Packaging Designer

This is a freelance, project-based role with a weekly or monthly hour agreement, estimated at 30-40 hours per week, flexible based on project volume. The initial contract term is 3-6 months, with potential for extension or transition into an ongoing role as our brand portfolio continues to expand.

Aquent is partnering with a leading consumer goods company dedicated to enriching the lives of consumers through innovative and high-quality private label brands. This organization is at the forefront of developing a new generation of products that inspire joy, discovery, and excellence, constantly expanding its portfolio to meet evolving consumer needs. Join a dynamic team where your creativity will directly shape brand identity and product appeal, making a tangible impact on how products connect with their audience.

We are seeking a talented and passionate designer to join our creative team, playing a pivotal role in bringing captivating brand concepts to life through exceptional packaging systems. In this freelance capacity, you will support senior designers in crafting compelling visual narratives that ensure our diverse product lines stand out on the shelf and resonate deeply with consumers. Your contributions will be instrumental in translating strategic vision into tangible, production-ready artwork, upholding brand integrity, and driving market success.

**What You'll Do**

* Collaborate closely with Senior Packaging Designers to develop and refine packaging solutions across a wide array of new and existing brands.

* Design innovative packaging layouts for diverse product categories, encompassing everything from nutrition and treats to supplies, toys, and hardgoods.

* Translate strategic brand guidelines and creative direction into impactful packaging visuals, mastering typography, hierarchy, and messaging systems.

* Prepare precise, dieline-based packaging files, ensuring print readiness and adherence to vendor specifications.

* Develop compelling supporting visual assets, including icons, patterns, and illustrations, that perfectly align with brand personality and tone.

* Support the efficient versioning, resizing, and SKU adaptations within established packaging families.

* Perform essential photo retouching, cropping, or compositing to enhance visual appeal as needed.

* Engage in cross-functional collaboration with Product Development, Merchandising, Brand, and Sourcing teams to align packaging with overarching product and shelf strategies.

* Skillfully manage multiple project deadlines, consistently delivering high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail.

**What You Bring**

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* 3-5 years of dedicated experience in packaging design, ideally within consumer goods, retail, or private label sectors.

* A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing your expertise in packaging design, highlighting exceptional layout, hierarchy, color theory, typography, and illustration sensibility.

* Proven experience working within established brand systems and adeptly applying guidelines across extensive SKU ranges.

* Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

* A comprehensive understanding of print production processes, file setup, color management, and working with dielines.

* The ability to effectively receive and implement feedback, fostering a collaborative design environment.

* A genuine passion for crafting packaging that is fresh, engaging, and highly consumer-friendly.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* Familiarity with digital asset management tools.

* An interest in the consumer goods category focused on companion animals.

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**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.