Contract Graphic Designer Job at Matrix Partners | Pet Marketing Agency in Chica

Are you a passionate designer with a love for pets and a talent for crafting standout designs? Matrix Partners, a leading pet industry branding and marketing agency, is looking for a Contract Graphic Designer to join our award-winning team. This part-time opportunity could lead to a full-time role for the right creative powerhouse. If you thrive in a fast-paced, pet-loving environment and are ready to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, we want to hear from you!

About the Job:

• Job Title: Contract Graphic Designer
• Company: Matrix Partners
• Location: Mostly remote, must be able to work from our West Loop office every Tuesday 
• Job Type: Contract (with opportunity for long-term commitment)
• Time Commitment: 15-20 hours/week 

Responsibilities:

As a Contract Graphic Designer, you’ll collaborate closely with our Associate Creative Director and creative team to bring pet brands to life through compelling visuals. Your day-to-day work will include:

• Staying ahead of graphic design trends to keep our work fresh and innovative
• Develop creative assets for social media campaigns, including graphics, animations,
• and videos
• Designing eye-catching ads for print, web, and social media that engage pet-loving audiences
• Partnering with the Senior Graphic Designer, Social Media Managers, and Creative Directors to turn strategic messaging into impactful marketing materials
• Maintaining and, when needed, developing brand guidelines for a variety of pet industry clients
• Capturing stylized product photography that enhances storytelling and strengthens brand identity

What Do You Bring to the Table:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional graphic design experience
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Express, XD)
• Experience with social media design trends and creating content for various platforms
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to take feedback and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• A keen design eye with a fresh, modern aesthetic that aligns with the pet industry brand we work with
• Experience in packaging design, from concept, laying out designs to fit a working dieline to final production, ensuring branding and messaging are effectively translated onto physical products
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Meticulous file organization skills, ensuring assets are properly named and managed at every project stage
• Experience working with print and digital formats
• Basic photography skills for capturing stylized product shots
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills
• Bonus skills that set you apart: Web design experience (WordPress, Shopify, custom CSS, basic HTML), email design and programming (i.e., MailChimp, Klayvio), ability to contribute to the brainstorming and creation of TikToks/Reels, hand-drawing/illustration skills

📍 Location Requirement: Candidates must be able to work in our West Loop office on Tuesdays.

Time Commitment: 

• Approximately 15-20 hours a week
• Candidates must be excited to work in our West Loop office every Tuesday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Additional hours will be remote unless otherwise specified
• Applicants must live in the Chicagoland area 
• This is a contract position, with the possibility of extension based on business needs

Compensation:

• Competitive hourly rate based on experience

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

• Exciting, diverse projects—work on a wide range of creative campaigns for top pet industry brands
• A collaborative and inspiring team—join a group of passionate designers, strategists, and pet lovers who thrive on creativity
• Endless pet content—because who wouldn’t love spending their day surrounded by adorable pet photography? 🐶🐱📸

To Apply:

•  Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of work to btomala@matrix1.com. Please use “Contract Graphic Designer Application – [Your Name]” as the subject line
• No phone calls please