Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: Pearl
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Job Type: Independent Contractor, Full Time
Category: Creative & Design / Art & Design / Marketing Operations
Date Posted: December 24, 2025
Experience Level: 1-2+ Years Professional Experience
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation of visually compelling assets to enhance brand identity and support marketing and growth initiatives across digital and print channels.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for translating creative concepts into impactful designs that align with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.
• A key aspect involves maintaining brand consistency across all visual touchpoints and adapting existing visual systems for diverse formats and platforms.
• The position requires collaboration with marketing, product, and creative teams to bring ideas to life through cohesive visual systems and branded materials, acting as a key contributor to Go-To-Market (GTM) visual strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Graphic Designer," its responsibilities in supporting marketing and growth initiatives, creating campaign assets, and optimizing visuals for performance indicate a strong connection to GTM operations and marketing operations functions. The emphasis on brand identity and visual systems also suggests a need for strategic visual planning that aligns with broader business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Visual Design & Creative Execution (40%):
  • Design a wide array of digital assets for web, social media platforms, and comprehensive marketing campaigns.
  • Produce static graphics tailored for paid advertising, landing pages, and various promotional materials, ensuring alignment with GTM strategies.
  • Create professional presentations, concise one-pagers, and other branded collateral to support sales enablement and marketing efforts.
  • Apply fundamental design principles including strong typography, effective layout, strategic color usage, and balanced composition to all creative outputs.
  • Iterate on designs based on constructive feedback from stakeholders and analyze performance insights to refine creative direction and optimize outcomes.
• Brand Identity & Visual Systems (20%):
  • Develop and meticulously maintain comprehensive brand guidelines and cohesive visual systems that define the brand's aesthetic.
  • Design new logos, functional templates, and reusable brand assets that reinforce brand recognition and consistency.
  • Ensure a high degree of visual consistency across all brand touchpoints, from digital platforms to print materials.
  • Skillfully adapt existing brand systems to accommodate new formats, channels, and campaign-specific requirements, demonstrating flexibility in brand application.
• UI/UX & Web Design (15%):
  • Design intuitive and engaging website and landing page layouts that prioritize user experience and conversion optimization.
  • Create detailed wireframes and high-fidelity mockups to visualize user flows and interface designs.
  • Apply user-centered design principles to ensure digital products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Collaborate closely with developers during the design handoff and implementation phases to ensure accurate execution of designs.
• Video & Motion Support (10%):
  • Edit or provide support for short-form video content specifically for social media platforms, enhancing engagement metrics.
  • Create simple motion graphics or animated assets to add dynamism to content and marketing materials.
  • Optimize visual assets for platform-specific requirements to maximize reach and impact.
• Performance Optimization & Creative Strategy (10%):
  • Review creative performance metrics to inform design improvements and identify opportunities for enhanced visual engagement.
  • Support A/B testing initiatives by creating and implementing design variations to test effectiveness.
  • Align all creative output with overarching campaign goals and broader growth objectives, ensuring design serves strategic business purposes.
• Collaboration & Project Management (5%):
  • Effectively manage multiple design tasks and project timelines, prioritizing workload to meet deadlines.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and sales, to achieve shared objectives.
  • Maintain organized design files and asset libraries for efficient retrieval and future use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a role that directly supports Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies by creating assets for marketing campaigns, sales enablement, and digital presence. The emphasis on performance optimization and A/B testing highlights a data-driven approach common in marketing operations and revenue operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in design principles, often gained through formal education (e.g., Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field) or equivalent practical experience, is expected.

Experience: 1-2+ years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a demonstrable track record of creating impactful digital and brand-focused work. Experience in fast-paced environments, such as startups or agencies, is highly advantageous for adapting to dynamic workflows and client needs.

Required Skills:

• Professional Experience: 1–2+ years of dedicated professional graphic design experience.
• Portfolio: A strong, well-curated portfolio showcasing expertise in digital design, brand identity development, and campaign asset creation.
• Software Proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite):
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and digital asset creation.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics, logos, and illustrations.
  • Strong working knowledge of Adobe InDesign for layout design, print materials, and presentations.
• Design Fundamentals: Solid understanding and application of typography, layout principles, visual hierarchy, color theory, and composition.
• Detail Orientation: Exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy, consistency, and polish in all design outputs.
• Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple design tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet project deadlines in a remote setting.
• Communication: Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear collaboration with international teams and stakeholders.
• Remote Work Aptitude: Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and maintain productivity in a fully remote environment.

Preferred Skills:

• UI/UX Design Tools: Experience with Figma or Adobe XD for interface design and prototyping.
• Motion Graphics/Video: Exposure to or experience with video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) or motion graphics (e.g., Adobe After Effects).
• Web & Performance Design: Experience designing specifically for paid advertisements, landing pages, and conversion-focused web interfaces.
• Industry Experience: Prior experience working within a startup, agency, or multi-brand environment, indicating adaptability and broad exposure.
• UX Principles: Familiarity with basic User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design principles to create more effective digital assets.
• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Notion, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and workflow management.
• Google Workspace: Proficiency in Google Workspace applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for collaboration and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-Haves" strongly suggest the need for practical, hands-on skills in core design software and principles essential for creating marketing and GTM collateral. The "Nice-to-Haves" point towards a desire for a candidate who can contribute more broadly to digital product design and marketing campaign execution, aligning with a sophisticated GTM operations function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Showcase: The portfolio must prominently feature a diverse range of digital design work, including social media graphics, web banners, digital ad creatives, and marketing campaign assets.
• Brand Identity Projects: Include examples of logo design, brand guideline applications, and the development of cohesive visual systems that demonstrate a strong understanding of brand consistency.
• Layout and Typography Expertise: Showcase projects that highlight exceptional skills in typography, layout design, and visual hierarchy, particularly in presentations, brochures, or one-pagers.
• Process Documentation (Implied): While not explicitly stated, demonstrating the design process through case studies (e.g., showing initial concepts, iterations, and final outcomes) will be beneficial.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of understanding how to design assets within established workflows, potentially including wireframes or mockups for web/landing pages.
• Implementation & Iteration: Showcase how designs were adapted based on feedback and how visual elements were optimized for specific platforms or campaign goals.
• Measurement & Analysis: While not a primary responsibility, candidates who can show how their designs contributed to performance metrics or were informed by data will stand out.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting marketing and GTM, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating the ability to translate marketing objectives into effective visual communications. The emphasis on digital assets and brand consistency implies a need for organized, repeatable design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 1-2+ years of experience in a remote, full-time independent contractor role, and considering the company's focus on top global talent, a competitive rate is expected. For South Africa, this could range approximately from ZAR 20,000 to ZAR 35,000 per month, depending on skills, portfolio strength, and specific client project demands. This estimate is based on general market data for similar remote roles in South Africa and the value placed on specialized creative skills by international clients.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Based on experience and skills, reflecting the value of the candidate's expertise.
• Remote Work: Fully remote work arrangement, offering flexibility and the ability to work from any suitable location.
• Generous PTO: Paid time off in accordance with company policy, allowing for work-life balance.
• Direct Mentorship: Access to guidance and advice from global industry leaders to foster professional development.
• Learning & Development: Opportunities and resources for continuous growth and skill enhancement in design and related fields.
• Global Networking: The chance to work with and build connections within international teams and client organizations.
• Health Coverage (Philippines only): HMO coverage after 3 months for full-time employees based in the Philippines.

Working Hours:

• Work Schedule: US Time Zone (candidate expected to be flexible with the client's preference). This implies a need to align with specific working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, to facilitate real-time collaboration with US-based clients and teams. Flexibility will be key to accommodate potential overlapping hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general market research for remote graphic designer roles in South Africa, considering the employer's global talent sourcing strategy. The benefits highlight the advantages of working with a talent agency that places candidates with international startups. The working hours note the critical need for time zone flexibility, a common requirement for remote roles supporting US-based clients.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Tech Staffing / Recruitment, connecting global talent with US and EU startups. Pearl operates in a competitive landscape focused on identifying and placing high-caliber professionals in high-growth environments. Company Size: Pearl works with top-tier startups, implying they are likely a growing company themselves, focused on scaling their operations and client base. The nature of their business suggests a lean, agile, and globally distributed team. Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the company's description suggests it is an established player in the remote talent placement market, focused on long-term candidate growth and client success.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The "Creatives and Design" department implies a structured creative team, likely comprising various design specialists.
• Reporting Structure: As an independent contractor, the Graphic Designer will likely report directly to a Creative Lead or Marketing Manager within the client company they are placed with, with Pearl facilitating the engagement.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with marketing, product, and creative teams, highlighting a need for strong interpersonal and communication skills within a project-driven environment.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on "Performance Optimization & Creative Strategy" indicates a methodology that values data and metrics in informing design decisions and measuring impact.
• Agile Workflow: The mention of fast-paced, collaborative environments and managing multiple tasks suggests an agile approach to project management and creative execution.
• Quality & Consistency: A core tenet is delivering high-quality, consistent creative output that strengthens brand identity, implying a focus on best practices and adherence to brand standards.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/4KLMuj5WGNaACAyqrWkc8d/jobs-at-pearl

📝 Enhancement Note: Pearl's model is about enabling high-growth startups by providing top talent. This means the company culture likely values efficiency, innovation, and a results-oriented approach. Candidates placed by Pearl are expected to integrate into client teams, suggesting adaptability and a proactive work ethic are key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Independent Contractor, typically for early to mid-career professionals (1-2+ years of experience). It offers a pathway to gain diverse experience by working with multiple startups and potentially leading to full-time placements or long-term contract roles.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a direct manager within the client company where they are placed. Pearl acts as the intermediary, ensuring smooth collaboration and contractual adherence, but the day-to-day direction comes from the client.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is significant in shaping brand perception, driving user engagement, and supporting the effectiveness of marketing and sales initiatives. Their work directly influences how potential customers perceive the brand, which can affect conversion rates, brand loyalty, and overall market presence – all critical components of Go-To-Market (GTM) success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design areas (e.g., UI/UX, motion graphics, campaign design) through diverse project exposure.
• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience working with various high-growth startups across different tech sectors, broadening industry knowledge.
• Career Progression: Potential to transition from an independent contractor to a full-time employee with a client, or to take on more senior design roles within Pearl's network as experience grows.
• Mentorship & Learning: Direct mentorship from industry leaders and access to continuous learning resources provided by Pearl, fostering professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a graphic designer in this context is heavily influenced by the quality of placements and the candidate's proactivity in seeking new challenges and learning opportunities within client engagements. Pearl's role as a talent facilitator can provide a structured path for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This position is entirely remote, offering maximum flexibility in terms of work location. Office Location(s): Candidates are sought from the Philippines, LATAM, South Africa, Kenya, and other remote regions with excellent English communication skills. The specific location will be wherever the candidate is based, provided they meet the communication requirements.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the role necessitates close collaboration with international teams. This requires strong digital communication skills and the ability to work effectively in virtual team settings.
• Tools & Technology: Access to reliable internet, a personal computer, and the necessary software (Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) is assumed. The company may provide access to specific project management or communication tools.
• Team Interaction: Interaction will primarily occur through digital channels such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative design platforms, fostering a connected yet distributed work environment.

Work Schedule: The work schedule requires flexibility to align with US Time Zones, indicating a need to be available for meetings and to coordinate with clients during their business hours. While generally a full-time role (approx. 40 hours/week), specific daily hours may need to adapt to client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role requires self-discipline and strong digital collaboration skills. The US Time Zone requirement is a critical factor for candidates to consider, impacting daily routines and work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application: Submit resume and portfolio through the provided platform.
• Skills Assessment: Likely a practical test or challenge to evaluate design proficiency in relevant software and problem-solving capabilities. This could involve creating a specific asset or solving a design problem under timed conditions.
• Initial Screening: A preliminary interview, possibly with Pearl's recruitment team, to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Top-grading Interview: A more in-depth interview, potentially with the client's hiring manager or a senior team member, focusing on experience, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. This stage often delves into past projects and behavioral questions.
• Client Matching: If successful, Pearl will match the candidate to suitable client opportunities based on skills, experience, and project requirements.
• Job Offer: Formal offer extended for the specific role and client engagement.
• Onboarding: Introduction to the client team and project specifics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. Prioritize digital assets, brand identity projects, and examples demonstrating strong layout and typography. Tailor the selection to highlight skills mentioned in the job description (e.g., social media, ads, landing pages).
• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your role, the challenges, your process (ideation, iteration), and the outcome or impact. Use case study format for key projects.
• Highlight Process: Show your thinking. Include sketches, wireframes, mood boards, or iterations to demonstrate your design process and problem-solving approach.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or results achieved through your designs (e.g., improved engagement rates, higher click-through rates on ads). This is crucial for demonstrating GTM impact.
• Clarity & Professionalism: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished. Use high-quality mockups.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge or assessment given. Clarify any ambiguities.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively. Prioritize core requirements and then refine.
• Demonstrate Process: Even in a timed exercise, try to show your thought process through annotations or a brief explanation of your approach.
• Focus on Requirements: Ensure your output directly addresses the prompt and meets the specified requirements.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to use the required tools efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, especially the "Top-grading Interview," suggests a rigorous evaluation of both technical skills and professional maturity. The emphasis on portfolio and "Skills Assessment" indicates that practical design capabilities are paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image editing, manipulation, and creating digital graphics. Expect to use it for photo retouching, creating complex compositions, and designing various digital assets.
• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. Proficiency is needed for scalable graphics that maintain quality across different sizes.
• Adobe InDesign: Required for layout design, particularly for presentations, one-pagers, and branded collateral. Expect to create multi-page documents and ensure consistent formatting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary tools for the designer, understanding how to interpret performance metrics from tools like Google Analytics or social media analytics platforms will be beneficial for optimizing designs.

CRM & Automation:

• Figma or Adobe XD (Preferred): These are industry-standard tools for UI/UX design, wireframing, and prototyping. Experience here is highly valued for web and landing page design.
• Canva (Preferred): A user-friendly design tool often used for quick social media graphics or internal materials.
• Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects (Preferred): For video editing and motion graphics, indicating a need for skills beyond static design.
• Project Management Tools (Preferred): Such as Notion, Asana, or Trello, used for task management, team coordination, and workflow tracking.
• Google Workspace (Preferred): For seamless collaboration, document creation, and sharing within a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirements heavily lean on the Adobe Creative Suite, indicating a need for mastery. The preferred tools, especially Figma/Adobe XD, point towards a growing need for UI/UX and web design capabilities within the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, polished, and effective visual assets that uphold brand integrity and client expectations.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, valuing open communication and constructive feedback to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability & Agility: The capacity to thrive in fast-paced startup environments, adapt quickly to changing project requirements, and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Data-Driven Approach: An understanding that design decisions can and should be informed by performance metrics and campaign objectives, contributing to measurable business outcomes.
• Continuous Learning: A proactive attitude towards skill development, staying updated with design trends, tools, and best practices to enhance creative output.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless integration with marketing, product, and creative teams, necessitating clear communication and a team-oriented mindset.
• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs, essential for iteration and improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share insights, techniques, and best practices with team members to collectively elevate the quality of creative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with the demands of working with high-growth startups, emphasizing results, adaptability, and strong teamwork in a remote setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Time Zone Differences: Adapting to working hours that align with US Time Zones can be a significant challenge, requiring careful schedule management and potential adjustments to personal routines.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and strong working relationships with international teams solely through digital channels can be challenging, requiring proactive engagement.
• Diverse Client Needs: Working with multiple startups means adapting to varied brand styles, project scopes, and client expectations, demanding versatility and quick learning.
• Performance Pressure: The emphasis on performance optimization means designs are often evaluated based on their measurable impact, adding a layer of pressure to deliver results.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to master new design techniques, software, and workflows through exposure to diverse projects and client needs.
• Industry Exposure: Gain deep insights into the operations and growth strategies of various tech startups, broadening professional understanding beyond design.
• Mentorship: Benefit from direct mentorship from experienced professionals, providing guidance on career development, skill enhancement, and industry best practices.
• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust and varied portfolio by working on cutting-edge projects for innovative companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for high-caliber remote roles supporting international clients, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong self-management skills. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a direct path to career advancement and skill diversification.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem Solving: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio, explaining your design process for specific projects. Focus on how you translated a brief into a visual solution, overcame challenges, and iterated based on feedback. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Brand Consistency & Application: Discuss how you maintain brand consistency across different platforms and asset types. Be ready to explain how you would adapt a brand's visual identity for a new campaign or a specific marketing channel.
• Collaboration & Feedback: Describe a situation where you received challenging feedback on your design work and how you handled it. Explain how you collaborate with non-designers (e.g., marketers, product managers) to achieve project goals.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Pearl's Mission: Research Pearl's mission and values. Understand their role in connecting talent with startups and be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their network and client placements.
• Startup Environment: Discuss your experience or understanding of working in fast-paced startup environments and how you adapt to their unique cultures and demands.
• Remote Work Philosophy: Explain your approach to remote work, including how you maintain productivity, stay connected with teams, and manage your time effectively across different time zones.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects to present in detail. Focus on those that showcase digital assets, brand identity, and effective layout/typography.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: the client/brief, your role, the challenge, your solution (detailing your design choices and process), and the outcome/impact.
• Quantify Results: Where possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates).
• Showcase Versatility: Demonstrate your ability to work across different formats (social media, web, print) and styles, if applicable.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice emphasizes demonstrating not only design skills but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong communication, which are critical for success in a remote, client-facing role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Workable platform, ensuring your resume and portfolio are uploaded and clearly linked.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest digital design, brand identity, and campaign asset work. Prioritize examples relevant to marketing initiatives and GTM collateral.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience with graphic design, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, and any experience with UI/UX tools or motion graphics. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with remote collaboration. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Pearl's mission and their focus on connecting talent with startups. Understand the importance of creating visually compelling assets for high-growth companies.

⚠️ 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.

---