Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: SweatPals

Location: Austin, Texas, United States (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Creative Operations

Date Posted: September 11, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive visual and motion design execution across brand, product, and marketing campaigns, ensuring a cohesive and vibrant brand identity.

• Implement a new MetaLab-led rebrand, translating brand guidelines into tangible assets for all company touchpoints.

• Develop and animate brand elements, including logos, badges, and iconography, to enhance user experience and brand recognition.

• Support growth marketing initiatives by creating high-ROAS ad creative and A/B test variations to optimize campaign performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is graphic design, the emphasis on "motion design execution," "high-ROAS ad creative," and "brand consistency across engineering, marketing, and partnerships" positions this as a role with significant operational impact within the marketing and product functions. The need to support hosts and business partners also highlights an operational aspect of external-facing brand management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute the new brand guide across all channels, including the app, website, email marketing, digital advertising, pitch decks, social media, and merchandise.

• Animate brand elements such as logos, badges, and iconography for dynamic use across various digital surfaces and product features.

• Provide essential animation and graphic design support for new feature releases, product announcements, and key company moments.

• Design compelling campaign visuals for city launch kits, feature promotions, and curated event playlists to drive user engagement.

• Create high-performance marketing creative, specifically focusing on ad creative designed for high Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and developing A/B test variations for continuous optimization.

• Develop and maintain reusable design templates for email marketing, social media content, and event collateral to streamline marketing operations.

• Build and manage a library of motion design assets, including animations, transitions, and micro-interactions for product and marketing applications.

• Perform quality assurance checks to ensure consistent brand application across designs developed by engineering, marketing, and partnership teams.

• Elevate the visual polish of internal and external presentations, including investor materials and executive decks, to align with brand standards.

• Design branded merchandise and event-specific collateral to reinforce company culture and brand loyalty.

• Proactively research and integrate current social media and design trends to maintain SweatPals' visual competitiveness and appeal.

• Provide ongoing design support and brand guidance to external stakeholders, including hosts, communities, and business partners.

• Deliver quick-turnaround design assets for time-sensitive campaigns and partnership activations, demonstrating adaptability and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a designer who can not only execute visually but also understand the strategic impact of their work on marketing performance (ROAS, A/B testing) and operational efficiency (templates, asset libraries). The "quick-turn assets" requirement points to a fast-paced operational environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 3+ years of professional experience in brand design, with a demonstrated focus on motion graphics and animation.

• Proven experience working within fast-paced startup environments or similar dynamic settings is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio showcasing expertise in brand systems, motion design, campaign execution, and overall visual storytelling.

• Strong command and practical application of design software: Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Canva.

• Proficiency in motion design tools such as After Effects, Rive, Lottie, or comparable animation software.

• Solid understanding of typography, layout principles, and visual hierarchy.

• Ability to create visually engaging marketing creative, with an understanding of what drives effective advertising and A/B testing.

• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Basic video editing skills for creating social media content and product showcases.

• Familiarity with animation principles and their application in digital products.

• Experience with creating and managing brand style guides and design systems.

• Understanding of user experience (UX) principles as they relate to visual design in digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. Candidates should highlight projects demonstrating their ability to translate brand strategy into visual execution, particularly focusing on motion and campaign effectiveness. The "startups or fast-paced environments" preference suggests a need for self-starters who can adapt quickly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate the application of a comprehensive brand system across various touchpoints, showcasing consistency and scalability.

• Include case studies that highlight motion design projects, detailing the creative process, tools used, and the impact of animations or transitions.

• Present examples of campaign visuals, illustrating how design supported marketing objectives, including any A/B testing variations created to optimize performance.

Process Documentation:

• Provide context on your workflow for implementing new brand guidelines, from initial understanding to final asset delivery and QA.

• Detail your process for creating and animating motion graphics, including storyboarding, asset preparation, and rendering for different platforms.

• Explain your approach to supporting marketing campaigns, including how you collaborate with marketing teams to generate high-ROAS creative and manage A/B testing assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for evaluating a candidate's fit. Candidates should curate their submissions to directly address the responsibilities, particularly the new rebrand implementation, motion graphics, and marketing creative support. Including context on the process and results for each portfolio piece will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to support work-life balance.

• Remote-friendly policies that offer flexibility in work location.

• A monthly Fitness & Wellness Allowance to encourage healthy lifestyles.

• Opportunities for team workouts and in-person (IRL) events to foster community.

• Early access to SweatPals tools and features, allowing employees to experience the product firsthand.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically assuming a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility often available due to the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level graphic designer with motion capabilities in a major tech hub like Austin. The benefits package is robust, with a particular emphasis on wellness and community engagement, aligning with SweatPals' fitness-centric mission. The "flexibility" mentioned in working hours is common in hybrid roles and should be clarified during the interview process regarding specific expectations for in-office days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fitness Technology / Social Platform. SweatPals operates within the rapidly growing intersection of fitness, technology, and community building, aiming to make fitness social and accessible.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but the mention of funding from "a16z, Kevin Hart, and other world-class investors" suggests a well-funded startup likely in the growth or scaling phase, potentially ranging from startup (50-100 employees) to mid-size (100-500 employees).

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company is actively pursuing a significant rebrand, indicating a stage of strategic evolution and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Brand team, potentially working closely with Product Design and Growth Marketing functions.

• The role reports to a Design Lead or Marketing Manager, with direct collaboration expected with product managers, marketing specialists, and potentially engineering teams.

Methodology:

• SweatPals emphasizes a community-first approach, translating into a design philosophy that is inclusive, vibrant, and engaging.

• The company operates with a "move fast and experiment" mentality, valuing quick iteration and data-driven feedback, particularly in marketing creative.

• Design processes are expected to be agile, supporting rapid campaign launches and feature rollouts while maintaining brand integrity.

Company Website: https://sweatpals.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on community and social fitness suggests a culture that is energetic, collaborative, and possibly performance-oriented, especially given the investor backing and rebrand. The "design is at the heart of how we stand out" statement underscores the strategic importance of this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer with a specialization in Brand and Motion Design. It offers significant ownership and the opportunity to shape the visual identity of a growing platform.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Brand/Marketing. They will collaborate closely with peers in marketing, product, and potentially engineering.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will directly impact brand perception, user acquisition through effective marketing creative, and user engagement via compelling product visuals and animations. The role is crucial for translating the company's mission into a strong, recognizable visual identity that supports business objectives, including driving user growth and partner engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in motion design, brand system development, and performance marketing creative.

• Leadership Potential: As the company scales, opportunities may arise to lead design projects, mentor junior designers, or even contribute to building out the design function.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects across marketing, product, and partnerships, broadening professional skill sets.

• Career Advancement: Progress to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within brand marketing or product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a rebrand and scaling suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can grow their responsibilities and influence. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their career aspirations and how this role aligns with their long-term goals in design and operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, with a preference for candidates based in Austin, Texas. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Austin, Texas. Specific office details are not provided, but it is implied that there is a physical workspace for hybrid employees.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and community, aligning with SweatPals' brand.

• Expect access to modern design tools and technologies necessary for executing high-quality visual and motion graphics.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design, product, and marketing teams will be frequent, facilitating a dynamic and collaborative work setting.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. Specific expectations for in-office days versus remote work should be clarified during the interview process. The fast-paced nature of a startup may necessitate some flexibility in hours to meet campaign or product launch deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Austin offers the best of both worlds: in-person collaboration and networking, combined with the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should inquire about the frequency and purpose of in-office days to ensure it aligns with their preferred working style.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a mandatory portfolio link. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

• Initial Screen: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: Expect a deeper dive into your portfolio, focusing on brand systems, motion design, campaign execution, and your creative process. This may involve a short design challenge or discussion of past projects.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with potential team members (e.g., other designers, marketing leads) to evaluate collaboration skills, cultural fit, and understanding of the SweatPals mission.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, career goals, and overall fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase your strongest work relevant to brand design, motion graphics, and marketing campaigns. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Provide Context: For each piece, explain the project objective, your specific role, the design process, the tools used, and the measurable results or impact. This is crucial for demonstrating strategic thinking and operational understanding.

• Highlight Motion: Ensure your motion design skills are clearly demonstrated with engaging examples of animations, transitions, or micro-interactions.

• Showcase Brand Application: Include examples of how you've applied brand guidelines consistently across different mediums. If you have experience with a rebrand, highlight that.

• Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio link is easily accessible and loads quickly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you approach design problems, from understanding briefs to ideation and execution.

• Brand Consistency: Practice articulating how you ensure brand consistency across various platforms and deliverables.

• Motion Design Rationale: Be ready to explain the purpose and impact of your motion design choices.

• Marketing Creative: Prepare to discuss your approach to designing effective marketing assets, particularly those aimed at driving performance (e.g., ROAS, A/B testing).

• Collaboration: Think about examples of how you've collaborated effectively with product, marketing, and engineering teams on design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on context and results means candidates must treat their portfolio as a core part of their application and interview preparation. This is where they demonstrate not just creative talent but also operational acumen in delivering impactful design solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.

• Adobe Illustrator: Critical for vector graphics, logo design, and creating scalable brand assets.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, and creating raster-based graphics for various campaigns.

• Canva: Likely leveraged for quick creation of social media assets, internal presentations, and collateral, especially for less complex or faster turnarounds.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tools are specified for this role, but an understanding of how marketing automation platforms (like Mailchimp, HubSpot) utilize email templates and how CRM data might inform design requests would be advantageous for broader operational context.

• Motion/Animation Tools: After Effects, Rive, Lottie, or similar for creating animations, transitions, and micro-interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Illustrator, and Photoshop is non-negotiable. Motion design tools are also a key requirement. The mention of Canva suggests a need for efficiency and the ability to empower others (like marketing teams) with design capabilities. Understanding the output of design within marketing funnels (A/B testing) is also a key operational consideration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Celebrate Diversity: Candidates should embody an inclusive mindset, creating designs that appeal to a broad and diverse user base. This translates to thoughtful representation in visuals.

• Be a Leader: Taking initiative in design execution, proposing creative solutions, and proactively managing projects are key leadership traits valued.

• Roll Up Our Sleeves: A willingness to handle all types of design tasks, from high-level branding to quick-turn social assets, demonstrating a pragmatic and committed approach.

• Embrace the Adventure: Adaptability, curiosity, and a positive attitude towards tackling new challenges and evolving brand needs are essential.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partner with marketing, product, and engineering teams to ensure design aligns with business goals and technical capabilities.

• Feedback Exchange: Be open to constructive criticism and actively provide thoughtful feedback on design concepts and executions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to a collaborative design environment by sharing best practices, new techniques, and creative inspiration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values suggest a culture that is dynamic, inclusive, and results-oriented. A designer who is a proactive collaborator, open to feedback, and can balance creative vision with practical execution will fit well. The emphasis on "modern tools and AI to work smarter and scale faster" indicates an innovative approach to design operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rebrand Implementation: Successfully translating a new brand identity across all touchpoints while maintaining consistency and impact.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to quick turnarounds for marketing campaigns and product launches without sacrificing quality.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Performance: Creating visually compelling assets that also meet specific marketing performance metrics (e.g., high ROAS).

• Supporting Diverse Stakeholders: Providing effective design support to internal teams, external hosts, and business partners, each with potentially different needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Motion Graphics: Opportunities to expand skills in animation, potentially exploring new tools or techniques.

• Brand Strategy: Gain deeper insights into brand development and strategic implementation, contributing to the evolution of the SweatPals brand.

• Performance Marketing Design: Develop expertise in creating creative that directly impacts conversion rates and marketing ROI.

• Industry Exposure: Staying current with fitness, community, and design trends relevant to the creator economy and social platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to influence the visual direction of a growing brand during a critical rebrand phase. Candidates who thrive on challenge and continuous learning will find ample opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Implementation: "How would you approach implementing a new brand guide across all of SweatPals' digital and physical touchpoints? Walk me through your process for ensuring consistency."

• Motion Design Impact: "Describe a project where your motion design significantly enhanced user experience or conveyed a complex message effectively. What was your process and the outcome?"

• Marketing Creative: "How do you balance creative aesthetic with performance metrics like ROAS when designing ad creative? Can you share an example of an A/B test you designed and its results?"

• Collaboration Scenarios: "Describe a time you collaborated with product or engineering teams on a design feature. How did you ensure your design was feasible and met user needs?"

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine SweatPals is launching a new type of fitness event. What would be your design process for creating the promotional collateral?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research SweatPals' mission, values, and recent activities. Understand their community-first approach and how design supports this.

• Be prepared to discuss how your personal values and work style align with SweatPals' stated values (Celebrate Diversity, Be a Leader, Roll Up Our Sleeves, Embrace the Adventure).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation around case studies that tell a story: problem, solution, execution, and results.

• Highlight Key Projects: Focus on 2-3 projects that best showcase your brand, motion, and marketing design skills relevant to SweatPals.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, decision-making, and the tools you used for each project.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your design work (e.g., improved engagement, higher conversion rates on ads).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and deliver a clear, impactful presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their portfolio, demonstrating not just creative output but also strategic thinking, operational understanding of marketing impact, and collaborative capabilities. The interview will likely assess both creative talent and the ability to function effectively within a fast-paced, hybrid, startup environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio link is prominently displayed on your resume and within the application. Select portfolio pieces that directly showcase your brand system implementation, motion design skills, and experience creating marketing creative with measurable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in brand design, motion graphics, and working in fast-paced environments. Use keywords from the job description, such as "brand systems," "motion design," "Figma," "After Effects," and "high-ROAS ad creative." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to design challenges, collaboration, and brand consistency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research SweatPals, its mission, target audience, and recent marketing efforts. Understand their community-first philosophy and how design contributes to it. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.