Freelance Graphic Designer (Packaging, Mailers & Merch)

Freelance Graphic Designer (Packaging, Mailers & Merch)

Are you a designer who obsesses over the tactile power of print, structural form, and the art of the unboxing experience? Profiles Creative is partnering with a culturally connected, independent experiential agency in London to find an ambitious Freelance Graphic Designer. This hybrid, full-time contract role offers an exceptional platform to evolve your creative leadership, expand your portfolio with high-impact physical brand moments, and hone your craft across packaging, VIP mailers, and bespoke merchandise programmes.

Sitting at the intersection of concept, art direction, and production, you will take ownership of ideas from raw initial sketches through to final delivery. In this role, you will be challenged to push your creative boundaries, working collaboratively with experiential producers and suppliers to transform brand stories into tangible, memorable objects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, multi-sensory concepts for branded mailers, physical packaging, and merchandise, shaping distinctive visual narratives from initial brief to delivery.
• Produce detailed 3D visualisations and realistic mock-ups to communicate form, construction, materiality, and tactile unboxing journeys to stakeholders.
• Prepare meticulous, production-ready artwork, die-lines, and technical print specifications with uncompromising attention to detail.
• Partner directly with external suppliers, print vendors, and manufacturers, balancing bold creative ambition with material feasibility and production constraints.
• Translate client brand identities into premium, culturally resonant physical touchpoints, staying ahead of emerging packaging trends, finishes, and sustainable methods.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience within a branding, packaging, or creative agency environment, evidenced by a strong physical design portfolio.
• Advanced expertise across the Adobe Creative Suite (particularly Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop).
• Comprehensive knowledge of print production, structural packaging construction, finishes, substrates, and the generation of accurate die-lines.
• Demonstrated capability in 3D visualisation and rendering to effectively prototype construction and materiality.
• Strong collaborative mindset with experience liaising directly with manufacturers to bring complex physical designs to life.

Nice-to-have

• A degree-level qualification (BA or equivalent) in Graphic Design or a related design discipline.
• Familiarity with presentation and workflow tools such as Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote, Excel, or Google Sheets.

What We Offer / Why Join
This freelance contract gives you the opportunity to partner with an agency renowned for standout experiential work, retail activations, and high-profile product launches. You will expand your professional capabilities through hands-on technical problem-solving, deep supplier collaboration, and complete creative ownership over real-world, tactile touchpoints. Joining a passionate, craft-first team based in London with a hybrid setup, you will sharpen your visual storytelling abilities and build portfolio-defining work that leaves a tangible impression.

Please note: Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this contract.