Freelance Graphic Designer

CDM Barcelona
Full_time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Graphic Designer Company: CDM Barcelona Location: Barcelona, ES Job Type: Contract Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Date Posted: 2025-10-07 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

  • Execute creative design projects with a strong emphasis on conceptualization and innovative graphic solutions, catering to both print and digital mediums.
  • Manage project coordination, ensuring meticulous organization and timely delivery through effective time management strategies.
  • Adapt existing materials and realize final artwork for both offline (OFF) and online (ON) channels, maintaining brand consistency and quality standards.
  • Actively participate in all facets of agency life, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative team environment within a leading healthcare advertising agency.
  • Leverage proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Adobe Suite and Figma, to produce high-quality visual assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a full-time freelance position, implying a contractor status. The emphasis on "agency life" and "international projects" suggests a fast-paced, client-facing environment requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The "Freelance" designation should be clearly understood by candidates regarding employment terms and benefits.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Conceptualize, design, and produce innovative graphic assets for a diverse range of media, including print, digital, and outdoor advertising.
  • Meticulously coordinate design projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and client briefs.
  • Adapt and refine existing creative materials for new campaigns or platforms, maintaining visual integrity and brand messaging.
  • Prepare and deliver final artwork (final arts) for both print production and digital deployment, ensuring all specifications are met.
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams, including art directors and marketing specialists, to translate campaign objectives into compelling visual narratives.
  • Contribute actively to brainstorming sessions, providing creative input and helping to shape innovative solutions for client challenges.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of current design trends and best practices within the advertising and healthcare sectors.
  • Ensure all creative output aligns with the agency's values and client brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and project management. The explicit mention of "final arts for OFF and ON" highlights the need for technical proficiency in preparing files for various output methods.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring a high level of design and conceptualization skills. Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of direct experience in graphic design, with a significant portion within advertising agencies, is essential. Experience with international projects and the healthcare sector is highly valued.

Required Skills:

  • Graphic Design & Conceptualization: High level of skill in developing creative concepts and executing them into visually compelling designs across various media.
  • Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: Absolute mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for digital and print design.
  • Figma Proficiency: Expertise in Figma for collaborative design, prototyping, and UI/UX design tasks.
  • Project Coordination & Time Management: Proven ability to organize multiple design projects simultaneously, manage deadlines effectively, and ensure timely delivery.
  • English Language Mastery: A high level of proficiency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication with international teams and clients.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team, contribute to collaborative projects, and integrate feedback constructively.
  • Proactivity & Work Ethic: A strong sense of initiative, self-motivation, and a dedicated work ethic to drive projects forward.

Preferred Skills:

  • International Project Experience: Prior experience working on design projects for global markets or international clients.
  • Healthcare Sector Experience: Familiarity with the nuances and requirements of designing for the healthcare industry.
  • Video/Motion Graphics: Basic understanding or experience in video editing or motion graphics (implied by "Adobe package (digital, print, video)").
  • Adaptation & Finalization Skills: Proven ability to adapt existing materials and prepare final artwork for diverse media outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Absolute mastery of the Adobe package (digital, print, video) and Figma" indicates a need for advanced technical skills beyond basic design. The explicit mention of "video" suggests that familiarity with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects could be a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrated Conceptualization: Showcase projects that highlight innovative thinking and the ability to translate abstract ideas into concrete visual designs.
  • Cross-Media Proficiency: Include examples of work across digital (web banners, social media graphics, email templates), print (brochures, posters, advertisements), and potentially outdoor advertising.
  • Technical Execution: Present final artwork samples that demonstrate attention to detail, adherence to technical specifications for print and digital, and file preparation expertise.
  • Project Scope & Collaboration: If possible, include case studies or descriptions that touch upon the project's scope, your role, and how you collaborated with teams or managed timelines.
  • Healthcare Focus (if applicable): If you have healthcare-related projects, ensure they are prominently featured to highlight relevant sector experience.

Process Documentation:

  • While not a formal requirement for submission, be prepared to discuss your design process, from brief interpretation and conceptualization to final artwork delivery.
  • Articulate how you manage project timelines, handle feedback, and ensure quality control throughout the design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design skills, conceptual ability, and technical proficiency. Candidates should curate their portfolio to specifically address the requirements mentioned in the job description, prioritizing diverse media and clear project outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance position, compensation will likely be project-based or an hourly rate. Based on the requirements for a mid-level designer with mastery of Adobe Suite and Figma, international experience, and English fluency, a competitive hourly rate in Barcelona would typically range from €25 to €40 per hour, depending on the specific project scope and duration. Benefits: As a freelance contractor, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are generally not provided. The compensation package is expected to reflect this. Working Hours: The role is advertised as full-time, implying approximately 40 hours per week. However, as a freelance position, there may be flexibility in scheduling, provided project deadlines are met and collaboration with the international team is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: For salary estimation, research was conducted on freelance graphic designer rates in Barcelona, Spain, considering the specified experience level and required technical skills. The range reflects typical market compensation for contractors with specialized software proficiency and international project exposure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Advertising / Marketing Communications. CDM Barcelona is part of Omnicom Health, a global leader in this sector. Company Size: CDM Barcelona is part of Omnicom Health, which comprises over a dozen companies and more than 4,000 employees globally. This suggests a large, well-resourced parent organization with specialized agencies like CDM Barcelona operating within it. Founded: While the founding date of CDM Barcelona isn't specified, its parent company, Omnicom Health, is part of Omnicom Group, a major global marketing communications holding company founded in 1986. This history indicates a stable and established corporate structure.

Team Structure:

  • Reporting: The Freelance Graphic Designer will report to and collaborate with the International Arts team. This implies a team structure with art directors, senior designers, and potentially project managers.
  • Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with creative teams, account managers, and potentially clients, especially given the international project focus.
  • Culture: The company emphasizes values like mutual support, challenging each other, responsibility, dreaming, building, pioneering, and life-changing impact. This points towards an innovative, forward-thinking, and collaborative work environment.

Methodology:

  • Client-Centric: The agency focuses on changing lives and perceptions through innovative communication, suggesting a client-focused approach driven by strategic insights and creative excellence.
  • Integrated Approach: As part of Omnicom Health, CDM Barcelona likely leverages a broad spectrum of expertise across science, medicine, marketing, and communications to deliver comprehensive solutions.

Company Website: https://www.cdmbarcelona.com/ (Note: The provided URL in the input was null, this is a derived domain).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility. Candidates should align with these values, demonstrating enthusiasm and a proactive approach to agency life. The connection to Omnicom Health suggests access to extensive resources and a global network.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a Freelance Graphic Designer, positioned at a mid-level. It requires significant hands-on design execution and project coordination skills, but typically does not involve strategic operational planning or team management responsibilities. Reporting Structure: The designer will report to and collaborate with the International Arts team, likely under the guidance of an Art Director or Senior Designer. This structure allows for mentorship and skill development within a creative hierarchy. Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role focused on process optimization or revenue enablement, the graphic designer's impact is crucial for the agency's success. High-quality creative output directly influences client satisfaction, campaign effectiveness, and the agency's reputation. Efficient project coordination ensures that creative deliverables meet business objectives on time and within scope.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., digital advertising, healthcare branding, motion graphics) through project exposure.
  • International Exposure: Gain valuable experience working on diverse international projects, broadening creative perspectives and understanding global market nuances.
  • Portfolio Enhancement: Build a robust portfolio with high-profile healthcare advertising work, which can open doors to senior design roles or specialized creative positions.
  • Networking: Develop professional relationships within a large healthcare marketing network (Omnicom Health), potentially leading to future freelance or permanent opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For freelance roles, "growth" often refers to expanding one's portfolio, client base, and specialized skill set rather than traditional corporate career ladders. This role offers significant opportunities to enhance a designer's professional profile within the competitive healthcare advertising landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the job is advertised as "Remote OK," the mention of "agency life" and the company's physical location in Barcelona suggest that the company operates within a traditional office environment. Remote work is likely a flexible arrangement for this freelance position. Office Location(s): Barcelona, Spain. Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The company culture promotes mutual support and active participation, indicating a dynamic and interactive workspace where ideas are shared freely.
  • Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Adobe Suite, Figma) is expected, facilitating efficient creative production.
  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with art directors, fellow designers, and other agency professionals to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and work on shared projects.

Work Schedule: The role is designated as full-time (approximately 40 hours/week). As a freelance contractor, there may be some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided project deadlines are consistently met and collaboration with the international team is maintained. This might involve working across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should clarify expectations regarding remote work frequency, core working hours, and any mandatory in-person meetings in Barcelona, especially if they are not local. The "Remote OK" status is a key differentiator for attracting talent outside the immediate Barcelona area.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, design skills, and relevant experience.
  • Portfolio Review & Discussion: A more in-depth review of submitted portfolio pieces, focusing on design rationale, conceptual thinking, and technical execution. This may involve a video call.
  • Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potential for a brief design challenge or a discussion around a hypothetical project to evaluate problem-solving abilities, conceptualization, and application of tools.
  • Team/Culture Fit Interview: Discussion with members of the International Arts team or hiring manager to assess teamwork capabilities, proactivity, and cultural alignment with agency values.
  • Final Discussion: Clarification of freelance terms, project scope, compensation, and onboarding process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Tailor to Healthcare: Highlight any healthcare-related projects to demonstrate sector understanding.
  • Showcase Process: Briefly explain your creative process for key projects – from brief to final artwork.
  • Quantify Impact (if possible): If a project had measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, successful campaign launch), mention it.
  • Technical Excellence: Ensure all files are well-organized, high-resolution, and demonstrate mastery of Adobe Suite and Figma.
  • Clarity and Conciseness: Organize your portfolio logically and provide brief, impactful descriptions for each piece.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, carefully read and understand all requirements and constraints.
  • Time Management: Allocate your time effectively to ensure you complete the challenge within the given timeframe.
  • Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to articulate why you made certain design choices, linking them to client objectives or target audience.
  • Tool Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your ability to use Adobe Suite and Figma efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also discuss their creative process, problem-solving approach, and ability to collaborate effectively within a team and client-driven environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Absolute mastery is required, encompassing:
    • Photoshop: For image manipulation, digital artwork creation, and web graphics.
    • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
    • InDesign: For layout design of print materials (brochures, ads, presentations).
    • Premiere Pro/After Effects (Implied): For potential video editing or motion graphics tasks.
  • Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and potentially UI/UX design for digital assets.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts campaign performance (e.g., click-through rates for digital ads) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics tools or dashboards that report on campaign performance would be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how marketing automation platforms or CRM systems might use the designed assets could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Adobe package (digital, print, video) and Figma" indicates a strong preference for candidates who are not only proficient but also efficient users of these tools, capable of handling a wide array of creative output requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Collaboration & Mutual Support: The agency fosters an environment where team members uplift and support each other, essential for a creative team working on challenging projects.
  • Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Encourages challenging the status quo and pioneering new ideas, reflecting a commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
  • Responsibility & Accountability: Team members are expected to be responsible for their contributions and for each other, ensuring high standards of work and delivery.
  • Dreamers & Builders: Values individuals who can envision new possibilities and have the drive to bring those visions to life through tangible creative work.

Collaboration Style:

  • Enthusiastic Participation: Active and enthusiastic engagement in all aspects of agency life, including creative brainstorming and team discussions.
  • Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with other creative professionals, account managers, and potentially strategy teams to ensure cohesive campaign development.
  • Feedback & Iteration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from peers and superiors to refine designs and meet project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values. Being a proactive, enthusiastic, and collaborative team player is key to fitting into CDM Barcelona's culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creativity with Client Objectives: Consistently delivering innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs that strictly adhere to client briefs, brand guidelines, and campaign goals.
  • Managing Multiple International Projects: Juggling diverse project requirements, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations from different international markets simultaneously.
  • Adapting to Evolving Design Trends: Staying current with rapid changes in design aesthetics, digital platforms, and advertising technologies to ensure creative output remains relevant and impactful.
  • Technical File Preparation: Ensuring flawless final artwork for a wide range of media, which requires meticulous attention to detail and understanding of production specifications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Exposure to Diverse Campaigns: Working on a variety of projects within the healthcare sector and different media types provides broad creative experience.
  • International Project Insights: Gaining exposure to global markets and different cultural nuances in design, enhancing adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills.
  • Mentorship within Arts Team: Learning from experienced Art Directors and Senior Designers, refining design techniques and conceptual approaches.
  • Technology Skill Enhancement: Deepening proficiency in Adobe Suite and Figma, potentially exploring new features or related software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This freelance role offers significant opportunities for skill development and portfolio building. The challenges presented are typical of a fast-paced advertising agency environment and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, creative problem-solving, and a proactive attitude.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process: "Describe your typical design process from receiving a brief to delivering final artwork. How do you approach conceptualization for a new campaign?" (Prepare to walk through a case study from your portfolio).
  • Collaboration: "How do you handle creative feedback from clients or team members, especially when it differs from your initial vision? Describe a time you collaborated effectively on a challenging project."
  • Problem-Solving: "Imagine you have a tight deadline for a complex project with multiple revisions required. How would you manage your time and ensure delivery?" (Focus on your organizational and time management skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Agency Fit: "What interests you about working with CDM Barcelona and the healthcare advertising industry specifically?" (Research the agency's recent work and values).
  • Team Dynamics: "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment? What role do you prefer to play in a creative team?"
  • Impact: "How do you ensure your design work effectively meets business objectives and engages target audiences?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Select Relevant Work: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, conceptualization, and adaptability across different media, ideally including healthcare or international examples.
  • Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your creative approach, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and the final outcome.
  • Highlight Technical Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Adobe Suite and Figma, and how you prepare files for various outputs.
  • Be Concise: Present your portfolio efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time while conveying key information.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your value proposition clearly, emphasizing your ability to deliver high-quality creative work efficiently and collaboratively within an agency setting. Demonstrating an understanding of the healthcare sector and international markets will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

  • Submit your CV and a comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link on Greenhouse.
  • Portfolio Curation: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of graphic design, conceptual work, and final artwork preparation for both digital and print media. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.
  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in advertising agencies, international projects, and any healthcare sector exposure. Emphasize your project coordination and time management skills.
  • Prepare for Interview: Familiarize yourself with CDM Barcelona's work and values. Be ready to discuss your creative process, problem-solving approach, and how you collaborate within a team. Practice presenting your portfolio with clear explanations of your design rationale.
  • Research the Industry: Gain a basic understanding of current trends in healthcare advertising and international marketing to better align your responses with the agency's focus.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

The ideal candidate should have a creative profile with experience in advertising agencies and a high level of English. They should possess strong design and conceptualization skills, mastery of Adobe software and Figma, and be a responsible team player.