Intelligent Graphic Designer - As Needed Occasional Contract Work

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= INTRODUCTION We're a small group of owners running several companies, and we regularly have design work that's been handled by a piecemeal mix of contractors. Our most recent go-to designer just left after taking a full-time position elsewhere, so we're looking for our new go-to contract designer. We want someone who actually "gets" design from a functional, practical standpoint, and maybe from a higher-level design theory perspective too. We need someone who can not only carry out our plans, but also spot ways to improve them. This matters most when it comes to making user experiences intuitive and turning complex information into something visually simple. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE WORK The mix changes, but it falls into these areas: - Infographics. You turn processes and ideas into something that's visually appealing and instantly clear to understand. - UI / UX. We're always looking for ways to improve our user flows on websites and in apps. We're also going to be building a new app and user flow in late 2026 or early 2027, which will be lots of fun Figma prototyping and experimentation. - Logos and product branding. We like clean, appealing logos and product branding, not just for the main companies but for the unique offers and products they sell. The ability to create simple logos or mascots efficiently is a great bonus, though we've subcontracted out this specialty in the past and don't mind doing so again. - White papers and pitch decks. These need to be clean, sharp, and easy to read. It's mostly a matter of translating our Brand Guidelines into different document formats, carrying over the same principles from the UI/UX and infographic work: conveying complex information in intuitive, easily understandable ways. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR - You have good taste and a feel for what works. We always prefer design that's functional over fancy, and we prioritize design that's clear, intuitive, and easy to use over design that's clever or over-complicated. - You think about the person using the thing, not just how it looks. You have a passion for usable design and the role it plays in everyday experiences. - You're willing to say "here's a better way to do this" when you see one. We want someone who can hear what we ask for and recognize a better way to get it done, and who isn't afraid to tell us. Hands-on UI design experience is a plus, not a requirement. As long as you're capable in Figma, the UI side is easy enough to learn (and often just involves translating terribly drawn paper-and-pen sketches from our founders). A note on tools: for most tasks, you can use whatever you work best in. But for UI/UX prototyping we'll definitely need to be in Figma, since the rest of our team builds from it. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TO APPLY - Tell us why you'd be a good fit for this type of role. We're especially interested in how you think about user-friendly design. - Send a link to your portfolio and/or one or two examples of similar work you've done. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=