Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer Company: Spot & Tango Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations Date Posted: 2026-01-07T21:38:58 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development of compelling graphic design solutions that define Spot & Tango's brand presence across all customer touchpoints, encompassing both digital and print mediums.
• Drive creative excellence by collaborating with cross-functional teams, including product, marketing, and engineering, to conceptualize and execute engaging user experiences across web and mobile platforms.
• Strategize and execute designs with a clear focus on customer acquisition and retention, aligning visual communication with key business objectives in a subscription-based e-commerce model.
• Manage and direct external creative resources, such as photographers, copywriters, and illustrators, ensuring seamless project execution, adherence to brand standards, and efficient deliverable management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a high-growth e-commerce startup, indicating a dynamic environment where a Senior Graphic Designer will be expected to contribute significantly to brand evolution and campaign execution. The emphasis on customer acquisition and retention suggests a need for design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also performance-driven, requiring a strong understanding of conversion optimization and user psychology within a direct-to-consumer (DTC) context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute high-impact graphic design assets for a wide array of customer touchpoints, including:
  • Performance and brand advertising campaigns (digital and print)
  • Packaging design and updates
  • Marketing collateral and sales enablement materials
  • Engaging social media content and blog graphics
  • Optimized landing pages and web assets
  • Visually appealing email and SMS marketing graphics
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal design, product, marketing, and engineering teams to conceptualize and build cohesive and aesthetically superior user experiences across digital platforms.
• Translate business objectives and customer insights into effective visual strategies, ensuring all design output directly supports customer acquisition, engagement, and retention goals for a subscription-based model.
• Oversee and manage external creative partners, including photographers, illustrators, and freelance designers, from initial scoping and briefing through contract negotiation, timeline coordination, deliverable collection, and final brand compliance checks.
• Contribute to the continuous enhancement and maintenance of brand systems and design workflows, including the development and upkeep of presentation templates, Figma libraries, and organized asset management protocols.
• Support art direction and creative production for photo and video shoots by conducting visual research, developing mood boards, creating detailed shot lists, assisting with prop selection, and providing on-set creative guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for managing external creative partners and contributing to evolving brand systems highlights a need for strong project management and organizational skills in addition to design expertise. The emphasis on "designing with clear business goals in mind" and supporting "customer acquisition and retention" signifies that this role requires a blend of creative talent and a strategic, data-informed approach to design, common in performance marketing operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of design principles, visual communication, and brand strategy is expected, typically acquired through formal education or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 5+ years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a demonstrable track record of creating impactful branding, digital, and print work that balances playfulness with refinement.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in graphic design principles, typography, color theory, and layout composition.
• Deep proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign.
• Extensive experience in digital design, with a strong portfolio showcasing work in performance and brand advertising, organic social media content, email marketing, blog graphics, landing pages, and broader marketing collateral.
• Demonstrated experience with physical design projects, such as packaging design and marketing collateral, ensuring brand consistency from digital to physical product.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, provide constructive feedback, and effectively present creative concepts to stakeholders.
• A proactive, self-motivated, and highly organized approach to work, capable of managing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, with a commitment to refining design craft and optimizing creative processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the e-commerce or Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand landscape, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of online retail.
• Previous freelance or client-facing experience, including managing client relationships, negotiating rates, developing creative briefs, coordinating contracts, and overseeing project deliverables.
• Familiarity with animation principles and tools, or experience with illustration and photo editing techniques to enhance visual content.
• Video editing experience, particularly for native social media platforms (e.g., CapCut, TikTok) or using Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.
• Illustration skills, specifically for creating simple graphical elements or doodles to complement brand messaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience and a portfolio showcasing specific types of work (branding, digital, print, playful yet refined) points to a mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on Figma alongside the Adobe Suite indicates a modern design workflow, likely involving collaborative prototyping and design systems. The "nice to haves" like e-commerce experience and video editing suggest a desire for a versatile designer who can adapt to diverse marketing needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio is critical, showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional design experience.
• The portfolio must demonstrate a strong ability to execute graphic design solutions across both digital and print mediums.
• Specific examples of work in branding, performance advertising, and marketing collateral are essential.
• The ability to present designs that are both playful and refined, aligning with the Spot & Tango brand aesthetic, should be evident.
• Case studies or project descriptions should highlight strategic thinking behind design choices, particularly concerning customer acquisition and retention.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement for submission, candidates are expected to be able to articulate their design process, including:
  • How they approach developing design solutions from initial brief to final execution.
  • Their methods for collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing feedback.
  • Their strategies for ensuring brand consistency across diverse touchpoints.
  • Their approach to managing external creative partners and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior creative role, the portfolio serves as the primary evidence of process and capability. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just the final designs but the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration involved in their creation. Highlighting experience with brand systems and workflow optimization within the portfolio will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in the New York City metropolitan area with 5-10 years of experience, and considering the hybrid work model and startup environment, the estimated annual salary range is $95,000 - $135,000 USD.
• This estimate is derived from data from reputable salary aggregators (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Salary.com), adjusted for geographic location, experience level, and the specific demands of a high-growth e-commerce startup.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options for employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies to support work-life balance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Opportunities for long-term financial planning.
• Stock Options: Potential for equity in a growing startup, aligning employee success with company growth.
• Employee Discount: Discount on Spot & Tango pet food products.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, workshops, and training to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.
• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility with 3 days in the Midtown Manhattan office and 2 days remote.
• Pet-Friendly Office Environment: Occasional opportunities to interact with dogs on-site, a unique perk for animal lovers.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.
• While a hybrid model offers some flexibility, the role requires consistent presence in the Midtown Manhattan office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, necessitating adherence to a structured schedule for in-person collaboration and team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on available market data for similar roles in NYC. The inclusion of stock options is typical for early-stage, VC-backed startups and represents a significant potential component of total compensation. The emphasis on a hybrid model with specific in-office days indicates a structured approach to balancing remote flexibility with in-person collaboration needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pet Health & Wellness / E-commerce / Subscription Services. Spot & Tango operates in a rapidly growing market driven by increasing consumer spending on pet care, personalized nutrition, and convenient subscription models. This sector demands innovative marketing and strong brand identity to capture market share. Company Size: Spot & Tango is a VC-backed, high-growth e-commerce startup. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a lean team structure where individual contributions have a significant impact. The culture is likely agile, innovative, and focused on rapid scaling. Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the description of Spot & Tango as a "VC-backed, high-growth e-commerce startup" suggests it is a relatively young company that has achieved significant growth and secured external funding, indicating a mature but still evolving operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Creative team is described as "tight-knit," suggesting a collaborative and supportive environment.
• The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Creative Director, indicating a clear reporting line and opportunities for mentorship.
• Day-to-day collaboration will occur with other creatives and marketers, emphasizing cross-functional teamwork.
• The company culture fosters proactive behavior, organization, and the ability to "fill in gaps," suggesting a team that values initiative and shared responsibility.

Methodology:

• The company's approach is rooted in personalization and human-grade ingredients for pet nutrition, reflecting a commitment to quality and customer well-being.
• In marketing and creative operations, this translates to a focus on data-driven decision-making, customer-centric design, and measurable outcomes, particularly in customer acquisition and retention.
• The emphasis on "moving work forward regardless" and "filling in gaps" points to an agile methodology that prioritizes execution and problem-solving.

Company Website: http://www.spotandtango.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "high-growth startup" context is crucial. It means the Senior Graphic Designer will likely be involved in building and scaling design processes, not just executing existing ones. The "pet lovers strongly encouraged" note, along with the mention of "real, in-person time with dogs on set," highlights a unique aspect of the company culture that appeals to passion for the product.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy. The role is expected to contribute to shaping the brand's visual identity and execute projects from concept to completion, with potential involvement in art direction and creative production. It sits within the broader marketing and creative operations function. Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Creative Director, providing a clear path for mentorship, feedback, and strategic alignment. This structure is typical for senior individual contributors in creative departments, allowing for direct guidance and development. Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work will have a direct impact on customer acquisition and retention through visually compelling advertising, marketing collateral, and digital assets. Their contributions will influence brand perception, customer engagement, and ultimately, revenue growth for the subscription-based e-commerce business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in digital design, potentially expanding into UI/UX principles, motion graphics, or advanced art direction through project involvement and potential training.
• Creative Leadership: As a senior member, there's potential to mentor junior designers, lead specific creative initiatives, and contribute more strategically to brand system development.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working closely with product, marketing, and engineering teams provides exposure to different facets of the business, fostering a holistic understanding of e-commerce operations.
• Industry Specialization: Gaining deep experience in the pet wellness and DTC e-commerce sectors, which are high-growth areas with unique design challenges and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior Graphic Designer in a startup often involves taking on more responsibility for brand strategy and potentially managing projects or small teams as the company scales. The opportunity to influence brand systems and workflows from an early stage is a significant growth advantage.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid model in a Midtown Manhattan office. This suggests a professional, urban work environment conducive to collaboration and in-person meetings. The mention of "real, in-person time with dogs on set" implies a potentially more relaxed and pet-friendly atmosphere within the office or during specific on-site activities. Office Location(s): Midtown Manhattan, New York City. This central location offers accessibility via public transportation and proximity to various amenities. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model specifies in-office presence on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, indicating a deliberate focus on in-person collaboration, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions.
• Operations Tools & Technology: The role requires proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and potentially video editing tools. Access to modern design software and hardware is expected.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with designers, marketers, and potentially product teams during in-office days, fostering a connected and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid schedule requires specific in-office days (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday), providing structure for collaborative work, while allowing remote flexibility for other days. Occasional attendance at photo and video shoots is also a possibility, requiring flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement with 3 specific in-office days is a key detail. It signals a company that values in-person collaboration for core creative and strategic work but also offers flexibility. The mention of dogs on set is a unique cultural element that might appeal to specific candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio with the Creative Director and potentially other team members. Expect to discuss design rationale, project challenges, and creative process.
• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study demonstrating their ability to solve a specific creative problem relevant to Spot & Tango's brand and business goals. This could involve designing a campaign element or an ad.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with marketing, product, or other key stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit within the broader team.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or founder to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best represent the skills and experience required for this role (branding, digital ads, packaging, print).
• Showcase Process: For each project, articulate the problem, your role, the strategic approach, the design process, and the measurable results or impact. Visuals of mood boards, sketches, or iterations can be helpful.
• Highlight Relevant Work: Emphasize projects that align with Spot & Tango's aesthetic (playful yet refined) and business goals (customer acquisition/retention in e-commerce).
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, improved brand recognition, successful campaign performance).
• Figma Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates comfort and skill with Figma, as it's a required tool.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to talk in detail about your creative decisions, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Spot & Tango's current branding, marketing campaigns, target audience, and competitive landscape.
• Focus on Business Goals: If given a creative challenge, ensure your solution directly addresses the stated business objective (e.g., acquiring new subscribers, increasing repeat purchases).
• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Your approach should go beyond aesthetics; explain why your design choices will be effective.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a set timeframe, mimicking potential challenge conditions.
• Clear Articulation: Be prepared to present your work concisely and persuasively, clearly explaining your concept and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a hybrid role and a startup environment suggests interviews will assess not only creative talent but also adaptability, proactivity, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced setting. The portfolio review is paramount, and candidates should be prepared to defend their design choices with both creative rationale and business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design systems. Candidates must demonstrate strong proficiency.
• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logo design, illustrations, and icon creation.
• Adobe Photoshop: For image manipulation, photo editing, digital compositing, and creating web/social assets.
• Adobe InDesign: For layout design of marketing collateral, packaging, and print materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not primary design tools, an understanding of how design impacts key metrics (e.g., CTR, conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or platform-specific ad managers for performance tracking is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool requirements are listed for the designer role itself, but understanding how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing software) and impact CRM data is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highlighted as a core requirement, indicating its central role in the company's design workflow, likely for collaborative prototyping and design system management. This is a key differentiator from roles that might solely rely on the traditional Adobe Suite.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Growth: As a high-growth startup, Spot & Tango likely values a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, and a drive to scale effectively.
• Customer-Centricity: The emphasis on "making every dog healthier, and every pet parent happier" points to a strong focus on customer needs and satisfaction, translating into design that resonates with pet owners.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Developing recipes with "real, human-grade ingredients" and aiming for "pixel-perfect layouts" suggests a commitment to high standards in both product and creative output.
• Collaboration & Proactivity: The description of the team as "tight-knit" and the expectation to "fill in gaps" indicates a culture that thrives on teamwork, initiative, and shared responsibility.
• Passion for Pets: A genuine love for animals is clearly a valued attribute, contributing to a unique and potentially fun work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with marketing, product, and engineering teams to ensure design aligns with overall business objectives and user experience goals.
• Feedback Exchange: A "tight-knit" creative team likely fosters an environment where constructive feedback is shared openly to elevate the quality of work.
• Agile & Responsive: In a startup setting, the collaboration style is likely agile, requiring quick iteration, adaptability, and responsiveness to changing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values likely revolve around driving growth through innovative marketing, maintaining high product and brand quality, and fostering a collaborative, proactive team environment. The unique aspect of working with pets and for pet owners will significantly shape the team's culture and values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand & Performance: The need to create designs that are both aesthetically strong and highly effective at driving customer acquisition and retention requires a nuanced approach.
• Fast-Paced Startup Environment: Adapting to rapid changes in priorities, evolving brand guidelines, and tight deadlines is a constant challenge in a high-growth startup.
• Managing Diverse Touchpoints: Ensuring brand consistency across a wide range of digital and print channels, each with its own technical constraints and audience expectations.
• Creative Production Oversight: Effectively managing external creative partners requires strong communication, project management, and quality control skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like motion graphics, UI/UX, or advanced art direction through project involvement.
• Strategic Brand Development: Contributing to the evolution of a brand system in a high-growth environment offers invaluable experience in brand strategy and scalability.
• E-commerce & DTC Expertise: Deepening knowledge of effective design strategies within the e-commerce and subscription model context.
• Creative Production Management: Developing skills in managing creative projects, budgets, and external vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a startup, focusing on strategic execution, adaptability, and managing complex creative workflows. The growth opportunities align with advancing design expertise and taking on more strategic responsibilities within the creative function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a creative campaign from initial brief to final execution, focusing on how you ensure it meets both brand and performance goals." (Prepare to walk through a past campaign, highlighting strategic thinking, design choices, and results.)
• "How do you approach art direction for photo or video shoots to ensure the visuals align with brand messaging and objectives?" (Discuss your experience with mood boards, shot lists, and on-set collaboration.)
• "Tell us about a time you had to manage a challenging project with external creative partners. How did you ensure quality and timely delivery?" (Focus on your communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Spot & Tango and the pet wellness industry specifically?" (Research the company's mission, values, and products. Express genuine enthusiasm for pets.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within a creative team and with cross-functional partners in a fast-paced environment?" (Highlight your proactive, communicative, and adaptable nature.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are not only visually appealing but also drive business outcomes like customer acquisition and retention?" (Connect your design work to measurable results and business objectives.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role, the strategic approach, the design solution, and the outcome.
• Showcase Your Process: Don't just show the final product; explain your thinking, decision-making, and any iterations or challenges encountered. Use visuals like mood boards or sketches if available.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates).
• Highlight Figma Skills: Be prepared to discuss your experience using Figma for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Tailor to Spot & Tango: Emphasize projects that align with the company's brand aesthetic (playful yet refined) and business model (e-commerce, subscription).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a startup environment. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, defend their design choices with data and rationale, and showcase their collaborative spirit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Spot & Tango careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features examples of branding, digital advertising, packaging, and marketing collateral. Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate a "playful but also refined" aesthetic and a strategic approach to customer acquisition and retention.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of professional design experience. Quantify achievements where possible, and use keywords such as "Figma," "Adobe Creative Suite," "digital design," "brand development," "performance advertising," and "e-commerce."
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Spot & Tango, its market position, and its brand identity. Prepare to discuss your design process, your experience with key tools (especially Figma), and how you would contribute to their growth objectives. Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on strategic rationale and measurable impact.
• Company Research: Understand Spot & Tango's mission, values, and target audience. Familiarize yourself with their current marketing efforts and competitors. Be ready to articulate why you are a good cultural fit for a fast-paced, pet-focused startup.

⚠️ 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.