Graphic Designer (f/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer (f/m/d) Company: Nolae Location: Berlin, Germany Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: October 11, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation of diverse graphic assets, from conceptualization through to final delivery, for a leading K-Pop e-commerce brand.
• Drive the evolution of Nolae's visual identity, ensuring consistency and impact across all digital and print platforms.
• Collaborate closely with the social media department and company founders to align design strategies with business objectives.
• Develop engaging visual content for website banners, static advertisements, social media posts, print materials, and animated/video elements.
• Implement and refine design processes to enhance efficiency and creative output within the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a "leading design force," indicating significant autonomy and responsibility for shaping the brand's visual direction. This implies a need for a candidate who can not only execute but also strategically guide visual development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of graphic assets, including but not limited to:
  • Website banners and landing page visuals
  • Static and animated digital advertisements
  • Engaging social media posts and campaign visuals
  • Print materials, stickers, and merchandise designs
  • Basic animations and video editing for promotional content
• Own and lead the brand's visual development and identity, ensuring a cohesive and compelling aesthetic across all touchpoints.
• Proactively identify opportunities for visual improvement and communicate innovative design solutions to stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with the social media department to ensure design assets are optimized for platform performance and audience engagement.
• Partner directly with founders to translate business goals into effective visual communication strategies.
• Manage design project timelines and deliverables, ensuring timely completion of assets.
• Maintain an organized workstyle, prioritizing tasks and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "leading the brand's visual development and identity" suggests this role requires a strategic thinker who can influence brand direction, not just execute design tasks. This level of responsibility typically implies a mid-level to senior designer with a strong portfolio demonstrating brand guardianship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in graphic design principles and execution is paramount. A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is advantageous. Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets across digital and print mediums. Experience within e-commerce, lifestyle brands, or the music industry (especially K-Pop) is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically:
  • Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and animation
  • Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and digital asset creation
  • Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and branding elements
• Foundational experience in motion design and animation principles.
• Highly organized workstyle with a proactive and self-starting mentality.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to and embody a brand's visual identity and design style.
• Strong communication skills for effectively articulating new ideas and design improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with video editing software beyond basic animation (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro).
• Familiarity with UI/UX design principles for web assets.
• Understanding of social media content best practices and trends.
• Experience working within an e-commerce or direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand.
• Passion for and knowledge of K-Pop culture and its visual landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "leading design force" and "proactive mentality" points towards a candidate who can operate with significant autonomy. This suggests the need for strong problem-solving skills and the ability to self-manage projects from inception to completion, a common expectation for mid-level roles taking on significant ownership.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a diverse range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency across various mediums (digital, print, animation).
• Case studies that highlight the design process, from initial concept and ideation to final execution and impact.
• Examples of brand identity development or adaptation, illustrating the ability to understand and evolve a brand's visual language.
• Demonstrations of proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud tools, particularly After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator, with clear examples of their application.
• Projects that show an understanding of marketing objectives and how design solutions contributed to achieving them (e.g., website banners for campaigns, social media assets for engagement).

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process for key projects, including:
  • Conceptualization and ideation phases.
  • Design iteration and feedback incorporation.
  • Production and asset finalization.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., social media).

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "leading the brand's visual development," the portfolio should not only showcase technical skill but also strategic thinking. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their design choices align with brand goals and audience engagement, demonstrating a holistic approach to design problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between €38,000 - €50,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin, the demand for skilled designers, and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Benefits:

• Direct Involvement: Gain hands-on experience in core design and social media processes from day one.
• Industry Insight: Acquire valuable insights into a leading European music e-commerce brand.
• Shaping Visual Identity: Opportunity to actively contribute to and shape the company's visual identity.
• On-site Perks: Free snacks, water, and coffee available.
• Team Cohesion: Regular team events to foster a collaborative and friendly work environment.
• Commute Support: A free "Deutschlandticket" for public transportation, covering nationwide travel.
• Work-Life Balance: One day of remote work per week, chosen by the employee.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 working hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for one flexible remote day, balancing office-based collaboration with personal work preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate for a mid-level Graphic Designer in Berlin. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and final negotiation with Nolae. The benefits package highlights a strong emphasis on professional development and employee well-being, typical for growing European companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce / Music & Entertainment (K-Pop focused) Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (Implied by the "leading design force" role and direct collaboration with founders, suggesting a less hierarchical structure than a large corporation). Founded: 2020. Nolae is a relatively young and dynamic company, focused on growing its presence in the European K-Pop market.

Team Structure:

• The design function appears to be a core, potentially small, team, with the Graphic Designer taking a lead role.
• Close collaboration with the social media department is a key structural element.
• Direct reporting lines or very close working relationships with the founders are expected.
• Cross-functional collaboration will be essential, working with various departments to ensure consistent brand messaging.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, effective design for e-commerce and social media often relies on understanding user behavior and engagement metrics.
• Agile Development: Given the company's founding date and focus on growth, an agile approach to design iteration and content creation is likely.
• Brand-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on maintaining and evolving the brand's unique visual identity.

Company Website: https://nolae.de

📝 Enhancement Note: As a company founded in 2020 and specializing in K-Pop e-commerce, Nolae likely fosters a vibrant, fast-paced, and fan-centric culture. The "leading design force" role suggests an environment where creativity and initiative are highly valued, and where design directly impacts the company's growth and connection with its audience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level Graphic Designer position. The "leading design force" aspect elevates it beyond a junior role, offering significant ownership and the opportunity to influence brand direction. It's a role for an individual ready to take on more responsibility and drive creative strategy. Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will likely report directly to a founder or a head of marketing/social media. The close working relationship with founders is a key aspect of this role. Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's work will directly impact Nolae's brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, sales. Effective visual assets are crucial for e-commerce success, influencing website conversion rates, social media interaction, and overall brand appeal within the competitive K-Pop market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Brand Leadership: Potential to grow into a more senior design role, overseeing a larger design team or taking on Art Director responsibilities as the company scales.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like motion graphics, animation, or digital marketing design.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of e-commerce operations, social media strategy, and product marketing through close collaboration.
• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects for a rapidly growing, niche brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "leading design force" title implies that Nolae is looking for someone who can not only execute but also strategize and potentially mentor future design hires. Growth opportunities would likely involve taking on more strategic design leadership and potentially managing junior designers as the company expands its creative team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company likely operates from a modern office space in Berlin, conducive to a creative and collaborative atmosphere. The provision of free snacks, water, and coffee suggests a comfortable and well-equipped workspace. Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This vibrant capital city offers a dynamic environment for creative professionals, with a thriving arts and culture scene. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect a dynamic environment with close interaction between the design, social media, and founder teams.
• Tools & Technology: Access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and other necessary design software and hardware.
• Creative Freedom: An environment that encourages proactive idea generation and the implementation of new visual concepts.
• Hybrid Flexibility: The allowance of one remote work day per week offers flexibility and supports a good work-life balance.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with the flexibility of one remote day. This schedule supports consistent creative output while allowing for personal work preferences and efficient task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and on-site perks indicate a company that values employee well-being and productivity. The Berlin location places Nolae within a hub of creative talent, likely influencing the company's aesthetic and approach to design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio.
2. Technical/Creative Interview: Discussion of design philosophy, experience with Adobe Cloud tools (especially After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator), and basic motion design capabilities. This may involve a review of specific portfolio pieces.
3. Case Study/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a small design task or present a case study from their portfolio that demonstrates their approach to brand adaptation, problem-solving, and visual storytelling.
4. Team/Founder Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, proactive mentality, communication skills, and alignment with Nolae's vision. This stage will likely involve discussing how the candidate would lead the brand's visual development.
5. Final Offer: Based on overall assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Brand Impact: Showcase projects where your design significantly contributed to brand identity, audience engagement, or marketing objectives.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your design process, especially for projects involving brand adaptation or visual development. Use case studies to explain your ideation, iteration, and final execution.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Include examples that clearly demonstrate your expertise with After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. For motion design, ensure clear examples are available.
• Tailor to Nolae: If possible, subtly align your portfolio presentation with the K-Pop aesthetic or e-commerce context, showing you understand their market.
• Quantify Results (if possible): If you have metrics on how your designs improved engagement or conversion, include them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Nolae's Brand: Research Nolae's current website, social media presence, and target audience. Understand their existing visual identity and the K-Pop market aesthetic.
• Prepare a Mini-Case Study: Be ready to present a past project that best represents your ability to lead visual development and adapt to a brand's identity.
• Motion Graphics Examples: Have readily accessible examples of your motion design work, even if basic, to discuss your capabilities in After Effects.
• Proactive Ideas: Think about potential visual improvements or new design concepts for Nolae, demonstrating your proactive mentality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "leading design force" aspect of the role means the interview process will likely heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to think strategically about design and brand, not just execute tasks. Portfolio presentations should emphasize problem-solving and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • After Effects: Essential for motion graphics, animations, and video editing tasks. Proficiency expected for creating dynamic visual assets.
  • Photoshop: Core for image manipulation, digital asset creation, web graphics, and social media content.
  • Illustrator: Critical for logo work, vector graphics, print design, and maintaining brand scalability.
• Design Management/Collaboration Tools: Potentially tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for collaborative design or prototyping, though not explicitly mentioned.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates on banners, engagement on social posts) is beneficial. Familiarity with basic analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media platform insights) could be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role, but awareness of how design assets are deployed through marketing automation or CRM-driven campaigns could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Cloud, with specific emphasis on After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator, indicates these are the primary tools. A candidate's ability to demonstrate advanced use of these programs, particularly After Effects for motion design, will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push visual boundaries and create unique, engaging content.
• Brand Stewardship: A commitment to maintaining and enhancing Nolae's visual identity with passion and precision.
• Collaboration & Communication: Openness to feedback, active participation in team discussions, and clear articulation of design ideas.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Taking initiative, managing tasks effectively, and owning the design process from start to finish.
• Adaptability: Ability to adjust to evolving brand needs and market trends within the fast-paced K-Pop industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with social media teams and founders.
• Emphasis on clear and constructive feedback loops to refine designs.
• Shared responsibility for brand consistency across all platforms.
• Open to brainstorming sessions and cross-functional idea generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's K-Pop focus suggests a culture that is likely energetic, modern, and potentially trend-aware. The values of "proactive mentality" and "leading the brand's visual development" imply a culture that empowers individuals to take ownership and drive initiatives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Trends: Staying ahead of visual trends in the dynamic K-Pop and e-commerce landscape.
• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity while introducing fresh and exciting visual concepts.
• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Effectively prioritizing and delivering high-quality assets under tight deadlines for various platforms.
• Translating Founder Vision: Accurately interpreting and visually executing the strategic vision of the founders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into K-Pop Culture: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the visual language and fan culture within the K-Pop industry.
• E-commerce Design Best Practices: Understanding how design directly influences conversion rates and customer journeys in an online retail environment.
• Advanced Motion Graphics: Developing more sophisticated animation and video editing skills through practical application.
• Brand Strategy: Learning how to strategically build and evolve a brand's visual identity for market impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be to act as the "leading design force" for a growing brand with limited established design infrastructure. This provides a significant opportunity for an ambitious designer to make a substantial impact and shape a brand's visual future.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach leading the visual development for a brand like Nolae, which caters to a specific and passionate fanbase?" (Focus on understanding brand identity, audience, and strategic approach.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design style to fit an existing brand identity. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Tests adaptability and brand alignment skills.)
• "Imagine we're launching a new merchandise line. What steps would you take to create compelling graphic assets for social media and our website?" (Assesses project planning, creative process, and understanding of marketing objectives.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Nolae and the K-Pop industry?" (Gauges passion and cultural fit.)
• "How do you approach working with founders or stakeholders who may have strong opinions on design?" (Tests collaboration and communication skills.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a creative team." (Assesses cultural fit and self-management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating your process. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the tools used, and the outcome.
• Highlight Key Projects: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your proficiency in Adobe Cloud (especially After Effects), your ability to adapt to brand identities, and your understanding of digital/social media design.
• Motion Design Focus: If applicable, have specific clips or a reel ready to demonstrate your motion design capabilities.
• Narrative: Tell a story for each project – what was the problem, how did you solve it with design, and what was the impact?
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your process, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "leading design force" aspect, interviewers will be looking for candidates who can articulate their strategic thinking behind design decisions, demonstrate leadership potential, and show a genuine understanding of Nolae's market and brand.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your comprehensive application through the provided link on join.com.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects showcasing your expertise in Adobe Cloud (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator), your ability to adapt and lead brand visual identity, and any relevant motion design work. Tailor your presentation to highlight work that aligns with e-commerce and social media objectives.
• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Cloud," "After Effects," "Motion Design," "Brand Identity," and "Social Media." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed social media assets that increased engagement by X%").
• Prepare for a Design Discussion: Be ready to articulate your design process, your approach to brand development, and your vision for Nolae's visual identity. Practice presenting a key portfolio piece that demonstrates your ability to lead design initiatives.
• Research Nolae: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with Nolae's current website, social media channels, and overall brand presence. Understand their target audience and the competitive landscape within the K-Pop e-commerce market.

⚠️ 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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