Senior Creative Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Creative Designer

Company: UPSTARS

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine (Remote OK)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-04-16

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (with options for official employment in Ukraine or Poland)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and maintenance of design projects, focusing on visual storytelling and brand consistency for iGaming products.

• Drive the creation and evolution of promotional activities and marketing campaigns through innovative and impactful creative concepts.

• Develop, support, and scale robust design systems and brand guidelines to ensure cohesive visual identity across all product touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with product, marketing, and creative teams to translate business objectives into compelling visual solutions.

• Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance design processes and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Creative Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills, particularly around design systems, brand guidelines, marketing/product collaboration, and process optimization, strongly indicate this role functions within a Go-To-Market (GTM) or Product Marketing Operations context, rather than pure graphic design. The emphasis on "optimizing design processes and internal workflows" and "analysis of design solutions and their effectiveness" further supports this. The iGaming industry focus adds a unique layer of complexity and demand for performance-driven design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and ongoing management of visual assets for iGaming products, ensuring alignment with brand identity and user experience goals.

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute creative strategies for promotional campaigns, product launches, and marketing initiatives.

• Design and maintain scalable design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and UI patterns, to ensure brand consistency and efficiency.

• Create and update comprehensive brand books and style guides, serving as the definitive resource for visual identity standards.

• Develop high-impact creatives for social media platforms, digital advertising, presentations, and other marketing collateral.

• Ensure the quality and consistency of all graphics, adhering strictly to established brand guidelines and templates.

• Contribute to the strategic formulation of design solutions for both new product features and existing product enhancements.

• Produce clean and precise vector icons for various applications, maintaining a high standard of clarity and usability.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with product management, marketing, and other creative stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

• Analyze the performance and effectiveness of design solutions, providing data-informed insights for continuous improvement.

• Continuously optimize internal design processes and workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve team productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic and operational approach to design, moving beyond purely aesthetic creation. The inclusion of "optimizing design processes and internal workflows" and "analysis of design solutions and their effectiveness" are key indicators of an operations-focused role. The iGaming context implies a need for designs that are not only visually appealing but also drive engagement and conversion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of design principles is paramount. Equivalent practical experience will be highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in creative design, with a significant portion focused on digital product design, marketing collateral, and brand systems. Direct experience within the iGaming industry is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma for creating and manipulating visual assets.

• Advanced skills in typography, including font selection, type hierarchy, readability, and pairing.

• Comprehensive understanding of composition, layout principles, and color theory to create visually appealing and effective designs.

• Proven experience in designing visuals for social media, presentations, infographics, and other digital marketing materials.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.

• Solid analytical skills to assess design effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of business contexts and product goals to align design strategies with commercial objectives.

• Proactive attitude with a willingness to take ownership of results and drive projects to completion.

• Enthusiasm for tackling non-standard challenges and working through complex problems.

• Experience in raster graphics creation, including advanced collage techniques.

• Basic understanding of key product or marketing metrics and their impact on design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Skills" section, particularly "understanding of business context and product goals," "interest in solving non-standard tasks," and "understanding of basic product or marketing metrics," strongly suggests that candidates with an operational mindset and an ability to connect design output to business outcomes will be highly favored. This implies a need for designers who can think strategically and contribute to GTM success beyond just visual execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on the iGaming industry or similar performance-driven sectors.

• Include case studies that detail the design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and maintaining design systems, including examples of component libraries, style guides, and their application.

• Present examples of brand guideline development and implementation, highlighting consistency across various platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, workflows, and best practices.

• Showcase instances where you have optimized design workflows for increased efficiency and collaboration.

• If available, include examples of how you have analyzed the effectiveness of design solutions and iterated based on data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on design systems, brand guidelines, and process optimization, a portfolio that demonstrates a structured and systematic approach to design is crucial. Applicants should prepare to articulate not just the "what" but the "how" and "why" behind their design decisions, linking them to business objectives and operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Creative Designer in Kyiv, Ukraine, with 5-10 years of experience and remote work capabilities, a competitive salary range would typically fall between UAH 60,000 - UAH 100,000 per month. This range can vary based on specific skills, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangement: Work from your preferred comfortable and safe location, either remotely or from company offices.

• Official Employment: Formal employment in Ukraine or Poland, with comprehensive support for all necessary documentation.

• Generous Paid Time Off: 20 working days of paid vacation, plus national holidays and paid sick leave, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical insurance with top-tier clinics and coverage for psychological support through the Pleso platform.

• Benefit Cafe: Monthly allowance to spend on personal preferences, hobbies, sports, and other lifestyle enrichment activities.

• Professional Development: Individual budget for courses, corporate English classes, workshops, and access to an extensive online library.

• Engaging Events: Participation in masterclasses, team-building activities, and corporate events.

• Performance Recognition: Clear career plans with regular Performance Reviews, mentoring programs, and opportunities for professional growth.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility to manage your schedule effectively, ensuring alignment with team collaboration needs and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on research of industry standards for senior-level creative roles in Ukraine, factoring in the remote work arrangement and the specific benefits package offered. The provided benefits are extensive and indicate a strong focus on employee well-being and professional development, common in progressive IT companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / IT Services, with a strong specialization in iGaming and B2B technology solutions for international clients. UPSTARS is recognized for its technological solutions and B2B services, holding one of the first B2B licenses in Ukraine for gambling services.

Company Size: The company is actively scaling its projects and team, indicating a growth phase, likely ranging from 50-250 employees, fostering a dynamic yet structured environment.

Founded: Founded with a mission to help both people and brands "take off," UPSTARS has established itself as a provider of technological solutions and B2B services, emphasizing innovation and market leadership.

Team Structure:

• The design team is part of the Product department, suggesting a close integration with product development.

• Collaboration is expected with Product, Marketing, and Creative teams, indicating a cross-functional operational model.

Methodology:

• Focus on automation of routine tasks to allow time for professional growth and development.

• Commitment to data-driven decision-making and analysis of design effectiveness.

• A preference for agile and efficient processes, avoiding bureaucracy and outdated methodologies.

• Strong emphasis on continuous learning and professional development for all team members.

Company Website: https://career.upstars.com

📝 Enhancement Note: UPSTARS positions itself as a forward-thinking, innovative company within the iGaming and B2B tech space. The emphasis on "automation," "data-driven decisions," and "process optimization" aligns perfectly with the operational focus of this role. The culture is described as collaborative, positive, and bold, with a strong emphasis on individual growth and "freedom of action."

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Creative Designer role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, demanding significant autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to mentor junior team members. It requires not only creative execution but also the operational foresight to manage design systems, optimize workflows, and contribute to the strategic direction of product and marketing initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Head of Product, Creative Director, or a similar senior leadership position within the Product or Marketing department. Close collaboration with Product Managers and Marketing Leads is expected.

Operations Impact: The Senior Creative Designer will directly impact the company's revenue and business decisions by creating compelling visuals that drive user engagement, conversion rates, and brand perception in the competitive iGaming market. Their ability to optimize design processes also contributes to overall operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Potential to evolve into a Design Lead or Art Director role, managing a team of designers and shaping the visual strategy for multiple products.

• Process Improvement Expertise: Develop deep expertise in design operations, workflow automation, and design system management, becoming a go-to resource for process optimization.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Opportunities to expand knowledge in product management, marketing strategy, and data analysis through collaboration and company-provided learning resources.

• Industry Influence: Become an expert in iGaming design trends and best practices, potentially contributing to industry insights or speaking engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "growth opportunities" are framed around operational excellence and strategic impact, reinforcing the idea that this role requires more than just creative talent. It's about leveraging design as a strategic operational lever.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers flexibility, allowing employees to work either remotely or from their offices. This hybrid approach caters to diverse working preferences.

Office Location(s): While remote work is strongly supported, the company has official employment options in Ukraine and Poland, suggesting physical office presences or administrative hubs in these regions. The primary operational location for this role is Kyiv, Ukraine, but remote work across Ukraine is feasible.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: Empowers individuals to create their most productive and secure workspace.

• Collaborative Tools: Access to digital collaboration tools and platforms essential for remote teamwork and project management.

• Tech-Enabled Environment: The company likely provides necessary software licenses and potentially hardware support for remote employees, ensuring they have the tools needed for effective design work.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with an emphasis on work-life balance. While core hours may exist for essential team collaboration, there's likely flexibility in daily scheduling to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "work where you are comfortable and safe" and the availability of official employment in Ukraine or Poland highlights a modern, globally-minded approach to work. This flexibility is a key aspect of the "work environment" for remote operations roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess suitability for the Senior Creative Designer role, focusing on iGaming experience and design system expertise.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio, where you'll be asked to present 1-2 key projects, explaining your design process, strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Expect questions on typography, composition, color theory, and your experience with Figma, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with members of the Product and Marketing teams to evaluate your collaboration skills, ability to understand business objectives, and how you translate them into design solutions. Questions may focus on how you've integrated design with marketing campaigns or product development.

• HR/Culture Fit Interview: A discussion to assess alignment with UPSTARS' values (teamwork, positivity, boldness, openness) and your understanding of their operational approach (automation, efficiency, data-driven decisions).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your iGaming experience, design system development, brand guideline creation, and creative campaign work. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each selected project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, the tools used, the challenges overcome, and the tangible results or impact. Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Process Optimization: Specifically call out instances where you improved design workflows, implemented efficiency measures, or utilized AI tools to enhance output or speed.

• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Connect your design decisions to business goals, user engagement, and potential revenue impact. Show that you understand the "why" behind the design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a concept for a new marketing campaign, designing a key UI element for an iGaming product, or refining a design system component.

• Focus on demonstrating your process, strategic thinking, and ability to deliver within a given timeframe, rather than just the final aesthetic.

• Practice articulating your rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders with varying levels of design understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess not only creative talent but also operational thinking and strategic alignment. A strong portfolio that highlights process, efficiency, and business impact will be key to success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Illustrator: Essential for vector graphics, icon creation, and complex illustrations.

• Adobe Photoshop: Required for raster image editing, photo manipulation, and digital compositing.

• Figma: The core collaborative design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design system management.

• AI Tools: Proficiency with AI-powered design tools for ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core toolset, but an understanding of how design assets integrate into marketing automation platforms or CRM systems may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific design software like Figma, Illustrator, and Photoshop, coupled with the explicit mention of "AI tools," highlights the technical requirements. For a Senior role, proficiency beyond basic usage is assumed, including advanced features and efficient workflow integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Teamwork: Collaboration is central, with an emphasis on collective success and shared responsibility in achieving project goals.

• Positivity: A positive attitude is encouraged, fostering a supportive environment where challenges are met with enthusiasm and drive.

• Boldness: A willingness to take on ambitious projects and tackle complex challenges, pushing creative and operational boundaries.

• Openness: Direct and transparent communication is valued, encouraging feedback, idea sharing, and proactivity from all team members.

• Efficiency & Automation: A commitment to streamlining processes and automating routine tasks to maximize productive time and focus on growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product and Marketing teams, ensuring a unified approach to product development and Go-To-Market strategies.

• Feedback Loops: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs and processes.

• Proactive Contribution: Team members are encouraged to propose new ideas, challenge existing methods, and contribute to process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are deeply intertwined with an operational mindset. "Boldness" and "openness" support innovation, while "teamwork" and "positivity" ensure a cohesive execution. The underlying theme of efficiency and automation directly influences how design work is approached and managed.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• iGaming Market Dynamics: Navigating the fast-paced, competitive, and often highly regulated iGaming landscape requires adaptable and impactful design solutions.

• Balancing Creativity with Performance: Ensuring that creative outputs not only look appealing but also drive key business metrics like user acquisition, retention, and conversion.

• Scalability of Design Systems: Maintaining and evolving robust design systems that can support rapid product development and diverse marketing needs efficiently.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Leveraging AI tools strategically to enhance the design workflow without compromising quality or originality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to master new design software, explore emerging design trends, and refine specialized skills.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Develop a deeper understanding of product strategy, marketing analytics, and business objectives, evolving into a more strategic design partner.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Gain experience in leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the overall design strategy.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of design innovation, particularly within the iGaming sector, through access to resources and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are specific to a senior role in a dynamic industry, requiring a blend of creative problem-solving and operational resilience. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding strategic influence and leadership within the design function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new promotional campaign for a high-stakes iGaming product, considering conversion rates and user engagement?" (Prepare to discuss target audience, creative concept, key visuals, and measurement strategy).

• "Describe a time you successfully implemented or significantly improved a design system. What were the challenges, and what was the impact on efficiency and consistency?" (Focus on process, collaboration, and quantifiable results).

• "How do you balance creative vision with the need to adhere to strict brand guidelines and business objectives in a fast-paced environment?" (Discuss your decision-making process, negotiation skills, and how you incorporate feedback).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about UPSTARS and the iGaming industry, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Show genuine interest in the industry).

• "How do your personal work values align with UPSTARS' values of teamwork, positivity, boldness, and openness?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values in your work).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your experience and then diving into 1-2 detailed case studies.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased click-through rates, improved conversion, higher engagement, reduction in design cycle time).

• Explain Your 'Why': For each design decision, clearly articulate the rationale behind it, linking it to user needs, business goals, or operational efficiency.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your technical approach, software usage, and problem-solving methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative skill but also an operational mindset, strategic thinking, and a solid understanding of business objectives within the iGaming context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Creative Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UPSTARS career portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to iGaming, design systems, brand guidelines, and process optimization. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that showcase your iGaming experience, design system development, and creative campaign execution. Ensure case studies clearly articulate the problem, solution, process, and impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on explaining your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Illustrator, Photoshop, and AI tools.

• Research UPSTARS: Understand the company's mission, values, and its position in the iGaming market. Prepare to articulate how your skills and values align with the company culture and the operational demands of the role.

⚠️ 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.