Sr Brand Designer - Krak

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Brand Designer - Krak

Company: Kraken

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic evolution and execution of Krak's visual identity and brand standards across all platforms and customer touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and impactful brand presence.

• Drive creative direction for marketing campaigns, product launches, and ongoing communications, translating brand strategy into compelling visual assets that resonate with the target audience.

• Implement and scale design systems, marketing templates, and localization-ready layouts to empower cross-functional teams to produce on-brand work efficiently and rapidly.

• Leverage advanced design technologies, including 3D modeling, motion graphics, animation, and AI-assisted workflows, to enhance brand storytelling and production capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Brand Designer, implying significant autonomy and strategic input. The focus on "owning our visual identity, art direction, and design standards end to end" suggests a leadership component within the design function, even if not a formal management role. The emphasis on "AI-assisted production pipelines" and "creative automation workflows" indicates a forward-thinking approach to design operations, requiring a candidate comfortable with and capable of integrating cutting-edge technologies into established brand processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead brand refreshes and ongoing evolution for Krak, taking ownership of the visual identity, art direction, and comprehensive design standards.

• Ensure consistent brand application across all channels, including the website, product marketing materials, lifecycle marketing (email, CRM), paid acquisition campaigns, organic social media, app store assets, and event collateral.

• Develop and produce 3D models for key brand assets, such as the card product and other visual elements, to enrich the brand's aesthetic and communicative power.

• Design and implement motion systems and animations to imbue the Krak brand with dynamism and visual engagement, ranging from simple UI animations to more complex narrative sequences.

• Integrate and utilize AI tools for rapid concept generation and production, and collaborate with external partners for advanced video or animation projects when required.

• Cultivate and expand Krak's proprietary illustration style, creating original artwork for product and marketing initiatives, while simultaneously building a reusable library for internal teams.

• Construct scalable design systems, including Figma component libraries, marketing templates, and adaptable layouts optimized for localization, to enable swift and consistent on-brand output by various teams.

• Design variable and auto-generated asset systems, alongside modular campaign kits, to facilitate more frequent and expansive market launches with reduced manual effort.

• Develop creative automation workflows, programmatic copy and image swapping mechanisms, multi-format exports, and large-scale localization solutions that maintain high quality as operational volume increases.

• Actively manage and contribute to AI-assisted production pipelines, treating them as integral components of the brand's creation process rather than experimental side projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on scalable design operations and automation. This goes beyond traditional brand design by demanding expertise in creating systems that enable high-volume, multi-market content production. The integration of AI and creative automation suggests a need for a candidate who can not only design visually but also architect efficient, technology-driven design workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated Brand Design experience, with a significant portion gained within fast-paced fintech environments or leading world-class design agencies working on fintech products. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and drive them to completion in a high-performance setting.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Brand Design, encompassing visual identity development, art direction, and comprehensive brand stewardship.

• Exceptional proficiency in typography, color theory, layout composition, and overall aesthetic execution.

• Demonstrated ability to create and manage scalable design systems, including component libraries in Figma.

• Strong 3D modeling and rendering skills for product visualization and brand assets.

• Proficiency in motion graphics and animation principles, with experience in tools like After Effects.

• Experience in developing and applying illustration styles, including the creation of reusable asset libraries.

• A strong portfolio showcasing detail-oriented design work, strategic thinking, provocative creativity, and a track record of successful brand initiatives.

• Natural storytelling ability with a demonstrated capacity to articulate design decisions, rationalize strategies, and communicate complex concepts effectively.

• Ability to work independently, manage multiple project timelines, and iterate rapidly in response to feedback and evolving project needs.

• Experience with AI tools for design concepting and production, and an understanding of their application in creative workflows.

• Familiarity with localization best practices and the creation of adaptable design assets for global markets. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with creative automation tools and workflows for generating marketing assets at scale.

• Proficiency in building modular campaign kits and variable asset systems.

• Understanding of UX/UI principles to ensure brand consistency within product interfaces.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including product, marketing, and engineering.

• Knowledge of financial services or cryptocurrency industry aesthetics and communication norms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience, particularly within fintech or top-tier agencies, signals a need for a senior-level designer capable of strategic thinking and independent execution. The emphasis on both traditional design craft (typography, layout) and advanced technical skills (3D, motion, AI) indicates a modern, hybrid role. The portfolio is explicitly called out as a critical component, requiring evidence of strategic thinking and creative impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of brand strategy and its translation into visual identity elements through detailed case studies.

• Showcase examples of scalable design systems, including Figma component libraries, demonstrating thought process for reusability and consistency.

• Present 3D modeling and motion graphics work that clearly articulates the integration of these mediums into a cohesive brand narrative.

• Include examples of how AI tools were leveraged for concepting, production, or workflow optimization within a design project.

• Highlight projects where creative automation or modular design kits were developed and implemented to increase efficiency and scale.

• Provide evidence of original illustration work and its application in product or marketing contexts, ideally with a component library example. Process Documentation:

• Detail the process of leading brand refreshes or visual identity evolutions, including research, concept development, stakeholder alignment, and implementation phases.

• Illustrate workflows for developing and maintaining design systems, marketing templates, and localization-ready layouts.

• Describe the methodology for integrating AI tools and automation into the design production pipeline, focusing on efficiency gains and quality maintenance.

• Showcase examples of designing for multi-channel campaigns, demonstrating an understanding of how brand elements adapt across different platforms (web, app, social, email).

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description heavily implies a need for a portfolio that goes beyond static visuals. It must demonstrate the candidate's ability to build systems, leverage technology (3D, AI, automation), and think about scalable design operations. The portfolio should tell a story of strategic thinking, creative execution, and process innovation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Brand Designer role in London with 5-10 years of experience, particularly within the tech/fintech sector, a competitive salary range would typically fall between £70,000 - £100,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the high cost of living in London, the specialized skills required (including 3D, motion, AI integration), and Kraken's position as a prominent player in the financial technology industry.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses or equity.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and access to learning resources.

• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work environment.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing global organization.

• Access to Kraken's suite of financial products and services. Working Hours:

The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. While the role is fully remote, candidates are expected to be available during core business hours relevant to the Krak team's primary operational needs, which may include collaboration with teams in various time zones. Flexibility is provided, but consistent availability for key meetings and project deadlines is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on role, experience, location (London), and industry (Fintech/Crypto). Actual compensation will vary based on specific qualifications, interview performance, and internal compensation structures. Benefits are typical for a company of Kraken's size and industry, with a focus on professional growth and remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Open Finance / Cryptocurrency. Kraken, as the parent company, operates in a rapidly evolving and highly regulated financial technology sector, with Krak focusing on a user-friendly money app experience.

Company Size: Kraken is a large, established company in the crypto space, with a global presence and a significant number of employees across various entities like Payward, NinjaTrader, and others. The Krak team likely operates as a distinct unit within this larger organization, potentially with a startup-like agility.

Founded: Kraken was founded in 2011, indicating a long-standing presence and deep expertise in the cryptocurrency market. This history suggests a culture that values innovation, resilience, and a mission-driven approach to building financial infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The Krak brand design team is likely part of a broader marketing or product organization within the Krak money app division.

• This role reports to a Design Lead or Head of Brand, with close collaboration expected with Product Managers, Marketing Leads, Content Strategists, and Engineering teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is central, requiring the designer to work with various departments to integrate brand consistency across all user-facing touchpoints and internal initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by user research, A/B testing, and performance analytics to refine brand strategy and creative execution.

• Agile and iterative design processes, allowing for rapid concepting, prototyping, and deployment, especially given the fast-paced fintech environment.

• Emphasis on automation and scalability in design operations, leveraging technology to increase efficiency, output, and market reach.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Krak as a modern money app within the larger Kraken ecosystem, emphasizing innovation and user empowerment in finance. The culture is likely fast-paced, forward-thinking, and values technological adoption, particularly AI and automation, which are explicitly mentioned in the role's responsibilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Brand Designer role, signifying a position of significant influence and expertise within the design function. It requires not only exceptional creative skills but also the ability to think strategically about brand architecture, scalable systems, and process optimization. The role is expected to set design standards and lead brand evolution, suggesting a path towards a Lead Designer or Art Director position.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Brand Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Brand, or potentially a Director of Marketing/Product. They will collaborate closely with Marketing, Product, and Engineering teams, acting as a key design stakeholder across multiple disciplines.

Operations Impact: The Brand Designer's work directly impacts Krak's market perception, user acquisition, customer retention, and overall brand equity. By ensuring a consistent, compelling, and modern brand experience, they contribute significantly to revenue growth and market differentiation. The focus on scalable design systems and automation directly supports the operational efficiency of marketing and product launches, enabling faster time-to-market and broader reach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Brand Design Lead or Art Director role, managing projects and potentially a small team of designers, and taking on more strategic brand initiatives.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in 3D, motion graphics, AI-assisted design, and creative automation, becoming a go-to specialist within the organization.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence by working on higher-level brand strategy, contributing to product development from a brand perspective, and mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the rapidly evolving fintech and crypto space, a highly sought-after industry with continuous learning opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a strategic role with growth potential beyond individual contribution. The emphasis on systems and automation suggests opportunities to shape the future of design operations at Krak.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position. The company culture page emphasizes a distributed workforce and highlights how they work, suggesting a mature approach to remote collaboration and team building.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is listed as London, UK, the role is open to candidates in numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Peru, Sweden, Colombia, Argentina, Romania, Cyprus, Switzerland, Portugal, Lithuania, South Africa, Czech Republic, Canada, Hungary, Mexico, Chile, Poland, and Spain. This indicates a global, distributed team environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect frequent digital collaboration via video conferencing, chat platforms (like Slack), and shared project management tools. The focus will be on asynchronous and synchronous communication to bridge geographical distances.

• Tools and Technology: Access to a robust digital toolkit, including design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), 3D modeling software, animation tools, project management platforms, and communication tools. The role specifically calls for utilizing AI tools and potentially other automation software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with a diverse, international team through virtual team meetings, design critiques, and company-wide virtual events. The emphasis will be on proactive communication and building strong working relationships digitally.

Work Schedule: The role is fully remote with a standard 40-hour work week. While flexibility is a key benefit of remote work, candidates must be mindful of overlapping working hours with key team members and stakeholders in different time zones to facilitate real-time collaboration, especially for critical design reviews and project alignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Fully Remote" status and extensive list of eligible countries highlight Krak's commitment to a global, distributed workforce. The work environment will be digitally-centric, requiring strong communication and self-management skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

2. Portfolio Review & Creative Challenge: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager or a senior designer. This stage will heavily involve reviewing the candidate's portfolio, delving into specific projects, design decisions, and strategic rationale. A take-home design challenge or a live design exercise may be assigned to assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to specific Krak brand elements.

3. Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators from marketing, product, or engineering teams to evaluate teamwork, communication style, and ability to integrate design into broader business objectives.

4. Final Interview: A discussion with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Marketing, Creative Director) to finalize assessment of strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company’s vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Storytelling: Frame your portfolio around case studies that demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and quantified impact. For this role, highlight projects involving brand evolution, scalable systems, AI integration, or automation.

• Process & Rationale: Be prepared to articulate your design process, explain the rationale behind your creative decisions, and discuss how you navigated challenges or feedback. For Krak, emphasize how you've built systems or used technology to achieve efficiency and scale.

• Showcase Relevant Skills: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your expertise in typography, layout, 3D modeling, motion graphics, and illustration. If you have experience with AI-assisted design or creative automation workflows, ensure these are prominently featured.

• Brand Consistency: Include examples of how you've ensured brand consistency across multiple platforms and marketing channels.

• Tailor to Krak: Research Krak's current brand identity and marketing efforts. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience can elevate their brand.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Krak's Brand: Thoroughly analyze Krak's existing brand, its target audience, and its market positioning.

• Focus on Systems & Automation: If a challenge is assigned, consider how you would approach building a scalable solution or leveraging automation, reflecting the job description's emphasis.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to present your thinking clearly and concisely, explaining your approach, assumptions, and potential next steps, even if the challenge is time-bound.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable with the core design tools mentioned (Figma) and have a working knowledge of relevant 3D and motion software, as well as AI design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes portfolio review and practical application, particularly around systems, automation, and modern design technologies. Candidates should prepare to showcase how they've architected design solutions for scale and efficiency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, component library creation, and building scalable design systems. Expect advanced usage for prototyping and design system management.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects): Standard tools for image editing, vector graphics, and motion design. After Effects is crucial for motion graphics and animation.

• 3D Modeling Software (e.g., Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya): Required for modeling the card product and other key visuals. Proficiency in at least one industry-standard 3D package is expected.

• AI Design Tools (e.g., Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Adobe Firefly): Explicitly mentioned for rapid concepting and production. Familiarity with current AI generative art and design platforms is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how design impacts metrics is important. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) and how to interpret design-driven KPIs (conversion rates, engagement metrics) is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Braze): Understanding how designs are implemented within email marketing and CRM workflows is important for lifecycle marketing assets.

• Design Automation/Templating Tools: Experience with tools or custom scripts that facilitate automated asset generation, programmatic swapping, or multi-format exports.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards modern design tools, emphasizing 3D, motion, and AI. Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Suite is a given, but the role specifically calls for expertise in emerging technologies that drive efficiency and scale in design production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Efficiency: A strong drive to push creative boundaries while optimizing processes through technology and automation. This means embracing new tools like AI and building systems for scale.

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creativity is paramount, decisions are informed by data and user insights to ensure brand initiatives are effective and impactful.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and a willingness to share work, feedback, and knowledge across teams and geographies are essential.

• User-Centricity: A deep understanding of the target audience and a commitment to creating a brand experience that resonates with them and drives engagement.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for brand integrity and driving projects from concept to completion, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with marketing, product, and engineering teams, acting as a bridge between creative vision and business objectives.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes, with regular design critiques and reviews.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactive sharing of best practices, new tool discoveries, and creative insights to uplift the entire team and organization.

• Agile Execution: A dynamic approach to project management, adapting quickly to changing priorities and market conditions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style emphasize a forward-thinking, efficient, and collaborative environment. The integration of AI and automation suggests a culture that is not afraid to experiment