Junior Graphic Designer

appflame
Full-timeKyiv, Ukraine

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Graphic Designer

Company: appflame

Location: Europe, Ukraine (Kyiv)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Graphic Design / Marketing Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK (with office options in Kyiv, London, Limassol)

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role focuses on creating high-impact, performance-driven visual assets for AI utility products, directly supporting marketing and user acquisition efforts.

  • The Junior Graphic Designer will leverage cutting-edge AI tools to enhance creative output, streamline workflows, and stay ahead of visual trends in the digital product space.

  • Collaboration is key, working closely with lead designers and creative marketers to brainstorm and execute innovative visual concepts for massive global audiences.

  • This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented tech environment with a focus on product development and market scaling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into performance marketing creative production and AI tool integration. This suggests a need for candidates who can understand marketing objectives and translate them into effective visuals, rather than purely aesthetic design. The "RnD team" context implies involvement in experimentation and early-stage product visual development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and produce performance-driven static ad visuals and resized asset packages based on detailed creative briefs and input from marketing managers.

  • Proactively utilize and integrate AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, Generative Fill) to optimize daily design workflows, conduct comprehensive visual research, and automate repetitive design tasks.

  • Actively participate in team brainstorming sessions, contributing original visual ideas, hooks, and creative solutions to enhance campaign effectiveness.

  • Conduct ongoing trend analysis and competitor research to identify new visual angles, elevate design standards, and ensure creative assets remain fresh and engaging.

  • Collaborate closely with lead designers and creative marketers to ensure visual consistency and alignment with brand guidelines and campaign objectives.

  • Adapt existing visual assets for different platforms and ad formats, ensuring optimal performance across various marketing channels.

  • Maintain organized project files and asset libraries for efficient retrieval and future reference.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "performance-driven" and "marketing managers" indicates that the role requires an understanding of user acquisition metrics and how visuals impact conversion rates, not just aesthetic appeal. The requirement to leverage AI tools suggests a need for adaptability and a forward-thinking approach to design processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Completion of structured graphic design courses or equivalent vocational training is expected.

  • A formal degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is a plus.

  • Possession of a professional certificate in Graphic Design is also considered. Experience:

  • Up to 6 months of hands-on graphic design experience is required, with a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design skills.

  • Experience in performance marketing design or RnD creative development is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

  • Design Fundamentals: Strong understanding of composition, color theory, typography, and visual hierarchy.

  • Software Proficiency: Comfortable and proficient working with Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud (specifically Photoshop and Illustrator).

  • AI Tool Integration: Confident enthusiast and active user of AI tools for creative tasks, including but not limited to Midjourney, ChatGPT, and Generative Fill.

  • Visual Research: Ability to conduct effective visual research to inform design concepts and identify trends.

  • Proactivity & Ideation: Energetic, proactive, and open-minded with a strong ability to generate fresh ideas and visual solutions independently.

  • Communication: Clear communication skills to articulate design concepts and collaborate effectively with team members.

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous experience specifically in RnD or Marketing Performance design.

  • Basic understanding of performance ad creative mechanics, including hooks, calls-to-action, and audience attention strategies.

  • Familiarity with A/B testing principles for creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "up to 6 months" experience requirement, combined with the emphasis on a portfolio and structured courses, suggests the company is willing to train and develop talent. The "AI enthusiast" requirement is critical, indicating a preference for candidates who are already experimenting with or actively using AI in their personal or academic projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that highlight core design competencies, including composition, color theory, and typography.

  • Include examples of performance-driven ad visuals, demonstrating an understanding of how design elements can influence user engagement and conversion.

  • Feature projects where AI tools were utilized to enhance the design process, showing practical application and workflow optimization.

  • Present case studies or project descriptions that explain the design rationale, creative brief, and the problem being solved.

  • Demonstrate versatility by including examples across different formats (e.g., social media ads, banners, static graphics). Process Documentation:

  • Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal design workflow, from initial concept generation and research to final asset delivery.

  • Be ready to explain how they integrate AI tools into their workflow for efficiency and creative exploration.

  • Articulate their approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from marketing managers and lead designers.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of version control and asset organization for marketing campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, especially given the junior experience level. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic capability but also an understanding of performance marketing and a willingness to adopt new technologies like AI. Explicitly asking for examples of AI tool usage will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • For a Junior Graphic Designer in Kyiv, Ukraine, with up to 2 years of experience and proficiency in Figma/Adobe CC and AI tools, a competitive salary range is estimated between 15,000 - 25,000 UAH per month. This range is based on industry benchmarks for entry-level creative roles in Ukraine, considering the demand for AI-savvy designers and the company's growth trajectory. Benefits:

  • Work Flexibility & Setup:

    • Remote-first setup for optimal work-life balance.
    • Option to work from modern offices in Kyiv, London, or Limassol.
    • Compensation to set up a comfortable and productive remote workspace.
    • Provision of necessary equipment.
  • Professional Growth & Development:

    • Fair compensation with regular salary reviews based on performance.
    • Post-probation: Compensation for further education and English courses.
    • Access to an Online Speaking Club for language improvement.
    • Access to an online library and extensive course materials.
  • Health & Well-being:

    • Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
    • Confidential psychologist consultations for mental health support.
    • Unlimited paid sick days to prioritize health.
    • Generous vacation policy: 31 paid vacation days per year, including public holidays.
  • Team & Culture:

    • Regular corporate events and engaging team-building activities.

    • Paid participation in sports competitions to foster team spirit and well-being. Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered due to the remote-first setup and the nature of creative project-based work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for junior creative roles in Ukraine. The provided benefits are extensive and reflect a company that invests heavily in employee well-being and professional development, which is a significant draw for talent in the tech industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software Development, Mobile Applications, AI, AdTech, B2B/B2C Solutions)

Company Size: 500+ employees, indicating a well-established yet agile organization.

Founded: 7 years ago, suggesting a company with a proven track record and a culture that has evolved but retains entrepreneurial spirit.

Team Structure:

  • The Junior Graphic Designer will join a dynamic RnD team, working under a lead designer.

  • Close collaboration with creative marketers is a core aspect of the role.

  • The broader company structure includes offices in Kyiv, London, and Limassol, and a coworking space in Warsaw, suggesting a global outlook and diverse team.

  • Appflame is recognized as a top employer in Ukraine, highlighting a strong internal culture and commitment to employee growth. Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Product Development: Appflame focuses on building world-class products like Hily and Taimi, which are top-performing dating apps, indicating a strong emphasis on user data and market performance.

  • AI Integration: The company actively embraces and integrates AI tools across its operations, from product development to creative workflows.

  • Performance Marketing Focus: A significant portion of their success is attributed to effective marketing strategies, requiring a data-informed approach to creative asset generation.

  • Agile & Experimental: The mention of an RnD team and a mission to "Flame up the world" suggests a culture that encourages experimentation, innovation, and rapid iteration.

Company Website: https://appflame.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Appflame positions itself as a company that builds "world-class products" and aims for global leadership ("top 5 product companies in the world"). This implies a high-performance culture where innovation, ambition, and results are paramount. The "Ukrainian products" aspect is also a strong point of pride.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

  • This role is positioned as a "Junior Graphic Designer," indicating an entry-level to early-career stage. It's an opportunity to build foundational experience in a high-growth tech environment, specifically within the intersection of creative design and performance marketing. The scope includes producing assets and learning advanced techniques. Reporting Structure:

  • The Junior Graphic Designer will report to a Lead Designer.

  • Close collaboration is expected with creative marketers and potentially other members of the RnD team.

  • This structure provides mentorship and direct guidance while fostering cross-functional teamwork. Operations Impact:

  • The visuals produced directly impact user acquisition and revenue through performance marketing campaigns.

  • By contributing to the visual appeal and effectiveness of ad creatives, the designer plays a crucial role in driving app downloads, user engagement, and ultimately, business growth for AI utility products.

  • The focus on AI utility products suggests involvement in a cutting-edge and rapidly evolving market segment. Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in performance marketing design, AI-driven creative workflows, and specific design software.

  • Career Advancement: Potential to progress to a Mid-level or Senior Graphic Designer role, Lead Designer, or even specialize in areas like UX/UI design or creative strategy within the company.

  • Cross-Functional Learning: Gain insights into marketing strategies, product development, and the technical aspects of AI utility products.

  • Leadership Potential: With proven performance and initiative, opportunities may arise to mentor future junior designers or lead specific creative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's ambition to become a "unicorn" and a "top 5 product company" suggests that high performers will have significant opportunities for career acceleration. The emphasis on learning and growth, with compensated education and access to resources, reinforces this potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

  • Appflame offers a "remote-first setup" but also maintains modern offices in Kyiv, London, and Limassol, along with a coworking space in Warsaw. This provides flexibility for employees to choose their preferred work environment.

  • The offices are described as modern and equipped with activities, suggesting a vibrant and engaging physical workspace for those who opt to use them. Office Location(s):

  • Primary office locations include Kyiv (Ukraine), London (UK), and Limassol (Cyprus).

  • A coworking space is available in Warsaw (Poland).

  • For remote employees, the role is open to individuals based in Europe and Ukraine. Workspace Context:

  • Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with a lead designer and creative marketers, suggesting a team-oriented environment that values communication and shared problem-solving.

  • Technology & Tools: Employees are provided with all necessary equipment and compensation for remote setup, ensuring they have the resources needed to perform their tasks effectively. Access to industry-standard design software and cutting-edge AI tools is integral.

  • Team Interaction: While remote-first, the company culture promotes team interaction through corporate events, team-building activities, and potentially virtual collaboration tools, fostering a sense of community.

Work Schedule:

  • The role is full-time, aligning with approximately 40 hours per week.

  • The remote-first approach offers inherent flexibility in managing daily schedules, allowing designers to structure their work around peak productivity times, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote-first" approach combined with physical office options caters to diverse working preferences. The company's investment in remote setup and equipment indicates a genuine commitment to supporting a distributed workforce effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Application Submission: Submit your resume and portfolio through the provided link.

  • Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily rely on the submitted portfolio to assess design skills, AI tool usage, and understanding of performance creative principles.

  • Initial Interview (Screening): A conversation with an HR representative or hiring manager to assess cultural fit, motivation, and basic qualifications. Expect questions about your design background and interest in AI.

  • Technical Interview / Design Challenge: This may involve a practical design task or a case study presentation. You might be asked to create a specific ad visual or critique existing ones, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and creative process.

  • Team/Lead Interview: A discussion with the Lead Designer and potentially members of the marketing team to evaluate technical skills, collaboration style, and alignment with team dynamics.

  • Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior management to finalize the decision and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight AI Integration: Clearly mark projects where AI tools were used and explain the specific benefits (e.g., speed, idea generation, automation).

  • Showcase Performance Mindset: For ad creatives, explain the objective, target audience, and how design choices were made to achieve performance goals. Use metrics if available.

  • Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Use case studies that outline the problem, your process, and the solution/results. Keep it concise and visually appealing.

  • Demonstrate Fundamentals: Ensure a strong foundation in color, typography, and composition is evident across all your work.

  • Tailor to the Role: If possible, include examples similar to what appflame produces (app ads, digital graphics) or demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Product: Research appflame's products (Hily, Taimi, AdConnect, Mailkeeper) and their target audiences. Understand the "AI Utility product" context.

  • AI Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with specific AI tools and how you would apply them to a given brief. Practice generating concepts or assets using these tools.

  • Performance Metrics: Familiarize yourself with common performance marketing metrics (CTR, Conversion Rate, CPC) and how design influences them.

  • Creative Brief Interpretation: Practice breaking down creative briefs into actionable design tasks and articulating your strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio and practical application of skills, especially concerning AI tools and performance marketing. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their thought process and demonstrate their ability to learn and adapt quickly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design Software: Figma (primary expectation), Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator). Proficiency in at least one is essential, with familiarity in others being a strong advantage.

  • AI Creative Tools:

    • Image Generation: Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, DALL-E (or similar AI image generators).
    • Text Generation/Assistance: ChatGPT, Bard (or similar LLMs for ideation, brief interpretation).
    • Editing/Manipulation: Generative Fill (within Photoshop), AI-powered editing features in other software.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not directly a design tool, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, app-specific analytics) to inform creative decisions is beneficial.

  • Familiarity with A/B testing platforms or concepts for creative optimization. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant for this Junior Graphic Designer role, but understanding how marketing campaigns are managed and automated through CRM/MAP systems can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Generative Fill is critical. Candidates must demonstrate hands-on experience or a strong willingness to learn and experiment with these tools. Proficiency in Figma is highly valued in modern design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Ambition & Daring: A culture that encourages bold ideas and a drive to achieve ambitious goals ("Flame up the world," "become a unicorn").

  • Product Focus: Emphasis on building "world-class products" with a direct impact on a massive global audience.

  • Innovation & Experimentation: Encouragement to bring fresh ideas, utilize cutting-edge technology (like AI), and explore new visual concepts.

  • Efficiency & Results: A data-driven approach focused on performance, with clear evaluation based on personal performance indicators.

  • Collaboration & Growth: A supportive environment that values teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Close teamwork between designers, marketers, and RnD teams is fundamental to creating effective performance creatives.

  • Open Feedback Culture: Encourages sharing ideas and receiving constructive feedback to improve designs and processes.

  • Proactive Contribution: Team members are expected to bring their own ideas and solutions, rather than just executing tasks passively.

  • Global Mindset: Working with diverse teams across different locations fosters an inclusive and adaptable collaboration style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is built around a strong sense of purpose ("Flame up the world"), ambition, and a pragmatic approach to achieving goals through innovation and collaboration. The emphasis on "real products" and "startups" suggests a dynamic environment where initiative is rewarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Rapid Iteration Cycles: The fast-paced nature of performance marketing requires quick turnaround times for creative assets, demanding efficiency and adaptability.

  • Balancing Creativity with Performance: Effectively translating marketing objectives and data insights into visually compelling yet high-performing creative assets can be challenging.

  • Staying Ahead of AI Trends: The landscape of AI tools is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning and experimentation to leverage the latest advancements.

  • Adapting to Diverse Product Needs: Working on multiple products (AI utility, dating apps, B2B solutions) requires versatility in design style and understanding of different target audiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Tool Mastery: Deepen expertise in using advanced AI tools for graphic design, potentially becoming a go-to person for AI creative workflows.

  • Performance Marketing Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of user acquisition, ad creative best practices, and data analysis to inform design decisions.

  • Product Design Exposure: Gain insight into the design process for various digital products, from user-facing apps to B2B solutions.

  • Mentorship and Skill Building: Benefit from guidance from a Lead Designer and access to company-provided educational resources (courses, library, English clubs).

  • Cross-Functional Experience: Learn from marketing strategists, product managers, and engineers, broadening your understanding of the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly tied to the role's responsibilities and the company's industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for a junior designer to develop into a well-rounded creative professional with in-demand skills in AI and performance marketing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How do you approach creating ad visuals for a new AI utility product, considering both aesthetic appeal and performance metrics?"

    • Preparation: Discuss your process for understanding a brief, researching the target audience, and incorporating elements that drive engagement (e.g., clear value proposition, strong CTA, visually appealing hooks). Mention how you'd use AI for ideation or asset generation.
  • "Describe a time you used AI tools to improve your design workflow or create a unique visual. What was the outcome?"

    • Preparation: Be ready with a specific example. Detail the tool used, the problem it solved, your process, and the results achieved. Quantify the improvement if possible (e.g., time saved, novel concept generated).
  • "How do you stay updated on design trends and the latest advancements in AI creative tools?"

    • Preparation: Mention specific sources like design blogs, industry publications, tech news, AI forums, and your personal experimentation process. Company & Culture Questions:
  • "Why are you interested in appflame and our mission to 'Flame up the world'?"

    • Preparation: Research appflame's products and values. Connect your personal drive and career aspirations to their ambitious goals and focus on building impactful Ukrainian products.
  • "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs, especially from marketing teams with performance goals?"

    • Preparation: Emphasize your openness to feedback, your ability to understand different perspectives (creative vs. performance), and your commitment to iterating towards the best outcome for the product.
  • "What are your thoughts on the role of AI in the future of graphic design?"

    • Preparation: Share your informed perspective, highlighting both the opportunities for efficiency and creativity, and potential challenges or ethical considerations. Show enthusiasm for AI's potential. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
  • "Walk us through a project where you used AI tools."

    • Strategy: Select a project that clearly demonstrates your AI integration. Explain the initial challenge, how AI helped overcome it, your specific role, and the final impact.
  • "Show us an example of a performance-driven creative. What was its objective, and how did your design contribute?"

    • Strategy: Choose a piece where you can articulate the strategic thinking behind your design choices. If you have metrics, present them clearly.
  • "How would you adapt this design for a different platform (e.g., a banner ad vs. a social media post)?"

    • Strategy: Be prepared to discuss resizing, reformatting, and potentially re-conceptualizing assets for different contexts, demonstrating an understanding of platform-specific best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely test not only design skills but also a candidate's strategic thinking, adaptability, and enthusiasm for AI technology within a performance-driven context. Candidates should be ready to articulate their value proposition clearly and demonstrate a proactive learning mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Graphic Designer position at appflame:

  • Submit Your Application: Navigate to the job posting on greenhouse.io and click "Apply."

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, easily accessible (e.g., via a link), and prominently features examples of your design fundamentals, AI tool usage, and any performance-oriented creative work. Tailor the selection to highlight relevant skills for this role.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience (even academic projects if limited professional experience), software proficiency (Figma, Adobe CC), and any demonstrated interest or use of AI tools. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your passion for design, your eagerness to learn and grow within a tech company, and your specific interest in AI and performance marketing. Practice presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions.

  • Research Appflame: Thoroughly understand appflame's products, mission, values, and recent achievements (e.g., Forbes ranking). This will enable you to tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest during interviews.

⚠️ 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

Requires up to 6 months of design experience or completion of structured courses with a portfolio. Candidates must be proficient in Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud and be active enthusiasts of AI creative tools.