Graphic Designer (Part-Time Contract / Embedded)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (Part-Time Contract / Embedded)

Company: Costa Vida

Location: Pleasant Grove, Utah, United States

Job Type: Part-Time, Contract

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-02

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on supporting marketing and brand initiatives through graphic design for Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment.

• The position involves creating a diverse range of marketing assets, from digital ads and social media graphics to print materials and signage, emphasizing adherence to established brand guidelines.

• Collaboration is key, requiring seamless integration with internal design teams, marketing departments, and operations teams to ensure cohesive brand messaging.

• The role demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, aligning with GTM (Go-To-Market) operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Marketing & Design Operations due to its direct impact on brand representation, marketing collateral creation, and support for Go-To-Market strategies. The emphasis on "embedded contract" and "collaboration with operations teams" suggests a need for seamless integration into existing business processes and a focus on operational efficiency in creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide array of marketing assets, including digital advertisements, social media graphics, email templates, and promotional materials, ensuring alignment with campaign objectives and brand voice.

• Develop production-ready files for various print and digital applications, meticulously managing specifications for printers, web platforms, and social media channels to maintain quality and consistency.

• Collaborate closely with the Creative Director, fellow designers, and marketing stakeholders to conceptualize and execute creative solutions that meet project briefs and business goals.

• Adapt and refine existing brand systems and guidelines to create compelling visual narratives across different touchpoints, ensuring brand integrity while allowing for creative exploration.

• Manage a dynamic project pipeline, prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and communicating progress effectively to internal teams and external partners.

• Support operations teams by creating clear and effective visual aids for internal communications, training materials, and operational signage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for practical application of design skills to support broader business operations. The mention of "operations teams" implies that the designer will be involved in creating materials that directly impact internal workflows, customer service touchpoints, or operational efficiency, beyond just external marketing campaigns.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level roles, or equivalent practical experience demonstrating mastery of design principles.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record of creating successful marketing collateral and brand assets. Experience in a contract or embedded role is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional typography, layout, and visual design skills, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetic balance.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for comprehensive design and production.

• Demonstrated expertise in Figma for collaborative design, prototyping, and efficient asset creation.

• Strong understanding of current design trends, commercial creative work, and their application in a business context.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design choices and receive constructive feedback.

• Reliability, organization, and a self-directed work ethic suitable for an embedded contract role. Preferred Skills:

• Motion graphics design and animation (e.g., After Effects) for dynamic digital content.

• Illustration skills for unique brand elements and custom graphics.

• Photography and basic video editing capabilities for multimedia projects.

• Familiarity with brand strategy development and execution.

• Basic understanding of UX/UI principles for digital asset optimization.

• Experience with AI-assisted creative tools for enhanced design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "production-ready files" and "collaboration with operations teams" suggests that practical, applied design skills are paramount. The preferred skills indicate a desire for a versatile designer who can contribute to a wider range of creative needs, potentially supporting operational efficiency through improved visual communication.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on marketing collateral, social media graphics, and brand application.

• Examples demonstrating the ability to work within established brand guidelines while introducing creative solutions and maintaining brand consistency across various mediums.

• Case studies that highlight the design process from concept to final production-ready files, detailing problem-solving approaches and design rationale.

• Projects that illustrate proficiency in key design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, with clear examples of their application.

• Evidence of managing multiple projects and adapting to different brand identities or project requirements. Process Documentation:

• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, including how they approach project briefs, conduct research, develop concepts, iterate on designs, and prepare final assets for implementation.

• The ability to articulate how design processes integrate with marketing and operational workflows to achieve business objectives will be highly valued.

• Familiarity with project management tools or methodologies (even informally) for tracking and managing design tasks and deadlines is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving "embedded contract" work and collaboration with "operations teams," a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to produce functional, on-brand assets efficiently and integrate into existing business processes. The focus should be on practical application and adaptability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Approximately $35 per hour, commensurate with experience (DOE). This is a standard rate for mid-level freelance graphic designers in the Utah region, reflecting the hybrid nature and part-time hours.

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule, allowing for approximately 20-30 hours per week, offering a good work-life balance.

• Opportunity to work on diverse projects for multiple brands (Costa Vida, FatCats Entertainment), enhancing creative experience.

• Collaborative and growth-oriented team environment within a small, dedicated creative team.

• Potential for ongoing contract work based on performance and business needs.

• Exposure to various aspects of commercial creative work and brand development.

Working Hours: Part-time, approximately 20-30 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, allowing for arrangement with the hiring manager to accommodate personal needs while meeting project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary of $35/hour is a strong indicator for a mid-level graphic designer role in the Pleasant Grove, UT area. The part-time, contract nature means benefits typically associated with full-time employment (health insurance, paid time off) are generally not included unless specifically negotiated or provided by a third-party employer of record. The flexibility in hours is a key benefit for contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The role supports Win Brands, which works with Costa Vida (fast-casual Mexican dining) and FatCats Entertainment (entertainment venues like bowling, arcades, movies). This indicates an environment focused on consumer-facing brands within the food service and entertainment sectors.

Company Size: Win Brands operates as a small, collaborative creative team. This suggests a close-knit environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. The broader companies (Costa Vida, FatCats) are established entities, implying a need for design that aligns with established brand identities.

Founded: Information about the founding date of Win Brands specifically is not provided, but Costa Vida was founded in 2005 and FatCats has a longer history. This suggests a company with established brand recognition and operational history.

Team Structure:

• The graphic designer will be part of a small, collaborative creative team within Win Brands, working closely with a Creative Director and potentially other designers.

• This structure implies direct reporting lines and frequent interaction with leadership and peers.

• Cross-functional collaboration will extend to marketing teams and operations teams within Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment, requiring effective communication and integration. Methodology:

• The creative team likely employs a blend of established design best practices and agile project management to deliver marketing assets efficiently.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-informed design where possible, using insights from marketing performance to refine creative strategies.

• Workflow optimization is a key aspect, with an expectation for designers to manage their time and projects effectively to meet business needs. Company Website:

• Costa Vida: https://www.costavida.com/

• FatCats Entertainment: https://www.fatcatsfun.com/

• Win Brands (parent/support entity): Information not directly provided, but implied to be the creative services arm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the industries served (food service, entertainment) is crucial for a designer to grasp the brand aesthetics and target audiences. The "small, collaborative creative team" implies a dynamic, hands-on environment where designers are expected to be adaptable and contribute across various needs, aligning with operational demands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring independent work and the ability to manage projects within established frameworks. It's an embedded contract position, offering specialized experience rather than a traditional employee growth path.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to a Creative Director within Win Brands. Collaboration will also involve marketing teams and operations teams from Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment, necessitating clear communication and alignment with various stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the visual representation of Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment. This includes influencing customer perception through marketing materials, enhancing user experience with clear signage and digital assets, and supporting operational efficiency through well-designed internal communications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to broaden design expertise by working on diverse projects across different brands and mediums, including potential exposure to motion graphics, illustration, and video editing as "bonus skills."

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the fast-casual dining and entertainment industries, understanding their unique design challenges and consumer engagement strategies.

• Portfolio Enrichment: Develop a robust portfolio with real-world projects that demonstrate adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the ability to deliver production-ready assets, enhancing future career prospects.

• Networking: Build professional connections within Win Brands, Costa Vida, and FatCats Entertainment, potentially leading to future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "embedded" nature suggests deep integration. Growth here is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about expanding a professional skill set and portfolio with diverse, high-impact projects within specific industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid position based in Pleasant Grove, Utah. This implies a combination of remote work and in-office presence, likely for collaborative meetings, brainstorming sessions, and access to specific resources.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Pleasant Grove, Utah, with a specific address provided (1333 S Valley Grove Way, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062). This is the central hub for any in-office collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as part of a "small, collaborative creative team," suggesting an open and interactive workspace conducive to idea sharing and teamwork.

• Designers will likely have access to necessary software and potentially company-specific assets or brand guides.

• The hybrid nature allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative engagement in the office.

Work Schedule: Flexible schedule, with an expectation of 20-30 hours per week. This allows for significant autonomy in managing workload and personal commitments, a common perk of contract roles, while ensuring consistent support for ongoing projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexible hours are key aspects of the work environment, indicating a need for self-management and proactive communication. The collaborative team setting suggests an expectation of active participation in discussions and feedback sessions when in the office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio link to assess your qualifications and design aesthetic against the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into your portfolio with the Creative Director or hiring manager. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale behind specific projects, and how you approach challenges.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a short design exercise or a discussion about how you would approach specific design tasks relevant to Costa Vida or FatCats Entertainment brands.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation to assess your collaborative style, self-direction, and alignment with the team's values and work ethic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Thoughtfully: Select 5-8 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (marketing assets, brand work, digital/print).

• Showcase Process: For key projects, include a brief overview of the brief, your concept development, iterations, and the final outcome. Highlight problem-solving.

• Highlight Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within existing brand guidelines, demonstrating your ability to maintain brand integrity.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs led to measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, conversions), mention it.

• Ensure Production Readiness: Be prepared to discuss file organization, preparation for print, and optimization for digital platforms.

• Figma & Adobe Proficiency: Have clear examples of work created using these tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment brands. Understand their current marketing, target audience, and visual identity.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a social media campaign or a new menu item promotion for either brand.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of flexible scheduling and contract work, emphasizing your reliability and ability to deliver high-quality work independently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" and "collaboration" means the interview process will likely focus on practical skills, problem-solving, and how well you can integrate into an existing team and workflow. Be prepared to discuss your process and adaptability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating and preparing a wide range of marketing assets.

• Figma: Required for collaborative design, prototyping, and efficient asset creation, especially for digital applications and cross-team workflows.

Potential Bonus Tools (depending on project needs):

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and animated content.

• Video Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro): For basic video production or editing needs.

• Illustration Software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator): For custom graphics and iconography.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with common collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) is beneficial for integrated work environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma is non-negotiable. The "bonus skills" indicate areas where a candidate can differentiate themselves by offering a broader range of creative services that can support more complex marketing and operational initiatives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to produce fresh, engaging designs that align with brand objectives and capture audience attention.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work closely with others, share ideas, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.

• Reliability & Professionalism: Commitment to meeting deadlines, producing high-quality work, and maintaining a professional demeanor, essential for an embedded contract role.

• Adaptability & Efficiency: The ability to adjust to changing project needs, learn new tools quickly, and manage time effectively to maximize output.

• Brand Stewardship: A dedication to upholding and enhancing brand identities through thoughtful and consistent design application.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a "small, collaborative" environment, suggesting open communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of responsibility for project success.

• Expect regular feedback sessions and opportunities to contribute to creative discussions.

• The "embedded" nature means integrating seamlessly with marketing and operations teams, requiring proactive communication and a team-player attitude.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a balance between creative output and operational efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to be both a creative contributor and a reliable, integrated team member who understands the demands of supporting established brands and business processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Creative Exploration: Effectively designing within established brand guidelines while still bringing fresh ideas to the table for Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment.

• Managing Multiple Brand Projects: Juggling competing priorities and distinct brand aesthetics for different clients within a part-time capacity.

• Hybrid Work Integration: Seamlessly transitioning between remote and in-office work, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration regardless of location.

• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality, production-ready assets within demanding timelines, common in fast-paced marketing environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Expanded Skillset: Opportunity to gain practical experience in motion graphics, illustration, video editing, and potentially UX/UI through "bonus skills" and project exposure.

• Industry Insight: Deepen understanding of the food service and entertainment industries' marketing and design demands.

• Portfolio Building: Create a diverse portfolio showcasing adaptability and versatility across different brand campaigns and project types.

• Process Optimization: Learn to streamline design workflows and enhance efficiency in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for contract design roles supporting multiple brands. The growth opportunities are centered on practical skill development and portfolio enhancement, making this a valuable experience for a designer looking to broaden their capabilities and industry exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach designing marketing assets for a brand you are new to, like Costa Vida or FatCats Entertainment?" (Focus on research, understanding brand guidelines, and initial concept development.)

• "Describe a time you had to work within strict brand guidelines. How did you ensure consistency while still delivering a creative solution?" (Highlight your process for balancing constraints and creativity.)

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with competing deadlines, especially in a hybrid or remote setting?" (Emphasize organizational skills, project management techniques, and communication.)

• "Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that demonstrates your proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite?" (Be ready to detail your workflow, problem-solving, and the tools used.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment specifically?" (Showcase research into their brands and markets.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with a Creative Director and other team members?" (Highlight your communication style and willingness to receive feedback.)

• "What does being an 'embedded contract' designer mean to you?" (Focus on integration, reliability, and contribution to the team's goals.)

• "How do you stay updated on current design trends and incorporate them into your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story: the problem, your solution, the tools you used, and the outcome.

• Focus on Relevance: Highlight projects that best align with the requirements (marketing assets, digital/print, brand work).

• Demonstrate Process: Show roughs, iterations, and explain your design decisions.

• Highlight Production Readiness: Be prepared to discuss file preparation and technical specifications.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and efficient, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess your technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and how well you can integrate into the team and work within established brand frameworks. Be ready to speak to your process and provide concrete examples from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paylocity link, ensuring your resume and portfolio link are clearly visible.

• Portfolio Customization: Select and refine portfolio pieces that showcase your strongest work in marketing collateral, social media graphics, and brand application, emphasizing projects with clear visual impact and adherence to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and any relevant industry experience (food service, entertainment). Quantify achievements where possible, e.g., "Designed social media campaign that increased engagement by X%."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects with confidence, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and time management.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the websites of Costa Vida and FatCats Entertainment to understand their current branding, marketing efforts, and target audiences. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.