Freelance Brand Designer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Freelance Brand Designer

🔹 Company: Canvas8

🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Freelance

🔹 Category: Branding & Design

🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5+ years)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (London preferred)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the creative exploration and ideation to develop a comprehensive brand identity and visual storytelling for Canvas8's brand refresh
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to bring the brand strategy and values to life across key touchpoints
• Designing and developing a comprehensive visual identity, brand architecture, brand book, and brand guidelines
• Creating core brand assets, including a short intro film, pitch deck, and case study templates
• Working closely with the internal team and key stakeholders to ensure the brand reflects the company's purpose and values

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong strategic thinker with a deep understanding of brand identity development and a proven track record of leading full company rebrands. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently and managing projects with minimal oversight.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead creative exploration and ideation to develop an overarching Brand Idea that forms the basis of the brand platform

✅ Design and develop a comprehensive Visual Identity, presenting multiple versions and refining the preferred concept for final sign-off

✅ Define and simplify the brand architecture, creating a clear framework for products and initiatives within the Canvas8 masterbrand

✅ Create the definitive Canvas8 Brand Book, serving as the brand bible that visually articulates the strategy, narrative, maxims, and brand idea

✅ Develop robust Brand Guidelines for consistent application across all print and digital mediums

✅ Ideate and oversee the production of a short (max 30-second) Canvas8 Intro Film to highlight the proposition

✅ Design and build core templates, including a comprehensive Master Google Slides, a refined Pitch Deck, and a dedicated Case Study slide template

✅ Present creative concepts and design solutions to key internal stakeholders, effectively articulating the vision and rationale

✅ Actively incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, demonstrating flexibility while championing strong creative ideas

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are based on the provided job description. However, the role may evolve based on the project's needs and the designer's skills and interests.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A degree in Graphic Design, Branding, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 5+ years of experience in brand design, with significant experience leading full company rebrands

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Effective communication skills and the ability to articulate design concepts to various stakeholders
• Excellent visual communication skills and a deep understanding of design principles
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage projects with minimal oversight
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with brands in the insights, research, or consulting industries
• Familiarity with human-centered design principles and behavioral insights

ASSUMPTION: While the job description lists specific required skills, the ideal candidate should also possess a strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic brand identity development and complex, scalable design systems.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary for this freelance role is a competitive day rate. The exact rate will be determined based on the candidate's experience and the project's scope. Industry standards for freelance brand designers in London range from £350 to £600 per day.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• The opportunity to work on a high-impact project with a global insights practice
• Potential extension of the project based on performance

Working Hours: The role requires a full-time commitment for the duration of the project (6-8 weeks). However, the working hours are flexible, and the role can be performed remotely.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for freelance brand designers in London. The final salary will be determined through negotiation with the selected candidate.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Canvas8 operates in the advertising services industry, focusing on strategic insights and human-centered design to help clients understand people and make better business decisions.

Company Size: Canvas8 is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Founded: Canvas8 was founded in 2008 and has since grown into a global strategic insights practice operating out of London, New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore.

Company Description:

• Canvas8 helps organizations grow through a better understanding of people, primarily focused on media, communications, and product development
• The company investigates hidden insights in everyday life and makes them meaningful for brands, combining skills from psychology to journalism, anthropology to behavioral economics
• Canvas8's team consists of experts from various backgrounds, united by a desire to understand people and deliver outstanding work

Company Specialties:

• Behavioural insights
• Storytelling
• Trend research
• Anthropology
• Strategic analysis
• Innovation workshops
• Ethnography
• Videography
• Behavioural science
• Consumer behaviour
• Trend analysis
• Pitch support
• Market research
• Trend forecasting

Company Website: http://www.canvas8.com

ASSUMPTION: Canvas8's expertise in behavioral insights and human-centered design makes it an attractive company for brand designers interested in understanding people and creating meaningful brand experiences.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-senior level brand designers with 5+ years of experience in brand design and a proven track record of leading full company rebrands.

Reporting Structure: The freelance brand designer will report directly to the internal team and key stakeholders at Canvas8.

Work Arrangement: This is a freelance role with a duration of 6-8 weeks (with possible extension), working remotely with flexible hours.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential extension of the project based on performance
• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects with a global insights practice
• Possibility to build long-term relationships with Canvas8 and its clients

ASSUMPTION: While this role is a freelance opportunity, it offers growth opportunities through potential project extensions and the chance to work with a diverse range of clients and industries.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Canvas8 has offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore. However, this role can be performed remotely from anywhere in the world, with a preference for candidates based in London.

Office Location(s): 142 Central Street, London, England EC1V8AR, GB

Geographic Context:

• London is a global hub for the advertising and design industries, offering ample opportunities for networking and collaboration
• The city's diverse culture and vibrant creative scene provide ample inspiration for brand designers
• London's time zone (GMT) may require some flexibility in working hours to accommodate collaboration with Canvas8's global teams

Work Schedule: The role requires a full-time commitment for the duration of the project (6-8 weeks), with flexible working hours and the option to work remotely.

ASSUMPTION: While this role is remote-friendly, candidates should be prepared to work within London's time zone (GMT) and be available for meetings and collaboration with the internal team and key stakeholders.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial screening of applications based on the provided CV and portfolio
• Phone or video call interview to discuss the role, project scope, and candidate's suitability
• Creative brief and case study presentation to demonstrate the candidate's problem-solving skills and creative thinking
• Final interview with key stakeholders to discuss the project's details and the candidate's fit within the team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and strategic thinking in brand identity development
• Ability to articulate design concepts and rationale effectively
• Collaboration skills and adaptability in incorporating feedback
• Project management skills and ability to work independently

Application Tips:

• Tailor your CV and portfolio to highlight your experience in brand identity development and leading full company rebrands
• Include a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the project
• Prepare a creative brief and case study presentation that demonstrates your ability to solve complex design challenges and think strategically about brand identity

ATS Keywords: Brand Design, Brand Identity, Visual Storytelling, Adobe Creative Suite, Strategic Thinking, Collaboration, Project Management

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their CV and portfolio to highlight their relevant experience and skills, focusing on brand identity development and leading full company rebrands. Additionally, applicants should prepare a creative brief and case study presentation to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Google Slides
• Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)

ASSUMPTION: While the job description does not list specific tools and technologies, the ideal candidate should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and have experience working with video editing software for creating short intro films.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Curiosity: Canvas8 values curiosity and encourages its team members to ask questions, stay open, and continuously learn
• Collaboration: The company fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging team members to work together and share ideas
• Impact: Canvas8 aims to create meaningful and impactful work that drives business growth and understanding of people

Work Style:

• Strategic: The ideal candidate should be able to think strategically about brand identity and develop creative solutions that align with the brand's purpose and values
• Adaptable: The role requires flexibility in incorporating feedback and adapting to the project's evolving needs
• Independent: The freelance brand designer should be able to work independently and manage projects with minimal oversight

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you possess a strong curiosity about people and their behavior, and are you eager to learn about human-centered design principles?
• Are you comfortable working independently and managing projects with minimal oversight?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy working with diverse teams to bring creative ideas to life?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with Canvas8's company values and work style by considering their curiosity, adaptability, and independence. Additionally, applicants should reflect on their interest in human-centered design principles and their comfort working in a collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The project's scope may evolve based on feedback from internal stakeholders, requiring the brand designer to adapt and pivot their creative approach
• The role may require working with a diverse range of clients and industries, presenting unique challenges and opportunities
• The freelance nature of the role may present challenges in terms of project management and communication with the internal team and key stakeholders
• The role may require working within a tight deadline, necessitating strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively

ASSUMPTION: While this role presents several challenges, it also offers the opportunity to work on a high-impact project with a global insights practice and collaborate with a diverse range of clients and industries.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from other brand design positions in its focus on leading a comprehensive brand refresh for a global insights practice, rather than working on specific brand touchpoints or campaigns
• Unlike traditional brand design roles, this position requires a strong understanding of human-centered design principles and behavioral insights to create meaningful brand experiences
• Career progression in this role may involve taking on additional projects or becoming a permanent member of Canvas8's internal team, depending on the project's success and the candidate's performance

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from other brand design positions, particularly in its focus on human-centered design principles and behavioral insights.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive brand identity and visual storytelling for a global insights practice, including a brand book, brand guidelines, and core brand assets
• Creating a short intro film that highlights the company's proposition and sets the tone for its brand refresh
• Designing and building core templates, such as a master Google Slides presentation, pitch deck, and case study slide template, to ensure consistent application of the brand across various touchpoints

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are based on the provided job description and may evolve based on the project's scope and the brand designer's skills and interests.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the internal team and key stakeholders I will be working with on this project?
• How does Canvas8 approach collaboration and feedback in brand identity development?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities presented by this project, and how can I best position myself to succeed?
• How does Canvas8 support the growth and development of its freelance designers, and what opportunities might arise from this project?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions during the interview process to demonstrate their interest in the role and gain a deeper understanding of the project's scope, work environment, and growth opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your CV and portfolio to highlight your experience in brand identity development and leading full company rebrands
• Prepare a creative brief and case study presentation that demonstrates your ability to solve complex design challenges and think strategically about brand identity
• Write a cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the project
• Follow up with Canvas8 one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.