Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer
Company: The Energy Year
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing
Date Posted: September 02, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)
Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid considered)

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop visually compelling digital and print advertisements, illustrations, and interactive content for the global energy industry.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and clients to conceptualize and execute creative assets that align with brand messaging and project objectives.
• Utilize a comprehensive suite of design software and emerging AI tools to produce high-quality, engaging visual communications.
• Contribute to the evolution of content formats and creative processes, driving innovation in business intelligence and strategic communications delivery.
• Ensure all design outputs meet client specifications, brand guidelines, and effectively convey targeted messages.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "Graphic Designer," the emphasis on "interactive content," "animated advertisements," and "AI prompting" suggests a modern, forward-thinking design role that blends traditional graphic design with digital media and emerging technologies. The "Freelance" mention in the raw description is superseded by the "FULL_TIME" employment type, indicating a preference for a dedicated, long-term team member.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design a wide range of visual assets, including digital banners, print ads, infographics, illustrations, logos, and website graphics.
• Translate project briefs and client requirements into creative design solutions that effectively communicate key messages for business intelligence publications.
• Manage the design process from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring timely completion of all assigned tasks.
• Collaborate with content creators, editors, and marketing teams to ensure visual consistency and strategic alignment across all platforms.
• Incorporate feedback from clients and internal stakeholders, iterating on designs to achieve optimal results and client satisfaction.
• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, software advancements, and AI tools to continuously enhance creative output and efficiency.
• Develop and refine design templates and style guides to ensure brand consistency across The Energy Year's diverse publications and online presence.
• Contribute innovative ideas for new forms of visual content and interactive experiences to enhance user engagement on the company's website and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are inferred from the core tasks listed in the original description, expanded to reflect a typical mid-level graphic designer's role within a business intelligence and publishing context. The emphasis on "stakeholder in developing new forms of content and processes" suggests a proactive role in design innovation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience as a Graphic Designer, with a demonstrated track record of creating impactful advertising and interactive content.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, for creating polished and professional design assets.
• Expertise in After Effects for motion graphics and animation, and Adobe XD for UI/UX design and interactive prototyping.
• Proven ability to create compelling illustrations, infographics, and graphs that simplify complex information.
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, enabling clear communication and effective collaboration with international teams and clients.
• Ability to interpret project briefs, gather requirements, and translate them into visually appealing design solutions.
• Experience in managing multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with AI prompting tools such as Midjourney and Runway for generating unique visual concepts and assets.
• Experience with Figma for collaborative design and prototyping, particularly for digital interfaces and interactive content.
• Foundational knowledge of HTML and CSS, which can assist in understanding digital content constraints and collaboration with web developers.
• Experience working within the energy industry or a related business intelligence/publishing sector is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated experience level "2-5" aligns with the stated "minimum three years" requirement. The preferred skills in AI prompting, Figma, HTML, and CSS are explicitly mentioned as assets, indicating a desire for a designer comfortable with modern digital workflows and emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing at least three (3) years of professional design work, with a strong emphasis on digital and print advertisements.
• Specific examples of previous work demonstrating expertise in creating interactive content, animations, or dynamic visual assets.
• Case studies or project descriptions that highlight your creative process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your designs on project objectives.
• Demonstrations of logo design, branding elements, and website graphics that reflect versatility and aesthetic range.
• Evidence of infographic and illustration capabilities, showcasing the ability to distill complex information into clear, engaging visuals.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate your design process, from initial concept development and client communication to final asset delivery and revisions.
• Examples of how you have incorporated client feedback and collaborated with teams to refine designs.
• Understanding of workflow management for creative projects, including task prioritization and timeline adherence.
• Familiarity with version control and asset management best practices for design files.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio "of previous advert work with an emphasis on advertising and interactive content" is critical. This section elaborates on what such a portfolio might contain, aligning with industry expectations for a mid-level designer focused on dynamic content creation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Graphic Designer with 3+ years of experience in Budapest, Hungary, and considering the full-time remote-friendly nature of the role, the estimated salary range is approximately 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 HUF gross per month. This translates to an annual gross salary of 12,000,000 - 18,000,000 HUF.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment: Full-time position with the possibility of remote work, offering a hybrid arrangement or full remote work from Budapest.
• Professional Development: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI tools (Midjourney, Runway) and advanced design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma).
• Global Exposure: Engage with professionals in the global energy industry, contributing to high-profile business intelligence publications.
• Creative Freedom: Be a stakeholder in developing new content forms and processes, allowing for creative input and innovation.
• Competitive Compensation: A salary aligned with market rates for experienced design professionals in Hungary.
• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to a wide network within the energy sector through The Energy Year's publications and events.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be offered for remote work arrangements, with core hours expected for team collaboration and client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided. The estimate is based on Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, and LinkedIn Salary data for Graphic Designers in Budapest with 3-5 years of experience. The benefits are extrapolated from the company description and the nature of the role, focusing on aspects attractive to creative professionals. The "Freelance" mention in the original description has been disregarded in favor of the "FULL_TIME" employment type, impacting the benefits and working hours interpretation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Intelligence, Strategic Communications, Publishing, Energy Sector. Company Size: The Energy Year is a growing company, likely falling into the small to medium-sized business category (50-200 employees), indicated by its global reach and publication portfolio. Founded: Founded in 2015, The Energy Year has established itself as a key provider of insights and networking within the energy industry, focusing on delivering high-quality content through its website, print, and digital publications.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a broader Marketing or Content team.
• Reporting structure is expected to involve a Creative Director or a Marketing Manager, with close collaboration with editors, content writers, and business development teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working with various departments to understand project requirements and deliver aligned visual communications.

Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are central to The Energy Year's business intelligence offerings, meaning design assets should support clear data visualization and communication.
• Strategic communication is a core service, requiring designs that convey complex messages effectively and persuasively.
• Continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies, such as AI prompting, are encouraged to enhance content creation and delivery.

Company Website: https://theenergyyear.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company size and founding date were inferred from the provided URL and general knowledge of the business intelligence publishing sector. The structure and methodology are extrapolated from the company's stated mission and services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Mid-Level Graphic Designer position. It requires a solid foundation of applied skills and experience, with the expectation of independent work and creative problem-solving. It's a step beyond entry-level, offering opportunities to take ownership of projects and contribute strategically.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report to a Creative Manager, Head of Design, or Marketing Director. They will collaborate closely with content specialists, editors, and potentially sales/business development teams to ensure visual assets meet diverse needs.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of The Energy Year's business intelligence and strategic communications. High-quality visuals enhance readability, engagement, and the perceived value of their publications, ultimately supporting client acquisition and retention by making complex energy market information more accessible and appealing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX design, or AI-driven visual content creation.
• Creative Leadership: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer or Art Director role, leading projects and mentoring junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain deeper understanding of business intelligence, content strategy, and marketing within the energy sector, potentially transitioning into roles with more strategic creative input.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the visual identity and communication standards for a significant player in the global energy information space.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis is based on the "Mid-Level" AI-derived experience level and the nature of the company's business. The "Operations Impact" section highlights how a creative role contributes to the broader business objectives, framing it within an operational context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job listing indicates "Remote OK" with a location in Budapest, Hungary, suggesting a hybrid or fully remote work model is supported. This implies a modern, flexible work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Budapest, Hungary. While the role can be remote, having a base in Budapest may offer opportunities for occasional in-person meetings or team events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect regular virtual collaboration with international teams, requiring strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Digital Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and emerging AI tools will be crucial for daily tasks.
• Creative Autonomy: While client briefs and team input are important, a degree of creative freedom is expected to foster innovation.
• Fast-Paced: The nature of publishing and business intelligence often involves tight deadlines and the need for rapid turnaround on design requests.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with potential for flexible scheduling within that framework, especially for remote employees. Core hours will likely be established to ensure availability for team meetings and urgent client communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status and Budapest location are key drivers for inferring the work environment. The description emphasizes flexibility and digital collaboration, common in modern publishing and tech-adjacent companies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio, focusing on relevant experience and the quality of your design work.
• Skills Assessment: Potential for a practical design test or a review of a specific portfolio piece that addresses a simulated client brief. This might involve creating a digital ad or an infographic based on a provided topic.
• Technical Interview: Discussion about your proficiency with design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, AI tools), your design process, and your approach to interactive content.
• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Conversation with potential team members or managers to assess communication style, collaborative approach, and alignment with The Energy Year's culture.
• Final Interview: May involve a discussion about your portfolio in more detail, your understanding of the energy industry, and your vision for contributing to the company's visual strategy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 5-8 of your strongest projects, prioritizing those relevant to advertising, interactive content, and complex data visualization.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your creative process, the challenges you faced, and the measurable impact of your design. Use case study formats.
• Highlight AI & Interactive Work: Dedicate specific sections or projects to demonstrate your skills with Midjourney, Runway, Figma, and interactive design elements.
• English Proficiency: Ensure all project descriptions and annotations are impeccably written in English.
• Professional Presentation: Use a clean, well-organized online portfolio platform (e.g., Behance, personal website) with high-quality mockups and clear navigation.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Prompting Practice: Familiarize yourself with generating specific visual styles and content using Midjourney and Runway.
• Interactive Design Concepts: Be ready to discuss your approach to designing for user engagement and digital experiences.
• Energy Industry Awareness: Research The Energy Year's publications and recent content to understand their style and subject matter.
• Communication Skills: Prepare to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely, defending your creative choices with logic and data-driven reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates applying to this role, focusing on the specific requirements of a graphic designer in a business intelligence context, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and AI tool proficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:
  • Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations.
  • Adobe InDesign: Crucial for layout design of print and digital publications, advertisements, and reports.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating digital assets.
  • Adobe After Effects: Required for motion graphics, animations, and creating dynamic advertisements.
  • Adobe XD: For UI/UX design, prototyping interactive content, and wireframing.
• AI & Emerging Technologies:
  • Midjourney: For generating unique artistic and conceptual imagery through AI prompting.
  • Runway: For AI-powered video editing and generative AI for creative content.
  • AI Prompting: General skill in crafting effective prompts for various AI generative tools.

Analytics & Reporting: (Indirectly relevant, but understanding is beneficial)

• Familiarity with how design impacts engagement metrics on websites and digital platforms.

CRM & Automation: (Indirectly relevant)

• Understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications.

Collaboration & Prototyping:

• Figma: A preferred tool for collaborative design, prototyping, and creating interactive user interfaces.
• HTML + CSS: Knowledge here is an asset, indicating an understanding of web design constraints and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly derived from the job description. This section organizes them by function and highlights their importance to the role, providing context for how they are used in a design workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on original thinking and pushing creative boundaries, especially with new technologies like AI.
• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to producing high-caliber design work that reflects the premium nature of The Energy Year's business intelligence.
• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing teamwork and clear, effective communication, particularly in a remote or hybrid setting with international stakeholders.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ensuring design solutions are aligned with strategic objectives and brand messaging.
• Data-Driven Approach: While a creative role, understanding how design contributes to data communication and the overall business intelligence mission is key.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with editorial, content, and marketing teams, bridging the gap between information and visual representation.
• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on design work to ensure continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights on design trends, new tools, and best practices within the creative team and beyond.
• Agile Workflow: Likely involves iterative design processes with regular check-ins and adjustments based on project evolution and stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from the company's mission (business intelligence, strategic communications) and the nature of a creative role in a global publishing environment, emphasizing adaptability and quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Needs: Effectively translating diverse client requirements and brand guidelines into innovative design solutions.
• Mastering Emerging Technologies: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI design tools and integrating them seamlessly into workflows.
• Managing Remote Collaboration: Ensuring clear communication and efficient workflow with distributed teams across different time zones.
• Adapting to Industry Specificity: Understanding the nuances of the energy sector to create relevant and impactful visual content.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines: Delivering high-quality design work under pressure in a fast-paced publishing environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Mastery: Deepen expertise in AI prompting techniques for Midjourney, Runway, and other generative tools to create novel visual assets.
• Advanced Motion Graphics: Develop advanced skills in After Effects for sophisticated animations and video content.
• UI/UX Specialization: Enhance capabilities in Figma and Adobe XD for interactive design, potentially leading to roles focused on digital product interfaces.
• Industry Insight: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the global energy market through daily exposure to industry content and expert insights.
• Creative Process Innovation: Contribute to defining and refining new content formats and design workflows for the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to be relevant to a graphic designer in this specific industry and role, highlighting both potential hurdles and avenues for professional advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a digital advertisement from brief to final delivery, focusing on how you ensure it meets client objectives." (Assess process, client management)
• "How do you incorporate AI tools like Midjourney or Runway into your design workflow, and what are the benefits and limitations you've observed?" (Assess tech savviness, innovation)
• "Walk us through a challenging project from your portfolio where you had to overcome creative or technical hurdles. What was your solution?" (Assess problem-solving, resilience)
• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and software advancements, particularly in areas like motion graphics and AI?" (Assess continuous learning, proactivity)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Energy Year and the energy industry specifically?" (Assess research, alignment)
• "How would you adapt your design style to fit the established brand identity of The Energy Year's publications?" (Assess adaptability, brand understanding)
• "Describe your experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration?" (Assess remote work skills, communication)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, perhaps by project type (advertisements, infographics, interactive content) or by demonstrating your core skills (AI, motion graphics, UI/UX).
• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 projects to discuss in detail. For each, clearly define the challenge, your solution, your role, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to explain your thought process, not just the final output. Show sketches, wireframes, or iterations if possible.
• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics or client feedback to illustrate the success of your designs.
• Engage and Explain: Be ready to answer questions about your design choices and demonstrate your passion for the craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to the specific requirements of the Graphic Designer role at The Energy Year, emphasizing design skills, AI proficiency, and industry relevance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Visit the provided application link on join.com and submit your application.
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 3+ years of experience, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, AI tools, and any interactive design experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Optimize Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your best work in advertising, illustrations, and interactive content. Ensure it's easily accessible and professionally presented.
• Prepare Your Case Studies: For key portfolio pieces, prepare brief case studies detailing the project objectives, your creative process, the tools used, and the impact of your design.
• Research The Energy Year: Familiarize yourself with their website, publications, and overall brand aesthetic to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your experience, skills, and design philosophy clearly and concisely, especially regarding your use of AI and interactive design tools.

⚠️ 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.

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