Graphic Designer - 1099 Contractor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - 1099 Contractor

Company: Glen Raven

Location: Glen Raven, NC, USA

Job Type: Part-Time Contractor

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years professional experience

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop sophisticated visual concepts and creative assets for the Sunbrella brand, catering to both B2B and D2C audiences.

• Interpret creative briefs, adhere strictly to brand standards, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Execute design solutions across a variety of media, including print, digital, retail, and tradeshow materials.

• Contribute to end-to-end creative solutions by partnering with copywriters and presenting ideas to internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a part-time, 1099 contract position focused on high-level graphic design for a well-established consumer brand. The emphasis on "refinement, accuracy, attention to detail, and consistency" indicates a need for a designer who can uphold premium brand aesthetics and execute with precision. The requirement for independent work coupled with collaboration suggests a self-starter who can also integrate seamlessly into a team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret creative briefs to define design requirements and ensure alignment with the Creative Director, Art Director, Production Designer, Marketing Manager, and other stakeholders.

• Conceptualize and execute original visual designs, including concepts, illustrations, renders, and comps, that align with the Sunbrella brand vision and marketing strategies.

• Collaborate with copywriters to develop cohesive end-to-end creative solutions for marketing initiatives.

• Receive and integrate feedback constructively, refining designs to deliver compelling and effective solutions that meet project objectives.

• Design for diverse media platforms including print collateral, digital advertisements, retail displays, tradeshow booths, and emerging media channels, ensuring design integrity across all applications.

• Apply design insight and leadership to maintain high-quality deliverables and uphold stringent brand accuracy.

• Stay abreast of industry research and emerging design trends, translating insights into commercially viable product solutions and creative strategies.

• Actively participate in and/or lead design discussions, contributing strategic thinking and innovative ideas.

• Leverage a strong understanding of business objectives and target customer audiences through continuous industry exposure and professional development.

• Perform multi-disciplinary creative tasks as needed, potentially including photography, videography, animation, or retouching, based on individual skillset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute but also strategize and lead design initiatives. The mention of "fostering alignment" and "selling ideas to internal stakeholders" emphasizes strong communication and presentation skills. The expectation to "fill-in or function as a multi-disciplinary creator" suggests a need for versatility beyond traditional graphic design, common in contract roles seeking broad skill sets.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree in Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field. Experience in the home furnishings or industrial design categories is considered a strong asset.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional graphic design experience.

Required Skills:

• Visual Design & Conceptualization: Proven ability to create sophisticated and original visual designs, illustrations, renders, and comps.

• Brand Stewardship: Deep understanding and strict adherence to brand standards, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all creative outputs.

• Design Principles: Strong foundation in core design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Software Proficiency: Extensive knowledge and practical experience with industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with dynamic teams, including Creative Directors, Art Directors, Marketing Managers, and Copywriters.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for articulating design concepts, receiving feedback, and collaborating with stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Strong design-thinking and troubleshooting capabilities to address creative challenges and negotiate effective solutions.

• Organizational Skills: Proficiency in project management software and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently under pressure.

• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality and error-free deliverables.

• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to function as a multi-disciplinary creator (e.g., photographer, videographer, animator, retoucher) based on project needs.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with 3D rendering software.

• Knowledge of UX/UI principles for digital design applications.

• Familiarity with motion graphics or basic animation.

• Experience in the home furnishings or industrial design sectors.

• Understanding of print production processes and digital asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience range, coupled with the need for "extensive knowledge and experience with industry tools and software," suggests a mid to senior-level designer. The emphasis on "design-thinking and troubleshooting" and the preference for specific industry experience indicates that candidates who can demonstrate strategic problem-solving and understand the nuances of the home furnishings market will be highly valued. The multi-disciplinary creator aspect is a significant differentiator for contract roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects that demonstrate your ability to interpret creative briefs, develop sophisticated visual concepts, and execute high-quality design across various media (print, digital, retail).

• Brand Adherence Examples: Include specific examples that highlight your understanding and application of brand standards and visual identity guidelines, demonstrating consistency and accuracy.

• Process Documentation: For each case study, briefly outline your design process, from initial brief interpretation and conceptualization to final execution and stakeholder feedback integration.

• Problem-Solving Showcase: Present at least one project that clearly illustrates your design-thinking and troubleshooting skills, detailing the challenge, your approach, and the successful outcome.

• Versatility Demonstration: If applicable, include examples showcasing multi-disciplinary skills such as illustration, rendering, photography, or animation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal workflow for managing multiple design projects efficiently, including how they prioritize tasks, manage feedback, and ensure timely delivery.

• System Integration: While not explicitly a "systems" role, demonstrate familiarity with how your design assets integrate into broader marketing campaigns and digital platforms.

• Measurement & Analysis: Be ready to discuss how design contributes to campaign success, even if you weren't directly responsible for metrics. Focus on visual impact and brand perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to clearly showcase not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to follow direction, solve problems, and deliver professional results within project constraints. The emphasis on "sophisticated creative ideas" and "high degree of refinement" means the portfolio should reflect a mature design sensibility.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a 1099 contractor, compensation will likely be offered on an hourly basis, reflecting the part-time (20 hours/week) nature of the role and the 5-10 years of experience required. Based on industry averages for experienced Graphic Designers in North Carolina performing similar duties, an estimated hourly range of $35 - $55 per hour is anticipated. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Flexible Remote Work: Opportunity to work from home, offering significant flexibility and work-life balance.

• Contract Duration: An initial 6-month contract with the potential for extension, providing a defined project scope and opportunity for longer-term engagement.

• Brand Exposure: Work with a leading consumer brand, Sunbrella, renowned for its quality and design aesthetic, enhancing professional portfolio and marketability.

• Independent Contractor Status: As a 1099 contractor, you will have autonomy over your work structure and potential for business expense deductions.

Working Hours: This is a part-time position requiring approximately 20 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, allowing for self-management of workload and timing, provided deadlines are met and collaboration needs are accommodated.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a 1099 contractor, the candidate is responsible for their own benefits (health insurance, retirement, paid time off) and taxes. The salary estimate is based on general market rates for experienced graphic designers in the US, adjusted for a part-time role and contractor status. The primary "benefit" is the flexibility and the opportunity to work with a prestigious brand.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Textiles, Consumer Goods (specifically known for performance fabrics like Sunbrella). Glen Raven is a global leader in performance textiles, with Sunbrella being a flagship brand synonymous with durability, style, and quality in outdoor and indoor applications. This industry context means a focus on material innovation, aesthetic appeal, and product performance.

Company Size: Glen Raven is a large, established company. While specific employee numbers for the contract role's direct team aren't detailed, the overall organization size suggests a structured environment with established processes and a significant market presence. This implies a need for designers who can navigate corporate structures and collaborate with various departments.

Founded: Glen Raven was founded in 1926. This long history points to a company with a strong heritage, stability, and deep-rooted expertise in its field. For operations professionals, this often means a blend of traditional values and a progressive approach to innovation, especially with brands like Sunbrella.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of the Marketing or Creative department for the Sunbrella brand.

• They will report to a Creative Director and/or Art Director, working closely with Production Designers and Marketing Managers.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While design is creative, the role implies a need to understand marketing objectives and customer insights to inform design decisions.

• Brand-Centric Execution: A primary methodology will be adhering to and elevating the Sunbrella brand guidelines, ensuring all creative assets are cohesive and on-brand.

• Agile Project Management: Given the contract nature and mix of initiatives, an agile approach to managing design projects, adapting to feedback, and meeting deadlines will be crucial.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on a premium brand like Sunbrella suggest a culture that values quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. For a contractor, understanding this heritage and the brand's high design aesthetic will be key to successful integration and contribution. The "Consumer Facing Sunbrella brand, which carries a high design aesthetic" is a critical clue to the expected output quality.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor within the creative function. While not a direct "operations" role in the traditional sense of revenue or sales operations, it requires operational excellence in design execution, project management, and process adherence. The "5-10 years" experience level indicates a designer capable of working independently and contributing significantly to marketing efforts.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Creative Director and/or Art Director, working closely with Production Designers and Marketing Managers. This structure allows for direct creative guidance and integration into marketing campaign planning.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is measured by the effectiveness of visual communication in driving brand awareness, engagement, and conversion for Sunbrella. High-quality design directly supports marketing strategies, enhances customer perception, and contributes to sales performance by making products appealing and comprehensible to B2B and D2C audiences. The role's success is tied to its ability to translate marketing objectives into compelling visual narratives that resonate with target demographics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Portfolio Enhancement: Working with a prestigious brand like Sunbrella offers a significant opportunity to expand and refine one's professional portfolio with high-caliber work.

• Brand Expertise: Deepen understanding of brand strategy, consumer marketing, and the specific nuances of the textiles and home furnishings industry.

• Network Expansion: Build professional relationships with experienced marketing and creative professionals within a large, established organization.

• Potential for Future Contracts: Successful performance in this role could lead to further contract opportunities with Glen Raven or its associated brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" is often defined by skill enhancement, portfolio building, and expanding professional networks rather than traditional internal promotion paths. The opportunity here lies in gaining experience with a leading brand and potentially extending the contract based on performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is specified as fully remote.

Office Location(s): The primary business location is Glen Raven, NC, but the role is remote, allowing candidates to work from anywhere.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: The work environment is designed for independent execution, requiring self-discipline and effective time management.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize various digital platforms for communication, file sharing, and project management (e.g., email, Slack, Microsoft Teams, project management software).

• Creative Freedom within Brand: While working remotely, there's an expectation of collaborative interaction and adherence to brand guidelines, fostering a professional yet flexible creative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week, with flexibility in scheduling. The candidate is expected to be available for meetings and collaboration during core business hours as needed, but the majority of work can be self-managed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of this contract role means candidates must be comfortable working independently and managing their own workspace. The key is to ensure seamless communication and collaboration despite the physical distance, leveraging digital tools effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of resumes and portfolios to assess experience, skills, and alignment with brand requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical step to evaluate design thinking and communication skills.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a specific task to assess practical design skills, adherence to brand, and efficiency.

• Stakeholder Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (Creative Director/Art Director) and potentially other team members to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the Sunbrella brand.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to meet the job description's requirements: high design aesthetic, brand consistency, B2B/D2C application, and problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact of your design. Focus on the "why" behind your decisions.

• Highlight Brand Nuances: Demonstrate an understanding of how to adapt designs to specific brand guidelines while still injecting creativity.

• Showcase Versatility: If you have multi-disciplinary skills (illustration, rendering, etc.), ensure these are clearly represented and explained within their project context.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether digital or physical.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Immersion: Thoroughly research Sunbrella: its history, product lines, target audiences, marketing campaigns, and overall brand aesthetic.

• Design Principles Refresh: Brush up on fundamental design principles, typography, color theory, and current design trends relevant to consumer goods and textiles.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating your approach to common design challenges, such as tight deadlines, conflicting feedback, or the need to translate complex information into simple visuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices and demonstrate a deep understanding of the Sunbrella brand. The "high degree of refinement, accuracy, attention to detail, and consistency is paramount" means the portfolio and interview responses must reflect this.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for creating a wide range of graphic assets.

• Presentation Software: Tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides will be necessary for presenting ideas and portfolios to internal stakeholders.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are specified for this design role, but understanding how design assets are managed and deployed through marketing automation platforms or digital asset management (DAM) systems would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirement is mastery of Adobe Creative Suite. Any additional familiarity with digital asset management, basic video editing, or 3D rendering software would be a significant advantage, given the mention of multi-disciplinary creation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, refined, and accurate design that upholds the premium Sunbrella brand.

• Brand Integrity: Prioritizing brand consistency, accuracy, and adherence to established visual guidelines in all creative outputs.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively with internal teams, valuing input, and contributing to shared creative goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to explore new creative ideas, adapt to evolving trends, and potentially take on diverse creative tasks.

• Professionalism & Reliability: Demonstrating strong work ethic, meeting deadlines, and functioning reliably as an independent contractor.

Collaboration Style:

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Openness to receiving and acting upon feedback from Creative Directors, Art Directors, and Marketing Managers without bias.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Ability to integrate design efforts seamlessly with copywriting, marketing strategy, and production workflows.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication regarding project status, challenges, and ideas, especially in a remote setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "refinement, accuracy, attention to detail, and consistency" points to a culture that values meticulous execution and a deep respect for brand identity. For a contractor, demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with these values is crucial for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Media: Ensuring a unified brand look and feel across print, digital, retail, and tradeshow materials requires meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of brand guidelines.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Business Objectives: Translating marketing strategies and business goals into aesthetically pleasing and effective design solutions.

• Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines: As a part-time contractor, efficiently prioritizing and managing workload to meet all project deadlines while maintaining quality.

• Adapting to Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a remote team, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on design direction and progress.

• Versatility Demand: The potential need to step into various creative roles (photography, animation, etc.) can be a challenge for designers specializing in a single area.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Brand Strategy Insight: Gain deep knowledge of marketing strategies for a leading consumer brand in the textiles industry.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in specific areas of design through project work and feedback.

• Industry Trend Application: Practice applying current design trends and industry research to commercial product solutions.

• Remote Work Best Practices: Develop strong skills in remote collaboration, project management, and self-directed work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for this role are typical for experienced designers, amplified by the contract nature and remote work setting. The growth opportunities are centered around gaining valuable brand experience and refining project management skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to interpret a complex creative brief. What were the key elements you focused on, and how did you ensure your design aligned with the objectives?" (Focus on brief analysis, strategic thinking, and alignment).

• "How do you approach maintaining brand consistency across different platforms (e.g., print vs. digital)? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and cross-media application).

• "Walk us through a project where you received significant feedback that required major revisions. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your ability to take feedback constructively and iterate effectively).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to the Sunbrella brand and Glen Raven, specifically as a contract designer?" (Research the brand's values, products, and market position).

• "How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your work, especially when working remotely?" (Emphasize your process for quality control and self-management).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the requirements: high aesthetic, brand adherence, B2B/D2C experience, and problem-solving.

• Narrative Arc: For each project, clearly define the problem (brief), your solution (design process and final output), and the impact or outcome.

• Brand Focus: Emphasize how you applied brand standards and contributed to the overall brand vision.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your software choices and techniques used.

• Conciseness: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Be prepared for follow-up questions on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and strategic thinking. Demonstrating an understanding of the Sunbrella brand and its high-design aesthetic will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer - 1099 Contractor position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Glen Raven careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features work that aligns with high-design consumer brands, demonstrates strong brand adherence, and includes examples of B2B and D2C applications. Prioritize projects showcasing refinement, accuracy, and attention to detail.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the 5-10 years of professional graphic design experience, specific software proficiencies (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and any experience relevant to textiles, home furnishings, or consumer goods. Clearly state your contractor status and remote work capabilities.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale behind your creative decisions, and how you handle feedback. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss your understanding of the Sunbrella brand.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Glen Raven and the Sunbrella brand. Understand their market position, target audiences, and recent marketing efforts to demonstrate genuine interest and an informed perspective during interviews.

⚠️ 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.