Creative Director / Senior Graphic Designer (Contract)

About Startwide

Startwide builds teams around outcomes, not job titles. We assemble senior specialists, fractional leaders and AI capability for companies working in technology, healthcare, life sciences and growth. Learn more at startwide.com.

The role

We’re building our bench of senior creative talent for client engagements: brand identities, launch campaigns, websites, pitch decks and design systems. This is contract work, matched to projects as they start. Some engagements are a few focused weeks; others are ongoing fractional creative direction at 10 to 40 hours a week. You’ll work directly with client teams, often as the most senior creative voice in the room.

What you’ll do

• Set creative direction for brands and campaigns, from first concept through final files
• Design hands-on: identity systems, typography, layout, web and product UI, presentations and print
• Turn a loose brief into a clear point of view, and present it to founders and executives
• Use AI tools for image generation, research and production to move faster without lowering the bar
• Work alongside engineers, marketers and strategists on small, multidisciplinary teams

What we’re looking for

• 7+ years in graphic design, brand design or art direction, including time leading creative work
• A portfolio that shows range and taste across identity, digital and print
• Expert in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma
• Comfortable working remotely and independently, with clear written communication
• Hands-on experience with AI image or design tools, or genuine curiosity about them
• Nice to have: motion design, illustration, front-end (HTML/CSS), or experience in healthcare, life sciences or tech

How it works

Independent contractor role, fully remote, U.S.-based. Pay is $60–$125 per hour depending on experience and the engagement. Please include a link to your portfolio when you apply. Strong candidates are invited into the Startwide Network so we can match you to future projects that fit your range.

Pay: $60.00 - $125.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Please share a link to your portfolio (website, Behance, Dribbble, or a PDF link).

Work Location: Remote