Creative Lead - Brand Identity

Position Overview

We the Makers is seeking a Creative Lead to develop the brand identity for Fort West in Portland, OR. This contract-based role, lasting approximately three to four weeks, requires a visionary professional capable of crafting a compelling visual language that aligns with the brand's repositioned strategy. The role can be performed remotely or with some hybrid presence in Portland, emphasizing collaboration.

Engagement Scope

You will establish a cohesive visual ecosystem that extends beyond a traditional logo redesign, focusing on color, typography, imagery, and graphic systems. Your work will define how the brand manifests across multiple channels including web, social media, motion graphics, video, and pitch materials. While full production will occur later, your primary responsibility is to set a clear, bold creative vision that translates strategic positioning into a captivating brand presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Create the core visual identity elements such as color palettes, typography standards, imagery style, and graphic systems.
• Develop art direction that governs the brand's appearance and expression across websites, social platforms, motion visuals, and presentation pitches.
• Present applied design examples to demonstrate how the visual system activates in real-world contexts.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate possesses a broad skill set ranging from conceptual design through system development and application. You bring senior-level strategic thinking with a knack for systemized brand solutions rather than isolated outputs. A strong personal creative point of view and the confidence to advocate for your vision are essential. Experience with brand behavior across digital and video channels is critical. Direct collaboration with executive leadership will be part of the workflow, requiring decisiveness and creative autonomy.

Engagement Details

• Contract duration of about 3 to 4 weeks.
• Full-time commitment during engagement.
• Immediate start upon selection of the right candidate.
• Preferred local or regional candidates for occasional in-person meetings, though remote candidates are also welcome.
• Compensation is negotiable based on the scope of delivered work.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a portfolio along with a brief message identifying a brand whose visual identity they admire, explaining what makes that visual world effective. Cover letters are not required.