Senior Graphic Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer
Company: Ancient + Brave
Location: Lewes, East Sussex, United Kingdom
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design
Date Posted: 2026-08-27
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Drive the visual identity and creative output for a mission-driven wellness brand, Ancient + Brave, recognized for its rapid growth and commitment to sustainability.
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Develop and execute compelling graphic design concepts across various platforms, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with strategic marketing objectives.
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Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to translate brand messaging into impactful visual communications.
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Contribute to the brand's visual storytelling, enhancing its presence in the wellness and functional nutrition market.
π Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a high-growth, mission-aligned wellness company that emphasizes its B Corp certification and commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The Senior Graphic Designer will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand's visual narrative, requiring a strong understanding of brand stewardship and creative execution within this specific industry context.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Conceptualize, design, and produce a wide range of visual assets, including digital graphics for social media, web banners, email campaigns, and advertising, as well as print materials such as packaging, brochures, and event collateral.
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Maintain and evolve the brand's visual identity, ensuring all creative output adheres to established brand guidelines, typography, color palettes, and overall aesthetic.
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Collaborate with the marketing team to understand campaign objectives, target audiences, and key messaging, translating these into effective and engaging design solutions.
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Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, from initial brief to final delivery, ensuring timely completion and high-quality results within a fast-paced environment.
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Provide creative direction and feedback to junior designers or external agencies when required, fostering a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.
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Stay abreast of industry design trends, emerging technologies, and competitor activities to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the brand's visual strategy.
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Work closely with product development to ensure packaging designs are not only visually appealing but also compliant with regulatory requirements and effectively communicate product benefits.
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Support the creation of internal communications and presentations with visually engaging designs that reinforce company culture and values.
π Enhancement Note: While the raw description is brief, the context of Ancient + Brave as a fast-growing wellness brand with strong sustainability commitments suggests responsibilities will extend beyond standard graphic design. This includes contributing to packaging design, marketing collateral for diverse channels (digital and print), and ensuring visual consistency across all touchpoints that communicate the brand's ethos of "bravery, integrity, connection, and intention."
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:
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5-10 years of professional graphic design experience, with a proven track record of creating impactful visual assets for consumer brands, ideally within the wellness, health, or lifestyle sectors. Required Skills:
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Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is essential.
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Strong understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.
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Experience in designing for both digital (social media, web, email) and print (packaging, collateral) mediums.
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Ability to develop and maintain brand consistency across all visual communications.
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Excellent visual communication and storytelling skills, with a keen eye for detail.
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Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
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Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with marketing teams and stakeholders. Preferred Skills:
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Experience with motion graphics or video editing software (e.g., After Effects, Premiere Pro).
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Familiarity with UX/UI design principles for web and mobile applications.
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Knowledge of sustainability practices and how to visually communicate them.
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Experience working within a Certified B Corp or mission-driven organization.
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Familiarity with photography and art direction principles.
π Enhancement Note: Given the company's rapid growth and focus on a specific niche (wellness, collagen, supplements), the ideal candidate will have experience in brand development and maintenance within similar industries. The "Senior" title implies a need for strategic thinking beyond just execution, including contributing to brand strategy and potentially mentoring junior talent.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on brand identity development and execution.
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Examples of digital design work (social media campaigns, web graphics, email marketing) that demonstrate creativity and effectiveness in engagement.
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Examples of print design, particularly packaging design, highlighting an understanding of material constraints and consumer appeal.
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Case studies demonstrating how design solutions solved specific business challenges or achieved marketing objectives for previous clients or employers.
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Projects that reflect an understanding of brand storytelling and communicating complex information (like supplement benefits) in a clear, visually appealing manner. Process Documentation:
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Demonstrate a systematic approach to design projects, from brief interpretation and concept development through to final asset delivery and implementation.
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Provide examples of how you have managed design feedback loops and incorporated revisions effectively.
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Showcase understanding of design workflows within a marketing or product development context, including collaboration with cross-functional teams.
π Enhancement Note: For a Senior Graphic Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking and impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the rationale behind their design choices, the problem-solving involved, and the results achieved, particularly in the context of a consumer wellness brand.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Graphic Designers in the South East England region, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated between Β£40,000 - Β£55,000 per annum. This estimate considers the company's rapid growth, its status as a Certified B Corp, and the comprehensive benefits package offered. Benefits:
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Discretionary bonus program.
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Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance for health and wellbeing.
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Medicash plan offering access to specialist consultations, 24/7 Virtual GP, health screenings, dental, optical, complementary therapies, and confidential support via an EAP.
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25 days of annual holiday plus bank holidays, plus one additional Wellbeing day.
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Pension contributions are ESG invested, aligning with ethical investment principles.
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Access to the Mintago platform for financial wellbeing advice, retail discounts, and salary sacrifice schemes (childcare, cycle to work, gym membership, groceries, electric vehicles, mobile/tech purchases).
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Continuous training and professional development opportunities.
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Complimentary nutrition and meditation sessions in the office.
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Unlimited supply of Ancient + Brave products and 50% discount on purchases.
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Two annual social events.
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Provision of suitable laptop computers and headphones.
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Ergonomic office setup with monitors, chairs, and sit-stand desks. Working Hours:
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Full-time role, typically around 40 hours per week. The company emphasizes being together in person for collaboration, suggesting a standard office schedule.
π Enhancement Note: The provided benefits list is extensive and highly attractive, particularly those related to health and wellbeing, financial support, and professional development. The ESG-invested pension is a significant differentiator for ethically-minded candidates. The salary estimate is derived from general UK market data for similar roles and experience levels, adjusted for the company's location and sector.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Wellness, Health & Nutrition, Functional Foods & Supplements. The company operates in a rapidly growing market driven by consumer interest in holistic health, preventative care, and sustainable living.
Company Size: Scale-up. Ancient + Brave has experienced significant growth, being recognized in The Sunday Times 100 fastest-growing private companies for three consecutive years. This indicates a dynamic, fast-paced environment with potential for rapid development and impact.
Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated but the company's rapid growth suggests it is a relatively modern entity focused on current wellness trends and ethical business practices.
Team Structure:
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The operations team is likely structured to support a rapidly growing e-commerce and direct-to-consumer business, with functions potentially including marketing, product development, operations, finance, and customer service.
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The Senior Graphic Designer will report into a Marketing Lead or Head of Brand, working closely with a dedicated marketing team.
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Collaboration is highly valued, with an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork to drive the brand's mission and growth. Methodology:
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The company employs a data-driven approach to growth, as evidenced by its ranking in growth indices.
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Emphasis is placed on "simple daily rituals" and "ancient wisdom validated by science," suggesting a blend of traditional values and modern scientific backing in their product development and marketing.
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A strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility is integrated into their operational methodology, as seen in their B Corp status and 1% for the Planet membership.
Company Website: https://careers.ancientandbrave.earth (careers portal) / https://ancientandbrave.com (main company site)
π Enhancement Note: Ancient + Brave is positioned as a modern, ethical, and growth-oriented brand. The culture is built around core values of Bravery, Integrity, Connection, and Intention. The "scale-up" environment implies a need for adaptability, proactivity, and a willingness to contribute across different areas as needed.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, indicating a position requiring significant autonomy, strategic input, and proven expertise. The individual is expected to be a key contributor to the brand's visual strategy and execution, likely mentoring or guiding less experienced team members.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer will likely report to a Marketing Manager, Head of Marketing, or potentially a Creative Director if one exists within the organization. They will collaborate closely with marketing specialists, product managers, and potentially leadership.
Operations Impact: The visual output of the Senior Graphic Designer directly impacts brand perception, customer engagement, marketing campaign effectiveness, and overall sales growth. By creating compelling visuals for products, marketing materials, and digital platforms, this role contributes significantly to customer acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty, thereby driving revenue.
Growth Opportunities:
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Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Graphic Designer or Art Director role as the company continues to scale, taking on more strategic responsibilities and managing a larger creative function.
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Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as packaging design, digital marketing creative, or motion graphics, aligning with the company's evolving needs.
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Brand Strategy Contribution: Involvement in higher-level brand strategy discussions, influencing the future direction of the brand's visual identity and communication.
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Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience in product development, marketing strategy, and potentially sustainability initiatives through close collaboration.
π Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a career path beyond execution, offering opportunities for strategic influence and potential leadership within a fast-growing company. Growth is likely tied to the company's expansion and the individual's ability to adapt and contribute to evolving needs.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The company operates from "beautiful head offices overlooking the river Ouse in Lewes, East Sussex." This suggests a pleasant, professional, and inspiring physical workspace.
Office Location(s): Lewes, East Sussex, United Kingdom (BN7 2AQ). The role requires a full-time commute to this HQ.
Workspace Context:
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The office is described as an "inviting and genuinely enjoyable place to be," indicating a positive and supportive physical environment.
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The company provides necessary equipment, including "suitable laptop computers & headphones" and the office is equipped with "monitors, ergonomic chairs and sitting and standing desks," ensuring a comfortable and productive workspace.
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Emphasis on in-person collaboration means opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, fostering a connected and dynamic team atmosphere. Work Schedule:
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Full-time, on-site role. While flexibility is mentioned for some roles ("open to discussing where appropriate" for full-time), the explicit requirement to commute to Lewes suggests a standard office-based schedule. The company operates in a fast-paced scale-up environment, so a committed presence is expected.
π Enhancement Note: The company strongly emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and the positive attributes of their Lewes office. Applicants must be willing and able to commute daily. The provision of ergonomic equipment highlights a commitment to employee well-being.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Application Review: Screening of CVs and portfolios against the role requirements.
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Portfolio Deep Dive: A dedicated session (likely virtual or in-person) to review the candidate's portfolio in detail, discussing specific projects, design rationale, and impact. Expect questions about how your work aligns with Ancient + Brave's brand values and aesthetic.
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Skills & Cultural Fit Interview: An interview focused on assessing design skills, technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's core values (Bravery, Integrity, Connection, Intention). This may involve scenario-based questions.
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Team/Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with key team members, potentially including marketing leads or other department heads, to assess collaboration style and fit within the broader team.
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Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall contribution, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select 5-8 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your versatility and experience in brand identity, digital, and print design. Prioritize work that aligns with the wellness/lifestyle sector if possible.
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Tell a Story: For each project, be prepared to articulate the brief, your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, design decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
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Highlight Brand Alignment: Emphasize how your design approach can support and elevate the Ancient + Brave brand. Discuss your understanding of their current aesthetic and how you might evolve it.
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Showcase Process: Include examples of mood boards, sketches, wireframes, or iterative design stages to illustrate your thought process and problem-solving approach.
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Be Ready for Technical Questions: Expect questions about your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, specific design techniques, and your approach to maintaining brand consistency.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be prepared for a potential design challenge. This could involve a short task to create a piece of marketing collateral based on a hypothetical brief, or a request to critique and propose improvements for an existing Ancient + Brave asset.
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If a challenge is given, focus on demonstrating your understanding of the brand, your strategic approach, and your ability to deliver a polished, on-brand concept within a time constraint.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be thorough, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just their design skills but also their strategic thinking and alignment with Ancient + Brave's specific brand ethos and values.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency expected in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for all design tasks.
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Figma or Sketch: Potentially used for digital design, prototyping, and collaboration, especially if UI/UX elements are involved.
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Adobe After Effects/Premiere Pro: Beneficial for motion graphics, social media video content, and animated assets.
Analytics & Reporting:
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While not a direct responsibility, understanding how design impacts metrics (e.g., click-through rates, engagement, conversion) is advantageous. Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and social media analytics platforms would be a plus. CRM & Automation:
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Not directly applicable for this role, but understanding how marketing automation platforms (e.g., email marketing software) utilize design assets would be beneficial.
π Enhancement Note: A strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Proficiency in digital design tools like Figma or Sketch is increasingly standard for roles involving web and social media assets. Any experience with motion graphics or video editing would be a significant asset given the demand for rich media content.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Bravery: Encouraging bold experimentation, taking calculated risks in design, and pushing creative boundaries. Being courageous in presenting new ideas.
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Integrity: Maintaining honesty and ethical standards in all creative work, ensuring accuracy in product representation, and upholding brand authenticity.
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Connection: Fostering collaborative relationships with team members, being inclusive in design discussions, and open to feedback to create cohesive visual narratives.
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Intention: Approaching design projects with purpose, being proactive in identifying creative opportunities, and staying focused on delivering high-impact visuals that serve business objectives.
Collaboration Style:
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Highly collaborative, with an expectation of working closely with marketing, product, and potentially other departments.
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Open to feedback and constructive criticism, valuing diverse perspectives to refine creative output.
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Emphasis on shared belief and collective effort to drive the brand forward, as indicated by the "Connection" value.
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Proactive communication and knowledge sharing are likely key components of the team's working style.
π Enhancement Note: The company culture is explicitly defined by its four core values. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional approach, particularly in their design work and team interactions. This is a critical aspect of the hiring process for Ancient + Brave.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to evolving brand needs and marketing strategies in a fast-paced scale-up can be demanding. Need to maintain high standards while working under tight deadlines.
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Brand Evolution: Balancing the need to maintain brand consistency with the opportunity to innovate and evolve the visual identity as the company grows and market trends shift.
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Cross-functional Communication: Effectively translating the needs of various departments (marketing, product, operations) into compelling visual designs.
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Content Volume: Producing a high volume of creative assets for diverse platforms (social media, web, print, packaging) while ensuring quality and brand alignment.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to develop expertise in emerging design tools, motion graphics, or advanced digital design techniques.
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Industry Exposure: Working within a successful wellness brand provides insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and effective brand storytelling in this sector.
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Strategic Input: Contributing to brand strategy and creative direction, gaining experience beyond pure execution.
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Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or interns, developing leadership skills.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a growing company, offering significant opportunities for professional development. Candidates should view these challenges as chances to learn, adapt, and make a substantial impact.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"How would you approach designing a new campaign visual for our upcoming product launch, considering our core values of Bravery, Integrity, Connection, and Intention?" (Prepare to discuss your process, how you'd incorporate values, and potential visual directions).
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"Describe a time you had to maintain brand consistency across multiple marketing channels. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, tools, and communication).
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"How do you stay updated on design trends, and how do you decide which trends are appropriate for a wellness brand like ours?" (Showcase your awareness and strategic judgment). Company & Culture Questions:
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"What attracts you to Ancient + Brave specifically, beyond just the graphic design role?" (Research their mission, products, growth story, and B Corp status. Connect it to your own values).
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"How do you embody our values of Bravery, Integrity, Connection, and Intention in your work and as part of a team?" (Provide specific examples from your experience).
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"How would you contribute to our inclusive and diverse workplace culture?" (Relate this to your collaborative style and openness to different perspectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating your journey through different roles and skill sets.
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Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story. Begin with the "why" (the problem/objective), move to the "how" (your process and solutions), and end with the "what" (the results/impact).
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Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Ensure your presentation deck is well-designed and on-brand (or neutral and professional).
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Engagement: Be prepared to pause for questions, actively listen, and engage in a dialogue about your work rather than just presenting. Show your passion and enthusiasm for design.
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Brand Fit: Explicitly connect your portfolio pieces to the Ancient + Brave brand identity and values. Explain why a particular project would resonate with their audience.
π Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on understanding Ancient + Brave's unique brand identity, mission, and values. Be ready to discuss your portfolio not just as a showcase of skills, but as evidence of your strategic thinking and cultural alignment.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:
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Submit your application through the Ancient + Brave careers portal.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to brand identity, digital marketing, and packaging design. Tailor your selection to highlight projects that demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking, and impact within the consumer goods or wellness sectors.
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Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, key technical skills (especially Adobe Creative Suite), and achievements in previous design roles. Use keywords such as "brand identity," "visual communication," "digital design," "print design," and "packaging."
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key portfolio pieces, focusing on how your work aligns with Ancient + Brave's brand values and mission. Prepare to discuss your experience in a fast-paced, scale-up environment.
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Company Research: Thoroughly research Ancient + Brave's mission, products, growth trajectory, B Corp certification, and JEDI statement. Understand their market position and target audience to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.
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
The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in graphic design and a strong portfolio demonstrating creative excellence. They must be able to work on-site in Lewes and embody the company's core values of bravery, integrity, connection, and intention.