Visual Designer, Contractor | Lonely Planet

About the role

Lonely Planet is seeking a talented and creative Contract Visual Designer to create compelling static and motion graphics for print and digital content, including partnerships, advertising materials, social media graphics, marketing collateral, and event materials. The designer will report to the Principal Visual Designer and collaborate closely with Product, Partnerships, Editorial, and Marketing teams.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Principal Visual Designer and creative team to create designs across Lonely Planet’s multiple brand channels, including:
  • Develop creative for go-to-market, sponsorship, and out-of-home marketing initiatives
  • Concept design and animate motion assets for campaigns, brand content, pitches, and live events
  • Design high-impact email campaigns and social media assets, including grid posts, carousels, and stories
  • Create client-facing pitch decks, strategy visuals, and presentation materials that clearly articulate ideas and value
• Contribute to the development of scalable visual design principles and lightweight guidelines aligned with the Lonely Planet brand system
• Interpret brand and campaign briefs into compelling visual narratives that drive engagement and conversion
• Ensure consistency, craft, and quality across all static and motion touchpoints while pushing creative boundaries within brand guidelines
• Uphold a refined, premium brand aesthetic across every customer-facing experience

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field
• At least 3 years of professional design experience across digital and print media, with demonstrated experience creating motion or animated content
• Experience creating graphics for social media, email marketing, web, print, and promotional materials
• Experience creating motion assets for presentations, social, and digital campaigns
• Proven experience preparing files for both digital publication and professional print production
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, with a good working knowledge of After Effects for motion design and animation
• Proficiency in Figma
• Experience working within established brand guidelines and developing new visual and motion assets as needed
• Strong typographic skills and attention to visual detail

Skills

• Strong portfolio showcasing creative, effective, and visually cohesive work, including examples of motion and animated design
• Ability to manage feedback and revisions constructively and professionally
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of timing, pacing, and visual storytelling for motion design
• Knowledge of basic video editing workflows (a plus)
• Experience in marketing or communications environments (preferred)

Pay

New York City Total Cash Compensation Range: $80,000 – $100,000 per year. Actual compensation varies based on location, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Health Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Bonding Benefit Program
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO): 20 days annually, increasing to 25 days after five years of service