[Hiring] Freelance Packaging Designer @Talking Rain Beverage Co®, makers of Sparkling Ice

Role Description

Talking Rain is seeking an independent packaging design contractor to deliver early-stage packaging concepts for discussion and decision-making. The contractor will determine the methods, workflow, and creative process used to produce the agreed deliverables, combining packaging design expertise with AI-enabled creative tools as appropriate.

• Develop initial packaging and label concept directions based on an agreed project brief.
• Participate in mutually scheduled ideation sessions with designated Talking Rain stakeholders.
• Use AI image and design tools to quickly produce concept mockups, label variations, flavor extensions, and limited-edition ideas.
• Revise concepts in response to consolidated client feedback within the turnaround times agreed for the applicable project or milestone.
• Deliver concept boards and rough mockups ready to hand off to our internal design team or agency for final production art.
• Offer expert input on shelf impact, CPG category trends, and how packaging communicates to the consumer.
• Provide any additional services only when mutually agreed in writing through a new project brief, statement of work, or scope change.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in CPG packaging design, brand design, or packaging innovation (beverage experience is a strong plus).
• Advanced, hands-on skill with AI creative tools such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT/DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, or similar.
• Proficiency in traditional tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• A portfolio showing CPG packaging work and AI-assisted concept development.
• Comfort working live and fast with senior executives, and the ability to take direction and generate options on the spot.
• An established freelance, consulting, or design business that offers services to the market.
• Ability to participate in mutually scheduled working sessions when a project requires real-time collaboration, including occasional evening or weekend sessions if accepted by both parties.

Requirements

• Engagement will be governed by a separate written services agreement and one or more project-specific statements of work.
• The provider will operate an independent business and retain control over the methods, means, sequence, work location, and personnel used to deliver the agreed results.
• No minimum volume or duration of work is promised.

Benefits

• Three Weeks of Vacation per calendar year, with additional time accrued based on exempt status.
• Six weeks of paid parental leave for FMLA qualifying Rain Makers.
• Flexibility Stipend for eligible Rain Makers to cover business-related expenses.
• Relocation assistance available when applicable.
• Mileage reimbursement for onsite and hybrid Rain Makers who carpool.
• 401k with Immediate Vesting and matched contributions.
• Fitness Reimbursements for community events and competitions.
• Access to an on-site gym in Preston with a personal trainer 2 days per week.
• Excellent and flexible Medical/Dental/Vision plans, with one plan free for Rain Makers.
• Vehicle Program for Field Sales Specialists, Managers, and Directors with mileage reimbursement or company car options.