Freelance Designer

About Tether

At Tether, we help brands define the human need that makes what they offer truly matter, through a unique approach that elevates story over style.

Born in Seattle in 2008, we’ve stayed independent and committed to being the kind of place we always wanted to work: creatively ambitious, collaborative, and deeply invested in craft.

A bit about the role

Tether is seeking a Freelance Designer. This role will serve as a key contributor on a variety of projects and collaborate with other creatives under the leadership of various Creative Directors. Projects will range from developing brand identities, packaging design systems, brand activations, brand guideline documentation, client presentations and more.

This is a great role for a mid-level designer who’s ready to own meaningful chunks of work, push concepts forward, and bring systems-thinking to life.

This is a long-term contract with the potential of converting to full-time. Tether currently operates on a hybrid schedule, on-site, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. While it is not required for a freelancer to work on-site, it is highly encouraged to foster collaboration and alignment with the team.

Key responsibilities:

• Generate ideas, concepts, and design solutions that effectively respond to creative briefs, strategies and project objectives.
• Actively and thoughtfully contribute to brainstorming sessions and other collaborative creative discussions.
• Clearly articulate ideas and present strong design rationales to internal teams and clients.
• Develop high-quality materials for internal reviews and client presentations, including design concepts, imagery, illustrations, typography, and final production-ready artwork.
• Deliver creative work that meets or exceeds established standards for both Tether and its clients.
• Consistently exceed creative, quality, and performance expectations.
• Provide production support, including preparing specifications and proofing materials.
• Support photoshoot and video shoot coordination as needed.
• Contribute to client presentations and status meetings.
• Collaborate closely with account managers, writers, and fellow creatives to ensure cohesive and effective outcomes.
• Accurately complete daily time entries and comply with all time tracking, purchasing, expense, and production processes.

What we’d like to see from you:

• We don’t expect candidates to check every box. This list doesn’t capture all the valuable experience you may bring. We encourage you to share any additional skills, experiences, or talents that make you a strong candidate.
• Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent professional experience.
• 4–6+ years of professional experience working as a designer.
• A strong portfolio that includes:
• 2-3 projects that show identity/system thinking (not just a logo)
• At least one example of consumer packaging
• At least one example of digital execution (web, social, campaign asset, etc.)
• A positive, proactive attitude with enthusiasm for creating and collaborating.
• A consistent track record of delivering high-quality work on time and to established standards.
• Commitment to continuously elevating design craft and visual storytelling skills.
• Curiosity and drive to learn, grow professionally, and explore emerging tools and technologies.
• Proactive engagement with design industry news, trends, and best practices.
• Prior experience in Beauty, Luxury, Health/Wellness, Sport, and/or CPG industries is a

Compensation: $50 hourly. Please note this reflects a reasonable estimate of the target compensation for this position, depending on experience and fit of role.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.