Part-Time Graphic Designer (Adobe Illustrator) — Contract / Per Diem, Remote

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Part-Time Graphic Designer (Adobe Illustrator) — Contract / Per Diem, Remote

Company: Whiskey Library

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (Remote)

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a remote, part-time, contract/freelance role focused on graphic design with a strong emphasis on Adobe Illustrator for a growing whiskey company.

• The position is project-based, offering per diem (as-needed) work with flexible hours, ideal for designers seeking supplementary income or flexible work arrangements.

• Responsibilities include designing a variety of branded materials such as apparel, merchandise, packaging, and promotional graphics for digital marketing.

• Candidates must demonstrate expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and a strong understanding of print production best practices, including preparing clean, editable, vector artwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title specifies "Graphic Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean towards a Vector Graphics Specialist or Production Artist role, particularly given the emphasis on Adobe Illustrator and print-ready vector artwork. The "per diem" nature suggests a need for high efficiency and quick turnaround times on assigned projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop vector artwork for apparel, merchandise (e.g., t-shirts, hats, stickers), and other branded products.

• Create print-ready designs for bottle labels, packaging, hang tags, and informational inserts, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and production requirements.

• Produce engaging promotional graphics for social media, email marketing campaigns, web banners, and advertising materials, optimized for digital platforms.

• Adapt and reformat existing artwork and designs into new dimensions, formats, and file types as required for various marketing and product initiatives.

• Construct design templates and meticulously organize and maintain production files, ensuring they are editable, layered correctly, and ready for handoff to print vendors.

• Collaborate with the marketing and branding teams to translate creative briefs into visually compelling designs that align with the company's brand identity and product offerings.

• Ensure all design outputs are technically sound for print and digital applications, adhering to color modes, resolution, and file specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can handle both creative conceptualization and technical production. The emphasis on "clean, editable, print-ready vector artwork" and "templates" points towards a role that requires not just aesthetic skill but also a strong understanding of production workflows and file management for efficiency and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring strong design fundamentals. Equivalent practical experience and a robust portfolio will be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant focus on vector-based design and print production. Experience working in a freelance or contract capacity is beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for creating vector graphics, logos, and print-ready artwork.

• Strong working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation, photo editing, and preparing raster graphics.

• Excellent command of graphic design principles, including typography, layout, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Proven ability to create clean, organized, and editable vector files suitable for professional printing processes.

• Solid understanding of print production requirements, such as bleeds, trim marks, CMYK color modes, resolution standards, and layer management.

• Demonstrated experience in designing for apparel, merchandise, and packaging.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate design choices and receive feedback constructively.

• Self-motivated and highly organized, capable of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines independently.

• Adaptability and comfort working on an as-needed, project-based schedule with varying workloads. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with apparel design for specific production methods like screen printing or Direct-to-Garment (DTG).

• Familiarity with packaging and label design, including understanding dielines, die-cuts, and specialty print finishes (e.g., foil, embossing).

• Previous experience working with brands in the beverage, spirits, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries.

• Ability to take a rough creative brief and independently develop polished design concepts from ideation to final execution.

• Basic understanding of user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) principles for web and digital assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator" is the most critical qualification. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that heavily feature vector work and demonstrate their ability to create production-ready files. The "Nice to Have" section indicates areas where candidates can significantly differentiate themselves, especially with experience in the spirits or CPG sector and advanced print finishing techniques.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio that prominently features apparel, merchandise, and/or packaging and label design work.

• Examples demonstrating proficiency in creating clean, editable vector artwork using Adobe Illustrator.

• Case studies or project examples that illustrate the ability to adapt existing artwork into various formats and sizes for different applications.

• Visuals that showcase an understanding of print production requirements, such as layered files, correct color modes, and print-ready specifications.

• Projects that highlight an ability to follow a creative brief and deliver polished concepts. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from brief to final delivery, including stages of concept development, iteration, and file preparation.

• Demonstrated experience in managing production files with clear naming conventions, organized layers, and version control.

• Examples of how design work has been adapted for different marketing channels (e.g., social media, email, web) with appropriate file optimization.

• Understanding of print vendor requirements and how to prepare files to ensure smooth production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and clearly demonstrate the candidate's technical proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and their understanding of production workflows. Candidates should be ready to discuss their process for creating print-ready files and managing projects efficiently.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $40 - $50 per hour.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedule: Part-time, per-diem (as-needed) with flexible hours, allowing for work-life balance and management of personal commitments.

• Remote Work: Fully remote position, eliminating commute time and offering the convenience of working from any location within the specified countries.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a diverse range of design projects within the growing spirits and lifestyle brand sector.

• Contractual Engagement: Opportunity for ongoing freelance work based on project needs and performance.

Working Hours: Flexible; workload varies significantly depending on current project volume. This role is project-based, not a fixed weekly schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $40-$50 USD is competitive for a skilled freelance graphic designer with expert-level Adobe Illustrator skills, especially for a remote, project-based role. The primary "benefit" is the flexibility and remote nature of the work. No traditional benefits like health insurance or paid time off are typically associated with contract/per diem roles, which candidates should be aware of. For India, this hourly rate would translate to a high income compared to local averages, reflecting the specialized skills and remote nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically Spirits/Whiskey), E-commerce, Subscription Box Services, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Brands.

Company Size: Whiskey Library is described as "fast-growing," suggesting a dynamic, potentially lean, and agile operational structure. As a growing company, it likely values innovation, community building, and a strong brand presence.

Founded: Whiskey Library was founded in Washington, DC. Its focus on developing its own bourbon brands and merchandise indicates a commitment to brand expansion beyond its subscription model.

Team Structure:

• The design role is likely part of a broader marketing or creative team, or may work directly with founders/leadership depending on the company's current structure.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving marketing, product development, and potentially e-commerce management.

• As a contract role, the designer will operate with a high degree of autonomy but will need to integrate seamlessly with internal teams for project briefs and feedback. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Marketing: As a fast-growing e-commerce and subscription company, Whiskey Library likely uses data analytics to inform marketing campaigns and product development.

• Community Engagement: Building a "thriving community of whiskey enthusiasts" suggests a focus on engaging content and brand loyalty initiatives.

• Brand Consistency: The emphasis on developing its own brands and merchandise implies a need for strong brand governance and consistent visual identity across all touchpoints.

Company Website: https://whiskeylibrary.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on whiskey, community, and DTC brands suggests a culture that values authenticity, passion, and a modern aesthetic. Designers should be prepared to create visuals that resonate with a discerning audience of whiskey enthusiasts. The "fast-growing" nature implies opportunities for impact but also a need for adaptability and efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior freelance/contract position, requiring expert-level technical skills and independent project management. It's not a typical entry-level or junior role.

Reporting Structure: As a contract designer, you will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or potentially a Founder, depending on the company's internal structure. The emphasis is on direct delivery of project outputs rather than long-term career pathing within the company's core employee structure.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and sales conversions through compelling visuals for products, campaigns, and merchandise. High-quality design is crucial for a premium brand like Whiskey Library.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific design areas like apparel decoration (screen printing, DTG) or advanced packaging finishes.

• Brand Building Experience: Gain valuable experience contributing to the visual identity and growth of a recognized brand in the spirits industry.

• Portfolio Expansion: Continuously add diverse and high-impact projects to your professional portfolio through varied assignments.

• Network Development: Build professional relationships within the e-commerce and spirits industry through project collaborations.

• Potential for Increased Engagement: Successful performance could lead to more consistent project flow or opportunities for longer-term engagements on retainer.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is primarily defined by expanding one's freelance portfolio, honing specialized design skills, and potentially securing more consistent work. It's less about climbing a traditional corporate ladder and more about professional development as an independent creative.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is designed for individuals who can work independently from their own workspace.

Office Location(s): While the primary job listing mentions Mumbai, India, the "location_requirements_raw" and "ai_remote_location_derived" indicate the role is open to candidates in Ukraine, United States of America, Poland, Canada, Romania, Hungary, and India. This allows for a global talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy: Requires a self-disciplined individual with a dedicated workspace conducive to focused design work and reliable internet connectivity.

• Technology: Access to necessary design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware is the responsibility of the contractor.

• Collaboration: Communication will primarily occur through digital channels (email, project management tools, video conferencing). A proactive approach to communication and collaboration is essential.

Work Schedule: Flexible and project-based. The workload will fluctuate based on the company's current design needs. Candidates must be able to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines as they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote, contract nature means candidates must be comfortable with asynchronous communication and managing their own work environment. The broad geographic eligibility suggests a focus on talent rather than location, but candidates should be mindful of potential time zone differences when collaborating.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of submitted portfolios, hourly rates, availability, and thoughtful responses to the "favorite piece" question.

• Skills Assessment (Potential): May involve a small, paid design test or a deeper dive into portfolio projects to assess Adobe Illustrator proficiency, print production knowledge, and speed.

• Video Call Interview: Discussion about design philosophy, experience with similar projects (apparel, packaging), understanding of the Whiskey Library brand, and how you manage freelance work and deadlines.

• Reference Check (Potential): For candidates who advance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Work: Prioritize showcasing apparel, merchandise, packaging, and label design. If you have spirits or CPG brand experience, make that prominent.

• Demonstrate Illustrator Mastery: Include detailed examples of vector illustrations, logos, and print-ready files. Show layered files or process shots if possible.

• Explain Your Process: For each featured project, briefly explain the brief, your conceptual approach, the challenges, and how you ensured the final artwork was production-ready.

• Address the "Favorite Piece" Question Thoughtfully: This is an opportunity to showcase your passion, design thinking, and communication skills. Connect it to your design philosophy or a specific challenge you overcame.

• Clarity on Production: Clearly indicate your understanding of print production requirements (bleeds, color modes, file formats) within your project descriptions or through specific examples.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Familiarization: Thoroughly research Whiskey Library, its products, community, and existing brand aesthetic. Understand their target audience.

• Technical Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your workflow in Adobe Illustrator, how you prepare files for print, and your approach to creating editable vector assets.

• Time Management Discussion: Be ready to talk about how you estimate project timelines and manage your availability for as-needed work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills (portfolio) and thoughtful engagement. The "favorite piece" question is a key differentiator; a generic answer will not suffice. Candidates should treat this as a mini case study.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Expert proficiency required. This is the core tool for creating vector graphics, logos, apparel designs, and print-ready artwork.

• Adobe Photoshop: Strong working knowledge required. Used for image editing, photo manipulation, preparing raster graphics, and potentially for mockups.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly managing analytics, understanding how design impacts digital marketing metrics (e.g., click-through rates for social media graphics, conversion rates for product pages) is beneficial.

• Experience with design tools that facilitate A/B testing of visuals (if applicable).

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how designs are implemented in e-commerce platforms or marketing automation tools is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is narrowly focused on Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Candidates should emphasize their mastery of these tools and their ability to produce high-quality, production-ready vector files. Any experience with other design or mockup tools that enhance efficiency would be a bonus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to producing high-quality, professional design work that reflects positively on the brand.

• Efficiency & Speed: The ability to deliver polished designs quickly and within deadlines, crucial for a project-based role.

• Reliability & Professionalism: Being a dependable freelancer who communicates effectively and meets commitments.

• Creativity & Brand Alignment: Developing innovative designs that are on-brand and resonate with the target audience of whiskey enthusiasts.

• Adaptability: Willingness to work on diverse projects and adjust to evolving project requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Independent but Connected: The ability to work autonomously on assigned tasks while remaining communicative and responsive to feedback and project updates.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed of progress, potential roadblocks, and availability.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to constructive criticism and the ability to iterate on designs based on feedback.

• Digital Collaboration: Comfortable using digital tools for communication, file sharing, and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's culture likely values passion for their product (whiskey) and a proactive, results-oriented approach. As a contractor, demonstrating professionalism, reliability, and a collaborative spirit will be key to building a strong working relationship.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Variable Workload: Managing fluctuating project volume common in per diem/contract roles requires strong self-management and financial planning.

• Brand Consistency: Ensuring all designs align with Whiskey Library's established brand identity while also being creative and fresh.

• Technical Production Demands: Meeting exact print production specifications for diverse materials can be technically demanding.

• Remote Collaboration: Navigating communication nuances and ensuring clarity without in-person interaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience within the booming spirits and DTC e-commerce sectors.

• Specialized Design Skills: Developing deeper expertise in areas like apparel decoration or packaging die-lines and finishes.

• Portfolio Building: Accumulating a strong portfolio of diverse projects for a recognizable brand.

• Freelance Business Acumen: Enhancing skills in client communication, project management, and time estimation for contract work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to hone specialized design skills within a specific industry context. The main challenge for a contractor is managing the inherent unpredictability of project-based work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating print-ready vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator. What are the key steps you take to ensure a file is production-ready?" (Focus on bleeds, color modes, layers, file formats.)

• "Walk me through a project from your portfolio where you designed apparel or packaging. What was the brief, what challenges did you face, and how did you ensure the final design met production requirements?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and technical skill.)

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with varying deadlines as a freelance designer?" (Assess organizational skills and reliability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Whiskey Library and the spirits industry? How do you see your design aesthetic fitting with our brand?" (Show research and brand understanding.)

• "Describe a time you received critical feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess ability to take feedback and iterate.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, particularly in areas like apparel or packaging design?" (Gauge commitment to professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to highlight apparel, merchandise, and packaging first. Use clear project titles and brief descriptions.

• Narrative: For each relevant project, tell a concise story: the objective, your creative solution, the technical execution (especially Illustrator), and the outcome.

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to zoom in on specific files or examples to demonstrate your understanding of vector creation, layering, and print preparation.

• Enthusiasm: Convey passion for design and genuine interest in the Whiskey Library brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative flair and rigorous technical execution in Adobe Illustrator. The ability to articulate one's process and adapt to brand needs will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest work, specifically highlighting apparel, merchandise, and packaging/label design. Ensure clear examples of Adobe Illustrator proficiency and print-ready files are included.

• Craft Your Response: Prepare a thoughtful answer to the question about your favorite portfolio piece, connecting it to your design philosophy or skills.

• Define Your Rate & Availability: Clearly state your hourly rate and typical turnaround time. Be realistic about your availability for as-needed project work.

• Tailor Your Resume/Profile: Ensure your resume or profile emphasizes your expertise in Adobe Illustrator, print production, and relevant design specializations (apparel, packaging).

⚠️ 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.