visual designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Visual Designer Company: CRED Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India Job Type: Consultant Category: Design Operations / Creative Operations Date Posted: July 22, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Evolve and shape CRED's visual language across brand, campaigns, product, and communications, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence.
- Design original, thoughtful, and strategic creative assets that maintain consistency across diverse platforms, from digital products to marketing campaigns.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including other designers, writers, motion designers, and product managers, to deliver world-class user experiences and visual communications.
- Elevate the overall quality and craft of visual output through meticulous execution, rigorous feedback incorporation, and a commitment to design excellence.
- Contribute to and help maintain CRED's design system, ensuring scalability, consistency, and efficiency in visual asset creation.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Design Operations" or "Creative Operations" domain, focusing on the strategic and systematic execution of visual design elements to support broader business objectives. The emphasis on design systems, cross-functional collaboration, and quality assurance points to a need for operational rigor in the creative process.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and refine the visual identity and design language for CRED across all touchpoints, including branding, marketing campaigns, digital products, and internal/external communications.
- Conceptualize and execute original visual designs that are strategically aligned with business goals, brand guidelines, and target audience preferences.
- Partner with product designers, content strategists, and marketing specialists to translate concepts into compelling visual assets that enhance user experience and engagement.
- Implement and uphold high standards of design quality, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in typography, color theory, layout, and overall visual hierarchy.
- Actively contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the design system, creating reusable components, style guides, and best practices for visual asset creation.
- Provide support for the quality assurance (QA) of visual assets, ensuring accurate implementation and final delivery across various platforms and mediums.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning and experimentation by researching emerging design trends, tools, and innovative formats to inspire new creative approaches.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational management of visual assets. The mention of "evolving and shaping visual language" and "contributing to our design system" indicates a strategic component beyond pure execution, requiring an understanding of scalable design processes.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, visual design, or a closely related creative field.
Required Skills:
- Proven expertise in graphic and visual design principles, with a strong portfolio demonstrating finesse in typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.
- Proficiency in design software such as Figma (or similar vector-based tools like Sketch, Adobe XD), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
- Ability to design original creatives that are thoughtful, strategic, and maintain consistency across various platforms (web, product, campaigns).
- Strong understanding of brand development and the ability to translate brand guidelines into compelling visual assets.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and incorporate feedback constructively.
- A keen eye for detail, with a dedication to polish, consistency, and alignment in all design outputs.
- Demonstrated ability to stay curious and continuously learn new tools, formats, perspectives, and design methodologies.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with motion design tools (e.g., After Effects) and principles.
- Experience with illustration techniques and software.
- Exposure to industrial design or interior design principles, suggesting a broader understanding of form, space, and aesthetics.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that includes "Figma files, prototypes, showreels" indicates a preference for candidates who can demonstrate their thought process and problem-solving skills digitally, not just the final output. The "bonus" skills suggest a desire for versatility and a well-rounded design perspective.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of visual design projects, demonstrating expertise in typography, color application, layout composition, and visual hierarchy.
- Submission of Figma files, interactive prototypes, or showreels is highly encouraged to illustrate design process, problem-solving approaches, and attention to detail.
- Projects should reflect strategic thinking, consistency across different platforms (web, product, campaigns), and a high level of craft and polish.
- Evidence of contribution to or creation of design systems, style guides, or component libraries is a significant advantage.
Process Documentation:
- Ability to document and articulate design processes, including ideation, iteration, feedback incorporation, and final asset delivery.
- Experience in contributing to or utilizing design system documentation, style guides, and component libraries.
- Understanding of asset management workflows and best practices for organizing and delivering visual assets for implementation.
π Enhancement Note: The specific request for "Figma files, prototypes, showreels" implies that the hiring team will evaluate the candidate's workflow, problem-solving capabilities, and attention to detail beyond just the final visual output. This is crucial for understanding how a designer operates within a team and contributes to operational efficiency.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: As this is a consultant role with potentially variable project scope and duration, compensation would typically be negotiated on a project basis or hourly rate. For a Visual Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Bengaluru, India, a competitive hourly rate could range from βΉ800 to βΉ2,500 per hour, or a project fee commensurate with the scope. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for design consultants in metropolitan Indian tech hubs, factoring in the demand for skilled visual designers and the cost of living in Bengaluru.
Benefits:
- Paid Sick Leaves: Provided to ensure well-being and recovery when needed.
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: A robust health insurance plan offering coverage for medical needs.
- In-House Pantry: Access to a well-stocked pantry with complimentary snacks and beverages.
- Meals: Lunch and dinner are provided for all team members, supporting employee well-being and focus.
Working Hours: While CRED emphasizes flexibility and output over strict timings ("no work timings because we do not believe in archaic methods of calculating productivity"), a standard full-time consultant role typically involves around 40 hours per week. The focus is on achieving project milestones and delivering high-quality work, allowing for flexibility in how those hours are structured, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.
π Enhancement Note: The "consultant" employment type suggests a potentially project-based or contract role. The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for experienced designers in Bengaluru. The benefits listed are explicitly mentioned in the job description as part of CRED's employee support system.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology / Fintech / Consumer Internet. CRED operates at the intersection of finance, technology, and community building, aiming to redefine credit card payments and reward users for good financial habits. Company Size: While not explicitly stated for the current period, CRED has experienced significant growth since its founding, typically scaling into the "500-1000 employees" or higher range as it matures. This size implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for broad impact. Founded: Founded in 2018, CRED has rapidly grown from a concept to a prominent fintech platform in India, driven by a strong vision and execution. This relatively young age suggests an agile, innovative, and startup-like culture that values speed, experimentation, and disruption.
Team Structure:
- The Visual Design team likely operates as part of a larger Design department, which may include Product Designers, UX Designers, Motion Designers, and Researchers.
- Visual Designers typically report to a Design Lead or Head of Design, working closely with Product Managers, Engineering teams, and Marketing/Brand teams.
- Collaboration is highly cross-functional, requiring seamless interaction with writers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure design vision is realized across all product and communication channels.
Methodology:
- Data-Driven Design: While creative, CRED likely employs data analysis to inform design decisions, understand user behavior, and measure the impact of visual assets.
- Iterative Design Process: The culture encourages experimentation and iteration, where designs are developed, tested, and refined based on feedback and performance metrics.
- Agile Workflows: Embracing flexibility and speed, design processes are likely integrated within agile development cycles, prioritizing efficient delivery and continuous improvement.
Company Website: https://cred.club/
π Enhancement Note: CRED's unique culture emphasizes talent, passion, freedom, and trust. The description of employees having "talent up their sleeves" and the "eccentricities" like paying salaries before the joining date suggest a high-performance culture that also values employee well-being and unconventional approaches.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience), offering a solid foundation for specializing in visual design within a fast-growing tech company. It's an opportunity to contribute significantly to a brand's visual identity and gain experience across diverse design applications.
Reporting Structure: As a consultant, the reporting structure might be project-based, potentially reporting to a Lead Designer, Art Director, or a Project Manager within the design or marketing team. The emphasis on "no job designations" suggests that roles are fluid and responsibilities can evolve beyond a strict title.
Operations Impact: Visual designers at CRED play a critical role in shaping the user experience and brand perception. Their work directly impacts customer acquisition, engagement, and retention by creating visually appealing and intuitive interfaces, compelling marketing collateral, and a strong, consistent brand identity. Effective visual design is crucial for building trust and establishing CRED's premium positioning.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like typography, brand systems, or motion graphics.
- Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with product development, marketing, and brand strategy teams, broadening understanding of business operations.
- Design System Contribution: Play a key role in evolving and scaling the design system, a valuable skill for future operations-focused design roles.
- Leadership Potential: As a consultant, successful project delivery and strong collaboration can lead to longer-term engagements or opportunities within the core team.
π Enhancement Note: The "no job designations" policy and emphasis on flexibility suggest that career growth is less about climbing a rigid ladder and more about expanding responsibilities and impact based on performance and initiative. For a consultant, growth often means taking on more complex projects or longer-term engagements.
π Work Environment
Office Type: CRED is known for its vibrant and collaborative office spaces designed to foster creativity and productivity. As an on-site role, expect a modern, well-equipped workspace.
Office Location(s): Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. This location places the designer in one of India's primary tech and innovation hubs.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Hubs: The office likely features open workspaces, meeting rooms, and informal collaboration areas designed to encourage interaction and idea sharing among teams.
- Creative Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design hardware, software, and potentially specialized creative tools to support high-quality visual output.
- Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to connect with designers, product managers, engineers, and other creative professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange and cross-pollination of ideas.
Work Schedule: While CRED promotes flexibility and output over rigid hours, a consultant role in an on-site environment typically aligns with standard business hours. The emphasis is on meeting project deliverables and collaborating effectively with the team, allowing for some flexibility in daily scheduling as long as core responsibilities and team needs are met.
π Enhancement Note: The company culture description, emphasizing "good company" and providing amenities like meals and a pantry, suggests a work environment focused on employee well-being and fostering a positive, productive atmosphere.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruitment team.
- Portfolio Review & Discussion: A session with a Design Lead or Hiring Manager to discuss your portfolio, design philosophy, and experience. Expect questions about your process, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback.
- Design Challenge/Project Simulation: You might be asked to complete a small design task or work on a hypothetical project to assess your skills in real-time, focusing on areas like typography, layout, and strategic thinking.
- Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with members of product, engineering, or marketing teams to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit.
- Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit with CRED's vision and values.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your visual design skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with CREDβs brand aesthetic.
- Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (ideation, iteration, feedback), and the outcome/impact. Include Figma files or prototypes if possible.
- Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates your proficiency in typography, color, layout, hierarchy, and consistency.
- Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or results that show the impact of your design work.
- Tailor to CRED: Research CRED's brand and product to understand their visual style and tailor your presentation to show how your skills align.
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand CRED's Brand: Familiarize yourself with CRED's current visual identity, product interfaces, and marketing campaigns.
- Practice Design Exercises: Be prepared for tasks that might involve creating a visual asset for a campaign, refining an existing interface element, or developing a concept based on a brief.
- Focus on Rationale: For any challenge, be ready to explain the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them back to the brief, brand guidelines, and user experience principles.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Figma files, prototypes, showreels" and the request to "let your craft speak" suggests the interview process will be heavily portfolio-driven, with a significant focus on the candidate's process and attention to detail.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and component management within a design system.
- Adobe Creative Suite:
- Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and high-fidelity mockups.
- Illustrator: For vector graphics, icons, and logo design.
- Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially others like InVision or Principle.
Analytics & Reporting: While not directly used by designers for reporting, understanding how design impacts key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, engagement, user satisfaction) through analytics tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude is beneficial.
CRM & Automation: Primarily used by Sales and Marketing operations, but designers might interact with marketing automation platforms (e.g., Hubspot, Marketo) for campaign asset delivery or review.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Adobe Creative Suite highlights the core technical requirements. The preference for digital portfolios (Figma files, prototypes) underscores the importance of these tools in the candidate's workflow.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Craftsmanship & Detail: A strong emphasis on high quality, polish, and meticulous attention to detail in all visual outputs.
- Collaboration & Feedback: Openness to critique, feedback, and collaborative problem-solving as integral to the design process.
- Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying curious, exploring new tools, formats, and perspectives to drive innovation and personal growth.
- Strategic Thinking: Designing not just for aesthetics but also for strategic impact, ensuring visuals align with brand goals and user needs.
- Efficiency & Consistency: Contributing to and maintaining design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency in asset creation and implementation.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly with product managers, engineers, writers, and other creative professionals, fostering a team-oriented approach.
- Iterative Dialogue: Embracing a culture of open communication where ideas are shared, debated, and refined through constructive dialogue and feedback loops.
- Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the design team and with other departments.
π Enhancement Note: CRED's culture values individuals who are passionate, driven, and collaborative. The emphasis on "no job designations" and fluid roles suggests a culture that rewards initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to go beyond defined responsibilities for the collective good.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring the visual language remains consistent across a rapidly expanding range of products, campaigns, and communication channels.
- Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality, polished visual assets quickly in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Adapting to Evolving Needs: Quickly learning and adapting to new design tools, formats, and project requirements as the company grows and innovates.
- Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design rationale and ensuring alignment with stakeholders from diverse functional backgrounds (e.g., engineering, marketing, product).
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specialized areas like motion graphics, illustration, or advanced typography through project work and internal knowledge sharing.
- Design System Expertise: Developing deep expertise in building and maintaining scalable design systems, a highly sought-after skill in the operations and design industries.
- Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining insights into product development, marketing strategy, and business operations through close collaboration with other teams.
- Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, tools, and best practices through company-sponsored learning or personal development initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: The "challenges" are framed as opportunities for growth. For a consultant, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges is key to success and potential for continued engagement.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe your process for evolving a visual language across different platforms." Be ready to walk through a past project where you established or refined a visual system, detailing your steps from research to execution and iteration.
- "How do you ensure consistency and quality in your design work, especially when collaborating with others?" Discuss your approach to using design systems, style guides, and your methods for incorporating feedback from peers and stakeholders.
- "Tell us about a time you had to design for a new format or tool. How did you approach it?" This tests your adaptability and learning agility. Highlight your research process and how you overcame any initial unfamiliarity.
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What excites you about CRED's mission and brand?" Research CRED's values, products, and recent news to articulate a genuine interest.
- "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" Emphasize your openness to feedback and how you use it to improve your work, referencing specific examples.
- "How do you see your role contributing to CRED's overall success?" Connect your visual design skills to business objectives like brand perception, user engagement, and customer trust.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative for each project, clearly outlining the problem, your solution, and the impact.
- Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, well-designed, and visually consistent, mirroring the quality you deliver.
- Interactive Demos: If showcasing Figma files or prototypes, be prepared to navigate them smoothly and highlight key interactions or design decisions.
- Concise Explanations: Be articulate and concise in your explanations, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work and your thought process.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "let your craft speak" and the detailed portfolio requirements suggest that the interview will be very hands-on and focused on the candidate's practical skills and creative process. Be prepared to defend your design choices with clear rationale.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Visual Designer position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.
- Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate strong typography, layout, color theory, and consistency across various platforms (web, product, campaigns). Ensure your process and attention to detail are evident.
- Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 2-5 years of experience in graphic/visual design, emphasizing achievements and skills relevant to the job description, such as experience with design systems, cross-functional collaboration, and attention to detail.
- Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your portfolio with a focus on your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you incorporate feedback. Prepare examples for common design interview questions.
- Company Research: Thoroughly research CREDβs brand, products, and mission. Understand their visual aesthetic and target audience to better articulate your fit during the interview process.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have 2-5 years of experience in graphic or visual design and a portfolio showcasing their skills. They should be detail-oriented, open to feedback, and eager to learn new tools and formats.