Junior Designer - Freelance

About the Studio

Sandcastles is a brand and design studio for founders building something new. We work with early-stage companies across CPG, hospitality, and lifestyle, helping them launch clearly, grow intentionally, and build brands that feel meaningful across every touchpoint.

We operate as a small, hands-on studio, working closely with founders and their teams to build brand ecosystems that move beyond first impressions --- shaping the products, places, stories, and rituals people bring into their lives.

The Role

This is a freelance, part-time role for a junior designer who wants to gain hands-on experience across real brand projects. You'll work directly with the creative lead on a range of client work, from early concept development to production and final rollout.

Hours will vary depending on the project. Some weeks may be light; others may be more involved. We'll give clear advance notice around time expectations and are looking to build lasting relationships with trusted creative collaborators.

About You

This is a great fit for someone early in their career who is excited to learn, contribute, and grow within a small studio environment. We're looking for someone who cares deeply about their craft, has strong taste and a clear perspective, and is interested in building brands that earn a place in people's lives. You're comfortable taking direction, asking smart questions, incorporating feedback, and bringing a strong creative point of view to the work.

The ideal candidate has:

• 1--2 years of design experience, or has recently graduated from an art or design program
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
• A strong foundation in typography, layout, color, and visual systems
• Experience or interest across print, digital, packaging, and brand identity
• Experience developing digital assets, including ads, emails, presentations, landing pages, websites, and social content
• A thoughtful approach to using AI tools as part of the creative process
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to articulate design decisions, take feedback, stay responsive, and work well in an async workflow

Even better if:

• You have motion design experience
• You understand print and packaging production
• You've worked with early-stage CPG, consumer, hospitality, food, or lifestyle brands

What You'll Work On

Projects will vary, but may include:

• Brand identity execution, including logos, color, typography, lockups, and brand systems
• Packaging and print design, from concept through production-ready files
• Marketing and campaign assets, including social content, sell sheets, pitch decks, and emails
• Web and UI design support in Figma, including layouts, components, and landing pages
• Extending existing brand systems across new applications with care and consistency

Compensation

This is a freelance, hourly role. Rate is commensurate with experience. Please include your range when you reach out. This is not a set-schedule position, but we aim to build lasting relationships with collaborators we trust and give clear advance notice around upcoming project needs.

To apply, send your portfolio, resume, and a brief introduction to [email protected]. Thank you!