Freelance Design Lead - Design Systems

Freelance Design Lead - Design Systems

Freelance 50000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design systems to create user-friendly digital experiences for top brands.
  • Company: Join Fantasy, a leading design firm with a legacy of innovation.
  • Benefits: Flexible freelance hours, work with global brands, and enhance your portfolio.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive team committed to creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AI-driven products and make an impact on millions.
  • Qualifications: 4+ years in design, strong portfolio, and expertise in design systems.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.

This is a freelance position that must be willing to work North American hours. We are Fantasy. For over two decades, we've partnered with the likes of Google, Microsoft, Nike, Spotify, and Peacock to build digital products used by billions of people every day. We're now entering our most ambitious chapter: designing and building the next generation of intelligent experiences, where AI isn’t a chatbox but the orchestrator of truly personal products and brand experiences.

Your Role:

  • As a Freelance Systems Design Lead at Fantasy you’ll think beyond ordinary to ship world-class products for world-leading organizations.
  • You will collaborate with talented teams to create experiences that millions of people not only use — but love.
  • Launch digital products and services with world-leading organizations.
  • You’ll work across diverse industries and across varying form factors, ranging from automotive, luxury, travel, operating systems, website ecosystems, design for voice and artificial intelligence.
  • Craft experiences that people love.
  • Create Human-Device interaction and communication through digital products.
  • Lead and define principles that foster exceptional, human-centered digital experiences.
  • Design visually compelling and high-functioning user interfaces for applications, websites, and digital products.
  • Combine layout thinking with visual detail—delivering clean, cohesive, and system-driven design.
  • Design systems that are scalable, accessible, and expressive.
  • Ensure visual consistency and coherence across products through expert use of Figma and component libraries.
  • Create and document micro-interactions and UI motion briefs to elevate usability and delight.
  • Work closely with conceptual and UX designers to iterate on wireframes and navigation frameworks.
  • Be involved in defining how people interact with AI.
  • Translate client goals into clear design solutions grounded in research, usability, and system thinking.
  • Build lasting client relationships by leading with curiosity, confidence, and creativity.
  • Represent the design discipline in cross-functional meetings, helping unify strategic and experiential perspectives.

Experience and Skills:

  • A strong portfolio that spans a wide variety of digital products, services, and experiences.
  • 4+ years of experience in the design industry, with a focus on human-centered digital experiences.
  • Deep expertise in design systems, including structure, scalability, and documentation.
  • Skilled in applying UI best practices, with strong command of page design, layout, and interaction visuals.
  • Demonstrated ability to design based on data and user insights.
  • Strong understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
  • Proficient in designing and iterating on UX-provided wireframes, refining into production-ready UI.
  • Expertise in navigation frameworks, product flows, and system-level thinking.
  • Ability to create and document micro-interactions and UI motion briefs.
  • Ensures visual consistency and coherence across complex design ecosystems.
  • Highly skilled in Figma, including shared libraries, plugins, and design system components.
  • Passion for continual practice and process improvement.
  • A meticulous eye for detail and strong design aesthetic sensibilities.
  • Continued awareness of design trends and innovation.
  • Exceptional communication skills.
  • A passion for people and desire to establish highly successful relationships.

Our Commitment:

Fantasy has been building diverse, inclusive teams since 1999. We believe the range of perspectives in this building is inseparable from the quality of what we ship. Fantasy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Since 1999, diversity has been vital to our success and ability to create products and services used and loved by millions of people all over the world. We are committed to continually fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Freelance Design Lead - Design Systems employer: Fantasy

At Fantasy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions creativity and innovation in a collaborative environment. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every voice is heard, fostering a culture where talented individuals can thrive and grow. As a Freelance Design Lead, you'll have the unique opportunity to work with some of the world's most forward-thinking companies, crafting digital experiences that resonate with millions, all while enjoying the flexibility of freelance work aligned with North American hours.

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Contact Details:

Fantasy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Freelance Design Lead - Design Systems

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design industry and let them know you're on the lookout for freelance opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you to someone at Fantasy or similar companies.

Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects that align with the kind of work Fantasy does. A strong portfolio can speak volumes about your skills and creativity.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching Fantasy and their recent projects. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and invested in the role.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the team at Fantasy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Design Lead - Design Systems

Human-Centered Design
Design Systems
UI Best Practices
Accessibility Standards
Inclusive Design Principles
Figma
Micro-Interactions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Portfolio:Your portfolio is your best friend in this application process! Make sure it showcases a variety of digital products and experiences that highlight your design skills. We want to see your creativity and how you’ve tackled different challenges.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we’re looking for.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get to the point quickly. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Fantasy

Know Your Design Systems

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of design systems before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with scalable and accessible designs, and how you've documented them in the past. Highlight specific projects where you’ve successfully implemented these principles.

Showcase Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your best friend! Ensure it’s up-to-date and showcases a variety of digital products and experiences. Be prepared to walk through your favourite projects, explaining your design choices and how they align with user needs and business goals.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Do your homework on Fantasy and their recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their approach to AI and human-centred design. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones that show your genuine interest in their work.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

During the interview, articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Practice discussing your design process and how you collaborate with teams. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can represent the design discipline effectively in cross-functional meetings.