Freelance Graphic Designer at Thesis

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Graphic Designer

Company: Thesis

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Contract

Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services

Date Posted: 2025-12-16

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

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

Craft visually compelling direct response ad content, social media graphics, and website assets to drive engagement and conversion.
Collaborate closely with the marketing team to ensure brand consistency and evolve the visual identity of Thesis across all touchpoints.
Design and implement A/B testing strategies for visual elements to continuously optimize campaign performance and marketing ROI.
Produce multimedia assets that effectively communicate complex information in an accessible and engaging manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a crucial contributor to Thesis's marketing efforts, emphasizing direct response creative and performance optimization through design. The "Freelance" designation suggests a project-based engagement, potentially with flexible hours but requiring significant autonomy and deliverable-focused output. The company's focus on nootropics and scientific data implies a need for designers who can translate complex scientific concepts into clear, appealing visuals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Design and produce high-quality visual assets for a variety of marketing channels, including digital ads, social media posts, email campaigns, website landing pages, and other direct response creative.
Collaborate with marketing stakeholders to understand campaign objectives, target audiences, and key messaging to inform design strategies.
Maintain and evolve the Thesis brand guidelines, ensuring all visual communications are consistent, on-brand, and impactful.
Conceptualize and develop innovative design solutions that align with marketing strategies and contribute to achieving business goals.
Create engaging multimedia content, such as short animations or explainer graphics, to enhance understanding of Thesis products and their benefits.
Execute A/B tests on design elements (e.g., ad creatives, call-to-action buttons) to gather data-driven insights for design optimization.
Stay abreast of the latest design trends, digital marketing best practices, and competitor creative to ensure Thesis's visual presence remains cutting-edge and effective.
Ensure all design outputs meet high professional standards and are delivered on time and within scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on performance marketing design, particularly direct response and A/B testing. This indicates that the ideal candidate will not only possess strong aesthetic skills but also a data-driven mindset, understanding how design directly impacts conversion rates and marketing KPIs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Digital Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to marketing collateral, digital advertising, and social media content creation.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level command of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for creating and manipulating a wide range of visual assets.
Direct Response Design Expertise: Proven ability to design visually compelling creative that drives immediate action, conversions, and meets specific campaign objectives.
Social Media Content Creation: Experience designing engaging graphics tailored for various social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), understanding platform-specific best practices.
Brand Identity Management: Strong understanding of brand consistency, with the ability to apply and evolve established brand guidelines effectively.
Typography, Color Theory, and Layout Design: Solid foundation in fundamental design principles to create aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective visuals.
Communication and Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a freelance or fast-paced environment.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Proven ability to translate abstract concepts and marketing objectives into clear, impactful visual solutions.

Preferred Skills:

Nootropics/Health & Wellness Industry Experience: Familiarity with the nootropics, health, wellness, or supplement industries, including an understanding of relevant aesthetics and consumer psychology.
Multimedia Asset Creation: Experience designing animated graphics, short videos, or interactive elements for digital campaigns.
A/B Testing & Optimization: Experience working with performance marketing teams and understanding how design contributes to A/B testing strategies for improved conversion rates.
Web Design Principles: Basic understanding of UI/UX principles as they apply to website graphics and landing pages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-derived experience level of "2-5" years aligns with the need for someone who is proficient with core design tools and has practical experience in marketing applications, but may not yet be at a senior or art director level. The emphasis on "direct response" and "A/B testing" suggests a preference for candidates who understand performance marketing metrics and how design impacts them, moving beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Direct Response Creative Samples: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 examples of direct response ads (digital, social) that demonstrate clear calls-to-action, strong visual hierarchy, and measurable impact (e.g., improved CTR, conversion rates).
Social Media Campaign Examples: Include a set of cohesive social media graphics for a campaign or brand, illustrating platform-specific adaptations and engagement-driving design.
Branding Consistency Showcase: Present a project where you successfully applied or evolved a brand identity across multiple touchpoints, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and brand integrity.
Problem/Solution Case Studies: For key portfolio pieces, briefly outline the marketing challenge, your design approach, and the resulting outcomes or learnings, highlighting your strategic thinking.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Outline: Be prepared to briefly describe your typical freelance design workflow, from receiving a brief to final asset delivery, including client communication touchpoints.
Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite and any other design or project management tools you commonly use.
A/B Testing Integration: If possible, provide examples of how you've incorporated A/B testing feedback into your design process or iterated on designs based on performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role focused on performance marketing, the portfolio is critical. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating tangible results and a data-informed design approach (A/B testing), rather than just showcasing aesthetic quality. Highlighting the ability to translate marketing objectives into effective visuals is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance role, compensation will likely be project-based or an hourly rate. Based on industry standards for freelance graphic designers with 2-5 years of experience in New York City, an estimated hourly rate would range from $40 to $70 USD per hour. This range can fluctuate based on project scope, complexity, and the specific negotiation between Thesis and the freelancer.

Benefits: As a freelance contractor, standard employee benefits (health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans) are typically not provided. However, the role may offer:

Flexible Working Hours: The ability to set your own schedule, provided deadlines are met and collaboration needs are accommodated.
Remote Work Flexibility: The opportunity to work from anywhere, as long as reliable internet access and communication capabilities are maintained.
Exposure to a Growing Industry: Opportunity to work with a cutting-edge company in the rapidly expanding nootropics and cognitive enhancement market.
Portfolio Enhancement: The chance to build a strong portfolio with performance-driven creative for a venture-backed startup.
Potential for Ongoing Projects: Successful freelancers may have opportunities for repeat engagements based on performance and availability.

Working Hours: While this is a freelance role, it is expected that the designer will dedicate sufficient time to meet project deadlines and participate in necessary team collaborations. A typical commitment comparable to a full-time role (approximately 40 hours per week) may be required for specific projects, with flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: For New York City, a competitive hourly rate for a freelance graphic designer with 2-5 years of experience in performance marketing design would typically fall within the $40-$70 range. This estimate is based on industry salary aggregators and local cost of living considerations for creative professionals. Freelance roles generally do not come with traditional benefits, so compensation is primarily tied to the hourly or project rate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Nootropics & Cognitive Enhancement. Thesis operates at the intersection of health, wellness, science, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce, aiming to personalize brain supplements based on individual needs.

Company Size: Thesis is a venture-backed startup that has raised significant capital ($14M+), indicating a growth phase. While exact employee numbers aren't provided, this suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a team that is likely agile and adaptable. Startups of this funding stage often range from 20-100 employees, growing rapidly.

Founded: Founded within the last 5 years (implied by "In five years, most will be taking nootropics on the daily and chances are, they’ll be ours."). This suggests a relatively young company culture, likely characterized by innovation, ambition, and a drive to disrupt existing markets.

Team Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Lead. They will collaborate closely with the marketing team, potentially product managers, and other creative contributors. The structure is expected to be lean and collaborative, typical of a growing startup.

Methodology: Thesis emphasizes a data-driven and science-backed approach. This means design decisions are expected to be informed by data (A/B testing, user feedback) and align with scientific principles underpinning their products. The culture values continuous learning and iteration.

Company Website: https://www.takethesis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "customized nootropics" and a "science & data" driven approach implies that designers need to be comfortable with research, clear communication of complex ideas, and performance metrics. The startup environment suggests a need for proactive individuals who can adapt quickly and contribute to building a brand from the ground up.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-level individual contributor capacity focused on specialized creative execution within marketing operations. While not a traditional "operations" role in terms of process optimization or system management, it directly supports GTM strategies through high-impact visual content. The "freelance" nature means career progression is less about hierarchical advancement within Thesis and more about building a robust portfolio and client base.

Reporting Structure: The Freelance Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager or Creative Director within Thesis. Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving marketing specialists, potentially product teams, and other creative freelancers.

Operations Impact: The designer's work has a direct impact on Thesis's Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by creating compelling visuals that drive customer acquisition, engagement, and conversion. Effective direct response creative is crucial for scaling customer acquisition efforts, directly influencing revenue growth and market penetration. Their contributions are vital for translating the scientific and personalized aspects of Thesis products into accessible, appealing marketing messages.

Growth Opportunities:

Portfolio Expansion: Develop a strong portfolio of performance-driven marketing assets for a rapidly growing DTC brand in a novel industry.
Industry Expertise: Gain valuable experience and insight into the booming health tech and nootropics market.
Client Relationship Building: Establish a successful working relationship with Thesis, potentially leading to long-term freelance engagements or future opportunities.
Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in direct response creative, social media advertising design, and data-informed design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Growth Opportunities" are framed from a freelance perspective, focusing on portfolio building and industry experience rather than internal promotions. The role offers a chance to hone skills directly applicable to performance marketing creative, a highly in-demand area.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote freelance position, indicating a fully distributed work environment.

Office Location(s): While the job is listed for New York, NY, the "Remote OK" status and freelance nature suggest that the designer can work from any location with reliable internet access. The New York location may indicate the primary operational hub for the company and potential for in-person collaboration if desired or for specific project kick-offs.

Workspace Context:

Remote Autonomy: The designer will manage their own workspace and schedule, requiring self-discipline and effective time management.
Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to use a variety of digital tools for communication, file sharing, and project management (e.g., Slack, Asana, Google Workspace).
Cross-Functional Interaction: Regular virtual interactions with the marketing team and other stakeholders will be necessary to ensure alignment and gather feedback.

Work Schedule: The role is flexible, allowing the freelancer to set their own hours to meet project deadlines. However, responsiveness during core business hours (likely EST, given the New York location) for meetings and urgent requests will be important. The expectation is for approximately 40 hours per week during peak project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this freelance role means the candidate must be comfortable working independently and managing their own workflow. Strong digital communication and collaboration skills are paramount for success. The New York location might suggest a preference for candidates within a similar time zone for better meeting coordination.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications and design aesthetic.
Portfolio Review & Discussion: A virtual meeting with the hiring manager or a member of the creative team to walk through your portfolio, discuss specific projects, and understand your design process.
Design Challenge (Potential): You may be asked to complete a small, paid design exercise or provide mock-ups for a hypothetical campaign to assess your skills and fit with the Thesis brand.
Final Discussion: A meeting to discuss project scope, compensation, and terms of engagement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects, prioritizing those that demonstrate direct response design, social media campaigns, and brand consistency.
Highlight Performance: For each relevant project, be prepared to discuss the objective, your design approach, and any measurable results or learnings. Quantify impact where possible.
Showcase Brand Adaptability: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work within or evolve brand guidelines.
Tell a Story: For each piece, explain the problem you were solving and how your design addressed it effectively.
Technical Proficiency: Be ready to speak about your technical skills and proficiency with design software.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand the Brand: Thoroughly review Thesis's website, social media, and current marketing materials to grasp their brand voice, visual style, and target audience.
Focus on Direct Response: If a challenge is given, ensure your solution is geared towards driving action and conversion, not just aesthetic appeal.
Be Concise and Clear: Present your ideas and work efficiently, articulating your thought process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a freelance role heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to not only showcase their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and performance impact behind each piece. A potential design challenge is common for freelance creative roles to assess practical skills and brand alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all graphic design tasks.
Figma/Sketch (Preferred): Familiarity with these collaborative design tools is a plus, especially for UI/UX-related web graphics or prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

Familiarity with Ad Platforms: Basic understanding of how designs are implemented and tracked on platforms like Facebook Ads, Google Ads is beneficial.
Data Interpretation: Ability to understand and incorporate feedback from A/B testing results to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

No direct CRM/Automation tool requirements: The role focuses on design output rather than system management. However, understanding how designs integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite. While not explicitly stated, familiarity with tools used for collaboration (like Figma/Sketch) and an understanding of how creative assets are deployed and measured in digital marketing platforms (Facebook Ads, Google Ads) would be highly beneficial for this performance-oriented role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Find Your Formula: Encourages individual initiative and finding personalized approaches to work and success. For a designer, this means taking ownership of projects and developing unique, effective creative solutions.
Meet Your Potential: Values personal and professional growth. For a designer, this translates to continuous learning of new design techniques, software, and industry trends.
Create Exceptional Experiences: Aims to build a positive environment for employees and customers. This implies a collaborative spirit and a focus on delivering high-quality, impactful creative work.
Driven by Science & Data: Emphasizes informed decision-making and optimization. Designers are expected to leverage data (from A/B tests, analytics) to refine their work and contribute to measurable business outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work closely with marketing specialists, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate marketing objectives into visual assets.
Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative feedback is essential for refining designs and ensuring alignment with campaign goals.
Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values learning and sharing insights, potentially through design critiques or discussions on emerging trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values highlight a blend of individual drive, continuous improvement, a focus on user experience, and a rigorous, data-informed approach. A designer who can align their creative process with these values—demonstrating initiative, a willingness to learn, a focus on user impact, and an understanding of data's role in design—will be a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Translating Complex Science: Effectively communicating the benefits of customized nootropics and scientific data through compelling visual design can be challenging.
Balancing Creativity with Performance: Striking the right balance between innovative, aesthetically pleasing design and the demands of direct response marketing (conversion-focused).
Remote Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment with a distributed team, managing feedback cycles effectively without in-person interaction.
Rapid Iteration: Adapting quickly to evolving marketing strategies, campaign performance data, and design trends in a fast-paced startup environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Performance Marketing Design Skills: Deepen expertise in designing for conversion, A/B testing, and understanding key marketing KPIs.
DTC Branding in a Novel Industry: Gain experience in building and scaling a brand in the rapidly emerging nootropics and personalized wellness sector.
Cross-functional Project Experience: Work on diverse marketing initiatives, enhancing understanding of broader GTM strategies and campaign execution.
Freelance Business Acumen: Develop skills in client management, project scoping, and pricing for freelance engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed to help a potential candidate understand the demands of the role and the unique benefits of working with Thesis. The emphasis on "performance marketing design" and "DTC branding in a novel industry" are key selling points for skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How do you approach designing direct response ads that balance creativity with conversion goals?" (Be prepared to discuss your process, understanding of CTAs, and how you'd research/incorporate campaign objectives.)
"Describe a time you used data or A/B testing feedback to significantly improve a design's performance. What was the outcome?" (Highlight your data-driven mindset and ability to iterate.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about Thesis and the nootropics industry?" (Research the company's mission, products, and recent news. Connect your interest to their scientific approach.)
"How do you stay updated on design trends relevant to performance marketing and e-commerce?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and industry awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the design solution, and any quantifiable results or key learnings.
Tailor to Thesis: Emphasize projects that align with Thesis's brand aesthetic, target audience, and performance marketing needs.
Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your creative process, tool proficiency, and decision-making for specific design elements.
Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work that demonstrates your ability to handle different types of creative assets (ads, social, web graphics).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on aligning the candidate's experience with Thesis's specific needs: performance-driven design, brand consistency, and an understanding of the nootropics industry. The ability to articulate design decisions with data-backed reasoning and a clear understanding of marketing objectives will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the application link provided.
Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of direct response advertising, social media graphics, and any work demonstrating brand consistency or performance optimization. Tailor your portfolio to showcase relevant skills for Thesis.
Resume Optimization: Highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite, direct response design, social media content creation, and any relevant industry exposure (health, wellness, e-commerce). Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, demonstrating your understanding of Thesis's brand, and preparing to discuss how your creative work drives business results. Be ready to walk through your portfolio and explain your strategic choices.
Company Research: Thoroughly review the Thesis website, blog, and social media channels. Understand their mission, product offerings, target audience, and overall brand aesthetic to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.

Freelance Graphic Designer