Freelance Packaging Designer

Kingart; City of White Plains (NY); Remote; USD 55,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

KINGART is seeking a freelance Packaging Designer to create packaging for art supplies and creative products. The role emphasizes brand-aligned concepts, production-ready artwork, and collaboration with a small team, from concept to final artwork.

The ideal candidate has a strong packaging portfolio, production-file experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently, with a remote East Coast-based work setup and 10–20 hours per week.

Qualifications

• 3+ years packaging design experience; freelance or agency experience welcome.
• Strong retail packaging portfolio demonstrating product packaging
• Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and production-ready files

Responsibilities

• Design product packaging such as boxes, labels, sleeves, backer cards and other retail formats.
• Develop packaging concepts aligned with brand and product benefits across lines.
• Prepare dielines and ensure accurate production-ready artwork.
• Create digital mockups and presentation-ready concepts for internal review.
• Update packaging for new products and information changes.
• Incorporate copy, barcodes and labeling into layouts.
• Collaborate with brand and product teams, suppliers, and printers to review proofs and resolve issues.
• Maintain organized design files and version control.
• Manage multiple assignments within freelance schedule.

Skills

Packaging design

Portfolio development

Typography

Branding

Print production

Color management

Time management

Remote collaboration

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

InDesign

Dielines

Job description

Location: Remote — must be based on the East Coast of the United States

Engagement: Freelance, approximately 10–20 hours per week

Role Overview

KINGART is seeking a creative, detail-oriented Freelance Packaging Designer to develop packaging for our art supplies and creative products. You’ll help bring our brand to life through compelling, functional packaging that communicates product features and stands out on the shelf.

The ideal candidate has a strong packaging portfolio, hands‑on experience preparing files for production, and the ability to manage multiple projects independently. This opportunity is well suited to a designer who enjoys working closely with a small brand team, from initial concepts through final production artwork.

Responsibilities

• Design product packaging, including boxes, labels, sleeves, backer cards, and other retail packaging formats.
• Develop packaging concepts that align with our brand, clearly communicate product benefits, and create a consistent look across product lines.
• Apply and adapt designs to supplied dielines, ensuring accurate dimensions, layout, and artwork placement.
• Create digital mockups and presentation‑ready concepts for internal review.
• Update existing packaging for new products, assortment changes, and revised product information.
• Prepare accurate, print‑ready artwork with appropriate color specifications, bleeds, and production details.
• Incorporate approved product copy, barcodes, required labeling, and other information into packaging layouts.
• Collaborate with our creative and product teams, suppliers, and production partners to review proofs and resolve artwork issues.
• Maintain organized design files, templates, and version control.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines within a freelance schedule.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of packaging design experience; relevant freelance or agency experience is welcome.
• A strong portfolio showcasing consumer product packaging and examples of work produced for retail.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Hands‑on experience working with dielines and preparing production‑ready packaging files.
• Solid understanding of printing processes, color management, packaging materials, and finishing techniques.
• Strong typography, layout, and visual hierarchy skills, including the ability to organize detailed product information.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to incorporate feedback accurately.
• Strong communication, organization, and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate remotely.
• Based on the East Coast of the United States, with availability to collaborate during Eastern Time business hours.
• Availability for approximately 10–20 hours per week.

Bonus Points

• Experience designing packaging for art supplies, crafts, toys, or related consumer products.
• Familiarity with retail packaging requirements and working with overseas manufacturers.
• Experience reviewing physical samples, printer proofs, and color standards.
• An interest in art supplies, crafting, or creative hobbies.

About KINGART

KINGART’s roots in the arts and crafts industry date back to 1963 through Loew-Cornell Inc. Built on three generations of experience, KINGART® launched in 2018 to bring thoughtfully designed art supplies to artists and makers of all levels.

We combine a longstanding commitment to quality with a passion for making creativity accessible—from brushes and paints to markers, paper, and more.