Graphic Designer - Howly

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Howly (SKELAR)

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on developing and maintaining a cohesive visual identity across Howly's suite of digital products and marketing channels.

• The Graphic Designer will be instrumental in translating brand messaging into compelling visual assets for both user interfaces and external communications.

• The position requires a strong understanding of digital design principles and the ability to leverage various design tools and emerging AI technologies.

• This is an opportunity to contribute to a fast-growing venture builder within the professional services market, impacting multiple product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description is for a Graphic Designer, the context of Howly as a "multi-product company" and SKELAR as a "venture builder" suggests a strong need for visual assets that support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, user acquisition, and product adoption. Therefore, this role can be viewed through a lens of supporting marketing operations and GTM initiatives through design. The emphasis on "digital products," "user experience," and "global market" implies a need for design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also strategically functional for business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a consistent visual brand identity across all digital products, including unique mascots, interface banners, and website visual content.

• Design engaging visual content for social media platforms to support marketing campaigns and community engagement.

• Create and adapt visual assets for various digital formats, ensuring adherence to platform specifications and best practices.

• Support internal teams by designing visuals for presentations, corporate merchandise, and other communication materials.

• Collaborate with product and marketing teams to translate complex ideas and brand messaging into clear, impactful visual designs.

• Utilize AI tools for image and video generation to enhance creative output and explore innovative design solutions.

• Ensure all designs align with brand guidelines and contribute to the overall user experience and brand perception.

• Assist with basic print design requirements, understanding concepts like bleeds, CMYK, and cut lines for potential merchandise or collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core graphic design tasks with an operational focus on brand consistency and digital asset creation that directly supports product launches and marketing efforts. The mention of "multi-product company" and "global market" implies a need for scalable design solutions and an understanding of international market aesthetics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and design education is essential. A background in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 1+ year of experience as a Graphic Designer, with a proven track record in digital design.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing excellent composition, typography, visual hierarchy, and color theory application.

• Demonstrated experience in creating visuals for digital content (blogs, landing pages) and social media.

• Proficiency in understanding and working with digital formats, including sizes, safe zones, and platform adaptation.

• Ability to effectively work with text, structuring content visually and highlighting key messages.

• Skill in managing feedback and iterating on designs quickly and efficiently.

• Capacity to work independently from concept to final file delivery.

• Experience with AI tools for image and video generation.

• Foundational understanding of print design principles (bleeds, CMYK, cut lines).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion animation design.

• Familiarity with brand identity development for multiple products or services.

• Understanding of UX/UI design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "1+ year" suggests an entry-level to junior role, where a strong foundational skill set and a demonstrable portfolio are prioritized over extensive professional history. The emphasis on AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design processes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 5-7 high-impact projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of digital product design and brand consistency.

• Showcase projects involving UI elements, social media campaigns, and any mascot or character design.

• Include examples that highlight your ability to adapt designs for different digital platforms and formats.

• Projects demonstrating the use of Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop should be clearly indicated.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process for a typical project, from initial brief to final delivery.

• Highlight how you manage feedback and incorporate iteration into your workflow.

• Articulate how you ensure brand consistency across different assets and products.

• Demonstrate an understanding of project timelines and how you prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating raw talent, fundamental design skills, and a clear process, rather than complex operational impact. The ability to learn and adapt is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on current market data for Graphic Designers with 0-2 years of experience in Kyiv, Ukraine, a competitive salary range would typically be between 20,000 - 35,000 UAH per month. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific portfolio, interview performance, and the final assessment of their skills against the role's requirements.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance.

• Access to a Corporate Doctor.

• Support for Mental Health programs.

• Opportunities for free Sports Activities with corporate trainers.

• Subsidized or catered office meals (Breakfasts and lunches in the office).

• Compensation for professional training and courses.

• Support for attending industry conferences.

• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.

• Access to well-equipped, energy-independent offices.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement that allows for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market rates for junior graphic design roles in Ukraine. The benefits package is extensive and aligned with modern tech company offerings, emphasizing employee well-being and professional development, which are attractive to operations and creative professionals alike.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Venture Builder, Software Development, Professional Services)

Company Size: 200+ employees (Howly), part of SKELAR venture builder.

Founded: SKELAR was founded over 4 years ago, with Howly being one of its successful product launches.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Product team within Howly, potentially reporting to a Marketing Lead or Head of Product.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with product managers, developers, marketers, and potentially other designers within the SKELAR venture builder.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's venture builder model implies a focus on metrics and user feedback to guide product and marketing strategies.

• Agile Development: The mention of "flexibility" and "bias for action, but not chaos" suggests an agile approach to project management and execution.

• Continuous Improvement: "Active infinite Growth" and internal professional clubs point towards a culture of ongoing learning and optimization.

Company Website: https://www.skelar.tech

📝 Enhancement Note: SKELAR's venture builder model means Howly operates with the drive of a startup but with the established processes and resources of a larger organization. This context suggests a culture that values innovation, speed, and a results-oriented approach, which can be both exciting and demanding for creative professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Graphic Designer. This role is positioned as an entry point into the design field within a growing tech company, offering foundational experience in digital product and marketing design.

Reporting Structure: Typically reports to a Marketing Manager, Product Lead, or a Senior Designer within the Howly team.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly influences user perception, brand recognition, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. High-quality visuals are critical for user acquisition, engagement, and retention in digital products. The role supports the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating visually appealing collateral for product launches and ongoing promotions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like UI/UX design, motion graphics, or brand identity development through hands-on projects and company-sponsored training.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into a Senior Graphic Designer role, lead design projects, or even transition into roles like UI/UX Designer or Brand Manager with experience.

• Cross-Product Exposure: As part of SKELAR, there may be opportunities to contribute design elements to other venture-builder products, broadening experience.

• Learning & Development: Access to internal professional clubs, training compensation, and conference attendance support facilitates continuous learning and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "active infinite Growth" and internal clubs suggests a structured approach to employee development, providing clear pathways for individuals to expand their skill sets and career horizons within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company provides warm, energy-independent, and autonomous offices designed for comfort even during power outages, with stable internet. This indicates a focus on employee well-being and ensuring business continuity.

Office Location(s): Kyiv, Ukraine, with specific office amenities like showers, charging stations, and refreshments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on "openness" and "bias for action" suggest a collaborative workspace where team members are encouraged to interact and share ideas.

• Technology-Rich: Access to necessary design software (Figma, Adobe Suite) and modern office infrastructure supports efficient workflow.

• Team Integration: Opportunities to work closely with product, marketing, and potentially other creative teams within Howly and SKELAR.

Work Schedule: A hybrid model with standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. This schedule allows for focused work on design tasks while maintaining team connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provision of energy-independent offices is a significant factor, especially in the current context of Ukraine, demonstrating a commitment to employee safety and operational stability. This creates a reliable environment for focused work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design principles, software proficiency (Figma, Adobe Suite), and experience with AI tools. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific projects from their portfolio.

• Practical Task/Case Study: A design challenge may be given to assess problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to meet specific design briefs within a given timeframe. This could involve designing a social media graphic, a banner, or a concept for a mascot.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion about how the candidate aligns with Howly's values (Ownership, Openness, Bias for Action, Active Infinite Growth) and their approach to collaboration and feedback.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills required for this role (digital products, social media, typography, composition).

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome. Highlight challenges and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates proficiency in Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop, as well as your understanding of digital formats and AI tools.

• Tailor to Howly: If possible, subtly align your portfolio's aesthetic or project focus with the type of products Howly offers.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your design choices and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand the requirements of any design challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between conceptualizing, designing, and finalizing the deliverable.

• Brand Consistency: If the challenge involves an existing brand, ensure your design aligns with its established visual identity.

• Presentation: Be ready to present your solution, explaining your rationale and design choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the junior nature of the role, the interview process will likely focus heavily on assessing raw talent, technical skills, and the candidate's potential to learn and grow within the team. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative interface design, prototyping, and asset creation for digital products. Expect to use it extensively for UI banners, website visuals, and potentially presentation design.

• Adobe Illustrator: Critical for vector graphics, icon creation, mascot design, and complex illustrations that require scalability without loss of quality.

• Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image manipulation, photo editing, creating raster-based visuals for social media, and potentially for advanced compositing.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary responsibility for this role, understanding how design impacts key metrics like engagement, conversion rates, and user retention will be beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms might be a plus for understanding design performance.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how visual assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM-integrated assets could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools listed are standard for graphic designers in the digital space. Proficiency in Figma is particularly important for collaborative and efficient UI/UX workflows. The mention of AI tools signifies a forward-looking approach to design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: Taking responsibility for design tasks and proactively seeking ways to improve visual outcomes and brand consistency across products.

• Openness: Engaging in open communication, accepting and providing constructive feedback on designs, and being transparent about the design process.

• Bias for Action: Quickly translating design concepts into tangible assets and iterating efficiently, balancing speed with quality.

• Active Infinite Growth: Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, exploring new design techniques, and developing skills in areas like AI-generated imagery and motion graphics.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with product managers, marketing specialists, and potentially other designers to ensure visual assets meet project goals and brand standards.

• Feedback Exchange: Actively participating in design reviews, providing and receiving feedback to refine visual work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights on design trends, tools, and best practices, potentially through internal clubs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's explicitly stated values provide a clear framework for understanding how the team operates and what behaviors are expected. For a designer, this means being proactive, communicative, and eager to learn and contribute to the collective growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Products: Managing design needs for Howly's various products, each potentially with its own nuances, requires strong organizational skills and the ability to switch contexts quickly.

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The "bias for action" culture may mean frequent design revisions and tight deadlines, requiring resilience and efficiency.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously evolving digital design landscape and AI advancements demand ongoing learning and adaptation to maintain cutting-edge visual quality.

• Translating Complex Concepts: Effectively visualizing abstract or technical product features into clear and appealing graphics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in UI/UX, motion graphics, or advanced illustration through specialized projects and training.

• Industry Exposure: Attend conferences and workshops to gain insights into the latest design trends, tools, and best practices.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or team leads, with opportunities to take on more responsibility as experience grows.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gain exposure to product development and marketing strategies, understanding the broader business context of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a junior role in a dynamic tech environment. The growth opportunities are robust, offering a clear path for skill development and career progression within the venture builder model.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for creating a social media graphic from scratch. What steps do you take, and how do you ensure it aligns with brand guidelines?" (Be ready to discuss your workflow, ideation, execution, and feedback incorporation.)

• Tool Proficiency: "How have you used Figma to collaborate with a team on a design project? Can you provide an example of a complex asset you created in Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop?" (Prepare specific examples demonstrating your technical skills and collaborative approach.)

• AI in Design: "How do you see AI tools impacting the graphic design industry, and how have you experimented with them in your own work?" (Showcase your awareness of emerging technologies and your willingness to explore them.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody the value of 'Ownership' in your design work?" (Relate this to taking initiative, being accountable for your designs, and seeking improvements.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your ability to accept feedback and iterate positively.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, tell a concise story: the problem, your solution, your role, the tools used, and the impact (if measurable).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually clean, well-organized, and free of errors. Use high-quality images of your work.

• Highlight Relevance: Emphasize projects that directly align with the job description's requirements (digital products, social media, UI elements, AI tool usage).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice presenting your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples and articulating your design process and rationale will be key. Demonstrating an understanding of the company's values and products will show genuine interest.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to digital product and social media design, and clearly highlights your proficiency in Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. Include any examples of AI tool usage.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 1+ year of graphic design experience, relevant software skills, and any achievements related to visual asset creation and brand consistency. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and answering questions related to the company's values and the role's responsibilities. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Howly's products and SKELAR's venture builder model. Understand their mission and values to better articulate your fit during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to a Graphic Designer role within a tech venture builder. All details, especially regarding compensation and specific day-to-day responsibilities, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the interview process.