Graphic / Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic / Product Designer Company: Tim&Leon Location: Germany (Remote) Job Type: INTERN Category: Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-18T10:24:41.188 Experience Level: 0-2 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on visual brand execution and product presentation within a startup environment, emphasizing the creation of compelling graphics for physical products and digital marketing.
• The position requires strong design skills applied to packaging, labels, and marketing collateral, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.
• Collaboration with founders is key, necessitating effective communication and the ability to translate strategic vision into tangible design assets.
• The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to product innovation and shape the visual identity of an early-stage company in the pet nutrition sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic / Product Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills lean heavily towards graphic design with a focus on product presentation (packaging, labels) and marketing materials. The "product design" aspect appears to be more about the visual representation and branding of the product rather than industrial or UX/UI product design. The role is an internship with a part-time commitment (10 hours/week) and is unpaid, with a potential for equity in the long term.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop eye-catching packaging, labels, and product visuals that effectively communicate brand values and stand out in both physical retail and online environments.
• Create a range of brand-aligned graphics for marketing campaigns, social media content, website assets, and other promotional materials to ensure a cohesive visual identity.
• Collaborate closely with the founding team to understand product vision, brand strategy, and target audience, translating these into impactful design solutions.
• Contribute creative ideas and design concepts for product innovation, packaging enhancements, and visual storytelling that resonates with pet owners.
• Ensure all design outputs are user-friendly, engaging, and impactful, adhering to brand guidelines and print production considerations where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a direct contribution to the go-to-market strategy through visual design. Responsibilities are focused on brand consistency, product appeal, and marketing effectiveness, which are critical for a consumer-facing startup. The emphasis on "packaging, labels, and product visuals" indicates a need for design skills directly tied to the physical product and its presentation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or ongoing study in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Marketing, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Experience: Prior experience in graphic design, particularly with packaging or product visuals, is considered a plus but not strictly required. The emphasis is on demonstrating potential and a strong portfolio.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio showcasing creativity, strong attention to detail, and versatility in design applications.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and take initiative on design projects.
• Proficiency in graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for creating high-quality visual assets.
• Strong understanding of visual branding principles and the ability to maintain brand consistency across various media.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with founders and articulate design concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with packaging design and an understanding of print production processes, including file preparation and color management.
• Familiarity with social media content creation and digital marketing design principles.
• A genuine passion for pets and an understanding of the pet nutrition market.
• Basic knowledge of product innovation ideation and visual storytelling techniques.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced startup environment and contribute innovative ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "requirements" section is intentionally broad, reflecting the internship nature of the role. The emphasis on a strong portfolio and independent work ethic suggests that practical skills and self-motivation are valued over formal experience. The "Pet lover" requirement is a cultural fit indicator and suggests an understanding of the target market.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of design projects demonstrating proficiency in graphic design, with a specific focus on packaging, labels, or product visuals.
• Examples that highlight creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a strong understanding of visual hierarchy and composition.
• Projects showcasing versatility across different design applications (e.g., digital graphics, print materials) and a consistent brand aesthetic.
• Case studies or descriptions for key projects that articulate the design process, objectives, challenges, and outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• While formal process documentation is not explicitly required, the ability to articulate one's design process, from concept development to final execution, will be crucial during portfolio review.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach design briefs, conduct research, iterate on concepts, and ensure final assets meet project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an internship role, the "portfolio" serves as the primary indicator of process and capability. The expectation is that candidates can demonstrate a methodical approach to design challenges, even if not formally documented. The focus is on the quality and relevance of the work presented.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: This is an unpaid internship position. Benefits:

• Steep Learning Curve: Gain significant hands-on experience in brand building, product presentation, and startup operations.
• Creative Freedom: Opportunities to contribute original ideas and have a direct impact on the brand's visual identity and marketing efforts.
• Founding Experience: Direct exposure to the early stages of building a startup from the ground up.
• Long-term Involvement: Potential for equity options for candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment and long-term engagement.
• Maximum Flexibility: Full autonomy over work location and schedule, allowing for integration with study commitments.

Working Hours: Approximately 10 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate the intern's availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is structured as an unpaid internship, which is common for early-stage startups seeking to offer experience and learning opportunities. The benefits are framed around professional development, creative impact, and flexibility, aligning with the value proposition for interns. The "long-term involvement" and "equity options" suggest a potential pathway for growth if the internship is successful and the company secures funding.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pet Nutrition / Consumer Goods (Early Stage Startup) Company Size: Small (Early Founding Phase) Founded: Recently founded, focused on launching its first product.

Team Structure:

• The core team consists of two young founders, Tim and Leon, who are deeply involved in all aspects of the business.
• The Graphic / Product Designer will work directly with the founders, forming a small, collaborative unit.
• Cross-functional collaboration will be highly integrated, with the designer working closely with the founders on brand strategy, product development, and marketing initiatives.

Methodology:

• The company operates with a lean, agile, and hands-on approach, characteristic of early-stage startups.
• Data-driven decision-making will likely be a core tenet, with an emphasis on understanding customer needs and market trends in pet nutrition.
• Process optimization and efficiency will be important as the company scales, with a focus on iterative improvement and learning.

Company Website: https://tim-leon-website.webflow.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is in its nascent stages, meaning the culture is likely to be dynamic, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced. The small team size implies a high degree of direct interaction and influence for each member. The "pet nutrition" focus suggests a mission-driven approach centered around animal well-being and owner trust.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level internship, providing foundational experience in brand design and marketing for a consumer product. It's an opportunity to build a portfolio and gain practical skills in a startup context. Reporting Structure: The Graphic / Product Designer will report directly to the founders, Tim and Leon. This close reporting line allows for direct feedback and mentorship. Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct and visible impact on the brand's market perception, product appeal, and customer engagement. Successful designs will contribute to initial product launch success and brand recognition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in graphic design, packaging design, branding, and digital marketing through practical application and direct feedback.
• Startup Acumen: Gain invaluable insights into building a business from the ground up, understanding product development cycles, market entry strategies, and operational challenges.
• Networking: Build relationships with the founding team and potentially other early collaborators, which can lead to future opportunities.
• Long-Term Potential: For exceptional performance and commitment, the possibility of a longer-term role with equity participation exists as the company grows and secures funding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given it's an internship, the primary growth lies in skill acquisition and practical experience rather than a defined career ladder within the company. The opportunity is to contribute significantly to a growing brand and potentially evolve with the company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. Work can be conducted from any location. Office Location(s): Germany (specifically mentioned as a requirement, with a preference for Berlin, though not necessary).

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is entirely digital and remote, offering maximum flexibility.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital communication channels (e.g., email, messaging apps, video calls).
• The environment is expected to be entrepreneurial, with a strong emphasis on initiative, self-management, and proactive communication.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours, with an estimated commitment of 10 hours per week. The intern has significant control over when and how they complete their tasks, provided deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote and flexible nature of the role is a key selling point, catering to individuals who need to balance work with studies or other commitments. It requires self-discipline and strong organizational skills to succeed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit a brief introduction, motivation, and any relevant skills or CV.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing their design work. This is the primary evaluation tool.
• Founder Discussion: A conversation with Tim and Leon to discuss the portfolio, assess alignment with the company's vision and culture, and understand the candidate's motivation and approach.
• Potential Task/Brief: In some cases, a small design task or brief might be given to assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant projects. For this role, prioritize packaging, product visuals, branding, and marketing collateral.
• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome. Highlight your creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Demonstrate Versatility: Include a mix of projects that show your ability to adapt to different styles and requirements.
• Highlight Impact: If possible, quantify the impact of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, successful product launch).
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process and how you approach creative briefs.
• Think about how you would translate Tim&Leon's mission (transparency, quality, sustainability in pet nutrition) into visual elements for their first product.
• Consider how you would ensure brand consistency across packaging and digital marketing.
• Be ready to articulate your passion for pets and why you're interested in this specific startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be informal given the startup context, but the portfolio review is critical. Candidates should focus on demonstrating creativity, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is standard and expected for this type of role.
• Prototyping/Presentation Tools: Tools like Figma or Adobe XD might be beneficial for presenting concepts, though not explicitly mentioned.
• Cloud Storage/Collaboration: Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar for file sharing and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts social media engagement or website conversion could be a plus. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms (e.g., social media insights) would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but familiarity with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems might be useful for understanding how design assets are deployed in campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in industry-standard graphic design software. Any additional familiarity with tools used in marketing or product launch processes would be an advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion & Commitment: A shared dedication to the company's mission of improving pet nutrition.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to design and brand building.
• Transparency & Quality: Upholding high standards in product and brand representation.
• Initiative & Ownership: Empowering individuals to take responsibility and drive projects forward.
• Collaboration & Communication: Working closely together to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and hands-on, with direct interaction between the designer and founders.
• Open to feedback and iteration, fostering a dynamic creative process.
• Emphasis on shared learning and mutual support within a small team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be very founder-led, with an emphasis on shared vision and a strong work ethic. The "pet lover" aspect suggests a passion-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Unpaid Internship: The lack of monetary compensation might be a challenge for some candidates.
• Early-Stage Startup Volatility: Working in a startup means navigating uncertainty, rapid changes, and potentially undefined processes.
• Balancing Multiple Design Needs: Juggling packaging, labels, and marketing graphics requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Building a Brand from Scratch: The pressure to create impactful initial designs for a new brand can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Portfolio Building: Ample opportunity to create high-quality, impactful pieces for a professional portfolio.
• Startup Mentorship: Direct learning from founders with real-world business-building experience.
• Brand Strategy Exposure: Understanding how design fits into broader marketing and business strategies.
• Networking: Potential to build valuable professional connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for internships, especially unpaid ones in startups. The growth opportunities are significant, offering practical experience and exposure that is hard to find elsewhere.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• “Tell us about your design process, from brief to final delivery, and how you ensure brand consistency.”
• “Describe a time you had to balance multiple design projects with competing deadlines. How did you manage it?”
• “What appeals to you about Tim&Leon’s mission, and how would you visually represent our commitment to transparency and quality in pet nutrition?”
• “How do you stay updated on design trends, especially in consumer packaging and digital marketing?”
• “Can you walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of and explain the impact it had?”

Company & Culture Questions:

• “What do you know about the pet nutrition industry, and what excites you about it?”
• “How do you see yourself contributing to a small, fast-paced startup team?”
• “What are your expectations for this internship, and what do you hope to learn?”
• “How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?”

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronologically. Start with your strongest, most relevant work.
• Narrative: For each project, provide context: the client/brief, your role, the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly call out how your work demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, branding consistency, and any packaging/print experience.
• Conciseness: Keep descriptions brief and to the point, letting the visuals speak for themselves.
• Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in Tim&Leon and the opportunity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process, showcase your creativity, and demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and industry. Authenticity and passion are key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic / Product Designer internship:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Prepare a concise introduction about yourself, your motivation for applying, and highlight any relevant skills or previous experience.
• Upload your CV and ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link in your CV or application).
• Tailor your portfolio to showcase relevant projects, particularly those involving packaging, product visuals, branding, or marketing materials, and be ready to discuss your design process.
• Research Tim&Leon's mission and their current social media presence to understand their brand identity and target audience.

⚠️ 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.