GRAPHIC DESIGNER / SELF-SHOOTER, ABU DHABI – WHISPER CREATE

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Self-Shooter, Abu Dhabi – Whisper Create

Company: The Whisper Group

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Full-Time FTC (Fixed-Term Contract)

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: July 29, 2026

Experience Level: Midweight (Estimated 2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical blend of graphic design and self-shooting capabilities, focusing on bringing a landmark new destination in Abu Dhabi to life through visual content and branding.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for end-to-end creative asset production, from initial campaign concepts and key visuals to operational design elements and daily content.

• A significant component involves on-site photography and video capture to support social media, content calendars, and storytelling across various aspects of the destination.

• The position requires a proactive individual who can manage brand guidelines, adapt assets from a central design team, and maintain an organized asset archive, acting as a key creative point person on the ground.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a hybrid role within the creative production and content creation domain, specifically tailored for a marketing and branding initiative. The "self-shooter" aspect points to a hands-on content capture requirement beyond traditional graphic design. The role is situated within a "retained creative team" on-site, suggesting close client collaboration and a focus on ongoing brand presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a wide spectrum of creative assets for marketing campaigns, including key visuals, campaign concepts, and adaptations for destination, retail, and dining promotions.

• Develop and deliver comprehensive brand and operational design materials such as presentations, fact sheets, screens, mall guides, brochures, signage, newsletters, and retailer marketing kits.

• Establish and maintain template systems and ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines for all on-ground assets, guaranteeing consistency and on-brand messaging.

• Create monthly "always-on" content, focusing on destination storytelling, new store openings, dining experiences, resident amenities, and public realm programming.

• Manage and deliver urgent and everyday design requests within agreed service level agreements (SLAs), including same-day and next-day priority tasks.

• Independently conduct on-site photography and videography to capture content supporting social media and content calendars across the destination, retail, dining, residential, and public realm.

• Adapt campaign assets provided by the London design team for local, on-ground utilization, ensuring all outputs remain consistent with the brand.

• Maintain and organize the on-ground asset archive, ensuring both English and Arabic versions are up-to-date and accessible.

• Proactively identify and flag on-site content opportunities (e.g., openings, special events, activations) to the wider team in real-time.

• Serve as the primary creative point of contact on-site, liaising directly with the client's on-ground marketing contacts as necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities detail a broad scope of creative and content capture duties, moving beyond typical graphic design to encompass content strategy execution and on-site multimedia production. The emphasis on "operational design" and "always-on content" suggests a need for efficiency and consistent output.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated but a strong portfolio demonstrating practical skills in graphic design and videography is implicitly required. Relevant degrees in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Communications, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: Midweight experience is indicated, suggesting a need for proven professional experience in graphic design and content creation, with demonstrated ability to handle campaign-level creative and fast-turnaround operational work.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in graphic design and artworking across both static and motion graphics.

• Strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).

• Confident self-shooting ability in both photography and videography, with a keen eye for content suitable for social media platforms.

• Experience in quick turnaround content creation and editing, ideally with same-day delivery capabilities.

• Ability to work independently and manage daily tasks, with the judgment to escalate issues when necessary.

• Familiarity with maintaining brand guidelines and ensuring asset consistency.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills for asset management and team collaboration. Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in both Arabic and English is desirable, particularly for communication with local stakeholders and clients.

• Experience in adapting creative assets from a central team for local markets.

• Knowledge of visual storytelling techniques for destination, retail, and dining environments.

• Ability to identify and capitalize on on-site content opportunities in real-time.

• Experience working within a production company or agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a dual skill set in design and content capture, highlighting the need for practical, hands-on ability with industry-standard software and equipment. The "midweight" experience level implies a need for autonomy and problem-solving skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong range of graphic design work, including campaign concepts, key visuals, and operational design collateral.

• Demonstrations of motion graphics capabilities, ideally through video examples or a dedicated showreel.

• A distinct section or examples of self-shot photography and videography, highlighting an ability to capture compelling content for social and marketing purposes.

• Case studies or examples illustrating the application and maintenance of brand guidelines across various assets.

• Evidence of ability to manage multiple projects and deliver fast-turnaround work efficiently. Process Documentation:

• Examples demonstrating the workflow for adapting creative assets from a central team to local specifications.

• Case studies or explanations of how brand guidelines are applied and maintained consistently across different platforms and materials.

• Documentation or examples of content calendars and how monthly "always-on" content is planned and executed.

• Evidence of asset organization and archival systems used.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial for this role, serving as the primary evidence of both design proficiency and content capture skills. Candidates should curate their submissions to clearly demonstrate their ability to meet all listed responsibilities, particularly the hybrid nature of graphic design and self-shooting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: To be discussed depending on experience. Research-based estimation for a Midweight Graphic Designer with self-shooting capabilities in Abu Dhabi: AED 8,000 - 14,000 per month (approximately USD 2,178 - 3,812 per month). This range accounts for the specific skill set required, the fixed-term contract nature, and the cost of living in Abu Dhabi.

Benefits:

• Fixed-term contract for two years, providing a defined period of employment.

• Opportunity to work on a landmark new destination project, offering significant exposure and portfolio building.

• Potential to work with a BAFTA-winning and Emmy International-nominated production company.

• Inclusion in a team recognized as a "Sunday Times Best Places to Work."

• Professional development and on-the-job learning opportunities within a dynamic creative environment.

• Exposure to working with international clients and teams.

Working Hours: 5-day week, Monday to Friday, with a 4:1 pattern (likely referring to a work schedule with specific days off or a rotation, further clarification may be needed). Standard full-time hours are assumed, potentially around 40 hours per week, with flexibility for urgent requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Abu Dhabi and the specified experience level. The "4:1 pattern" for working hours needs clarification from the employer, but it suggests a structured work week. The benefits highlight the prestige of the employer and the project's significance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports, unscripted, and branded entertainment production. Whisper is a global leader in producing high-quality content for major sports leagues and broadcasters.

Company Size: Over 285 international employees, indicating a well-established and sizable organization with diverse capabilities.

Founded: Information not provided, but its BAFTA and Emmy nominations suggest a mature and respected presence in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a "retained creative team" based on-site in Abu Dhabi, suggesting a dedicated unit working closely with a specific client.

• This team likely includes a Senior Designer and potentially Account Managers or Directors who oversee client relationships and project delivery.

• The Graphic Designer/Self-Shooter will report to a Senior Designer and collaborate with client contacts on the ground.

• Cross-functional collaboration will occur with the wider Whisper team, particularly the London design team for asset adaptation. Methodology:

• Content creation and production methodologies likely follow industry best practices for broadcast and digital media.

• Emphasis on storytelling, creativity, and delivering high-quality visual content.

• Efficient workflow management is critical, especially for fast-turnaround requests and on-site content capture.

• Data-driven insights may inform content strategy, particularly for social media performance.

Company Website: wearethewhispergroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Whisper's reputation for award-winning content and being a "Best Places to Work" suggests a culture that values creativity, quality, and employee satisfaction. The on-site team structure implies a focused, client-centric approach for this specific project.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Midweight Graphic Designer with an added specialization in self-shooting. It represents a step up from an entry-level designer, requiring more autonomy, project ownership, and a broader skill set.

Reporting Structure: The individual will report to a Senior Designer and work closely with client-side marketing contacts. This structure offers mentorship opportunities from the Senior Designer and direct client exposure.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the marketing and branding efforts for a new destination. The visual content and designs produced will shape public perception, drive engagement, and contribute to the destination's brand identity and success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in both graphic design (especially motion graphics) and content capture (photography/videography) within a professional setting.

• Brand Management: Gain experience in managing and evolving brand identities for large-scale projects.

• Client Relations: Develop skills in direct client communication and stakeholder management by working closely with the Abu Dhabi destination's marketing team.

• Project Leadership: Potential to take on more responsibility for specific content streams or smaller projects as experience grows within the contract.

• Industry Exposure: Work within a renowned production company, gaining insights into the sports and entertainment production landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong foundation for a creative professional looking to expand their skillset into multimedia content creation and on-site production, with significant opportunities for portfolio enhancement and direct impact on a major project.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, working as part of a retained creative team. This suggests a dedicated workspace within or near the client's location in Abu Dhabi.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The role requires flexibility to travel around the destination.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment with the on-site Whisper creative team, likely involving direct interaction with a Senior Designer and project managers.

• Proximity to the client's marketing contacts will facilitate direct communication and quick feedback loops.

• Access to necessary equipment for self-shooting (likely provided or specified) and design software.

• The environment demands adaptability and a proactive approach to identifying and capturing content opportunities as they arise on location.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, with a 4:1 pattern. This suggests a structured work week, but the nature of content capture may require occasional flexibility for events or urgent needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is key, emphasizing hands-on presence and direct interaction with the project environment and client team. This is not a remote or hybrid role, requiring full dedication to the Abu Dhabi location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: CV and cover note review, focusing on relevant experience and motivation.

• Portfolio/Showreel Submission: Candidates will be asked to provide links to their portfolio or showreel, which will be a critical evaluation tool.

• Skills Assessment: This may include a practical design task, a content capture challenge, or a discussion about their approach to specific scenarios.

• Interviews: Likely with the Senior Designer and potentially an Account Director or hiring manager to assess creative thinking, problem-solving skills, cultural fit, and communication abilities.

• Final Review: Evaluation of all components, with a focus on the candidate's ability to meet the hybrid requirements of the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Versatility: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates both strong graphic design skills (static and motion) and compelling self-shot photography/videography.

• Highlight Campaign Work: Include examples of campaign concepts, key visuals, and how you've adapted assets for different platforms.

• Demonstrate On-Site Content: Feature examples of capturing moments, storytelling through visuals, and content suitable for social media.

• Brand Guideline Application: If possible, show examples of how you've worked within and maintained brand guidelines.

• Organize for Clarity: Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate and highlights your best work relevant to this specific role. Use clear descriptions for each project.

• Include Arabic/English Examples: If you have bilingual capabilities, showcase this through relevant work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach specific design or content capture tasks, such as creating a social media post for an event or capturing a product launch.

• Brand Consistency: Think about how you would ensure brand consistency across all assets, especially when adapting from a central team.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you handle tight deadlines, urgent requests, or unexpected challenges on location.

• Client Communication: Prepare to discuss how you would interact with client contacts on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must ensure it effectively communicates their dual expertise. The interview process will likely focus on practical application and problem-solving relevant to the Abu Dhabi destination project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign (for graphic design and artworking).

• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and video editing.

• Video Editing Software: Potentially Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for video editing.

• Photography/Videography Equipment: Specific camera, lighting, and audio gear will be required (details may be provided by the employer or need to be sourced by the candidate).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a core analytics role, understanding social media analytics to inform content creation would be beneficial. Familiarity with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and potentially others relevant to destination marketing. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this creative role, but an understanding of how creative assets feed into marketing automation or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is a must. The "self-shooter" aspect implies familiarity with camera equipment and potentially basic video editing workflows. The specific tools for photography and videography might be provided or require the candidate's own equipment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Valued by a BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated company.

• Quality & Excellence: Demonstrated by the high caliber of sports and entertainment content produced.

• Collaboration: Essential for working within a team, adapting assets from London, and liaising with clients.

• Proactivity & Ambition: Sought in a "proactive Midweight Graphic Designer" who can identify opportunities.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Critical for meeting fast-turnaround requests and ensuring consistent brand application.

• Fairness & Inclusivity: Explicitly stated as a commitment, aligning with local law and best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Working within a dedicated on-site creative team and collaborating with a central London design team.

• Client-Facing: Direct interaction with the client's on-ground marketing contacts.

• Feedback-Driven: Likely involves receiving and acting on feedback from Senior Designers and clients to refine creative outputs.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraged for flagging opportunities and escalating issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes high creative standards and a collaborative, proactive approach. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced production environment and work effectively with diverse teams and clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Hybrid Skill Demand: Balancing demanding graphic design tasks with consistent, high-quality self-shooting responsibilities.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Meeting urgent requests and tight deadlines common in production and marketing.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all on-ground creative adheres strictly to brand guidelines, especially when adapting assets.

• On-Site Identification: Proactively spotting and capturing relevant content opportunities in real-time across a dynamic destination.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively integrating with and adapting assets from a London-based design team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Skills: Opportunity to hone motion graphics, photography, and videography skills through practical application.

• Project Management: Experience managing project deliverables and client expectations for a major destination launch.

• Industry Insight: Exposure to the operations of a leading global production company and the dynamics of destination marketing.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse, high-impact work that can lead to future opportunities.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working within an international team and with diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for a creative professional to expand their technical and strategic capabilities, particularly in multimedia content creation and on-site production, within a high-profile project.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully balanced graphic design responsibilities with on-site content capture. How did you manage your time and resources?"

• "How would you ensure brand consistency across all design assets and photographic/video content for a new destination, especially when adapting from a central creative team?"

• "Walk us through your process for identifying and capturing compelling on-site content opportunities for social media."

• "How do you prioritize urgent design requests while maintaining the quality of ongoing campaign work?"

• "Describe your experience working with brand guidelines. What steps do you take to ensure strict adherence?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Whisper's work in sports and entertainment production?"

• "What do you know about the new destination being developed in Abu Dhabi, and how do you see your role contributing to its success?"

• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team and with external clients?"

• "Whisper is a Sunday Times Best Places to Work. What does a positive work environment mean to you?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio to clearly separate graphic design work from self-shot photography/videography. Use distinct sections or labels.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 3-5 projects that best showcase your ability to meet the core requirements of this role (campaign design, operational design, on-site content capture).

• Explain Your Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the tools you used, and the outcome or impact.

• Showcase Motion Graphics: If possible, include a showreel or specific video examples of your motion graphics work.

• Demonstrate On-Site Impact: For photography/videography, emphasize how the content tells a story, captures a moment, or serves a specific marketing goal.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to articulate your dual skill set and provide concrete examples of how you've applied both graphic design and self-shooting abilities in previous roles. The interview will likely assess your practical skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer / Self-Shooter position:

• Submit your CV and a cover note explaining your suitability for the role via the application link provided by The Whisper Group.

• Curate a targeted portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio or showreel prominently features examples of both graphic design (campaigns, key visuals, operational assets) and self-shot photography/videography suitable for social media and marketing. Prioritize work that demonstrates adaptability and fast-turnaround capabilities.

• Tailor your cover note: Clearly articulate why your unique combination of graphic design and self-shooting skills makes you the ideal candidate for this specific project in Abu Dhabi. Highlight your enthusiasm for the destination and Whisper's work.

• Prepare for a skills assessment: Be ready to discuss your design process, content capture techniques, and how you manage brand consistency. Practice explaining your portfolio pieces concisely and effectively.

• Research Whisper Group: Familiarize yourself with their portfolio, client work (especially in sports and entertainment), and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.