Senior Graphic Designer - RuneFest

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer - RuneFest

Company: Jagex: The RuneScape Company

Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-24T14:49:00.851

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Predominantly Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end visual design and branding for RuneFest, Jagex's flagship community event, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand identity.

• Develop and produce a high volume of creative assets across diverse mediums, including illustrative logos, print collateral, livestream graphics, and digital content for event promotion and in-game integration.

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and a team of experienced designers to deliver production-ready assets within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Execute advanced graphic design and illustration techniques, ensuring all work is original and of senior-level quality, with meticulous attention to file hygiene and asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 6-month fixed-term contract, focusing on a high-profile live event. The "Graphic Design Operations" category is inferred due to the emphasis on process, asset management, production readiness, and collaboration within a creative team structure, aligning with operations principles in a creative context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and iterate on the RuneFest brand identity, including unique illustrated logos, event-wide branding elements, and assets intended for in-game implementation.

• Produce print-ready materials for both small and large-format applications, such as banners, booklets, trading cards, signage, wayfinding systems, and environmental graphics, ensuring adherence to production standards.

• Create dynamic livestream graphics, keynote presentation assets, and stage content tailored for the event's live programming and broadcast.

• Develop engaging post-event content and social media advertising visuals, maintaining robust organizational skills and file hygiene across multiple concurrent projects and use cases.

• Collaborate effectively with illustrators to integrate commissioned artwork into final designs, and perform image retouching, compositing, and comprehensive asset preparation as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production readiness, asset management, and cross-functional collaboration, which are core to operations roles. The need to transition assets from event to in-game use also points to a strategic operational component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical experience in graphic design and illustration is essential.

Experience: 5-10 years of proven experience in senior-level graphic design, with a significant focus on illustration and branding for events or within the gaming/entertainment industry.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated senior-level graphic design expertise with a strong foundation in illustration, evidenced by complex illustrated logos, mini-illustrations, or textured visual assets.

• Proven experience in branding and visual identity design, with the capability to create original, illustrated logos and develop comprehensive brand systems.

• Proficiency in print production knowledge, including large-format design, proper file setup, color management, and understanding the distinctions between print and digital asset preparation.

• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail for managing a high volume of assets across diverse formats (print, digital, streaming, social) concurrently.

• Ability to work autonomously and at a rapid pace, effectively taking direction from an Art Director and iterating on deliverables with minimal supervision.

• Strong understanding of file hygiene and asset management principles to maintain organized project files. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in event design, gaming, or entertainment industries.

• Familiarity with Jagex's game universes (RuneScape, Old School RuneScape).

• Advanced skills in image retouching and compositing.

• Experience in environmental graphics and wayfinding design.

• Proficiency in typography and layout design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating senior-level graphic design work with genuine illustrative craft" and the explicit exclusion of AI-generated imagery underscore the need for demonstrable, hands-on creative skills beyond basic proficiency, aligning with a senior operational output expectation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 distinct projects, with a strong emphasis on event branding, illustrative logo design, and diverse print collateral.

• Detailed case studies for at least 2-3 projects, outlining the creative process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the final impact of the design work on event visibility or player engagement.

• Demonstration of production-readiness for print assets, including examples of file preparation for large-format printing and adherence to color management standards.

• Examples of digital asset creation for livestreams and social media, highlighting adaptability to different platforms and engagement strategies. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of workflow design and optimization: Showcase how you manage multiple design streams, prioritize tasks, and ensure efficient handoffs between design, illustration, and production.

• Implementation and automation methods: While not explicitly stated as a tool requirement, demonstrate an understanding of efficient asset generation and organization techniques that can speed up the design process.

• Measurement and performance analysis: While the role is creative, understanding how design contributes to event success (e.g., through engagement metrics or brand recognition) is beneficial. Be prepared to discuss how visual assets support event goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative role within an operations-focused framework, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "production-ready standard," "file hygiene," and "managing assets across multiple concurrent use cases" directly translates to operational efficiency and process adherence within the design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 6-month fixed-term contract role for a Senior Graphic Designer in Cambridge, UK, the estimated salary range would be between £40,000 - £60,000 per annum (pro-rata for 6 months), depending on experience and the specific skill set brought to the role.

• Methodology: This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior graphic designers in the UK, specifically within the technology and gaming sectors, and considering the hybrid/remote work flexibility. Salaries in Cambridge can be competitive, and a fixed-term contract often commands a slightly higher hourly rate or annual equivalent compared to permanent positions to compensate for the lack of long-term security.

Benefits:

• Private Healthcare, including a comprehensive Dental Plan.

• Discretionary annual performance bonus (pro-rated for contract duration, if applicable).

• Minimum 6% Pension contributions.

• Life Insurance.

• Enhanced family leave policies from day one (pro-rated for contract duration, if applicable).

• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rated for contract duration).

• Public and Bank holidays.

• Option to buy or sell holidays, providing additional flexibility.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexible working hours available. This flexibility is designed to accommodate individual work styles and optimize productivity, particularly given the predominantly remote nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits are pro-rated for the 6-month contract duration. The provided range is an estimate based on industry standards for senior creative roles in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Gaming & Entertainment, specifically focused on MMORPGs and live events. Jagex is a well-established player with a long history in the online gaming space, known for its flagship titles like RuneScape.

Company Size: Jagex is a significant employer within the gaming industry. While specific numbers fluctuate, it's typically considered a medium to large-sized company, employing several hundred individuals globally. This size suggests established processes and a structured environment, but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: 2001. This long history indicates stability, a deep understanding of the gaming market, and a mature company culture that has evolved over time.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Graphic Designer will be embedded within a team of experienced, self-sufficient designers, operating under the guidance of an Art Director.

• The reporting structure is likely hierarchical but emphasizes autonomy, with designers managing their own output with minimal direct supervision.

• Cross-functional collaboration will be crucial, involving close work with the Art Director, potentially other creative teams, event organizers, and possibly game development teams for in-game asset integration. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods: While primarily a creative role, understanding player engagement and event success metrics can inform design decisions and demonstrate impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies: The role demands efficient management of a high volume of assets and concurrent projects, requiring strong personal workflow planning and optimization.

• Automation and efficiency practices: While not a primary focus, utilizing efficient design processes and asset management techniques will be key to thriving in this fast-paced environment.

Company Website: https://www.jagex.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as inclusive, built on trust, autonomy, and a shared passion for creating inspiring experiences. The company values (Fellowship, Craft, Honour, Customers' Heroes, Seize The Day) are critical for understanding how to collaborate and succeed at Jagex.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Individual Contributor level within the creative function. It demands a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers implicitly through example and output quality. The focus is on delivering complex creative solutions independently.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Graphic Designer reports directly to the Art Director, who provides overarching creative direction and feedback. The role operates with significant independence in day-to-day task management and execution.

Operations Impact: The visual assets created for RuneFest will have a direct and immediate impact on the event's perception, player engagement, and brand visibility. Designs will influence attendee experience, marketing efforts, and potentially the continuity of brand elements within Jagex's game titles, contributing to the overall success and longevity of major community events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: For a contractor, direct career progression within Jagex might be limited. However, the opportunity to deepen expertise in event design, live event graphics, and large-scale branding for a prominent gaming event is significant.

• Industry Skill Development: Gaining experience with Jagex's specific workflows, asset pipelines, and the unique demands of the gaming and live event industry will enhance marketability. The focus on original illustration and brand systems is a valuable skill set.

• Leadership Potential: While not a management role, consistently delivering high-quality, autonomous work in a senior capacity can position individuals for future leadership opportunities in similar creative operations roles or as a lead designer on future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is tailored to explain how creative output directly contributes to business objectives, a key aspect of operations roles. Growth opportunities are framed within the context of a contract role, focusing on skill enhancement and industry experience.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Jagex's Cambridge office is described as a hub for their operations. The role offers flexible working, meaning predominantly remote work is expected, with occasional needs to attend the office.

Office Location(s): Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. This location places the employee within a significant tech and innovation hub in the UK.

Workspace Context:

• The remote aspect of the role implies a need for a well-equipped home office setup.

• Access to Jagex's internal systems, project management tools, and design software will be provided or expected to be compatible. Collaboration will likely occur via digital communication platforms.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with the Art Director and design team will be available at the Cambridge office, fostering team cohesion and facilitating direct feedback sessions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexible hours. This allows for a degree of control over the workday, which is beneficial for managing creative tasks that may require uninterrupted focus, while still ensuring availability for team syncs and deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "flexible working options, including predominantly remote work" and the need to be "within a comfortable commuting distance of our office to attend onsite as required," defining a clear hybrid model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and, critically, your portfolio to assess suitability for a senior illustrative graphic design role focusing on event branding.

• Portfolio Review & Articulation: A dedicated session with the Art Director and potentially other team members to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative choices, and how you approach challenges specific to event graphics and illustration.

• Skills Assessment/Practical Exercise: A potential short, timed design exercise or a discussion about how you would approach specific RuneFest design challenges, focusing on your ability to work at pace and deliver production-ready assets.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interaction: Discussions to assess your ability to work autonomously, take direction, and integrate with the existing design team and company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest illustrative graphic design work, especially examples related to branding, logos, and event collateral.

• For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "design supported a 15% increase in social media engagement").

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to file preparation for print and digital, demonstrating an understanding of production requirements.

• Highlight projects where you worked under tight deadlines or managed multiple assets simultaneously, showcasing your organizational and time management skills. Challenge Preparation:

• If a practical exercise is given, focus on delivering a well-reasoned, visually coherent solution within the time limit, rather than absolute perfection.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on how your graphics serve the event's objectives and brand identity.

• Research RuneFest and Jagex's existing visual language to understand their aesthetic and tailor your approach accordingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the cornerstone of this application. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating not just creative skill but also operational efficiency in asset creation and production readiness, which is crucial for a role focused on a live event.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for graphic design, illustration, and print production.

• Illustration Software: Advanced capabilities in vector illustration (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) and potentially raster illustration (e.g., Photoshop) are critical given the emphasis on illustrated logos and assets.

• File Management: Strong understanding of digital asset management (DAM) principles and efficient file organization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, familiarity with how design assets perform on social media or livestream platforms can be beneficial. Tools like social media analytics dashboards or livestream monitoring tools might be relevant for post-event content assessment. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this design role, but understanding how design assets are requested, tracked, and approved within a project management system (like Jagex's internal tools) is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is standard for graphic design but with a strong emphasis on illustration capabilities. The mention of "file hygiene" and "asset preparation" implies a need for disciplined digital asset management, a key operational component.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hone your Craft: A commitment to continuous learning and improving design skills, especially in illustration and event branding.

• Embrace Fellowship: Collaborating effectively with the Art Director and fellow designers, sharing feedback constructively, and working towards shared event goals.

• Honour your Vows: Being transparent about capabilities, timelines, and any challenges encountered during the design process.

• Be our Customers’ Heroes: Understanding the player community and the event's audience to create designs that resonate and enhance their experience.

• Seize the Day: Working with urgency and efficiency to meet deadlines and capitalize on opportunities to create impactful visuals for RuneFest.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a high degree of autonomy, but collaboration is key for feedback, iteration, and ensuring brand consistency. Expect a style that balances independent work with active participation in team discussions and art direction reviews.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are expected, facilitating a dynamic process of refinement for creative assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values directly translate into expected behaviors for team members, particularly for a senior role that is expected to be self-sufficient yet collaborative.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume, Tight Deadlines: The primary challenge will be producing a large quantity of high-quality creative assets within a compressed 6-month timeframe for a major live event.

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Event Needs: Ensuring the RuneFest branding is cohesive across all assets, while also adapting to specific needs for different platforms (print, digital, live stream), requires strategic design thinking.

• Integrating In-Game Assets: Designing elements that will transition from event graphics into game assets presents a unique technical and creative challenge, requiring careful consideration of game engine limitations and art styles.

• Working Autonomously: While beneficial, the expectation of minimal hand-holding requires strong self-management, problem-solving skills, and proactive communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Event Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in the specific demands of live event branding, from large-format print to dynamic digital graphics.

• Gaming Industry Immersion: Gain invaluable experience working within a leading gaming company and contributing to a major community event.

• Illustrative Craft Enhancement: Working on diverse projects for RuneFest will provide ample opportunity to refine and expand illustrative skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and opportunities is crucial for candidates to assess their fit and preparedness for the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a brand identity for a large-scale event like RuneFest, starting from concept to final production assets." (Focus on your workflow, research, and iterative design stages.)

• "How would you approach creating illustrated logos and visual assets that need to transition from a live event into an in-game environment?" (Highlight your understanding of technical constraints and brand continuity.)

• "Walk us through a complex project from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to manage high-volume asset creation under tight deadlines. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare a specific case study focusing on efficiency and output.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about RuneFest and Jagex as a company?" (Research their games, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you collaborate with Art Directors and other team members, especially in a remote or hybrid setting?" (Emphasize your communication and feedback integration skills.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with player community expectations and enhance their event experience?" (Show you understand the audience for their games.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type (branding, print, digital) or by case study.

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a story: the problem, your solution, and the result. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality visuals of your work. For print, show mockups or production examples. For digital, show context (e.g., social media post mockups).

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design process, highlighting your illustrative techniques, branding strategy, and production readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific answers that leverage your portfolio and demonstrate an understanding of Jagex's culture and the unique demands of event design will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workable platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible (e.g., via a link) and prominently features your strongest illustrative graphic design work relevant to event branding and gaming. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight production readiness and high-volume asset management.

• Resume Optimization: Update your CV to clearly articulate your experience in senior graphic design, illustration, branding, and print production. Use keywords from the job description and highlight achievements related to event design, fast-paced environments, and autonomous work.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, creative rationale, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail, focusing on how they demonstrate the required skills and operational efficiency.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Jagex, RuneScape, and RuneFest. Understand their brand identity, values, and the gaming community they serve. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

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