Designer - Mid Level

Manual San Francisco is looking for a mid-level designer to join our team full-time.

This is a hands-on role for a brand-focused designer who’s excited to collaborate closely with our senior creative team, project managers, and creative directors. You’ll help shape and deliver thoughtful, craft-driven solutions for a wide range of clients and brand challenges.

We’re looking for someone with strong typographic sensibilities and a proven ability to build brand identities that translate seamlessly across digital, experiential, and motion applications.

Location:
The ideal candidate is based in the Bay Area (to work in-person at our San Francisco studio) though we'll also consider remote U.S. applicants in compatible time zones.

What We Offer:
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits
• Discretionary annual bonus and professional growth stipend
• Senior mentorship & career growth
• A healthy work/life balance — no late nights or weekend work
• Projects that are creatively rewarding and purpose-driven


Responsibilities

  • Contribute to design projects across all stages—from concept development to final delivery

  • Maintain an exceptional level of craft, with sharp attention to detail in typography, layout, print, and digital design

  • Define visual tone through art direction across photography, illustration, and motion

  • Build and document design systems, including templates, asset libraries, and comprehensive brand guidelines

  • Present creative work clearly and confidently to clients

  • Collaborate with external creatives, developers, and production partners


Skills & Qualifications

  • BFA and/or MFA in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or Media Arts
  • 3–4 years of professional experience in a design studio or similar environment
  • Strong portfolio showcasing branding, systems thinking, and craft
  • Bonus points for experience in 3D, animation, or generative design


What We’re Looking For

  • A deep passion for design and typography, with a sharp eye for detail

  • Comfortable working across a range of disciplines, tools, and formats

  • Flexible, adaptable, and up for tackling challenges big and small

  • Able to zoom out for the big picture and zoom in on the details

  • Curious, self-motivated, and always learning

  • Open to experimentation and new ways of thinking

  • Collaborative, communicative, and generous with ideas

  • Organized, reliable, and good at managing time and priorities

Please send a resume and portfolio Please send your resume and portfolio (PDF or website link) to careers@manualcreative.com along with a brief letter of interest. Please make sure to include “SF Mid-level Designer” in the subject line.

While we’re not able to respond to every applicant, we truly appreciate your interest and the time you take to apply.

Internship Program

Our ~3-4 month internship program offered in the Autumn, Summer, and Spring each year, provides an opportunity for students and emerging designers to work in Manual’s fast-paced studio in the Dogpatch in San Francisco.

We are an intentionally small, independent team of designers and art directors. Our diverse and inspiring client list includes global retail brands, local/independent businesses and innovative technology companies. Interns work closely with senior creatives and contribute to client projects on everything from branding and identity to project research and general production tasks. Interns will gain hands-on experience and exposure to the skills required to succeed in a professional design studio.

In order to apply you must:

  • Be pursuing a degree in design (BA, BFA, MFA) in design at an accredited university, or graduated within the last 12 months.
  • Enthusiastic/willing to learn
  • Strong communication skills
  • Self-motivated and proactive team player
  • Adobe Creative Suite expertise (Illustrator/InDesign/Photoshop)--motion skills are a bonus
  • Keen interest in brand identity, logo design, and typography
  • Have as much interest in digital as in print

FAQs:

  1. Do you consider international applicants?
    Yes, but you must have a valid work visa. More information can be found here.
  2. What are the hours?
    Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, with an hour for lunch. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate part time interns.
  3. Will I receive compensation/class credit?
    We offer a stipend, paid on a bi-weekly basis through our payroll service and are happy to discuss academic credit with successful candidates
  4. How long does the internship last?
    Internships typically last 3-4 months (Winter, Spring, Summer).

How do I apply?

Please APPLY HERE: If you have additional materials or attachments, please send to hello@manualcreative.com with subject line ‘Design Internship: YEAR’