Freelance Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Web Designer

Company: Reedsy

Location: New Zealand

Job Type: Freelance

Category: Web Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-04

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

Remote Status: Remote OK

🎨 Design Role Summary

• Create high-converting, aesthetic websites tailored to clients' needs
• Collaborate directly with book authors to understand and fulfill their website requirements
• Leverage strong portfolio and experience with CMS platforms to deliver exceptional web design services
• Enjoy the flexibility of setting your own rates, managing your workload, and working from anywhere

🖼️ Primary Design Responsibilities

• Develop new websites or update existing ones, ensuring they meet clients' needs and goals
• Create appealing design and branding that aligns with clients' vision and enhances user experience
• Acquire domains and set up website hosting, making the process seamless for clients
• Improve SEO of the website to increase organic traffic and visibility
• Build lead magnets, contact forms, and social media integration to encourage user engagement and conversions
• Enable clients to maintain their website or provide periodic maintenance services

🎓 Design Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Graphic Design, Web Design, or a related field is preferred, but relevant experience and a strong portfolio can substitute for formal education.

Experience: Candidates should have 3+ years of web design experience and a strong portfolio showcasing active and diverse websites.

Required Design Skills:

• Proficient in web design tools (e.g., Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD)
• Experience with at least one CMS platform (e.g., WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, ExpressionEngine, Ghost, Joomla)
• Strong understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles
• Ability to create visually appealing and functional websites that meet clients' needs

Preferred Design Skills:

• Previous experience in the publishing industry
• Familiarity with SEO best practices and tools
• Experience with responsive design and mobile-first approach
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Active and diverse web design projects showcasing your ability to create visually appealing and functional websites
• Case studies demonstrating your process, design thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Examples of responsive design and mobile-first approach
• Demonstration of your understanding of UX/UI design principles and user-centered design

Design Process Documentation:

• Documentation of your research and discovery process, including user interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis
• Ideation and iteration methods, such as sketching, wireframing, and prototyping
• Validation and testing approaches, including usability testing, A/B testing, and user feedback incorporation

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance web designer, you will set your own rates. To provide a rough estimate, the average salary for a mid-level web designer in New Zealand is NZ$70,000 - NZ$90,000 per year (source: Payscale). However, rates can vary significantly depending on your experience, skills, and the specific projects you take on.

Benefits:

• Payment Protection: Reedsy offers payment protection to ensure timely and secure payment for completed projects.
• Flexible Work Hours: As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to manage your own schedule and workload.
• Set Your Own Rates: You have the freedom to charge clients based on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to their projects.

Working Hours: The expected workload is 40 hours per week, but as a freelancer, you have the flexibility to manage your time and work from anywhere.

🎯 Design Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Reedsy operates in the book and periodical publishing industry, focusing on helping authors create and market the best indie books. This context provides opportunities for web designers to work on projects that have a significant impact on the publishing industry and support independent authors.

Company Size: Reedsy is a small company with 11-50 employees, providing a collaborative and agile work environment for freelance web designers.

Founded: Reedsy was founded in 2014, and it has since grown into a community of over 1,000,000 authors and publishing professionals.

Design Team Structure:

• The design team at Reedsy is likely to be small and collaborative, with a flat hierarchy and a focus on direct client communication.
• As a freelance web designer, you will work directly with clients and collaborate with other freelancers and Reedsy's in-house team as needed.
• The design team is expected to be cross-functional, working closely with other departments such as marketing, sales, and product development.

Design Methodology:

• Reedsy's design process is likely to be user-centered, with a focus on understanding clients' needs, creating effective designs, and measuring the success of web design projects.
• As a freelance web designer, you will be expected to follow best practices in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, as well as web design standards and accessibility guidelines.
• The design process may involve research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iterative design based on user feedback.

Company Website: http://www.reedsy.com

📈 Design Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This freelance web designer role is suitable for mid-level designers with 2-5 years of experience. The role offers opportunities for career progression and skill development through working with diverse clients and projects.

Reporting Structure: As a freelance web designer, you will work directly with clients and collaborate with Reedsy's in-house team as needed. You will not have direct reports but may mentor junior designers or provide guidance to clients on web design best practices.

Design Impact: The web design projects you work on will have a direct impact on the success of independent authors' websites and their ability to reach and engage with their target audience. Your work will contribute to Reedsy's mission of helping authors create high-quality books and giving them the exposure they deserve.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Skill Development: Working with diverse clients and projects will provide opportunities to develop your skills in web design, UX/UI design, and other related areas. You may also have the chance to learn new tools and technologies as you take on new projects.
• Career Progression: As a freelance web designer, you have the opportunity to build your reputation and portfolio, which can lead to more significant projects, higher rates, and eventually, leadership roles within the industry.
• Design Leadership Potential: With experience and a strong portfolio, you may have the opportunity to take on leadership roles within Reedsy or other organizations, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the development of design standards and best practices.

🌐 Design Work Environment

Studio Type: As a freelance web designer, you will work remotely from your home or preferred workspace. Reedsy does not have a physical studio, but you may have the opportunity to collaborate with other freelancers and in-house team members in a virtual work environment.

Office Location(s): Reedsy is a remote-first company, with team members working from various locations around the world. As a freelance web designer, you can work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

Design Workspace Context:

• Working remotely provides the flexibility to create a personalized workspace tailored to your needs and preferences.
• As a freelance web designer, you will be responsible for providing your own equipment, software, and tools, but Reedsy may provide guidance on recommended hardware and software for optimal performance.
• You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other freelancers and in-house team members using various communication and project management tools, such as Slack, Asana, or Trello.

Work Schedule: As a freelance web designer, you will have the flexibility to manage your own schedule and workload. You can choose to work full-time or part-time, depending on your availability and the projects you take on.

📄 Design Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening: Reedsy will review your portfolio and resume to assess your qualifications and fit for the role. You may be asked to provide additional information or examples of your work.
• Portfolio review: You will be asked to present your portfolio and walk Reedsy's team through your design process, case studies, and problem-solving approach. Be prepared to discuss your design choices and the results of your work.
• Client collaboration: As a freelance web designer, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to work directly with clients, understand their needs, and create effective designs that meet their goals. You may be asked to participate in a mock client collaboration or provide examples of your client communication skills.
• Final evaluation: Reedsy will assess your portfolio, interview performance, and client collaboration skills to determine your fit for the role. You may be asked to provide additional information or examples of your work as needed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase your best work: Include your most impressive and relevant web design projects in your portfolio. Make sure to highlight your design process, problem-solving approach, and the results of your work.
• Tell a story with your portfolio: Organize your portfolio case studies to tell a narrative about your design process, client collaboration, and the impact of your work. Use visuals and text to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach.
• Highlight your unique skills and experiences: Tailor your portfolio to emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for this freelance web designer role. Make sure to include examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to create high-converting, aesthetic websites tailored to clients' needs.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Reedsy's mission and values: Research Reedsy's company culture and mission, and include examples of your work that align with their focus on supporting independent authors and creating high-quality books.

Design Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the design challenge: Before the interview, make sure you understand the design challenge and the specific requirements for the project. Research the client and their needs to ensure you can create an effective and tailored design solution.
• Prepare a design thinking approach: Use a structured design thinking approach to approach the design challenge, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing. Be prepared to discuss your design process and the rationale behind your design choices.
• Practice your presentation skills: Rehearse your design presentation to ensure you can clearly and concisely communicate your design thinking approach, design process, and the results of your work. Use visuals and storytelling techniques to engage your audience and highlight the impact of your design solutions.

Design ATS Keywords:

• Design Skills: Web Design, UX/UI Design, Responsive Design, Mobile-First Design, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS, WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, ExpressionEngine, Ghost, Joomla
• Design Tools: Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InVision, Zeplin, Adobe Experience Design, Balsamiq, Marvel, Webflow, HTML/CSS Editors
• Design Methodologies: User-Centered Design, Design Thinking, Agile Design, Lean UX, Double Diamond Design Process, Google Design Sprint
• Soft Skills: Client Communication, Project Management, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Collaboration, Teamwork, Leadership, Mentoring, Coaching
• Industry Terms: Web Design, UX/UI Design, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Branding, Typography, Color Theory, Accessibility, SEO, SEM, CMS, CMS Platforms, Web Development, Front-End Development, Back-End Development, Full-Stack Development, Web Design Trends, Web Design Standards, Design Systems, Design Tokens, Design Libraries, Design Patterns

🛠 Design Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Sketch: A powerful design tool for creating and collaborating on web and mobile designs. Sketch offers a wide range of features, including artboards, symbols, and shared libraries, to streamline your design workflow.
• Figma: A collaborative design platform that allows you to create, share, and use design systems and components to maintain consistency across your projects. Figma is ideal for working with teams and clients, as it enables real-time collaboration and feedback.
• Adobe XD: A user experience design and prototyping tool that allows you to create interactive and animated designs for web, mobile, and other platforms. Adobe XD integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, making it a seamless choice for designers who use the Adobe ecosystem.
• HTML/CSS Editors: As a freelance web designer, you should be proficient in using HTML and CSS editors to create and maintain web designs. Popular HTML/CSS editors include Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Atom.

Design Collaboration & Handoff:

• Slack: A popular communication platform that enables real-time collaboration and communication with clients and team members. Slack allows you to share files, make calls, and screen share, making it an essential tool for remote collaboration.
• Asana: A project management tool that helps you organize, track, and manage your web design projects. Asana enables you to create tasks, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities to ensure smooth project execution.
• Zeplin: A design handoff tool that allows you to create design specifications, inspect designs, and generate code snippets for seamless collaboration with developers. Zeplin integrates with popular design tools, such as Sketch and Figma, to streamline your design workflow.

Design Research & Testing:

• Google Analytics: A web analytics service that tracks and reports website traffic, user behavior, and other essential metrics. Google Analytics helps you understand how users interact with your designs and make data-driven design decisions.
• UsabilityHub: A user testing platform that enables you to gather feedback on your designs from real users. UsabilityHub offers a range of testing methods, including unmoderated and moderated tests, to help you identify and address design flaws and opportunities.
• Hotjar: A heatmapping and session recording tool that provides insights into user behavior and helps you identify design areas that need improvement. Hotjar enables you to create heatmaps, scroll maps, and session recordings to optimize your designs and enhance user experience.

👥 Design Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• User-Centered Design: Reedsy prioritizes user-centered design, focusing on understanding users' needs, preferences, and behaviors to create effective and engaging designs. As a freelance web designer, you should be committed to user research, usability testing, and iterative design to ensure your designs meet users' needs and expectations.
• Collaboration & Communication: Reedsy values collaboration and effective communication, both within the design team and with clients. As a freelance web designer, you should be an excellent communicator, able to work effectively with clients, team members, and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Continuous Learning & Improvement: Reedsy encourages continuous learning and improvement, both for individual designers and the design team as a whole. As a freelance web designer, you should be committed to staying up-to-date with the latest design trends, tools, and best practices to ensure your work remains relevant and innovative.
• Creativity & Innovation: Reedsy values creativity and innovation, both in design and in the publishing industry as a whole. As a freelance web designer, you should be committed to pushing the boundaries of web design and exploring new and creative ways to engage users and enhance their online experiences.

Design Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Reedsy's design team works closely with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and product development, to ensure that design considerations are integrated into all aspects of the publishing process. As a freelance web designer, you should be comfortable working with cross-functional teams and contributing to the development of design standards and best practices.
• Design Critique & Feedback: Reedsy values a culture of design critique and feedback, with regular design reviews and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. As a freelance web designer, you should be open to constructive feedback and willing to participate in design critiques and reviews to improve your skills and the quality of your work.
• Design System & Component Library: Reedsy uses design systems and component libraries to maintain consistency and efficiency across its web designs. As a freelance web designer, you should be familiar with design systems and component libraries, and be able to create and maintain design tokens, styles, and components to ensure consistency and scalability in your designs.

⚡ Design Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Client Collaboration: As a freelance web designer, you may face challenges working with clients who have varying levels of design knowledge and expertise. It is essential to be an effective communicator, able to understand clients' needs, and create designs that meet their goals and expectations.
• Project Management: Freelance web designers must be able to manage their workload, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines. This may require developing strong project management skills and using tools and technologies to streamline your workflow and ensure efficient project execution.
• Design Trends & Technology Evolution: Web design is a rapidly evolving field, with new tools, technologies, and best practices emerging constantly. As a freelance web designer, you must be committed to staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies to ensure your work remains relevant and innovative.
• Work-Life Balance: As a freelance web designer, you have the flexibility to manage your own schedule and workload. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you have time for self-care, personal development, and other aspects of your life outside of work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Skill Development: Working with diverse clients and projects will provide opportunities to develop your skills in web design, UX/UI design, and other related areas. You may also have the chance to learn new tools and technologies as you take on new projects.
• Industry Conference & Workshop Participation: Attending industry conferences and workshops can provide valuable learning opportunities, allowing you to connect with other designers, learn about new design trends and best practices, and gain insights into the publishing industry and its evolution.
• Design Mentorship & Leadership Development: As a freelance web designer, you may have the opportunity to work with more experienced designers or to mentor junior designers, providing valuable learning experiences and helping you develop your leadership and coaching skills.

💡 Design Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Walk us through your design process: Be prepared to discuss your design thinking approach, user research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping, and testing strategies. Use specific examples from your portfolio to illustrate your design process and the results of your work.
• How do you approach design collaboration and stakeholder management? Describe your experience working with clients, team members, and stakeholders, and provide examples of how you have successfully managed design projects and ensured client satisfaction.
• Can you share an example of a design challenge you faced and how you overcame it? Choose a complex or challenging design project from your portfolio and discuss the problem you faced, the design thinking approach you took to solve it, and the outcome of your work. Be prepared to discuss the lessons you learned and how you applied them to future projects.

Company & Design Culture Questions:

• How do you align with Reedsy's mission and values? Research Reedsy's company culture and design values, and provide specific examples of how your design approach, work ethic, and personal values align with their focus on supporting independent authors and creating high-quality books.
• How do you approach design critique and feedback, and how do you incorporate it into your design process? Describe your experience with design critique and feedback, and provide examples of how you have used feedback to improve your designs and enhance the user experience. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate feedback from Reedsy's design team and clients into your design process.
• How do you ensure that your designs meet Reedsy's design standards and best practices? Research Reedsy's design standards and best practices, and provide specific examples of how you have ensured that your designs meet their quality and consistency requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain design consistency and quality across multiple projects and clients.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a story with your portfolio: Organize your portfolio case studies to tell a narrative about your design process, client collaboration, and the impact of your work. Use visuals and text to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach.
• Highlight your unique skills and experiences: Tailor your portfolio to emphasize the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for this freelance web designer role. Make sure to include examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to create high-converting, aesthetic websites tailored to clients' needs.
• Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience: Use visuals, metaphors, and anecdotes to make your portfolio presentation more engaging and memorable. Be prepared to discuss your design process, design thinking approach, and the results of your work in a clear and concise manner.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance web designer position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your portfolio to highlight your web design skills, client collaboration experience, and your ability to create high-converting, aesthetic websites tailored to clients' needs.
• Optimize your resume for design roles by including relevant design keywords, highlighting your design skills and experiences, and emphasizing your ability to create effective and engaging web designs.
• Prepare for the design interview process by researching Reedsy's company culture, design values, and design challenges. Practice your design thinking approach, client collaboration skills, and your ability to present your portfolio and discuss your design process in a clear and concise manner.
• Research Reedsy's design standards, best practices, and design trends to ensure that your designs meet their quality and consistency requirements and align with their focus on supporting independent authors and creating high-quality books.