established client relationships, and a wealth of experience. This longevity often translates to a culture that values expertise and strategic thinking.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a broader creative department, collaborating with Art Directors, Copywriters, Project Managers, and Account Teams.

• This role operates within a project-based team structure, where individuals are assigned to specific client projects, fostering cross-functional collaboration.

• Reporting will likely be to a Creative Director or Design Lead, with direct interaction and accountability to Project Managers for day-to-day tasks. Methodology:

• The agency likely employs a client-centric, integrated marketing approach, blending traditional and digital strategies.

• Design processes are expected to be collaborative, iterative, and data-informed, with a focus on meeting client objectives and delivering measurable results.

• Emphasis on agile methodologies for project execution, allowing for flexibility and rapid adaptation to client needs and market changes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As an advertising agency, the culture is likely fast-paced, collaborative, and deadline-driven. The freelance nature suggests the designer will integrate into existing project teams as needed, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The company's long history indicates a potential for a blend of traditional agency values and modern digital practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Freelance UX/UI Designer. It implies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead design efforts on specific projects without direct supervision on day-to-day tasks. The focus is on delivering high-quality design outputs and contributing to the strategic success of client projects.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Design Lead or Creative Director for overall guidance and quality control, while working closely with Project Managers for task assignments, timelines, and client communication related to specific projects. Collaboration with account teams and stakeholders is also a key component of the reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of client digital initiatives. Effective design translates into improved user engagement, higher conversion rates, enhanced brand perception, and ultimately, client satisfaction and retention. This role is critical in shaping the user's perception and interaction with a client's brand online.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Expansion: Successful completion of this freelance role could lead to further project assignments with Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite, potentially on larger or more complex client engagements.

• Skill Diversification: Exposure to a variety of client industries and project types can broaden the designer's portfolio and skill set, potentially leading to specialization in particular areas of UX/UI or digital strategy.

• Industry Networking: Working within a reputable agency provides valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, which can open doors to future freelance or full-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" is typically measured by the acquisition of new projects, the increasing complexity and scope of those projects, and the development of a strong professional network. The emphasis is on building a robust portfolio and a reputation for reliable, high-quality design work.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates within a professional agency setting. While this role is remote-friendly, the agency environment typically fosters a collaborative and dynamic workspace conducive to brainstorming and client presentations.

Office Location(s): The job listing indicates presence in Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY, suggesting major metropolitan hubs with access to significant client bases and creative talent.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Work: The role is designated as "Remote OK," offering flexibility for candidates to work from their preferred location.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize digital collaboration tools for communication, file sharing, and design reviews (e.g., Slack, Asana, Miro, Figma's collaboration features).

• Creative Hub: Even when remote, the designer is expected to be an integral part of the creative team, contributing ideas and participating actively in creative discussions and reviews.

Work Schedule: While the role is remote, adherence to project deadlines and availability for key team meetings or client check-ins during core business hours (likely Pacific and Eastern Time, given the office locations) is expected. The freelance nature may allow for some flexibility in structuring the workday, but proactive communication about availability is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly nature of this freelance role offers significant flexibility. However, agency work often requires responsiveness and availability during standard business hours for collaboration and client interaction. Candidates should be prepared for a hybrid approach if occasional in-person meetings or workshops are required, though the primary expectation is remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A session where you will present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and answer questions about your experience, particularly concerning Figma and user-centered design. This will likely involve a discussion with a hiring manager or a senior member of the creative team.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design problem relevant to the agency's clients.

• Final Interview: A discussion to confirm cultural fit, discuss project scope, and finalize terms of engagement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in UX/UI design, Figma proficiency, responsive design, and user-centered methodologies.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your solutions, and the impact of your design. Use case study formats.

• Highlight Figma: Explicitly demonstrate your skills with Figma, showing prototypes, design systems, and complex interface designs created within the tool.

• Showcase Process: Detail your approach to wireframing, user flows, and prototyping. Explain how you incorporate user feedback and accessibility principles.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Agency: Research Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite's client work and industry focus to anticipate potential design challenges.

• Brush up on Fundamentals: Review core UX/UI principles, responsive design, and accessibility standards.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss advanced Figma features and workflows.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating your thought process for tackling design problems, focusing on user needs and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part of the application process for this role. Candidates should prepare a concise, impactful presentation that clearly demonstrates their technical skills (especially Figma), strategic thinking, and ability to deliver user-centric design solutions relevant to agency clients.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all aspects of UX/UI design, including wireframing, prototyping, interface design, and collaboration. Expert proficiency is required.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Preferred): Photoshop, Illustrator for graphic asset creation; Adobe XD may be considered for prototyping or design handoff, though Figma is the primary tool.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, an understanding of how analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) measure user behavior and website performance is beneficial for informed design decisions.

• Familiarity with tools used for user feedback and usability testing (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting.com) is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX/UI Designer role in this context. Collaboration & Project Management:

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication.

• Project Management Tools: Asana, Jira, Trello, or similar for task tracking and project oversight.

• Prototyping & Collaboration: Miro for whiteboarding and ideation, InVision for advanced prototyping (though Figma's capabilities often suffice).

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the non-negotiable core tool for this role, and candidates must demonstrate mastery. Familiarity with other design and collaboration tools will enhance their ability to integrate into agency workflows. A basic understanding of how design impacts analytics and user behavior is also a valuable asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the end-user in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: Openness to working with diverse teams, sharing ideas, and valuing collective input to achieve the best outcomes.

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, push creative boundaries, and develop unique solutions.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished work that meets and exceeds client expectations.

• Adaptability: Willingness to embrace new challenges, learn new tools and techniques, and adapt to evolving project requirements and client feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Expect to work closely with project managers, creative directors, account managers, and developers, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: The agency environment likely embraces a culture of continuous feedback and iteration, where designs are refined based on input from various stakeholders.

• Transparent Communication: Proactive and clear communication regarding project status, design rationale, and any potential roadblocks is essential for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values identified emphasize a user-first approach, strong teamwork, and a commitment to high-quality creative output, which are typical for successful advertising agencies. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: The agency setting is often high-pressure with tight deadlines, requiring efficient time management and the ability to perform under pressure.

• Diverse Client Needs: Designing for a variety of clients across different industries requires adaptability and the ability to quickly grasp diverse business objectives and user personas.

• Balancing Stakeholder Input: Effectively integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders, who may have competing priorities, while maintaining design integrity.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration with team members and clients when working remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of client projects offers continuous learning opportunities in different design contexts and industries.

• Mentorship: Potential for learning from senior designers and creative directors within the agency.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to refine skills in advanced Figma features, explore new design trends, and potentially gain exposure to adjacent areas like UX research or content strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunities lie in expanding one's portfolio with diverse projects and refining skills in a professional, client-facing environment. Overcoming the challenges of a fast-paced agency with diverse client needs will be key to success and future freelance engagements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a responsive website from initial concept to final handoff." (Focus on Figma, user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and developer collaboration.)

• "How do you approach incorporating user feedback and accessibility standards (WCAG) into your designs?" (Highlight your user-centered methodology and practical application.)

• "Walk us through a challenging UX/UI project from your portfolio. What were the objectives, your role, the challenges, and how did you overcome them using Figma?" (Be prepared for a detailed portfolio walkthrough.)

• "How do you ensure consistency across design elements and maintain a cohesive brand experience when working on multiple projects or with evolving design systems?" (Discuss your experience with design systems and style guides.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite as a freelance designer?" (Research the agency's work and clients.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with project managers and account teams in an agency setting?" (Demonstrate your understanding of agency dynamics.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from different stakeholders. How did you manage it?" (Showcase your communication and negotiation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstration (e.g., Figma expertise, responsive design, user-centered approach).

• Focus on Figma: Explicitly state and demonstrate how you utilized Figma's features to achieve your design goals. Show interactive prototypes.

• Quantify Success: Where possible, use data or client feedback to illustrate the positive impact of your designs.

• Be Concise: Prepare to present your most impactful projects efficiently, focusing on the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

• Engage: Be ready to answer questions about your process, design decisions, and how you handle constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating mastery of Figma, a strong understanding of UX/UI principles, and the ability to thrive in a client-driven agency environment. Be ready to articulate your design process and showcase your problem-solving skills through your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the ADP application portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects showcasing your expertise with Figma, responsive design, and user-centered design principles. Tailor the selection to highlight relevant web design and digital experience projects.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 5+ years of experience, expert-level Figma skills, and any experience in advertising or agency environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse a concise and impactful presentation of your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and the outcomes of your work, especially those created in Figma.

• Research the Agency: Familiarize yourself with Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite's client roster, recent campaigns, and overall design aesthetic to better tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a freelance UX/UI Designer role. All details, particularly regarding project scope, duration, and specific client engagements, should be verified directly with Quigley-Simpson & Heppelwhite during the application and interview process.