Talking Rain Beverage Company - Freelance Packaging Designer – AI Assisted Concept Development

Client: Talking Rain Beverage Company

Location: Remote

Contract: Part-time

Job Description

Talking Rain Beverage Company is seeking one or more independent packaging design contractors to develop early-stage packaging and label concepts for its beverage brands, including Sparkling Ice, Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Talking Rain Waters, AQA pH waters, Sparkling Ice Energy, and Popwell.

The work is project-based and may vary in volume, with busy and quiet periods. Contractors will collaborate with designated Talking Rain stakeholders to brainstorm concepts, quickly develop visual iterations using AI-assisted creative tools, and prepare materials for discussion, decision-making, and handoff to internal design teams or agencies.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop initial packaging and label concept directions based on approved project briefs.
• Participate in live ideation and working sessions when mutually scheduled.
• Use AI image and design tools to create concept mockups, label variations, flavor extensions, and limited-edition ideas.
• Revise concepts based on consolidated client feedback within agreed timelines.
• Deliver concept boards and rough mockups suitable for final production handoff.
• Provide expert guidance on shelf impact, CPG trends, and consumer-facing packaging communication.
• Provide additional services only when agreed in writing through a new brief, statement of work, or scope change.

The contractor will determine the methods, workflow, tools, and creative process used to deliver the agreed outcomes, subject to project requirements, brand standards, confidentiality obligations, and acceptance criteria.

Requirements

• At least five years of experience in CPG packaging design, brand design, or packaging innovation.
• Beverage packaging experience is strongly preferred.
• Advanced, hands-on experience with AI creative tools such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT/DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, or similar platforms.
• Strong proficiency with traditional design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• A portfolio demonstrating CPG packaging work and AI-assisted concept development.
• Ability to work quickly and collaboratively with senior executives and generate creative options in real time.
• Strong understanding of shelf impact, consumer communication, packaging trends, and the CPG market.
• An established freelance, consulting, or design business that provides services to the market.
• Applicable business registrations, equipment, workspace, and properly licensed software required to perform the work.
• Availability for mutually scheduled working sessions, including occasional evening or weekend sessions when agreed by both parties.

Additional Information

Working Arrangement

Work may be performed remotely from a location selected by the provider using their own workspace, equipment, and software. Onsite attendance will be limited to mutually agreed project requirements.

Timing and Collaboration

Assignments will be issued through individual project briefs or statements of work. The provider will propose the schedule and workflow required to meet mutually agreed milestones. Talking Rain stakeholders will provide project context, consolidated feedback, and approval decisions.

Fees and Invoicing

Fees will be negotiated for each statement of work and may be based on the project, milestone, day, or hour. Invoices will follow the payment terms established in the applicable services agreement or statement of work. The provider is responsible for ordinary business expenses unless a specific expense is approved in writing.

Engagement Terms

Each engagement will be governed by a written services agreement and one or more project-specific statements of work covering deliverables, acceptance criteria, fees, payment terms, confidentiality, intellectual property, approved expenses, and timing.

The provider will operate as 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 guaranteed. Contractor classification will depend on the full facts and actual working relationship.

Company Culture

• Accountable for Results: Make clear commitments, follow through, and take responsibility for outcomes.
• Innovate with Curiosity: Ask questions, test ideas, learn quickly, and improve continuously.
• Embrace Change: Remain adaptable, resilient, and energized by growth and momentum.
• One Team: Value diverse perspectives, collaboration, authenticity, and shared success.

Company Overview

Talking Rain Beverage Company creates flavorful, better-for-you beverages using natural sources for great flavors and colors. The company is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity, inclusion, innovation, and employee development.

Benefits and Perks

The listed benefits generally apply to regular, full-time employees who work an average of 30 or more hours per week; they are not presented as benefits for independent contractors.

• Paid vacation and parental leave for eligible employees.
• Flexibility stipend for eligible employees.
• Relocation assistance when available.
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and matched contributions.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Fitness reimbursements and access to an onsite gym at the Preston location.
• Carpool mileage reimbursement for eligible onsite and hybrid employees.
• Vehicle programs or mileage reimbursement for qualifying sales roles.