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Culture

10.26.26

We're Hiring: Junior Designer

Who are we?

Hey, we're ORCA, an independent strategic brand studio. We help ambitious, purpose-led brands clarify their positioning, define their edge and bring it to life through distinctive storytelling, identity and activation. 

We're based in Bristol, UK. A city known for its fierce independent spirit and its thriving art, music and food scenes, and one that's rapidly establishing itself as a hub for technology, innovation and entertainment.

Culture comes first at ORCA. It's what drives great design, keeps our people happy and nurtures long-standing client relationships. We support collaboration and self-expression, encouraging the team to challenge themselves daily, experiment, and grow. The result is a fun, inspiring and supportive studio environment, something we think shows through in the work we deliver.

We're now looking for an enthusiastic Junior Designer to join the team. Someone who loves the craft, brings bold ideas to the table, and grows with every project to meet the creative standard we're known for.

Who you are

  • Obsessed with good design. You know what makes design good, and you can't help sharing great work with others until they love it as much as you do.
  • Curious about the industry. You follow the creators, studios and branding agencies shaping the design world, and you have a few favourites you'll happily talk about.
  • A team player. You do your best work as part of a team of creative thinkers, not on your own.
  • Eager to learn. You love trying new software and new ways of working, and you see feedback as a way to sharpen your craft.
  • Organised. You keep your files tidy so any designer could pick up your work and run with it.

What you'll do

  • Work on a range of client and in-house projects, supporting our Senior Designer and offering your own creative solutions along the way.
  • Design and animate assets for social and web for existing clients and ORCA.
  • Get to know the ORCA brand inside out and apply it confidently across different mediums. You'll do the same with client brands.
  • Join team brainstorms, workshops and creative sessions, and bring your ideas to them.
  • Pull together imagery and references to support creative ideas in pitches and design the layout for presentations.
  • Work closely with our Senior Production Manager and keep the team updated on how your work is going.
  • Follow the ORCA Design Filing System.

What you'll bring to the table

  • A solid understanding of design principles, editorial design, design schools of thought, the role of function in design, and current trends.
  • Strategic thinking: you can explain why your creative ideas work, not only show them.
  • A good knowledge of the branding and brand agency world.
  • Confidence with Adobe Creative Suite and Figma, plus the drive to push yourself with new tools.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and visual.
  • Passion! 

Package

  • Time off that actually feels like time off. 21 days holiday, plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and the Christmas shutdown period (on average 3 further days).
  • Work your way. A mix of in-studio energy and remote flexibility.
  • Flexitime. Because life doesn't always stick to 9 to 5.
  • Team lunches. Every month. Eat, share, bond.
  • Training and inspiration budget. We invest in your growth.
  • Quarterly ORCA Hero Award. With a bonus, because heroes deserve one.
  • Summer perks. A team trip and summer hours for those sunny afternoons.
  • Enhanced parental leave and sick pay. Because we've got your back.
  • Referral bonus scheme. Help us find great people, get rewarded.
  • Sensible travel policy. We keep trips purposeful (and fun).
  • Cycle to Work scheme. Save money on a new bike and do your bit for the planet.
  • Early Friday finishes. Because weekends should start early.‍
  • Annual pro bono projects and volunteer days. Because we want to give back.

Progression

You'll be mentored by our Senior Designer through regular 1:1s, where you'll get feedback on your work, sharpen your craft and talk about where you want to go next. Every six months, we'll sit down for a review together to look back at your progress, celebrate what's gone well and agree on your goals for the months ahead. As your confidence grows, you'll take on more responsibility, like leading parts of projects, presenting your own ideas and making a bigger creative contribution, with a clear path to Mid-weight Designer.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Send a short email to careers@onlyorca.com with the following:

  • Subject line: “I'm the Junior Designer you've been looking for!”
  • A short note (max 150 words) explaining why you're a great fit for the role, plus your salary expectation.
  • Your portfolio. Please send a link, not a huge PDF.
  • Your CV.
  • A link to your LinkedIn and any other relevant socials.
  • Your availability to work, i.e., whether you’re available straight away or the length of your current notice period.

Key Information

Application deadline: 30th November 2026

Interviews: w/c 7th December

Hiring decision: 14th December 2026

Salary: £25,000 to £28,000 depending on experience

Position type: Full-time, permanent

Written by

Chloë Allen

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