At a Glance
- Tasks: Create eye-catching social ads and collages for global brands that resonate with Gen Z.
- Company: OLS, a creative studio known for its unique approach and employee ownership.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible freelance opportunities, and a chance to work with top brands.
- Other info: Rolling freelance brief with potential for ongoing collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and showcase your creativity while making impactful content.
- Qualifications: Strong portfolio with Gen Z-focused work, Adobe Suite skills, and a flair for trends.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About Us
OLS is a creative studio for brands that refuse to blend in. Since 2007 we have worked as an embedded creative partner to in-house teams at brands including Pinterest, Workday, Calm and WHOOP, delivering campaigns, social content, digital advertising and creative rollout. We are employee owned, so everyone here holds a stake in the work and a say in how the studio runs. Our people bring the judgement and the craft. We invest in the tools and the training that take the grind out of production, so the work stays distinctive and the pace stays high.
The Role
We're looking for a conceptually strong Social Designer with razor‑sharp taste and a genuine feel for trends, making social ads for a roster of global brands. You'll know what resonates with a culturally switched‑on audience, especially Gen Z, and make work that feels native to how people actually scroll, save and share.
A big part of this is collage. Static and interactive, editorial and organic, nothing that reads as stock or overly polished. If you have a strong, current sense of visual culture and you love that kind of work, we'd like to see it.
The Work
- Design social ads from brief to completion - statics, motion and video, and layered editorial‑style collage
- Retouch and composite packshots and product visuals, turning a small set of brand assets into content people actually want to share
- Build collages that rely as much on your eye as your craft: sourcing images and elements that genuinely suit each brand, combining texture, colour and type with real style. On brand, but never brand‑heavy
- Generate on‑brand lifestyle assets using GenAI tools (e.g. Figma Weave), with real care for brand IP accuracy
- Take ownership of projects independently, working closely with our Creative Leads across multiple brands
You Have
- A portfolio with real cultural fluency - work made for a Gen Z audience, not adapted for them. Collage, editorial or moodboard‑style work is a strong advantage
- Both static and motion/video work in your portfolio, with strong composition and confident product handling
- Confident Adobe Suite skills (Photoshop and After Effects essential)
- An eye for what's visually relevant right now, and the instinct to know when something is on‑trend versus dated
- The ability to work autonomously to a high standard and hit the ground running with minimal onboarding. GenAI experience (Figma Weave or similar) is a plus
How we work
We move fast and hold ourselves to high standards, and we back that with clear briefs and honest feedback.
The day rate for this brief is £350. For someone exceptional, there may be some flexibility. This is a rolling freelance brief rather than a single booking. We're building a group of designers we can come back to regularly, so if the work suits you, we'd like to work with you again.
Freelance Social Designer (Static and Motion) in London employer: Critical Playground LLC
Levo is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, where innovation and creativity thrive. With flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee development, team members are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while making a meaningful impact on client campaigns. The supportive environment and commitment to achieving strategic goals make Levo a rewarding place to work for those looking to excel in account management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Social Designer (Static and Motion) in London
✨Build a Killer Portfolio
Make sure you have a stunning online portfolio showcasing your best work. Highlight a variety of styles and create case studies for projects that explain your thought process — this will help potential clients see your versatility and creativity!
✨Tap into Design Communities
Get active in online design communities like Behance and Dribbble, or even local meetups. Engaging in conversations, sharing your work, and giving feedback can help you connect with other creatives and potential clients who might be looking for freelance designers!
✨Leverage Social Media
Show off your designs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter! Use relevant hashtags and engage with other graphic designers and brands. This could lead to opportunities where businesses discover you through your posts and reach out for projects.
✨Network Like a Pro
Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Let friends, family, and previous clients know you're available for freelance work. Sometimes the best gigs come from referrals, so make sure to get your name out there — you never know who might need a designer like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Social Designer (Static and Motion) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your biggest selling point. Make sure to showcase a diverse range of work, highlighting not just finished pieces but your design process too. Include case studies that illustrate how your designs solved problems for clients or communities!
Tailor Your CV to Shine:While CVs in graphic design might be less formal, it's crucial to effectively present your skills. Focus on including relevant software proficiencies (like Adobe Creative Suite) and any awards or recognitions you’ve received for your designs. Highlighting your adaptability and unique style can make your CV stand out!
Be Clear About Your Rates:As a freelancer, transparency is key! When applying to Critical Playground LLC for the Freelance Social Designer (Static and Motion) position, be upfront about your rates and what those include—like revisions or additional services. This builds trust and helps potential clients understand what they’re getting for their investment.
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:A cover letter is your chance to connect with Critical Playground LLC beyond your designs. Talk about why you’re drawn to their projects and how your freelance work aligns with their vision. This personal touch can make a huge difference in standing out among other applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Critical Playground LLC
✨Show Off Your Best Work
As a freelance graphic designer, your portfolio is your superpower. Make sure to curate a selection that showcases your style and versatility—think about what pieces best represent the type of projects you'd want to work on with Critical Playground LLC. Be prepared to discuss the ideas behind each piece and the tools you used.
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Familiarity with design software is crucial, especially programmes like Adobe Creative Suite or other tools relevant to the job. Be ready for some technical questions that may dig into your proficiency—Critical Playground LLC might want to know how you approach design challenges using specific software.
✨Understand the Client's Vision
Freelancing is all about collaboration, so take some time to research Critical Playground LLC's past design projects. Understand their branding and design language. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you can adapt your skills to align with their vision and add value to their team.
✨Pitch Your Unique Value
Freelancing means you’re selling not just your skills, but your unique perspective. When you're chatting with Critical Playground LLC, clearly convey what sets you apart. Tailor your pitch to illustrate how your background, skills, and experiences can benefit their projects, ensuring they see you as a valuable addition to their creative team.