Packaging Designer

About This Role

This freelance position is for an experienced Senior Packaging Graphic Designer to lead and elevate packaging graphics across a broad portfolio of consumer products. The role involves overseeing packaging design strategy and execution, working cross-functionally with product development and external manufacturing partners. The ideal candidate combines strong creative vision, hands-on production expertise, and proven leadership in a fast-moving, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative development and production of packaging artwork across multiple product lines, from concept through final proofing and release
• Maintain, strengthen, and evolve packaging design standards to ensure consistency across brands and product categories
• Partner with cross-functional teams to create packaging that is on-brand, commercially effective, and optimized for shelf presentation
• Provide clear creative direction, actionable feedback, and project prioritization to keep work moving on schedule and aligned with business goals
• Balance workloads, allocate resources, and adjust timelines as needed to support deadlines, budgets, and quality expectations
• Collaborate with international vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure smooth execution across global production timelines
• Oversee pre-press preparation, production files, and final artwork readiness for both domestic and overseas manufacturing
• Work closely with sourcing and production partners to uphold quality standards, color accuracy, and material integrity

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field preferred
• 5+ years of packaging design experience in a senior or lead capacity, including print production and packaging layout development
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
• Strong understanding of packaging production, file preparation, hierarchy, and visual communication for retail environments
• Comfort working with global suppliers and managing international production processes and schedules
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interpret feedback, build trust, and communicate direction clearly
• Strategic thinker with a process-improvement mindset and a passion for delivering high-quality creative work
• Excellent organizational, project management, written, and verbal communication skills
• Self-directed, collaborative, and committed to excellence in both leadership and execution

Nice to have:

• Experience creating or directing 3D packaging renders
• Basic photography and image editing skills, including retouching and lifestyle composition
• Familiarity with AI-generated imagery and 3D/rendering tools