Freelance Mid-Level Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Mid-Level Graphic Designer Company: Catapult Location: Dublin, Ireland Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-05 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Remote OK (with potential for hybrid in Dublin, London, New York, or LA)

🚀 Role Summary

• This freelance role requires a talented Graphic Designer to conceptualize and execute creative visual assets for client briefs and new business proposals, focusing on delivering world-class, multi-platform creative formats.
• The position involves leading graphic and motion design elements for assigned projects, ensuring all work adheres to the highest brand standards and pushes creative boundaries.
• A key aspect of the role is the coordination of print production elements, demanding meticulous attention to detail and project management capabilities.
• This is a contract position ideal for a creative professional seeking project-based work with a global experience agency that values human-centered strategy and connected creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on client briefs, new business proposals, brand standards, and multi-platform creative delivery positions this role within a broader marketing or creative operations context, requiring an understanding of GTM strategies and brand execution. The "Remote OK" status with specified international locations suggests a global operational framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and visualize innovative design solutions for new business proposals and client briefs, aligning with Catapult's human-centered strategy.
• Collaborate closely with creative teams and stakeholders to ensure all design outputs meet exceptionally high, world-class creative standards and brand guidelines.
• Design and deliver visually compelling, multi-platform creative assets, translating briefs into impressive formats suitable for various production needs (print, digital, social).
• Uphold and elevate brand standards across all design work, ensuring a consistent and impactful brand presence that exceeds client expectations.
• Lead the graphic and motion design execution for assigned projects, demonstrating proficiency in both static and dynamic visual content creation.
• Apply cutting-edge and innovative design techniques, including AI-driven tools, to enhance creative output where appropriate.
• Stay current with emerging industry trends, design best practices, and new technologies to continuously improve creative execution and strategic thinking.
• Meticulously coordinate all production aspects for print materials, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely delivery from concept to finished product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for proactive creative ideation and execution, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong understanding of brand integrity, all crucial for effective marketing and creative operations. The mention of "new business proposals" indicates involvement in the early stages of client engagement, requiring strategic design thinking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Formal education in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field is beneficial, but a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience is paramount.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of experience as an agency graphic designer, with a proven track record of working on diverse client projects and campaigns. Experience in a freelance capacity is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, for creating professional design assets.
• Advanced skill in Google Slides for developing sophisticated and visually engaging presentations, often used in client pitches and proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to originate and visualize creative ideas from initial concept through to final execution.
• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in design execution, brand consistency, and print production coordination.
• Strong personal responsibility and self-motivation, crucial for a freelance role requiring independent project management and delivery.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge and practical experience with motion design principles and video editing tools (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).
• Familiarity with print layout, UI design principles, and asset creation for video and photography.
• Experience designing social media assets and understanding of best practices for digital platforms.
• Exposure to art direction and the ability to contribute to creative concept development.
• Practical experience with AI design tools such as MidJourney, DALL-E, or Adobe Firefly for concept generation and asset creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both core design software (Adobe CC) and presentation tools (Google Slides) points to a role that supports both creative execution and client communication/sales enablement, a common intersection in operations. The preference for AI and motion design skills indicates a forward-thinking agency that values adaptability and emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• An impressive, curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates a progression from concept ideation to final design completion across various projects.
• Showcase a high level of graphic design skill, including mastery of typography, layout, and visual storytelling.
• Include examples of work for diverse clients or project types that highlight adaptability and creative range.
• Present case studies or project breakdowns that articulate the design process, challenges, and solutions implemented.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating assets for multiple platforms, such as print, digital, social media, and presentations.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly stated as a deliverable for this freelance role, the ability to articulate one's design process and workflow is essential for the portfolio and interview.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage projects, iterate on designs, collaborate with teams, and ensure quality control throughout the design lifecycle.
• Showcasing an understanding of production workflows, particularly for print, is crucial for demonstrating an ability to manage the end-to-end design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, the portfolio acts as the primary "process documentation." It needs to visually represent the candidate's workflow, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to deliver high-quality, on-brand creative assets, which is a critical operational output for marketing and client-facing teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a freelance, mid-level Graphic Designer in Dublin, Ireland, typical project-based rates can range from €30-€55 per hour, depending on the complexity of the brief, the client's budget, and the designer's specific experience and specialization. Project fees can also be negotiated.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a reputable Global Experience Agency, gaining exposure to high-profile clients and diverse projects.
• Flexible freelance contract, offering autonomy and the ability to manage your workload.
• Potential for ongoing collaboration and project work with Catapult based on performance and project needs.
• Gain valuable experience in a dynamic, creative environment with a focus on human-centered strategy and innovation.
• Opportunity to expand your portfolio with work for well-known global brands.

Working Hours: This is a freelance contract role, so working hours are flexible and project-dependent. While the company operates globally, for projects specifically tied to the Dublin office, adherence to local business hours or specific project deadlines will be expected. The role is estimated to require approximately 40 hours per week for active projects, but this can vary.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical freelance rates for mid-level graphic designers in Dublin, Ireland, considering the agency's profile and the scope of work. Benefits are primarily related to professional development, portfolio building, and flexibility inherent in freelance engagements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Experience Agency, specializing in human-centered strategy, connected creativity, and complex production at scale. This industry focus means a strong emphasis on innovation, client service, and delivering impactful, memorable experiences for brands. Company Size: Catapult operates globally with offices in Dublin, London, New York, and LA. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, "Global Experience Agency" implies a substantial team with various specializations. This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for collaboration across different departments and geographies. Founded: Over 20 years ago. This long history indicates stability, extensive experience, and a well-established reputation in the experiential marketing and brand strategy space.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be integrated into creative teams, working alongside art directors, copywriters, strategists, and production managers.
• Collaboration will extend across different offices (Dublin, London, New York, LA), requiring strong remote communication and project management skills.
• The role will report to a Creative Director or a Project Lead, depending on the specific project assignment.

Methodology:

• Catapult's methodology emphasizes human-centered strategy, connecting creativity with audience needs and brand objectives.
• They focus on "connected creativity," implying a multi-channel approach to brand experiences.
• "Complex production at scale" suggests a capability to manage large-scale projects from conception to execution, requiring efficient workflows and precise coordination.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on human-centered strategy and connected creativity means that design output is not just about aesthetics but also about strategic impact and audience engagement, a key consideration for operations professionals in marketing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level freelance contract role. While not a permanent position, it offers significant opportunities to build a portfolio and gain experience with a leading global agency. Success in this role could lead to longer-term freelance engagements or potentially full-time opportunities if they arise.

Reporting Structure: As a freelancer, direct reporting will be to project managers or creative leads within Catapult. The designer will be expected to manage their own workflow and communicate progress proactively, a common operational requirement for contract roles.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the quality of client proposals, brand presentations, and final creative assets. High-quality design is critical for winning new business, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints, thereby contributing to the agency's overall success and operational efficiency in client delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Opportunity to enhance skills in AI design tools, motion graphics, and potentially UI/UX design through project exposure.
• Portfolio Expansion: Work on a diverse range of high-profile clients and projects, significantly boosting the designer's professional portfolio.
• Network Building: Establish professional relationships with creatives and project managers at a global agency, opening doors for future collaborations.
• Industry Insight: Gain exposure to the operational nuances of a leading global experience agency and the latest trends in creative strategy and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, growth in freelance roles often means building a stronger client base, refining project management skills, and increasing specialization. This role provides a platform for all of these, directly contributing to a designer's operational capacity and marketability.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Catapult has physical offices in Dublin, London, New York, and LA. While this role is "Remote OK," it implies the possibility of working from one of these office locations if preferred or required for specific project phases, suggesting a hybrid-friendly approach for those in proximity.

Office Location(s): Dublin, Ireland; London, United Kingdom; New York, New York, United States; Los Angeles, California, United States.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature of the role requires a self-sufficient workspace conducive to focused design work and virtual collaboration.
• Candidates will need reliable internet access and the ability to use communication and project management tools effectively.
• Collaboration is a key aspect, so designers should be comfortable participating in virtual meetings, providing and receiving feedback, and working within a team environment, even remotely.

Work Schedule: As a freelance contractor, the work schedule is flexible and project-driven. While the company operates globally, specific project deadlines will dictate the pace and timing of work. It's expected that the designer will manage their time efficiently to meet these deadlines, often aligning with core business hours for key communication points.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status with specified global locations highlights an operational flexibility that is common in modern creative agencies. It requires strong self-discipline and communication skills from the contractor to ensure seamless integration into global project teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative output.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A more in-depth discussion focused on the candidate's portfolio, exploring their design process, creative decision-making, and project management approach for past work.
• Creative Challenge/Test Project: Candidates may be asked to complete a small, timed design task or a mini-project relevant to agency work to assess their skills, speed, and approach.
• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussion to gauge alignment with Catapult's values, collaborative style, and operational approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work that directly aligns with the agency's focus on human-centered strategy and impactful creative.
• Tell a Story: For each project, explain the brief, your conceptual process, design rationale, challenges faced, and the final outcome, including any measurable impact if possible.
• Highlight Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate proficiency across different media (print, digital, social) and project types (proposals, campaigns, brand assets).
• Showcase Technical Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates mastery of Adobe Creative Suite and Google Slides. If you have motion or AI design experience, present those examples prominently.
• Professional Presentation: Your portfolio itself should be a testament to your design skills – well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Agency: Research Catapult's client roster, recent campaigns, and brand philosophy.
• Anticipate Design Briefs: Be prepared for tasks that might involve concept development for a hypothetical client or refining existing creative to meet specific strategic goals.
• Focus on Process: Think about how you would approach a new brief, from understanding objectives to delivering final assets, emphasizing efficiency and quality.
• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design choices and strategy concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-focused roles, the interview process often tests not just creative output but also the candidate's ability to manage projects, communicate effectively, and align with strategic goals. The portfolio review is a critical operational assessment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for core graphic design tasks. Proficiency should be high.
• Google Slides: Critical for creating client-facing presentations and proposals; advanced skill is required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design assets perform on different platforms (e.g., social media engagement, website click-through rates) can be beneficial for informing design choices. Experience with analytics platforms is a plus but not required.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) used for freelance project coordination would be advantageous.

Other Beneficial Tools:

• Motion Design Software: After Effects, Premiere Pro (basic knowledge is a bonus).
• AI Design Tools: MidJourney, DALL-E, Adobe Firefly (experience is a plus).
• UI/UX Design Tools: Figma, Sketch (experience is a plus).
• Print Production Software: Familiarity with pre-press requirements and file preparation for print.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools required (Adobe CC, Google Slides) are standard for creative execution and client communication. The "plus" tools indicate areas where a candidate can differentiate themselves, especially those related to efficiency and cutting-edge creative processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push boundaries and explore new ideas in design and client solutions.
• Client Centricity: A commitment to understanding client needs and delivering work that exceeds expectations.
• Collaboration: A willingness to work effectively with diverse teams across different locations to achieve shared goals.
• Human-Centered Approach: Designing with empathy and a deep understanding of audiences and their experiences.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing work of the highest standard in both aesthetics and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Catapult fosters a collaborative environment where ideas are shared openly. Designers are expected to contribute to team discussions, provide constructive feedback, and integrate feedback from others into their work.
• Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close work with strategists, account managers, and production teams to ensure cohesive project delivery.
• Remote collaboration tools and practices are integral to how teams connect and work together efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and a human-centered approach suggests a culture where operations professionals are expected to be team players who understand the strategic "why" behind their design work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with teams across different time zones and locations requires strong organizational and communication skills.
• Managing Multiple Projects: As a freelancer, balancing multiple client briefs and deadlines efficiently is a constant operational challenge.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: The fast-paced nature of the creative industry requires continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and techniques.
• Client Brief Interpretation: Accurately understanding and translating diverse client needs into effective design solutions can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Global Brands: Working with clients like FIFA, Mastercard, and the UN provides invaluable experience and portfolio material.
• Learning New Technologies: Opportunity to gain practical experience with AI design tools and advanced motion graphics.
• Refining Freelance Operations: Developing skills in project management, client communication, and time management specific to freelance work.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Tackling diverse creative challenges for a variety of clients sharpens problem-solving abilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations-minded individuals, the challenges present opportunities to hone project management, communication, and adaptability skills, all critical for success in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a client brief from initial concept to final delivery, focusing on how you ensure brand alignment and meet deadlines." (Prepare to walk through a specific project's lifecycle.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with creative teams and stakeholders, especially when working remotely?" (Highlight communication strategies and feedback integration.)
• "Tell us about a time you had to overcome a design challenge or a difficult client request. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving and resilience.)
• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies, such as AI in design, and how have you incorporated them into your work?" (Showcase continuous learning and innovation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Catapult and our human-centered approach to brand experiences?" (Research their website and values.)
• "How do you see your design style and approach fitting into our agency's culture and client work?" (Align your portfolio and personal brand with their known style.)
• "What are your expectations for a freelance engagement with an agency like ours?" (Discuss professionalism, communication, and project commitment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 1-2 minute overview that covers the challenge, your solution, and the result.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your Adobe CC, Google Slides, and any motion/AI design skills were utilized.
• Demonstrate Process: Show rough concepts, iterations, or mood boards to illustrate your creative journey.
• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a design led to measurable success (e.g., increased engagement, winning a pitch), mention it.
• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your specific design choices, software techniques, and project management approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these types of questions demonstrates an understanding of operational effectiveness in a creative context – how design contributes to business goals and how a creative professional operates efficiently within an agency structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your CV and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects relevant to agency work, client pitches, and multi-platform creative execution. Tailor the presentation to showcase your strengths in Adobe Creative Suite and Google Slides.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your experience with specific design tools, types of projects handled, and any relevant freelance experience. Use keywords like "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Suite," "Google Slides," "Client Proposals," "Brand Execution," and "Print Production."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative decision-making, and collaboration style. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and potentially complete a short design test.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Catapult's work, clients, and company ethos to articulate your interest and cultural fit effectively.

⚠️ 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.