Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer

Company: Critical Mass

Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports the execution of high-quality digital and web design deliverables to enhance user experiences and visual appeal.

• Drives the creation and optimization of digital assets for websites, product pages, and online channels, ensuring brand consistency.

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and marketers, to deliver effective design solutions.

• Focuses on website maintenance, content updates, and the enhancement of existing digital experiences through thoughtful visual design.

• Contributes to the development and organization of design files and reusable components within a collaborative design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Visual Designer with a strong emphasis on digital and web design execution, rather than a purely conceptual or strategic design role. The responsibilities highlight hands-on asset creation, website updates, and collaboration, indicating a need for strong technical design skills and a supportive, team-oriented approach within a digital agency context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and update a variety of digital assets, including website banners, graphics, product page visuals, and other online marketing collateral.

• Execute ongoing website maintenance tasks, ensuring content is up-to-date and visually consistent with brand guidelines.

• Design and refine layouts, graphics, and visual elements, strictly adhering to established brand standards and design systems.

• Edit and optimize images and other visual assets using industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop to ensure high quality and appropriate file sizes for web deployment.

• Maintain a high level of visual consistency and quality across all digital touchpoints and user interfaces.

• Actively collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including fellow designers, front-end developers, content strategists, and marketing managers, to bring design requests to life.

• Contribute to user experience (UX) improvements by applying thoughtful visual design principles and web best practices.

• Assist in the creation, organization, and maintenance of design files, reusable components, and design libraries within Figma.

• Participate constructively in design review sessions, providing and receiving feedback to iteratively improve design outcomes.

• Effectively manage and prioritize multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery in a dynamic, fast-paced agency environment.

• Proactively stay informed about emerging design trends, new tools, and evolving industry best practices to continuously enhance design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on execution role. Emphasis is placed on asset creation, website updates, and maintaining brand standards, suggesting the need for efficiency and precision in design work. The collaboration aspect highlights the importance of communication and teamwork within a project lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is often preferred in the industry. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 3–5 years of professional experience specifically in digital design, web design, graphic design, or a closely related creative field.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for interface design, prototyping, and component management.

• Strong, demonstrated working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop for image editing, manipulation, and asset creation.

• Proven experience in creating and adapting visual assets specifically for websites and various digital platforms.

• Solid understanding of core design principles: layout, typography, composition, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Experience conceptualizing and producing assets for web-based content and digital marketing campaigns.

• Basic but functional understanding of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) principles, with an emphasis on user-centered design practices.

• Exceptional attention to detail, with a commitment to producing polished, high-quality design work.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously on tasks while also collaborating effectively within a cross-functional team setting.

• English proficiency at a B2 level or higher, enabling clear written and verbal communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics creation and manipulation.

• Experience with motion design tools such as After Effects for animated graphics and UI elements.

• Basic video editing skills using tools like Premiere Pro for social media or web video assets.

• Experience working with international clients or on projects with a global scope, demonstrating cultural awareness and adaptability.

• Proficiency in using collaboration and project management tools, including but not limited to Slack, Zoom, Jira, Trello, Asana, Basecamp, and Google Drive.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily focused on core digital design tools (Figma, Photoshop) and fundamental design principles. The preference for additional Adobe Creative Suite tools and project management software suggests a well-rounded candidate who can contribute across various stages of digital asset creation and project execution. The B2 English proficiency is a critical requirement for effective communication in a global agency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct digital or web design projects that demonstrate your ability to create engaging and effective visual assets.

• Include case studies or detailed descriptions for at least two projects, outlining the design challenge, your approach, the tools used (specifically Figma and Photoshop), and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Present a clear progression of your design process, from initial concept or wireframe to final polished asset or UI.

• Ensure your portfolio highlights your understanding of web best practices, responsiveness, and visual hierarchy.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design workflow, including how you manage feedback, iterate on designs, and collaborate with developers and other team members.

• Articulate your approach to organizing design files and components within Figma for reusability and team collaboration.

• Explain how you optimize images and other visual assets for web performance without compromising quality.

• Describe your process for ensuring visual consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across various digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are crucial for this role, emphasizing practical application of design skills. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their process, tool proficiency, and ability to deliver tangible design outputs relevant to web and digital platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Visual Designer with 3-5 years of experience in San Jose, Costa Rica, an estimated annual salary range is between ₡15,000,000 and ₡25,000,000 (approximately USD $28,000 - $47,000). This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, portfolio strength, and final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Maternity and parental leave with extra days offered.

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits packages.

• Generous allocation of vacation days, compassionate leave, sick days, and flexible days.

• Access to online services specifically tailored for families and new parents.

• Participation in a Diversity and Inclusion Board with 12 active affinity groups.

• Access to internal learning and development programs for continuous growth.

• Enterprise-wide employee discounts on various products and services.

• Additional benefits not explicitly listed but common in agency environments.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The company promotes a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the San Jose office to foster collaboration and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on Cost of Living and average salaries for similar roles in San Jose, Costa Rica. Benefits are comprehensive and highlight a strong focus on employee well-being and professional development, which are attractive to mid-level professionals. The explicit mention of hybrid work and the reasons behind it are key details.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Critical Mass operates within the Digital Marketing and Advertising industry, specializing in creating digital experiences, customer engagement strategies, and integrated campaigns for a global clientele.

Company Size: Critical Mass is a large organization, likely employing over 1,000 individuals globally, with significant operations across North America, Europe, and Latin America. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, diverse teams, and ample opportunities for career development.

Founded: Critical Mass was founded in 1996. Its long history in the digital space indicates a deep understanding of evolving online landscapes and a robust operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Designer will likely be part of a larger Creative or Design team, reporting to a Design Lead or Creative Director.

• This team will include other designers (UI/UX, Motion, etc.), copywriters, art directors, and potentially content strategists.

Methodology:

• Critical Mass likely employs agile methodologies for project management and campaign execution, fostering adaptability and responsiveness.

• Data-driven insights are crucial, with a focus on performance metrics to inform creative strategies and optimize digital experiences.

• Emphasis is placed on user-centered design principles to create meaningful and effective customer journeys.

• Continuous learning and skill development are encouraged to stay ahead in the dynamic digital marketing landscape.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Critical Mass is a well-established digital agency. The company culture likely values collaboration, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. The size of the company suggests a professional environment with clear career paths, but also a need for individuals who can navigate larger organizational structures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is typically considered a Mid-Level position. It requires 3-5 years of experience, indicating a need for independent work on assigned tasks and the ability to contribute meaningfully to team projects without constant supervision. The role is focused on execution and contribution within a design team.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer will report to a Design Lead or Creative Director. They will work within a project-based structure, collaborating with various cross-functional teams on a per-project or per-client basis.

Operations Impact: While not directly a "Revenue Operations" role, a Visual Designer's impact is significant in driving customer engagement, brand perception, and conversion rates through compelling visual design. High-quality visuals directly influence user experience, which in turn affects client campaign success and agency reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in areas like UI design, motion graphics, or interaction design, leveraging tools like After Effects or advanced Figma capabilities.

• Seniority: Progression to a Senior Visual Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and potentially contributing to design strategy.

• Leadership: With further development, opportunities to move into Art Direction or Creative Direction roles, leading design teams and shaping creative vision for clients.

• Skill Development: Access to internal learning programs and potential for external training or certifications in new design tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Visual Designer in an agency like Critical Mass involves deepening technical skills, taking on more responsibility, and potentially moving into leadership or strategic creative roles. The hybrid model also supports continuous learning by facilitating in-person mentorship and collaboration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Critical Mass operates with a hybrid work model, meaning the San Jose office is a central hub for collaboration, team building, and focused work requiring in-person interaction. The office environment is likely modern, designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The role is based in San Jose, Costa Rica. Specific details about the office's accessibility, amenities, and neighborhood would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• The office space is designed to support a hybrid work model, likely featuring collaborative zones, meeting rooms, and potentially quiet areas for focused individual work.

• Access to necessary design hardware and software, including high-performance workstations and licenses for Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant tools.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with design peers, creative leads, and other agency professionals, promoting knowledge sharing and team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model requires a minimum of three days per week in the San Jose office, with flexibility likely in scheduling the remaining two days (either remote or in-office, depending on team needs and project demands).

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of the work environment, emphasizing the company's commitment to both flexibility and in-person collaboration. This setup is designed to balance individual autonomy with the benefits of team synergy and direct mentorship.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth session with a Design Lead or Creative Director to review your portfolio, discuss your design process, and assess your technical skills in Figma and Photoshop. Expect questions about how you approach design challenges and maintain brand consistency.

• Cross-Functional Interview: You may meet with members of other teams (e.g., Development, Project Management) to evaluate your collaboration and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader to discuss your career aspirations and overall fit within the agency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest digital and web design projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (showcase Figma/Photoshop use), your solutions, and the results or impact. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly show your thought process, including sketches, wireframes, user flows, and iterations. This demonstrates your problem-solving abilities.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, mention how you collaborated with developers, clients, or other team members on specific projects.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your mastery of Figma and Adobe Photoshop. Be ready to discuss specific techniques or workflows.

• Brand Adherence: Include examples where you successfully worked within strict brand guidelines or adapted designs for different contexts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which might involve creating a specific digital asset or solving a design problem within a time limit. Practice creating quick mockups or refining existing designs.

• Brush up on your knowledge of UX/UI principles, web design best practices, and current design trends.

• Familiarize yourself with Critical Mass's work and recent campaigns to understand their aesthetic and strategic approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is standard for a design role in an agency, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design thinking, tool proficiency, and collaborative approach in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and component-based design systems. Proficiency is essential.

• Adobe Photoshop: Critical for image editing, manipulation, asset optimization, and creating detailed visual elements.

• Adobe Illustrator: Preferred for vector graphics, logos, and icons, offering scalability and precision.

• Adobe After Effects: Valuable for creating animated graphics, micro-interactions, and motion design elements for digital campaigns.

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Useful for basic video editing and creating short video assets for social media or web use.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design integrates with marketing automation platforms or CRM interfaces can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily design-centric, with Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite being paramount. Experience with motion graphics and video tools is a strong plus, aligning with the multi-faceted nature of digital marketing assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to producing high-quality, visually stunning, and technically sound design work.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among designers and cross-functional teams.

• User-Centricity: Designing with the end-user's needs and experience at the forefront of every decision.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new trends, tools, and methodologies to stay at the cutting edge of digital design.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding client objectives and delivering design solutions that meet business goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Designers are expected to work closely with each other, sharing feedback, contributing to design systems, and supporting project timelines.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with developers to ensure designs are technically feasible and implemented accurately, and with marketers to align visuals with campaign objectives.

• Open Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive criticism and dialogue to refine designs and improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of individual creative talent and strong collaborative practices, which is typical for successful digital agencies. The focus on user-centricity and client success is paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Effectively translating creative visions into visually compelling designs while adhering to brand guidelines, technical limitations, and project deadlines.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects for different clients simultaneously, each with unique requirements and stakeholders.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with rapid changes in design software, digital platforms, and user behavior expectations.

• Effective Feedback Integration: Receiving and incorporating constructive criticism from various stakeholders without compromising the integrity of the design vision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Internal Workshops & Training: Access to Critical Mass's internal programs focused on design skills, emerging technologies, and agency best practices.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Opportunities to attend relevant events or online sessions to gain insights into the latest design trends and techniques.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or art directors, gaining valuable experience and career guidance.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working alongside developers, strategists, and marketers provides exposure to different facets of digital campaign creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level designer in a fast-paced agency. The growth opportunities are robust, leveraging the agency's resources for continuous professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new digital asset for a website, from brief to final delivery." (Focus on your Figma/Photoshop workflow, collaboration, and optimization).

• "How do you ensure visual consistency across multiple digital platforms and campaigns for a single brand?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and design systems).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Critical Mass and this specific Visual Designer role?" (Research their recent work and values).

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and other non-design team members?" (Emphasize communication and understanding of different roles).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with your most impactful and relevant projects.

• Be Concise: Clearly articulate each project's objective, your role, your process, and the results. Avoid jargon.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to showcase your design skills. Be prepared to annotate or zoom into specific details.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: When discussing projects, explicitly mention how you used Figma, Photoshop, and other tools to achieve your results.

• Engage: Be prepared for questions and engage in a dialogue about your work and design philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, a clear process, strong communication, and a good fit with the agency's collaborative and client-focused culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (link provided on resume/application) and highlights digital/web design projects, showcasing your Figma and Photoshop skills with clear project descriptions.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize the 3-5 years of relevant experience, specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Photoshop), and achievements in digital asset creation and website design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects in detail, and preparing to answer questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and staying current with design trends.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Critical Mass's work, clients, and company culture. Understand their approach to digital marketing and design to articulate your interest and alignment effectively.

⚠️ 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.